With a $200,000 contribution from the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC), the Town of Musgrave Harbour will expand the Banting Interpretation Centre, located in the Sir Frederick Banting Memorial Municipal Park.

In January of 1922, Sir Frederick Banting and his team of researchers made a discovery that would improve the lives of people around the world. Approximately 1.5 million people in Canada alone rely on insulin to survive. Dr. Banting is recognized around the world for his astonishing contribution to medical science.

Sir Frederick Banting was awarded the military cross for valour during the first world war, and was on his way to join the RAF in World War II when his plane, a Lockheed Hudson Bomber, crashed about 15 km south of Musgrave Harbour. The pilot and three passengers, including Dr. Banting, were taken to the Loyal Orange Lodge in Musgrave Harbour. Only the pilot, Captain Joseph Mackey, survived.

In 1990, the plane was moved to Sir Frederick Banting Memorial Municipal Park, the location of the Banting Memorial Interpretation Centre. Visitors to the centre come to see memorabilia from the crash, and to pay tribute to Sir Frederick Banting.

Project funds will be used for:

• extensive work on the Lockheed Hudson Bomber to return the aircraft to its original appearance;
• professional landscaping which will provide a pleasing and appropriate surrounding, and place the aircraft in a geographic and historic context;
• interpretive signage to inform and educate visitors to the site;
• improvements to the Loyal Orange Lodge, the oldest structure in Musgrave Harbour.

Restoration of the Hudson Bomber will take place at aircraft facilities in Gander, with technical assistance, labour and transportation provided by Newfoundland Bonding and Composites (a division of Canadian Helicopters). The Banting Interpretation Centre is located along the Road to the Shores section of the Kittiwake Coast, in close proximity to Newtown Barbour Living Heritage Village which recently reported a 64 per cent increase in visitation over last year.