The Town of Placentia is set to begin construction of
the Placentia Cultural Arts Centre with a $344,540 investment from the
Provincial Government. This is the third phase of the community�s town
square project and has a total cost of $1,378,160.
"The financial investment in the Town of Placentia is
directed towards providing the community the necessary infrastructure to
celebrate its history and culture to local and visiting audiences," said
the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development. "The Provincial Government is committed to partnering with
community groups to identify and fund initiatives that help stimulate
community growth both from a social and economic perspective."
Scheduled for completion in 2009, the Placentia
Cultural Arts Centre will be used to host local events, as well as
provide facilities for theatrical, artistic, and other performances.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, said the facility will be a welcome addition to
the province�s cultural and tourism resources.
"The centre will complement Placentia-area tourism
activities and venues, such as the Placentia Annual Regatta, Castle Hill
National Historic Park, and Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve," said
Minister Jackman. "It will also support our efforts to develop cultural
tourism opportunities. There are few places in Canada � indeed, in the
world - where the opportunity to develop closer links between culture,
heritage, and tourism opportunities, is more obvious than in
Newfoundland and Labrador."
"The construction of an arts centre in the Town of
Placentia will provide a showcase of all artists from Placentia Bay,"
said Mayor Bill Hogan. "This centre will attract visitors and launch an
ambitious cultural/heritage program making Placentia the envy of the
provincial arts community and a prominent destination for tourists. It
will provide many opportunities for small businesses in our community."
Once completed, the �town square� will be the focus of
Placentia�s community events. The initiative will include the cultural
arts centre, along with upgrades to streets and sidewalks in addition to
the existing administrative centre and Star Hall.
Funding was provided through the Provincial
Government�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). Administered
through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, RSDF
is a $5 million fund and a component of the province�s Comprehensive
Regional Diversification Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable
contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that
address regional and sectoral development and diversification.
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