History contributes to economic development in Baccalieu Region

Victoria is capitalizing on its history as one means of economic development. The Victoria Community Development Group has been awarded $51,502 under the Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification Agreement to establish a live history museum in the community.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Carbonear to launch the Baccalieu Board of Economic Development Corporation. Rear-Admiral Fred Mifflin, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), (Veterans Affairs), and Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, referred to the initiative in comments to a group of 50 community leaders at the signing of an agreement of support for the new Regional Economic Development Board in the area.

"Good regional economic development incorporates all the assets, human, cultural and financial of communities within the region," said Mr. Mifflin. "This strategy goes to the heart of what ACOA and the federal government is working to accomplish in Atlantic Canada and across the country. Funding for the living history museum was approved on the basis of a sound business plan, which will result in an increase in tourism dollars for the community of Victoria, and also the entire region."

The Victoria Community Development Group will establish a live history museum consisting of a sawmill, forge, and cooperage. The facility will function as a manufacturing museum producing barrels, and finished wood and iron works products. The interactive learning that will take place as tourists witness history and participate in the process of barrel making and blacksmithing will capture the imagination of all visitors. The corporation will sell the lumber, barrels and iron products produced and has already secured a contract with the Newfoundland Liquor Corporation for 750 ml barrels which will be filled with rum and sold as gift items. By contributing to the tourism infrastructure of the region, this initiative will lead to further business opportunities as entrepreneurs take advantage of increased tourist visitation to the area.

"This is an excellent example of the types of initiatives that will drive the whole regional economic development board process," said Ms. Foote. "Government has recognized this business-minded approach to development planning and is supporting the project precisely because of the demonstrated economic benefit to the region. The Victoria Community Development Group has already identified markets and have contracts approved to sell their product to companies in Newfoundland. I am delighted to say that you are witnessing regional economic development in action today. This is a good example of the type of initiative which will form an integral part of government's plan for economic growth throughout the province."

This initiative is funded by the Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification Agreement. The agreement is cost-shared 70:30 between the federal and provincial governments respectively and administered federally by ACOA and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Contact: Paul Murphy, COOPERATION Communications, (709) 772-0219