Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Executive Council
February 10, 2015
Supporting a Growing Tourism Sector
Investment in Rigolet Brings Tourism Opportunities for Archeological Site
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $85,000 to enhance access to a significant historical attraction in Rigolet. With funding from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, the Rigolet Inuit Community Government will extend a community boardwalk, to allow visitor access to an Inuit archeological site dating back approximately 250 years.
�Rigolet has benefitted from an expanding cruise ship industry and last year saw three ships dock in the community, so this is a good time to invest in such an infrastructure project. This is a great initiative which will open up a valuable historical site to tourists and community members alike.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The archeological site at Double Mer Point is the location of excavations dating back to between 1760 and 1800. The boardwalk extension will allow tourists a firsthand look at the site.
�The excavation at Double Mer Point is an important cultural and historical site for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I am pleased that this project will improve access to the site, so people can see first-hand the archeological work being done. The boardwalk extension holds great potential for further promoting the tourism and cultural value of this region of the province.�
- The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Aboriginal and Labrador Affairs
The Rigolet Inuit Community Government has been actively involved promoting the community�s history and developing attractions.
�Along with the heritage structures in our town, this boardwalk enhances visitor experience. The ending point at the archeological site will add valuable cultural and historical elements to our growing tourism market.�
- Jack Shiwak, AngajukKâk (mayor), Rigolet Inuit Community Government
The proposed route of the boardwalk extension has been archeologically assessed. The Rigolet Inuit Community Government will work with the Nunatsiavut Government�s archaeologist to ensure the site is not adversely impacted during construction.
Through the Regional Development Fund, the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development provides support to organizations by way of non-repayable contributions for projects aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province.
Additional information on programs can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/starting/fundingincentive/index.html
QUICK FACTS
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $85,000 to extend the boardwalk in Rigolet.
- The extension will allow access to the archeological site at Double Mer Point where Inuit winter homes are being excavated.
- Rigolet has benefitted from an expanding cruise ship industry and this investment will enhance infrastructure for the local tourism market.
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Media contacts:
| Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1495, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
| Anthony (Jack) Shiwak AngajukKâk, Rigolet Inuit Community Government 709-947-3382 jack.shiwak@nunatsiavut.com |
2015 02 10 10:40 a.m.