YELLOWKNIFE (August 4, 2015) – The Fred Henne and Prelude Lake Territorial Parks were buzzing with activity over the August long weekend with events highlighting the GNWT’s commitment to a flourishing tourism industry.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and prayer blessing by the Yellowknives Dene Drummers celebrated the official opening of a new campground loop at Fred Henne Territorial Park. The new loop, consisting of 13 large recreational vehicle sites with full 30 amp power service, offers the potential to welcome approximately 5,000 campers per season. Its construction has been driven by an increase in the amount of road visitors to Yellowknife seeking camping accommodations.
Meanwhile, locals and visitors to Prelude Lake Territorial Park enjoyed a free barbecue Saturday afternoon along with hands–on demonstrations, tips and tactics for fly-fishing by NWT’s Donny Boake, a nationally competitive fly fisher, and the cultural practice of drying and filleting fish by Bobby Drygeese of B. Dene Adventures.
Both events were hosted by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).
“In addition to enhancing the lives of all who visit and live in the Northwest Territories, NWT Parks also have the potential to generate revenue for northern businesses,” said ITI Minister David Ramsay. “The capacity to accommodate increased or extended stays at the Fred Henne campground will generate increased revenue for Yellowknife businesses and services. Increased participation in our recreational fishing industry is helping to revitalize the angling sector in the NWT and our long standing reputation for world-class fishing adventures.”
The events highlight ITI’s commitment to improving parks infrastructure and growing tourism to build a strong and sustainable future for NWT residents and their businesses - a long-standing priority of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Media inquiries:
Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca
