The Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC) is investing $593,000 in the enhancement of the Barbour Living Heritage Village to include a new Sealing Interpretation Centre. The project will be overseen by the Cape Freels Heritage Trust.

Since completion of a comprehensive Business Plan and Development Concept in 1995, the Cape Freels Historic Trust Inc. has worked to develop tourism attractions at Newtown and Greenspond, Bonavista Bay. The Barbour Living Heritage Village at Newtown currently consists of 12 buildings, two of which won the 1998 Southcott Award. Within the site there is a craft shop, restaurant, theatre, art gallery, fishing stage and flake. Tours are conducted through the summer by guides in period costume. The existing Barbour Living Heritage Village and Courthouse have exceeded initial expectations, attracting 21,000 visitors in 1999; planners had predicted 15,000.

The Cape Freels Historic Trust plans to enhance the existing Barbour Living Heritage Village with the addition of a Seal Hunt Interpretation Centre. The Old Factory and Carpentry Shop at the western-most point of the site will be re-constructed to house the new exhibit. The interpretation will focus on human aspects of the seal hunt, the lifestyle of the time, and the cultural influence of the hunt itself. The micro and macro ecosystems that defined the lives of men and women along this coast will be examined, and a history of bravery, tragedy and survival, told for future generations.

The new facility will contain displays that interpret the ecosystem influencing local conditions, and the sometimes tragic events that occurred. Artifacts from ships wrecks and sealing disasters will be displayed, and the centre will have a viewing room where visitors can see videos and films such as At the Front.