NLIS 2
May 3, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Road realignment at Colony of Avalon archaeological Site, Ferryland

I rise to inform Members of the House of Assembly that, in order to continue the archaeological work being conducted on the Colony of Avalon project, government plans to relocate the road to the federal lighthouse in Ferryland. I am making this announcement in conjunction with my colleague, the Honourable Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, because this project is a priority for government.

For the past eight years, Dr. James Tuck of Memorial University of Newfoundland has led a team undertaking work on this complex heritage site, uncovering the first colonization of Ferryland by Sir George Calvert, later titled Lord Baltimore, in 1620. To date, over one million artifacts have been uncovered at this large archaeological site, which draws roughly 18,000 visitors annually.

It was recently determined by Dr. Tuck that in order to continue this valuable work, excavation would be necessary under the existing road to the lighthouse, currently operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. In light of this information, a rerouting plan for the road has been determined by officials from my department, and approval has been given by the Coast Guard to make the necessary changes.

Within the next several days, government will issue $115,000 to the Town of Ferryland to construct the new road. The town, which will assume responsibility for the road, will call tenders for the work as soon as possible. Work on the road will commence as soon as the tenders are closed, thus allowing Dr. Tuck�s team to continue their archaeological work. We expect the road will be completed by early July.

We have already discussed the road relocation with the landowners who will be affected by the move. They will receive formal notification from my department within the next few days and will be compensated for the use of their land. It is worth noting that without the use of this land, this project would not be able to continue.

Government supports this project because of its significant economic impact on the area and its historical benefit to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Colony of Avalon represents Newfoundland and Labrador�s largest archaeological site and its contribution to this province�s tourism sector makes this road relocation an extremely worthwhile venture.

2000 05 03                                                     2:30 p.m.