Historic property in Carbonear officially opens

The Town of Carbonear celebrated the official opening of the historic Rorke Store yesterday, which recently underwent significant renovations. Brian Tobin, federal Minister of Industry, Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development noted that the initiative received $166,923 in funding through the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC).

Minister Tobin, who visited Carbonear for the official opening, said: "The Rorke Store has a strong connection to our province’s fishing and mercantile heritage. The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner in this initiative, which will help connect us to our past, while creating new tourism opportunities for the future."

The renovations included the restoration of the building’s main floor and the establishment of an interpretation program. The property is a rare existing example of merchant fishery premises in Newfoundland. The Rorke Stores were built in the 1870s and remained in use until the 1970s as an integral part of the mercantile history of the community as well as the fishing heritage of the region. Restoration of the building also included interior renovations, electrical and plumbing upgrades and the installation of a sprinkler system, among other things.

Mr. Sweeney, who spoke on behalf of Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, noted: "I would like to congratulate the Town of Carbonear on undertaking this innovative tourism initiative. The restoration of the Rorke Store has enabled us to preserve an important part of our province’s culture."

"The Town of Carbonear is delighted to celebrate the official opening of the restored Rorke Store. The building represents a unique aspect of our community’s history and culture and we are pleased that it has become a key part of Carbonear’s tourism infrastructure," said Mr. Claude Garland, Mayor of Carbonear.

The Rorke Store has been designated a Provincial Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The three-year $81.25 million EDC was signed two years ago in order to build upon the strategic plans and priorities of the Regional Economic Development Boards to improve the long-term economic climate in regions impacted by the downturn in the groundfish industry. The agreement is delivered federally by ACOA and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Media contact:

Heidi Bonnell, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Industry, (613) 995-9001 

Doug Burgess, Director, Communications, ACOA, (709) 772-2935

Jennifer Savoy, Press Secretary , Office of the Minister of State for ACOA, (613) 941-7291 

Tracy Kenney, Industry, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-2257 

Marilyn Gear, Rorke Store Project, (709) 596-4949