June 1, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Province celebrates opening of J. R. Smallwood Interpretation Centre in Gambo

Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today the official opening of the J. R. Smallwood Interpretation Centre in Gambo, which also serves as the Kittiwake Coast Information Centre. The announcement was made at an official opening ceremony at the centre in Gambo, as part of the Soiree '99 celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador joining Canada.

"This magnificent multi-purpose centre commemorates the diverse and complex life of Joseph R. Smallwood, and also provides information on the alluring tourism region that is the Kittiwake Coast," Premier Tobin said. "The centre is the crowning achievement of Gambo's magnificent vision, backed by an ambitious plan, and driven by the determination of your leaders and citizens, to develop your community as one of the province's most distinctive heritage tourism attractions."

Fred Mifflin, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said: "This impressive centre is a fitting tribute to our Father of Confederation whose energy, leadership and vision shaped the history of our province and our country. The centre will tell the story of our past and it will also serve as a focal point for tourism along the Kittiwake Coast."

The J.R. Smallwood Interpretation Centre features exhibits, displays, photographs and memorabilia from the life and times of Newfoundland and Labrador's first premier, who has been described as one of Canada's most interesting characters. Bill Smallwood, grandson of Joey Smallwood, as well as several municipal and federal dignitaries and officials, were on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Gambo Mayor Peter Lush said: "This building is a credit to the Smallwood family, the town of Gambo, the people of the Kittiwake Coast and governments at all levels. It is one of our greatest moments."

The J. R. Smallwood Interpretation Centre and the Kittiwake Coast Information Centre is part of the overall plan to develop the cultural heritage and tourism industries in the Gambo region. The centre will operate during the summer months as a museum, and throughout the year it will play host to Soirees & Times, dinner theatre and private functions. Admission is: $3 - adults, $2.50 - seniors and students, and is free for children under 12.

Media contact:

George Earles, Communications, Soiree '99, (709) 729-4825
Jason Kelly, Communications, Gambo Festival Agency (709) 674-4222

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BACKGROUNDER
J.R. Smallwood Interpretation & Kittiwake Coast Information Centre

The Interpretation Centre was designed to be one of the key tourism attractions for the Town of Gambo and the Kittiwake Coast in its ongoing effort to become one of the biggest tourism destinations in the province.

What is now the Interpretation Centre was once a club and was purchased by the Town of Gambo in 1996. Since that time, the building and the entire area has seen an unprecedented metamorphosis. With financial support from such government departments as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Human Resource Development Canada to the order of $400,000 and an additional input of another $75,000 from the Town of Gambo, in addition to significant provincial government financial contributions and support, the Interpretation Centre is a facility unlike any other in the world.

Numerous consultants were contracted to do the design work for the all aspects of the renovation. Pratt Henley Blackwood completed the structural design while Fred Hann & Associates were in charge of the exterior building and landscaping design. The interior museum display and exhibit was designed by Dunbar Studios.

In 1989, the Town of Gambo started a project which would stimulate Gambo both economically and socially. Since 1989, we have contributed thousands of man hours and created a massive infrastructure development. The Smallwood Era Development Corporation in partnership with the Gambo Town Council are committed to the development of our heritage and, in so doing, creating jobs and economic prosperity. Of note, is that the Smallwood legacy has successfully permitted council to secure in excess of $1,000,000 that would otherwise not have come to our town. We now have the Smallwood Interpretation Center, Joey's Lookout, the Village Green and the Smallwood Sculpture.

In 1999, Gambo has become a "four season festival and events centre" for our region - the Kittiwake Coast. These festivals work on user-pay basis. This concept will allow our festival agency to remain sustainable and provide jobs year after year. It works just like any other business. The Town of Gambo realizes the provincial and federal governments have provided funding for our start-up, and after that, its up to us to continue to grow and prosper.

1999 06 01              7:15 p.m.