Through a combined investment of $1.3 million from the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, the Shorefast Foundation will revitalize two heritage assets on Fogo Island, adding to that area’s authentic and internationally renowned tourism offerings and creating opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Derrick Bragg, MHA for Fogo Island – Cape Freels, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced an investment of $394,625 in provincial funding. Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays–Central–Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced an investment of $968,721 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.

Building on the success of the Great Fogo Island Punt Race to There and Back, the renovated Punt Premises will allow visitors to interact with the history of the inshore fishery, and will also provide training and workshops around fishing and boatbuilding to carry this irreplaceable knowledge forward. The Orange Lodge restoration will enable increased and more efficient commerce of craft goods, as well as experiential activities and demonstrations related to this culturally significant production activity.

These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

An initiative of The Way Forward, the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will contribute directly to the Provincial Government’s commitment to double resident and non-resident visitor spending to $1.6 billion by 2020. This strategy aims to increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador tourism experiences, to attract more visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and experience more. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Last year, we welcomed a record breaking 553,000 non-resident visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s announcement will build on this success, and aligns with top priorities from The Way Forward’s Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan, which focuses on understanding visitor profiles, enhancing the market readiness of experiences, and partnering with the community to create a holistic approach to tourism development. I commend Shorefast’s determination to improve the socio-economic conditions on Fogo Island through a number of social enterprise and economic development activities.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Fogo Island has become a destination of choice for both tourists from outside the province, as well as residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Punt Premises and the Orange Lodge are among the many fascinating and unique tourist experiences that Fogo Island has to offer. I am pleased that both the Provincial and Federal Governments recognize the value of investing in rural tourism industries and commend the Shorefast Foundation for their work to preserve and celebrate our culture.”
Derrick Bragg
MHA for Fogo Island – Cape Freels

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in smart initiatives that help strengthen and diversify communities and grow key industries like tourism. Investing in projects like this one on Fogo Island strengthens and grows the middle class, makes our communities even better places to visit and call home, and fosters broad-based prosperity.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This project enhances the existing tourism infrastructure on Fogo Island and contributes to initiatives that support the unique path of Fogo Island and Change Islands in terms of business development in the tourism, manufacturing and fine arts sectors.”
Scott Simms
Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame

”Shorefast is delighted to be working together with our governments to activate the knowledge and economic potential in these irreplaceable heritage assets. Two of our province’s pillar industries are the fishery and tourism; these buildings served the fishery well and will now take on new life to play a role in the tourism sector.”
Zita Cobb
Founder & CEO, Shorefast Foundation

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Learn More

Shorefast Foundation – shorefast.org

The Way Forward – www.gov.nl.ca/thewayforward

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNLand @TCII_GovNL

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

Amy Rowsell
Shorefast Foundation
709-266-1248
amyrowsell@shorefast.org