Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

NORMAN WELLS
The Norman Wells float base recently showcased the results of a territorial government injection of funds as part of a campaign to increase tourism in the Sahtu region.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, speaks at the Celebrate Sahtu event in Norman Wells on July 23. - photo courtesy of Michael Peake

Docks at the North-Wright Air float base were replaced, a hospitality and interpretive centre was unveiled, and grounds for a Sahtu Aviation Museum were developed with the $600,000 received through the GNWT's Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing program.

Following a 12-day canoe trip on the Horton River organized by Canoe North Adventures, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, was on hand at the three-day Celebrate Sahtu event during the weekend of July 22, when the float base improvements were unveiled.

The float base was among 11 beneficiaries of the program this year, which aims to capitalize on the "rugged, pristine and isolated nature" of the NWT environment to draw visitors seeking authentic travel experiences that will put them in touch with nature.

"The Sahtu Region is one of the world’s premier adventure tourism destinations, and these upgrades to the Norman Wells float base will help allow tourism operators to take advantage of this incredible landscape," Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod said in a written statement.

"I am very proud and excited to see (the tourism and marketing program) working for the people of Norman Wells, and the entire Sahtu region."

Canoe North co-owner Lin Ward said she found the funding for the float base where her business is located, and other collaborative efforts to market the region, would benefit the area immensely.

"Norman Wells is unique in the world in the amount and variety of wilderness opportunities here," Ward said. "We just want to invite the world to look at what we have to offer and know they can come here with confidence and have one of the best experiences they could in the wilderness. We want to be able to help people turn those dreams of stepping into the wilderness a reality."

The diversification and marketing program is a part of the GNWT's five-year plan called "Tourism 2015: New Directions for a Spectacular Future," which aims to increase the value of the NWT tourism industry, valued at $111 million in 2010, to $130 million by 2015-2016.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.