Big boost in tourism numbers

Tourism Minister John Ames says the government’s efforts to get more people to visit the province are paying off.

The latest statistics show the accommodation occupancy rate for January to August was up 5% from the same period last year…including an 18% boost in the number of American and other international visitors. There was also a 9% increase in campsite rentals at provincial parks, which led to the highest number of campers in the province since 2004. Ames says great weather through the summer helped and he hopes fair conditions this fall will continue to boost the numbers.

Cole Harbour building torched

A building in Cole Harbour was torched by someone early yesterday morning.

RCMP say arson was the cause of the blaze in the newly-constructed building at the sports field at Forest Hills Parkway and Auburn Drive.