Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 20, 2014
Economic Opportunities Strengthened by Infrastructure Upgrades
Tourism Opportunities in Bonavista Enhanced Through Provincial Government Investment
Through a $215,761 investment, the Provincial Government is helping the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation improve infrastructure and strengthen tourism opportunities in the region. Specifically, this funding will support the planning and design of phase three of the Harbour Front restoration initiative.
“Our government is dedicated to the growth and sustainability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and projects of this nature hold significant potential for economic progress while also maintaining our heritage. Our government is pleased to support the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation through a $215,761 investment. I am confident their work on the Harbour Front restoration will have a positive and lasting impact on the local economy.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation has been working on the restoration of the harbour area since 2009. Now in phase three of the project, the planned design proposes the redevelopment of the Campbell Street and Harbour Pond areas, which will link new construction to other previously restored streets. This project will also include renovation to the Harris Property to convert it into a visitor information centre.
“The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation’s restoration of the harbour front will help draw resident and non-resident visitors alike to learn of the history and culture of the area. Undoubtedly, this initiative will have a positive impact on Bonavista’s tourism potential.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Established in 1998, the primary goal of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation has been the implementation of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Management Plan. The plan identifies, protects, and develops the heritage resources of Bonavista in a manner which leads to a better quality of life for the town and region through social, economic, cultural and business development.
“Through a strong understanding of the tourism market, Bonavista has situated itself as a choice destination. This is a promising development for the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation, an organization that has been resolute in their commitment to this initiative. Tourism has tremendous potential in our region and when this project is completed, it will be an excellent asset to the entire community”
- Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South
Since 2011, the Provincial Government has provided over $603,000 to the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation for the development of heritage resources.
“Campbell Street is a busy street with pedestrians, moving traffic and parked cars all competing for space. The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s investment in this initiative will allow the planning and design work to be done for an improvement that will see sidewalks installed and parking organized, along with landscaping, better street lighting and benches. These measures will soften the landscape and make the street more pedestrian-friendly and safe."
- David Bradly, Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc.
Funding was made available through the Regional Development Program which provides support to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives that encourage regional and industry development, diversification and innovation. Under the program, financial assistance is provided in the form of non-repayable contributions, to a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible total project costs.
QUICK FACTS
- The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation has been provided with $215,761 to support the planning and designing of phase three of the Harbour Front restoration initiative.
- The development of the harbour front has been identified by the foundation as a key piece of community infrastructure that will enhance the visitor experience and draw people to the harbour area which is still a focal point of activity in the community.
- Budget 2014 included $45.5 million to support traditional and emerging business sectors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding is available through the Business and Regional Development Programs administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.
- The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development offers a wide range of programs that support the development and implementation of economic initiatives. Additional information on programs can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/RDF.html.
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Media contacts:
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
| Stephen Chard Consistency Assistant to Glen Little MHA for Bonavista South 709-468-2132 stephenchard@gov.nl.ca |
David Bradley Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc. 709-864-8232 mhadavid@mun.ca |
2014 06 20 10:15 a.m.