500 Million Year Old Fossils Lead to
Economic Development Opportunities Today

Capturing the significance of trilobite fossils that date back more than 500 million years, the Provincial Government is contributing $700,000 towards the construction of a $4.23 million, 10,000 square foot facility on the banks of the Manuels River.

The new facility, which will be called the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre, will interpret the geological significance of the Manuels River – a leading location to view trilobite fossils, which are a well-known fossil group of extinct marine arthropods. It will also help cement Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a destination for those seeking unique geological experiences and create an economic cluster around fossil discoveries.

“Whether it is Mistaken Point on the Avalon Peninsula or the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve on the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador is widely-recognized for its fossil discoveries,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “Finds of trilobite fossils in the Manuels River have also earned international attention as they are exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and the Museum of Natural History in Geneva, Switzerland. The Provincial Government’s investment will help tell the story of the river’s unique geology while serving as an important piece of economic infrastructure for the area.”

Minister Sullivan made the announcement at Holy Spirit High School. She was joined by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Conception Bay South.

“Manuels River is one of the more popular areas of Conception Bay South, so it is wonderful to see the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre project officially underway,” said Minister French. “Not only will this new, state-of-the-art facility showcase internationally-recognized fossils and surrounding geology, it will also serve as a welcomed tourist attraction within the community and neighbouring areas.”

Scheduled for completion by December 2012, the new facility is being constructed by the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society, in partnership with the Federal Government, Provincial Government, Hibernia Management and Development Company (HMDC), the Town of Conception Bay South, and the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast. Upon completion, it will be a suitable venue for hosting national and international researchers and visiting lecturers in geography and related earth sciences.

“The Manuels River Natural Heritage Society and the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast have been working together for over two years to make this project a reality,” said Gary Gallagher, Chair, Manuels River Natural Heritage Society. “We are also delighted to welcome HMDC as our major corporate sponsor and that the Hibernia name will be on this fabulous new facility. In partnership with Rotary, and the tremendous support from our government partners, we are ready to realize our dream.”

In addition to capturing the geological significance of the Manuels River, community partners and the local business community will be positively impacted by the new facility. It will also serve as a platform to educate students and visitors of the significance of the geological treasures and fossils located in the area.

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. The program, through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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2011 06 07                                                                                10:50 a.m.