Innovation, Business and Rural Development
November 29, 2011

Battle Harbour Historic Site Plans for the Future with Investments from the
Government of Canada and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, joined with the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, to announce a combined investment of $88,033 for the development of a strategic business framework for the Battle Harbour National Historic Site and District. The framework will be prepared by the Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation on behalf of the Battle Harbour Historic Trust.

“Our National Historic sites capture the history, cultural traditions and human experiences that define Canada,” said Minister Penashue. “The site at Battle Harbour is a living commemoration of the life and society of Labrador from the 18th to 20th centuries. We must be careful to preserve the site and to determine respectful, appropriate ways to realize economic opportunities from it to ensure sustainability for future generations.”

“A region’s culture and history equates to economic and business opportunities,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “When tourists visit the many cultural and historic attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador the local retail and service sectors realize the economic impact and benefits. This investment will ensure the Battle Harbour Site will continue to be an important economic contributor to the region, much like it was in the 18th century.”

The Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation is the lead economic development agency for the southeastern area of Labrador, which comprises 11 communities from Lodge Bay to Cartwright. The corporation will develop a strategic business framework that will look at sustainability, operations and future growth of the Battle Harbour Site.

“The strategic business framework will address critical issues affecting sustainability and future growth of Battle Harbour Historic Site,” said Blair Gillis, President of SADC. “Upon arrival by ferry and first stepping onto the wharf in Battle Harbour there is an instantaneous step back in time, to an era that has been captured with the support of so many. Because of this project, partners and friends of Battle Harbour will have a clear picture of where dollars are best invested and what direction is needed to achieve sustainability for the benefit of future generations who will continue to be transported back in time when they visit this place.”

The Government of Canada’s funding of $67,095 is from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s funding of $20,938 is from the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.

For more information on the Battle Harbour Historic Site, visit www.battleharbour.com .

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 709-772-2935	Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Roxanne Notley Executive Director Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation 709-960-0470

2011 11 29             3:35 p.m.