The Town of Renews-Cappahayden will
undertake extensive renovations to the Regina Mundi
Complex in Renews to create a facility that will focus
on cultural development and tourism activities. The
building will be renovated with funding provided by the
federal, provincial and municipal levels of government
through the Canada � Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Funding for the $287,000 project was
announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister
of National Defence, Minister of the Atlantic Gateway,
and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador;
and Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland,
on behalf of the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of
Municipal Affairs; and Donna Dinn, chairperson of the
Regina Mundi Building Committee.
"One of the objectives of the
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is to construct,
restore or improve public arts and heritage
infrastructure to assist communities preserve, develop
and promote their culture and heritage," said Minister
MacKay. "Through our investment we are helping the
community improve their cultural infrastructure and
create economic opportunities in tourism."
"The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador is committed to making investments to
strengthen municipal infrastructure and ensure that
residents have access to services which will enhance
their communities," said Mr. Hutchings. "Once the
renovations are complete, the Regina Mundi Complex will
provide a wonderful venue for a variety of groups and
support numerous arts and community activities."
The project will be administered by
the Regina Mundi Building Committee and will feature
upgrades to the heating, plumbing, ventilation, and
electrical systems; a new ceiling for the gymnasium;
kitchen renovations; and washroom upgrades to allow for
accessibility for disabled people.
The Regina Mundi Complex served as the
local parish centre for the Renews-Cappahayden area for
many years. Built in 1962, it was operated as a school
until 1989, and through this project will continue to be
used by a number of community groups for meetings and as
a performance venue.
"Renews is one of the oldest
communities in the province," said Donna Dinn, Mayor of
Renews-Cappahayden and chairperson of the Regina Mundi
Building Committee. "The Regina Mundi Complex is
adjacent to the Grotto associated with the church, and
preliminary archeological work indicates that there was
a planters station nearby, so there is a lot of history
associated with this area, and we believe there is great
potential to increase tourism traffic."
The community is also well-positioned
because of its proximity to the end of the developed
portion of the East Coast Trail. The southern 220 km
portion of the developed trail starts at Fort Amherst in
St. John�s and ends at Renews-Cappahayden, with plans to
extend the trail further along the southern shore.
The Federal Government will contribute
$95,640 towards the project while the
Provincial Government will contribute
$162,587. The Town of Renews-Cappahayden will provide
$28,692.
- 30 -
Media contacts: