October 30, 1996
(Executive Council)

Grenfell Interpretation Centre to be constructed

The Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal is investing $2.7 million in a major interpretation centre to commemorate the life and work of Sir Wilfred Grenfell. The centre will integrate a number of existing sites and will also house a new Grenfell Handicrafts shop and visitor services facility.

The announcement was made today by Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Gerry Byrne, MP - Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Veterans Affairs) during a sod-turning ceremony in St. Anthony to mark the construction phase of the facility.

"The Grenfell Interpretation Centre will increase this region's tourism potential," said Premier Tobin. "Because this centre will be located near the L'Anse aux Meadows Norse site and other tourism and cultural heritage sites, it will create a cluster of attractions along the Viking Trail. By luring more visitors to the region, and encouraging them to lengthen their stay, this will work to strengthen our tourism industry and this province's economy."

Gerry Byrne, MP, said "The story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell and the role of the Grenfell organization in the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador is one worth telling the world. Now we will have a first-class facility to showcase this aspect of our heritage. The Grenfell Interpretation Centre, through its artifacts and exhibits, will educate and enlighten both residents of the province and visitors about our exciting and challenging history. The centre will capture the imagination of visitors and add even more to the unique tourism experience that visitors to the Great Northern Peninsula and southern Labrador are already enjoying."

Grenfell Development Inc. will implement the project according to a two-year work plan which is based on the Grenfell Master Plan of 1993. Construction of the facility will commence in spring 1997 with completion expected in summer 1998. In addition to the initial construction and development phase, it is anticipated that the centre will employ two full-time interpretation/sales persons and a number of seasonal, part-time staff.

"Grenfell Development has been working with both levels of government to realize the full potential of this region and its natural and cultural heritage advantages," said Dr. Peter Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Grenfell Development Inc. "This project has been a tourism priority for this region since the 1970s. We are thrilled that funding has been identified by the federal and provincial governments to proceed with our plans."

The new Grenfell Interpretation Centre will house site orientation, audio/visual components and a permanent exhibit. It will be the new home for the Grenfell Handicraft operation. There will also be improvements to the Grenfell House museum which will see a refurbishment to the 1920s period. Outdoor improvements include trail and site development including upgraded access, signage, parking, landscaping, interpretive signage and viewing areas.

The Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal is a $100 million, five-year, federal-provincial program designed to generate long-term economic benefits for the province primarily in the growth areas of tourism, aquaculture and advanced technology.

Contact: Cathy Dornan, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, Laura Cochrane, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928, or Ellen Alcock, Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal, (709) 772-5116.