Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 22, 2016

Preserving Our Heritage

Supporting 50^th Anniversary of the Resettlement of the Placentia Bay Islands

An investment of over $155,000 has been made to the Town of Arnold’s Cove in support of Stories of Resettlement, the commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Resettlement of the Placentia Bay islands. The announcement was made yesterday in Arnold’s Cove by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, and the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The funding assisted with the creation of a variety of tourism experiences related to the commemoration celebrations through music, story and drama. It also included enhancements of visitor experiences, such as mobile applications and directional signage. ACOA contributed over $66,500 to the initiative through its Business Development Program, along with $72,900 from the Provincial Government’s Regional Development Fund and the Town of Arnold’s Cove committed $16,200.

Stories of Resettlement is a year-long commemoration of 50 years of the resettlement of the Placentia Bay Islands. It includes the Resettlement Festival from July 21 to 31 with events such as the performing of the Resettlement Monologues, a night of Stories & Songs, an outdoor concert with Shanneyganock and the floating of a resettled house from 50 years ago as it is towed back home to the islands. For more information, visit: www.ResettlementNL.ca

The Provincial Government’s Regional Development Program provides support to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives that encourage regional and industry development, diversification and innovation.

Quotes:

“The Provincial Government is committed to growth and sustainability of the province, while also preserving and protecting our history and our heritage. Resettlement in Newfoundland and Labrador affected many people and their families and it is important that we recognize and acknowledge this crucial time in our province’s history. We are pleased to support the Town of Arnold’s Cove in their commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Resettlement of the Placentia Bay Islands. These celebrations will have a positive impact on the tourism sector and will result in various economic benefits to the entire region.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

“The Government of Canada is committed to working in collaboration with businesses, non-profit sector organizations and local communities like Arnold’s Cove to advance economic growth. We are pleased to support this region’s work to commemorate an important time in the Placentia Bay area’s history, which is being shared with residents and visitors alike through this Resettlement Festival and many other initiatives taking place this year.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Government of Canada believes that public investment is an important driver of economic growth in sectors such as tourism, which contributes to a diversified regional economy and helps increase prosperity for local businesses. This initiative, which profiles the region's rich history and resettlement story, will help the Town of Arnold's Cove and the Placentia Bay region develop tourism and enrich visitor experiences.”
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

“Resettlement is an era of our history which provokes mixed feelings of both loss and opportunity. Though families and communities were uprooted, it enabled many to start new chapters in their lives, including my own father and his family. I am delighted that we gather to celebrate this 50th anniversary to look back on our past and our heritage. Thank you to the Town of Arnold's Cove for taking the lead on this initiative.”
- Mark Browne, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue

“2016 marks 50 years since the resettlement of the Placentia Bay islands into growth centres like Arnold’s Cove. Our community grew from a population of approximately 250 residents to over 1,200 in the three-year period from 1966-1969. There were nearly 120 houses floated into Arnold’s Cove creating a new town and a new life, and since then, our community has become the service centre for our area. For residents, relatives, visitors and friends, we invite you to take part in our year-long commemoration.”
- Basil Daley, Mayor, Town of Arnold’s Cove

QUICK FACTS

• An investment of over $155,000 has been made to the Town of Arnold’s Cove in support of Stories of Resettlement, the commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Resettlement of the Placentia Bay Islands. The funding assisted with the creation of a variety of tourism experiences related to the commemoration celebrations through music, story and drama. It also included enhancements of visitor experiences, such as mobile applications and directional signage.
• ACOA contributed over $66,500 to the initiative through its Business Development Program, along with $72,900 from the Provincial Government’s Regional Development Fund and the Town of Arnold’s Cove committed $16,200.
• For more information about the commemoration celebrations, visit www.ResettlementNL.ca

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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	Glenn Bruce Acting Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-746-1385 glenn.bruce@canada.ca
Basil Daley Mayor Town of Arnold’s Cove 709-463-2323 Basildaley.ac@eastlink.ca	Nathan Downey Communications Assistant Government Members Office 709-729-3226 NathanDowney@gov.nl.ca

2016 07 22                             9:30 a.m.