Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
August 5, 2011

Gander-Based Aviation Museum Lands Provincial Investment

To enhance how the story of Gander’s rich aviation history is chronicled and celebrated, the Provincial Government is contributing $169,646 towards the modernization of the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. The funding will help improve the facility’s long-term viability and ability to attract visitors to the region.

“The Town of Gander and the community’s social and economic development is rooted in aviation,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “It is only fitting that the community be home to a museum that captures the historical significance of aviation in Gander. With this investment, the long history of Gander as the ‘crossroads of the world’ can be better communicated to museum visitors. It will also help businesses, especially those in the service sector draw on the benefits of the increase in visitor traffic.”

The enhanced facility will portray Gander’s aviation story through new and innovative interpretation displays, exhibits and programs resulting in a more memorable visitor experience.

“The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is one of the highlights of a tourist’s visit to Gander and complements the many aviation attractions in the town,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander. “Along with continuing to be a strategic location for international travel, Gander has a rich aviation history and this museum brings to life both the past and the modern day. The modernization which will occur as a result of this funding will no doubt enhance the experience of visitors to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum and bring to life the unique story of Gander.”

In operation for 15 seasons, the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, located on the Trans Canada Highway, is a time capsule that preserves artifacts and presents important historical aviation moments.

“The board of the North Atlantic Aviation Museum is very pleased with the substantial financial assistance for our major renovation project,” said Bob Briggs, President, North Atlantic Aviation Museum. “Our goal is to make the facility a ‘must see’ tourist attraction in central Newfoundland. This contribution is a huge step forward in making it possible.”

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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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca	Paula Norman Executive Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O’Brien MHA for Gander 709-729-3053 paulamnorman@gov.nl.ca
Bob Briggs President North Atlantic Aviation Museum 709-256-2923

2011 08 05             10:50 a.m.