Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 31, 2016

Supporting Newfoundland and Labrador Historic Sites

Provincial Historic Sites Open for 2016 Season

Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Historic Sites sites represent some of Newfoundland and Labrador's most historically significant buildings and activities. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, was at The Commissariat in St. John's earlier today to take a tour and visit with staff. Provincial Historic Sites opened to the public for the 2016 season on May 21

"Our Provincial Historic Sites offer an incredible history lesson on the many influences that have shaped who we are as a people and a province. They tell significant stories of the historical development of Newfoundland and Labrador not told elsewhere and as a government, we are committed to preserving that history. As ‘must see' cultural visitor attractions, our sites also play a significant role in regional tourism and economic activity. Providing a diverse offering of experiences for all ages including guided and self-guided tours, hands-on programs, music, storytelling, culinary and nature walks, I welcome all residents and visitors to come and discover our province's unique culture and heritage."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchemore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Budget 2016 will see the implementation of year three of the four-year Provincial Historic Sites Development Plan, designed to address required maintenance work on these historic buildings and to enhance the visitor experience. This year $405,000 will be spent across the sites for this purpose.

The Provincial Government is spending $50,000 of this funding for structural upgrades to The Commissariat including the installation of new period-style windows (made in-province) and flooring.

The Provincial Historic Sites open to the public are:

• The Commissariat - St. John's
• Newman Wine Vaults - St. John's
• Cupids Cove Plantation
• Heart's Content Cable Station
• Trinity sites
• Mockbeggar Plantation and Cape Bonavista Lighthouse - Bonavista
• Beothuk Interpretation Centre - Boyd's Cove
• Point Amour Lighthouse / L'Anse Amour Burial Mound - Labrador Straits

Provincial Historic Sites saw more than 85,000 visitors in 2015 across the eleven sites, an 18% increase from 2014. All Provincial Historic Sites will be open until mid-October 2016. For more information, visit: www.seethesites.ca

QUICK FACTS

• Provincial Historic Sites are open to the public daily from May to mid-October. For more information visit www.seethesites.ca
• Visitors can purchase a season pass that enables them to access all sites throughout the season.
• In 2016, Heart's Content Cable Station will be celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the first successful trans-Atlantic cable from Ireland to Heart's Content.

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2016 05 31                              11:15 a.m.