Future of the Colonial Building will depend on assessment outcome

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has reconfirmed its commitment to maintaining the historical and architectural integrity of the Colonial Building, a provincial heritage structure of great significance to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Colonial Building plays an integral role in the political history of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Bettney. "As a government, we are committed to our built heritage of provincial significance. The Colonial Building requires an appropriate future and continued accessibility to the people of the province."

Based on these principles, the government will not pursue the proposal to see the building and site accommodate a new home for the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the architectural and historical integrity of the building and the site would be compromised and public access would be limited, this submission will not be considered.

"Access to our provincially significant heritage, whether natural or cultural, is important to everyone in our province," said the minister. "Because of the political and architectural contributions of the Colonial Building to our identity, it is fundamental that we continue to ensure the preservation and presentation of this site."

The province will pursue the development of a management plan that will outline how the historical and architectural significance of this building will be respected in its future reuse. Working closely with representatives from the heritage community, this plan will include a public consultation process and a review of the building�s conservation needs, history and heritage values.

The Colonial Building currently houses the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador.  With the Archives moving to The Rooms in 2004, there has been increasing interest in what the provincial government will do with the Colonial Building. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation received several formal proposals regarding its future use and, after careful consideration of all submissions, decided to complete a management plan for future use of the building. The plan will outline interpretation, conservation and acceptable reuse options.

During the assessment process, the Newfoundland Historical Society and the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives will continue to occupy the space.

The Colonial Building was constructed in 1832 to house the first Colonial House of Assembly. The building has witnessed many important events in the history of the province including the advent of responsible government, the inauguration of the Commission of Government and Confederation.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928

2003 06 06                                     3:45 p.m.