Media Releases

Gander, NL – October 5, 2026 – The Town of Gander has reported 136 new housing units over the first two years of its Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives, progressing toward its four-year program target of 200 units. 

The two-year total includes 41 units in Year 1 and 95 units in Year 2. The 95 units reported between March 2025 and February 2026 exceeded the Year 2 target of 67 by 28 units, or approximately 42 per cent. 

The new housing includes single-family homes, dwellings with apartments, duplexes, apartment units, and secondary suites, providing more options for current and future residents. 

Gander’s population increased by approximately 23 per cent between 2001 and 2021. As a regional service centre serving more than 80,000 people across Central Newfoundland, the Town is working to ensure housing supply keeps pace with demand. 

“Gander has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, and that growth continues today,” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “The progress we’re seeing through new housing development is helping ensure our community remains a place where people can build careers, raise families, and put down roots. As we continue to grow, creating more housing opportunities will remain a key priority.” 

Through its Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, the Town is updating development regulations, streamlining approval processes, and supporting a wider range of housing options. Other initiatives include housing partnerships, a missing middle housing pilot project, assessments of municipal land and infill opportunities, and land acquisition. 

The Town has also recorded 46 new builds during the current construction season, reflecting continued residential growth in Gander. These builds fall after the February 2026 reporting period and are additional to the 136 housing units reported through the first two years of the program. 

Housing Progress at a Glance

Four-Year Program Targets 

The overall program target is 200 housing units. Within that total, the Town’s targets include: 

• 68 units in multi-unit apartment buildings 
• 70 missing middle housing units, including accessory apartments, garden suites, duplexes, row dwellings, and multiplexes 

The program also has a 35 per cent affordability target. 

Results for the First Two Years 

Year 2 Housing Breakdown 

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• Crossroads Family Resource Centre 

• Gander & Area Chamber of Commerce  

• Gander & Area Food Bank  

• Gander Community Tennis Association  

• Gander Curling Club  

• Gander Elks Lodge  

• Gander Golf Club  

• Gander Revolution  

• Gander Rod & Gun Club  

• Gander Wings  

• Housing & Homelessness Hub  

• NG Power Foundation  

• Thomas Howe Foundation  

• YQX Dog Sports  

Through the Capital Investment Program, the Town approved $40,000 for two projects that will expand recreation opportunities and support active living in the community. Together, these grants will help leverage more than $500,000 in community-led investment in recreation infrastructure, active living, and sport tourism. 

The Gander Community Tennis Association received $20,000 toward the development of a covered court facility. The project will help extend the tennis season and create more opportunities for tennis and pickleball programming. 

The YQX Running Club received $20,000 to support the expansion of its Run From Away race platform. The funding will help build capacity for community events, active living initiatives, and sport tourism opportunities. 

The Community Partnership Fund is an annual program that helps local organizations deliver programs, services, and projects. The Town thanks the volunteers and community leaders whose work strengthens Gander and supports a more connected community. 

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The Town of Gander will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 with commemorative events in September 2026. 

A commemorative service will take place on Friday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Steele Community Centre. Additional events are being planned, with details to be shared as they are confirmed. 

This anniversary is deeply meaningful for Gander and for people around the world. It is a time to remember, reflect, and acknowledge the lasting impact of that day. 

The Town of Gander welcomes those directly affected, including diverted passengers and crew, first responders, and residents of Gander and surrounding communities, as well as others who wish to come to Gander during this time of remembrance. 

Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to sign up to receive updates and ticket information at https://forms.office.com/r/UDF2iQiwyB. Capacity will be limited, and signing up will assist with planning and ensure details are shared as they become available. It does not guarantee a ticket or reserved seating. 

For those planning to travel to Gander during this time, Come From Away has extended its season, with performances taking place in Gander around the anniversary dates. Additional information and tickets are available at https://www.comefromawaygander.ca/. 

Quote: 

“September 11, 2001 is a day that continues to be felt around the world. Here in Gander and across NL, people responded with care and compassion when it was needed most. As we mark the 25th anniversary, we will take time to remember those who were lost, recognize those who helped, and reflect on the connections that were made. This is not a celebration, but a time to remember.” 

— Mayor Percy Farwell, Town of Gander 

Town of Gander and Tourism Partners Announce Accommodation Tax Partnership and Infrastructure Initiative

St. John’s, NL — March 11, 2026 — The Town of Gander today announced a Tourism Accommodation Tax partnership with the local accommodation sector and introduced plans to expand event and sport tourism infrastructure at the Steele Community Centre.

