Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
November 9, 2017

Tourism Improvements in Norris Arm Benefit Residents and Visitors

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are investing almost $128,000 to enable the Norris Arm Heritage Society Inc. to enhance and expand the arts and heritage interpretation programs and overall visitor experience offered at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre.

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, along with Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of both the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the funding today.

The project includes upgrades to heating, lighting, sound and electrical systems as well as enhancements to museum displays and staging. These improvements will allow the museum to meet current exhibition standards, while increasing access to museum collections and heritage displays. The Government of Canada is investing a total of $98,390 in this project with $57,965 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and $40,376 from the Canadian Heritage Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $29,530.

These investments build on the Government of Canada’s and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This Strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting projects that help position small and medium-sized businesses in the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Quotes
“Our government continues to support diversification and enhance economic development efforts in all regions of the province by investing in tourism initiatives. By supporting improvement and expansion of the visitor experience offered at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre, today’s announcement will help provide economic benefits to not only Norris Arm, but the surrounding region.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Developing and responding to multi-season tourism demand is important in fostering sustainable, viable tourism jobs, products and services. The Government of Canada is committed to working with local businesses and non-profit organizations like the Norris Arm Heritage Society, to boost the local economy and grow key sectors like tourism.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Funding for specialized equipment at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre will help showcase the arts and heritage of this region of Newfoundland and Labrador, and draw in more and more visitors for a richer interactive museum experience.”
Honourable Melanie Joly
Minister of Canadian Heritage

“The Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre is a key piece of tourism infrastructure in Norris Arm. These upgrades allow an expanded operating season and enhance the capacity of the community to seize new opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification in a strategic sector of the local economy.”
Scott Simms
MP for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame

“The Norris Arm Heritage Society, through the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre, has been celebrating and preserving this region’s rich cultural history for many years. These improvements will attract more visitors to the area and enhance the visitor experience.”
Jerry Dean
MHA for Exploits

“Our society is deeply indebted to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canadian Heritage and Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for their funding and confidence in our operation. This funding will enable the society reach its goals of extending our tourism season, to develop hands on learning experience to help educate visitors of all ages on local history, provide a more suitable venue for the performing arts by providing upgrades to lighting, sound as well as enhancements to staging, improve seating for patrons during dinner theatre events. Without this funding, it would be impossible to complete these enhancements to our facility.”
Fred Budgell
Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre

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Learn More
Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre - www.foxmothmuseum.com external link icon

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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

Cyril Langdon
Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre
709-653-2163
Cyril.langdon@nf.sympatico.ca

2017 11 09                              2:45 p.m.