The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc. is
receiving $54,820 from the Provincial Government to
protect and enhance the community�s seaside heritage
district to encourage new economic and business
development opportunities.
"Historically, Bonavista�s harbour front has been a
focal point of activity in the community," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development. "This initiative will enhance the
community�s historical and cultural infrastructure,
creating new business opportunities while beautifying
the area to make it more appealing for visitors."
The foundation�s work will include fencing and
landscaping improvements to revitalize the laneway to
the Bonavista Museum, a public heritage garden at the
Orange Hall property, along with restoration the Ryder
House, which will be used as an office and ticket booth
for the nearby Garrick Theatre.
"Bonavista is fortunate to have an old-town centre where
much of the heritage fabric remains intact," said David
Bradley, Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation
Inc. "The new office for the theatre, as well as the
public garden will help to revitalize the area and
provide new services."
Through the foundation, the Town of Bonavista has
been able to retain a substantial portion of its unique
architecture. Local efforts have garnered attention from
national and international architects and historians who
have visited Bonavista to learn about heritage and
cultural preservation.
"Since 1997, the Town of Bonavista has been actively
involved in significant historical and cultural
development projects such as the restoration of the Ryan
Premises National Historic Site and the Matthew Legacy
Project," said Roger Fitzgerald, MHA, Bonavista South.
"This initiative adds value to the town�s cluster of
heritage properties, creating both short- and long-term
economic benefits for the town and helping to make it
one of this province�s most desired cultural
destinations."
The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc. is a
not-for-profit organization established by the Bonavista
Historical Society, in co-operation with the Town of
Bonavista and other community and regional groups.
Established in 1998, its mandate is to identify,
protect, and develop Bonavista�s heritage resources.
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009:
Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to
an $8 million fund. It also builds on the previous
$400,000 investment from the Provincial Government in
2008 for the renovation of the Garrick Theatre.
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