An historic town on the Avalon Peninsula is continuing an archeological project with the assistance of the Provincial Government. The Town of Placentia is receiving $14,500 from the Provincial Government to secure the professional services required to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Placentia Archeological Initiative.

"The Placentia Archeology Initiative is a part of a cluster of tourism products offered by the community to promote tourism and economic growth in the area," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Placentia area attracts more than 40,000 visitors annually for a variety of cultural events that impact the retail and service sectors and provide increased opportunities for business growth. The Placentia Archeology Initiative plays an important role in the local tourism market and we anticipate its success continuing in the future."

This ongoing project has become a significant part of the town�s summer tourism program. Tourists are invited to visit the site where tour guides explain the archeological process underway and the artifacts being uncovered. In 2007, excavations at Fort Louis - Jerseyside uncovered information on buildings, personal artifacts and families that lived in the town between 1662 and 1713.

"The Placentia Archeology Initiative is a very exciting development and is already adding tremendously to Placentia�s tourism potential," said Felix Collins, MHA, Placentia-St. Mary�s. "I am pleased that the Provincial Government is supporting this initiative that will help sustain growth of the local tourism market while further exploring the area�s rich history."

The Town of Placentia has embarked on a series of initiatives focused on enhancing the community�s tourism capacity and celebrating its history. The town has developed trails, green space, a new town hall, and encouraged compliance with heritage development principles among businesses and residents, to maintain the town�s historic reputation.

"From 1662 to 1713 Placentia was the centre for French Business affairs in Newfoundland which has proved a strong attraction for many visitors," said Ed O�Keefe, Town Manager of Placentia. "Our history has also been influenced by Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Jamaica and the United States which provides us with cultural resources, artifacts and archeological sites that are of interest to international visitors."

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.