The announcement was made during a media event at JAG Hotel in St. John’s, where Mayor Percy Farwell and John Steele of Steele Hotels signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a partnership to support tourism growth and event attraction.

Beginning April 1, the Town of Gander will implement a 4% Tourism Accommodation Tax on hotel and overnight accommodation stays. The tax is expected to generate up to roughly $500,000 annually.

A key priority for this reinvestment is the Regional Event and Active Living Infrastructure Plan at the Steele Community Centre.

The project will seek partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.

Phase 1 of the plan includes:

• A second NHL-regulation ice surface
• Multi-use conversion of the existing arena for flat-floor events and court sports
• Structural and audio-visual upgrades to support major events
• A commercial kitchen and hospitality space to support event hosting

“Tourism plays an important role in our economy, and this partnership ensures that tourism-generated revenue is reinvested in ways that support continued growth,” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “Gander has built a strong reputation for hospitality and event hosting, and this initiative helps us build on that momentum.”

“This collaboration is the way to grow economic and physical well-being in Gander and the surrounding region,” said John Steele of Steele Hotels.

Gander serves as a regional hub for more than 80,000 people and is supported by Gander International Airport, which connects the region to major centres across Atlantic Canada. With approximately 500 hotel rooms, the community is well positioned to host multi-day events, tournaments, and regional gatherings.

The Tourism Accommodation Tax partnership reflects a shared commitment between the Town and the local accommodation sector to strengthen Gander’s role as an event and sport tourism destination.

Supporting Quotes

“Gander is already a strong destination to meet or compete,” said Reg Wright, CEO of Gander International Airport Authority. “Initiatives like this that build convention and tournament capacity help build on that momentum, bringing more visitors, events, and travel to Central Newfoundland.”

“To see the Town of Gander and the accommodators come together on a formal signing of an MOU shows great collaboration, shared vision, and strong leadership by all parties,” said Craig Foley, CEO of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. “As one of the first municipalities to sign an MOU to guide the implementation of the tourism tax and its associated investments, it will serve as an example for other municipalities.”

“Any opportunity for the Town of Gander to capitalize on tools that strengthen sport and tourism infrastructure is a win for the community,” said Michael Rubinoff, Producer of Come From Away. “We are proud to play a role through Come From Away in contributing to tourism and economic development that helps support the vibrancy of the community.”

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Media Contact

Kayla White
Manager of Communications, Branding, and Partnership
Town of Gander
709-651-5909
kwhite@gander.ca

MEDIA ADVISORY
(March 9, 2026)

Town of Gander and Tourism Partners to Announce Accommodation Tax Partnership and Tourism Infrastructure Initiative

The Town of Gander and local accommodation providers will hold a joint media event to announce a Tourism Accommodation Tax partnership and outline plans to reinvest tourism revenue into event and sport tourism infrastructure.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: JAG Hotel
115 George Street West
St. John’s, NL

Media Availability:

Media will have an opportunity to ask questions following the announcement. Media planning to attend are asked to confirm by contacting:

Kayla White
Manager of Communications, Branding, and Partnership
kwhite@gander.ca
709-651-5909

Town of Gander Unveils New Logo, Brand

Gander, NL – (November 26, 2025)

The Town of Gander is pleased to unveil its new logo and brand.

Developed in partnership with The Idea Factory, the new brand is designed to capture Gander’s spirit as an energetic and welcoming hub — blending our aviation heritage with a modern sense of progress.

“This brand reflects who we are as a community: vibrant, resilient, and always moving forward. It honours our rich aviation history while giving us a fresh, modern identity to carry into the future,” said Mayor Percy Farwell.

Residents can expect to see the new visual identity reflected across Town platforms and facilities in the coming months.

To help introduce the new identity, the Town has released a brand launch video, which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Ivb2h1U8xk8

Media Contact:
Kayla White
Manager, Communications, Branding and Partnership
Town of Gander
kwhite@gandercanada.com
709-651-5909

MEDIA RELEASE 
For Immediate Release 

Town of Gander to Host 40th Anniversary Arrow Air Memorial      

Gander, NL – (November 24, 2025) 

The Town of Gander will host a memorial service marking the 40th anniversary of the Arrow Air tragedy on December 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Evangel Church. 

The service will honour the 256 lives lost on December 12, 1985, when Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander. This year’s ceremony marks four decades since the tragedy and continues the community’s longstanding commitment to remembrance. 

The community, along with invited guests and representatives, will gather to honour and remember the 256 lives lost. 

All are welcome to attend. 

For media inquiries: 

Kayla White
Town of Gander – Communications
communications@gandercanda.com
709-651-5909