Innovation, Business and Rural Development
November 30, 2011

Renovations to St. Gabriel’s Hall Will Bring the House Down

The restoration of St. Gabriel’s Hall, a cultural landmark in Marystown on the Burin Peninsula, will be completed with the most recent contribution from the Provincial Government of $140,875. The funding will support a greater number of events at the facility, as well as the creation of new business activity.

“The restoration and development of cultural infrastructure is imperative to the social and economic well-being of a community and region,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Revitalized facilities in rural communities such as Marystown and Bonavista have proven to have a positive impact on their respective regions. Socially, they provide residents with a place to gather, celebrate, and be entertained. Economically, they attract people to an area who in turn spend money in stores, hotels, and restaurants.”

Current improvements include upgrades to the lighting system, the replacement of siding, roof shingles, windows, along with expansion of the concert stage. Previous renovations, which were supported by a $62,676 investment from the Provincial Government, addressed the facility’s heating and ventilation system, plumbing, and sound system.

“I am very pleased that St. Gabriel’s Hall received this grant to assist in its restoration,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education and MHA for Burin - Placentia West. “St. Gabriel’s Hall is an essential part of the communities it serves. The committee is to be commended for their effort to restore it and to provide increased access to ongoing cultural and entertainment activities.”

St. Gabriel’s Hall is overseen by a four-member volunteer board of directors. To raise awareness of the facility and increase attendance, the board has formed partnerships with schools, community groups, and businesses to host events and concerts. Three-time Juno-award winner David Francey, Ireland’s Johnny McEvoy and Jimmy Carton, Scotland’s Isla Grant, and Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers have performed at the hall.

“With this funding the restoration effort that our committee has been working on for over five years will now be brought to completion,” said John Baker, Chair, St. Gabriel’s Hall. “We are thrilled to be receiving this type of financial support, as it will enable us to more than ever provide the Burin Peninsula with an outstanding cultural arts venue.”

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This 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, Business 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, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca	Janice Brushett Executive Assistant to the Honourable Clyde Jackman MHA for Burin - Placentia West 709-891-5607 janicebrushett@gov.nl.ca
John Baker St. Gabriel’s Hall 709-279-8030

2011 11 30             11:10 a.m.