July 31, 2012
Preservation of History Supports Industry Growth
The Sunnyside Heritage Association is receiving $20,000 from the Provincial Government to develop attractions that commemorate the first recorded meeting between the English and Beothuk in Truce Sound. Over the long-term, the development of these attractions will serve as important products in the region’s tourism industry and invite economic development opportunities.
“This area of the province is rich in a commodity that is extremely valuable and truly priceless – culture and heritage,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “The development of these products helps capture that history and will play an important role in developing the region’s tourism industry and create new opportunities for those businesses operating in the retail and service sectors.”
With the investment, the heritage association will develop the Truce Sound Peace Garden Memorial, Truce Sound Coastal Trail, and Truce Sound Lookout. The location was named by John Guy following his 1612 meeting with a group of Beothuk in the Sunnyside region.
“This funding is important to the Sunnyside Heritage Association who has worked hard to develop and promote the culture and heritage of the Truce Sound story,” said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. “The Sunnyside Truce Sound 400 Festival is a great event that will see many visitors, dignitaries, and residents come to Sunnyside and help promote tourism this year and for years to come.”
These attractions, along with family-oriented activities, will be the
focal point of the Sunnyside Truce Sound 400 Festival, which is scheduled
for August 7-12. Their development and the festival were coordinated by the
Sunnyside Heritage Association, which is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the protection, preservation, and promotion of the town’s history and
cultural resources.
"People have lived in the Sunnyside area for over 5,000 years," said Susan
Khaladkar, Chair of the Sunnyside Heritage Association. "The rich history of
our community is reflected in the significant archaeological resources left
by Aboriginal people, historical clashes between English and French and the
significance of the isthmus for projects such as the first transatlantic
cable and, most recently, the oil industry. Our heritage association is
pleased with the financial help of the Provincial Government and its
generosity will enable us to make the entire isthmus more attractive for
tourism."
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification
Fund. This program, through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible
Investments for a Secure Future, 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 |
Tess Burke Communications Government Members Office 709-729-3551, 699-2402 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
| Susan Khaladkar Chair Sunnyside Heritage Association 709-472-4506 susan.khaladkar@gmail.com |
2012 07 31 12:05 p.m.