NLIS 9
October 7, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
Management plan
released on future of Colonial Building
Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation Paul Shelley today announced the release of the proposed
management plan for the Colonial Building. The release of this
document will allow the general public to review the recommendations
regarding the future use of the building and provide feedback on the
proposed plan until November 10.
�We recognize the historical and cultural significance of the
Colonial Building, and we are committed to preserving this important
resource for our future generations,� said Minister Shelley. �This
plan proposes to protect and interpret the significance of the
building, while also ensuring it continues to function as a
government and public space.�
Key components of the management plan include recommendations that
would see the Colonial Building operate as a provincial historic
site with a fully developed interpretation and conservation program,
including the restoration of the structure�s exterior and grounds.
The proposed management plan was developed through consultations
with members of the heritage community. �This management plan
assesses the building itself, as well as options for future use. It
will be a valuable tool in helping us determine an appropriate
restoration plan, with public access as an important consideration,�
continued the minister.
As an immediate measure, government will invest $20,000 to implement
enhanced security measures at the building, including improved
exterior lighting and closed-circuit cameras.
The management plan is available on the
department�s
Web site. An open house will be held at the Colonial Building at
a date and time to be announced, which will be an opportunity for
the public to discuss the proposed plans with departmental staff.
�This site has often been recognized as one of the most significant
heritage buildings in our province,� said the minister. �I encourage
everyone interested in ensuring the preservation and future use of
this historical and cultural edifice to make their comments on this
management plan known through this process.�
Built between 1847 and 1850, the Colonial Building stood as the
centre and the principal focus of political activity in the province
from 1850 to 1959. As the former seat of the Colonial Government,
the meeting place of the National Convention, and the original House
of Assembly for the province after 1949, the building is one of the
most historically important buildings in the province.
Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557,
728-7762
2005 10 07
3:35 p.m. |