Infrastructure on the Bonavista Peninsula has received a boost with
$777,967 in investments from the Provincial Government. With a total
project value of $4.2 million, the restoration of Bonavista�s Garrick
Theatre and Port Union�s Old Salt Fish Plant and Retail Store will
advance the economic potential of the area.
"These projects help support the growing interest in the province�s
cultural tourism sector, along with making it an attractive location for
commercial enterprises," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Restoring these buildings
preserves our past and prepares for the future. As a government, we are
committed to providing community groups with access to the necessary
resources to leverage existing strengths and expand the economic
potential of a community."
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, said these investments support the province�s efforts to
protect and preserve the built heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador �
and to use restored properties to support local economies.
"Restoration of Bonavista�s Garrick House will add to the region�s
historic attractions and provide a venue for cinematic and cultural
events," Minister Jackman said. "Similarly, the preservation of the Old
Salt Fish Plant and Retail Store builds on the structural revitalization
of historic Port Union, while providing a new, exciting business
opportunity for the area."
The Provincial Government is contributing $400,000 to the Bonavista
Historic Townscape Foundation�s $1.6 million renovation of the Garrick
Theatre. Renovations to the 200-seat theatre include upgrading the
stage, auditorium, seating, along with the installation of a new
mechanical and electrical system. The upgraded facility will target
theatre-goers year-round through its new ability to host various events.
"This theatre is intended primarily for the benefit of the people who
reside in the area, and that�s why it is important that it operate year
round," said Gordon Bradley, Chair of the Bonavista Historic Townscape
Foundation. "This funding will allow the theatre to be properly
developed with the equipment needed to offer a full range of live
performance events and cinema."
The Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation has additionally
received $377,967 towards a $2.6 million project to restore and
stabilize two historically-significant properties � the Old Salt Fish
Plant and Retail Store.
"The funding the foundation is receiving is essential to ensuring the
success of the project and longevity of the Coaker Properties," said
Bruce Sweetland, Chair of the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage
Foundation. "Soon, we will have another restoration completed in this
National Historical District, making it attractive for businesses to
establish commercial and employment opportunities."
Funding was provided through the Provincial Government�s Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund (RSDF). Administered through the Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, RSDF is a $5 million fund and a
component of the province�s Comprehensive Regional Diversification
Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable contributions to economic
development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral
development and diversification.
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