I rise today to inform the House of our funding commitment that will enable the Cupids400 Legacy Centre to have a green legacy to complement its historical significance.

More than $160,000 in funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund will help implement energy efficient measures for the interpretation centre which will be built to commemorate the 400^th anniversary of Cupids, the first English colony established in what is today Canada.

The project involves the development of an energy efficient design for the centre that focuses on lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through reductions in energy consumption. The measures include an air source heat pump, upgraded wall and ceiling insulation and energy efficient windows. These upgrades have the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 132 tonnes per year. The proposed interpretation centre will be composed of two components � an adaptive reuse of an existing structure on Seaforest Drive in Cupids, and the expansion of the current structure through a new addition.

Implementing energy efficient measures into the design and construction of buildings is a key component in our efforts to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and realize substantial annual energy cost savings. This project represents a combination of both historical and environmental importance, and it is evident that Cupids 400 Inc. is committed to sustainable development from both an economic and environmental perspective.

It is also evident that this government is committed to projects that have considerable cultural and environmental value for our province. This funding complements the additional $1.8 million recently announced to help fund the construction of the Cupids400 Legacy Centre, bringing the province�s total commitment to the Cupids celebration and related infrastructure to almost $4 million.

The commemoration of the establishment of the first English settlement in Canada by John Guy is very significant to the area, and to the province as a whole. And, making it a green experience is also very significant. This money will help us focus on environmental considerations as we explore our history.