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February 25, 1998
(COOPERATION Agreement)


Ferryland's colony of Avalon begins phase two development

The Colony of Avalon Foundation Inc. will embark this year on the second phase of its plan to develop the site of Lord Baltimore's 16th Century Colony of Avalon at Ferryland as an international tourist destination. With $250,000 of support from the Strategic Regional Diversification Agreement, work will begin immediately on completing the master plan of the site's development.

Today's announcement was made Fred Mifflin, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal.

The phase two development calls for paving parking lots and walkways, stabilization of the main archaeological excavation, exterior signage and renovation of the old bait depot. This will build on previous work at the site that commenced in the late 1980s, and will particularly complement the recently completed work on the archaeological laboratory and interpretation centre.

"The Colony of Avalon ranks high among the province's historical tourist attractions. Our continued investment in this development is a recognition of the level of cooperation and professionalism that is driving the initiative at the community level," said Minister Mifflin. "The Colony of Avalon is a wealth generator for the tourism industry in the province. We believe, with our continued support, that will remain the case."

Of particular interest in this new development will be the reproduction of 17th-century structures including a dwelling, barn, outbuildings and gardens. The old bait depot on the Colony of Avalon site in Ferryland will be renovated and serve as a gift shop. The renovated building will also accommodate a reproduction of a period room from the 17th century as well as additional space for workshops and storage areas for the archaeology project.

"The Colony of Avalon is becoming a major economic generator," said Minister Tulk. "The Colony of Avalon Foundation is fostering economic diversification through the creation of new business opportunities that will ensure the community of Ferryland grows stronger. The re-creation of Lord Baltimore's Colony is a tribute to the community's hard work and will provide visitors with an insight into life in 16th century Newfoundland. The project is also developing valuable skills of local artisans and deepening our understanding of our own history. The social and economic impacts of this project on the area over the last six years have been very significant."

Between 1992 and 1996 visitation at the Colony of Avalon increased from just under 2,000 to well over 10,000. The number of tourism-related businesses in the area has increased dramatically over the same period. Guided tours, boat tours, bed and breakfast operations and restaurant facilities are all within short driving distances of the site. Each has benefited from the attraction and each contributes to the overall tourism package offered in the area.

The Strategic Regional Diversification Agreement is a 70:30 cost-shared agreement between the federal and provincial governments. The agreement is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Contact:

Paul Murphy, Cooperation Communications, (709) 772-0219

Clifford Grinling, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-7066

1998 02 25 12:10 p.m.

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All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement