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November 19, 2009

Battle Harbour to Undertake Improvements

The Battle Harbour Historic Trust (BHHT) is undertaking improvements to better accommodate visitors as they seek the unique cultural experience offered in the former fishing settlement. With a $100,000 investment from the Provincial Government, the BHHT will better position Battle Harbour as an anchor attraction on Labrador�s southeast coast.

�The continued development of Battle Harbour presents an exciting opportunity to showcase Labrador�s cultural heritage and contribute sustainable economic benefits to the region,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �This initiative is complementary to our work in other regions and celebrates the distinctiveness of our province�s history and traditional industries. I am pleased that we are able to continue to work with community development groups to advance initiatives that strengthen and expand the province�s economy.�

Scheduled for completion in late 2009, the BHHT will restore the existing Kitchen Building located on the national historic site and add six new double rooms. The new rooms will be four star equivalent accommodations and provide a higher standard of accommodation for those visitors seeking high-quality amenities.

�This latest investment is in addition to the $41,448 in operational funding provided to the BHHT earlier this year through the province�s Cultural Economic Development Program,� said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. �Battle Harbour is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through dedicated efforts by numerous parties to capitalize on our unique heritage resources.�

�Through the centuries, Battle Harbour has been a magnet for attracting commerce,� said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. �From its start in the late 1700s as the fishing capital of Labrador, to its magnificent restoration and transformation into a world-renowned tourist destination, the legacy of Battle Harbour endures. The people of the Battle Harbour Historic Trust are to be commended for their tireless efforts and their �vision-to-reality� approach to this magnificent piece of Labrador heritage.�

Through the efforts of BHHT, a not-for profit registered charity, the village of Battle Harbour is now a living commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Numerous historic structures, walkways and work areas have been restored or reinstated, and a collection of more than 500 artifacts related to the fishery and everyday life are on display, including a special exhibit on the Labrador fisheries.

�Completion of this building will provide visitors with a wide selection of accommodations at the national historic site and Battle Harbour,� said Gordon Slade, chair of the BHHT. �It will also expand the services offered to groups seeking retreats or meeting venues unplugged from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.�

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

 
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
 
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

 
Gordon Slade
Battle Harbour Historical Society
709-921-6677

2009 11 19                              11:20 a.m.


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