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March 25, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Support Provided for Heritage Foundation 

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced a contribution of $600,000 to the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador to enable the agency to continue working toward the preservation of the province's architectural heritage.

The Heritage Foundation is a legislated body under the Historic Resources Act, whose mandate is to assess the province's built heritage, and encourage its preservation through education, recognition, and a grants program. Since its creation in 1984, the foundation has been government's arm in ensuring that as much of our built heritage as possible is preserved.

"Our built heritage has a unique and special character, and is a cornerstone of the cultural tourism product of Newfoundland and Labrador," Kelly says. "It forms part of the allure of our tourism experience."

The minister noted that today's announcement will enable the Heritage Foundation to continue its work in identifying and preserving this precious heritage asset.

"Supporting the Heritage Foundation is not only good social policy, but has proven to be sound economic policy," Kelly says. "For every dollar which the Heritage Foundation has awarded in grants to property owners, these owners have invested an average of eight dollars of their own money."

Kelly noted that since its creation in 1984, the Heritage Foundation has invested $624,000 in heritage properties, generating nearly $5 million in total construction activity, and creating 139 person years of employment. As well, the foundation has helped communities retain the traditional look of their towns, which is a key element of the province's cultural tourism experience.

"Communities such as Trinity, Bonavista, Brigus and Twillingate, have become enhanced tourism destinations in part because of their architectural heritage," she added.

Heritage Foundation Chair, Victoria Collins, noted the foundation has recently completed a strategic plan which outlines its priorities over the coming years.

"The out-migration from rural communities, the expected intense economic activity in communities such as Nain and Placentia, and the broad availability of imported building materials all place a great deal of stress on the province's architectural heritage," Collins says. "To counter these pressures, the foundation intends to raise the awareness of the province's unique building styles, to foster government policies which encourage heritage preservation, and to develop the human resources necessary to promote quality restoration work."

Contact:
Doug Burgess, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928
George Chalker, Executive Secretary, Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (709) 739-1892

Heritage Foundation Website - www.avalon.nf.ca/heritage

1998 03 25 5:00 p.m.

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