A heritage structure that is in danger of being swept away by the ocean will be preserved, thanks to the efforts of a town council and funding from the Provincial Government. The Town of Carbonear will receive $47,104 from the province�s Regional/Sectoral Development Fund to help protect the footings at the rear of the historic Rorke Store on Carbonear�s Water Street which are being eroded by ocean waves.

"The Rorke Store is a local landmark and houses an excellent museum and performance space," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This building is a reminder of our not-too-distant history when cod was king and buildings like the Rorke Store dotted our shorelines. This funding from the Regional/Sectoral Development Program will help to protect an important historic structure, and it is an investment in a rural area to help grow and diversify our regional economy. I commend the Town of Carbonear for taking action to protect this building."

Built in 1874, the Rorke Store has two buildings that were used as warehouses to support the salt fish trade and the summer fishery in Labrador. One of the buildings was destroyed in a 1998 wind storm which spurred efforts to have the remaining building preserved. Subsequently, the museum constructed in the Rorke Store has been the recipient of a Southcott Award for Excellence and the Manning Award for Excellence.

"The Rorke Store is a fine example of a 19^th century wooden commercial building that the town is determined to retain," said Mayor Sam Slade of Carbonear. "The rear deck of the building with its fine view of the harbour and Carbonear Island is popular with tourists, and is also in danger of being eroded away. This project will ensure the property will continue to stand and bring pleasure to people."

The Town of Carbonear, which operates and maintains the building, will manage the project which is expected to take between four and five months. The project�s total cost will be approximately $190,000 which will be shared by the town and the Federal and Provincial Governments.