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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 8, 2012

Placentia, the Pleasant Place, Celebrates 350th Anniversary

The Provincial Government is contributing $232,216 to the Town of Placentia to support initiatives and events to mark the 350th anniversary of the town.

“The celebration of culture and heritage generates significant wealth and helps diversify the economy,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “The activities and events planned for this year in Placentia will build on the area’s historic sites, cultural and heritage events and attractions that increase visitor traffic and expenditure to the entire region. This will ultimately support the growth of existing enterprises and invite new business opportunities, especially for those in the service and hospitality sectors.”

Today’s announcement builds on previous Provincial Government investments in excess of $650,000 that support a diversified sector of tourism products and services including the construction of the cultural arts centre, archaeological research, exhibits and interpretation venues. The Town of Placentia will use this latest investment to, among other things, develop a town square heritage garden, market and promote events surrounding the 350th anniversary celebrations, and support ongoing archaeological activities.

“The 350th anniversary of Placentia will be a remarkable event celebrated by its residents as well as those in surrounding communities,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The community of Placentia is as rich in culture as it is in history. The Provincial Government’s investment will help enhance the understanding of the early French and English history of the province, create a living legacy with the heritage garden, and develop various exhibits and interpretation sites.”

In 1662, France established a permanent colony in what they called “Plaisance” or “the pleasant place.” Today the Town of Placentia includes the communities of Jerseyside, Dunville, Freshwater, Ferndale, South East, Bond’s Path and Townside Placentia.

“This year marks a significant milestone for this proud and historic town,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and MHA for Placentia - St. Mary's. “Placentia’s 350th birthday will be an exciting one for residents and visitors and is an opportunity to revisit and celebrate our history and culture. I am pleased that as a government we can support the tremendous efforts of the organizing committee.”

Each year over 40,000 people visit the various events, parks and attractions within the region including the Placentia Regatta, Castle Hill National Historic Park and Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. The Placentia 350 initiative is a truly regional project involving 13 community organizations and representatives from the Cape Shore to Placentia.

“We are delighted with the support we have received for our anniversary celebrations and various tourism initiatives,” said Wayne Power Jr., Chairperson, Placentia 350 Inc. “The infrastructure funding support will help guarantee the success of our celebrations this year and also help create a lasting legacy that will enhance the tourism activities of Placentia and region.”

This initiative was funded with a $132,216 investment from the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is investing $ 100,000.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business
and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
 
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Marg Craniford
Constituency Assistant for the
Honourable Felix Collins
MHA Placentia - St. Mary’s
709-729-6926
margcraniford@gov.nl.ca 
Wayne Power
Chairperson
Placentia 350 Inc.
709-227-2151 ext. 229

2012 06 08             10:35 a.m.

 
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