Tourism, Culture and Recreation
October 1, 2013
Unique New Enterprise Supported with $48,000 in Funding
To support the expansion of the Placentia West Heritage Committee’s facilities in Boat Harbour, the Provincial Government will provide $48,000 to construct a new experiential heritage shop, or economuseum, which will complement their existing restaurant and museum.
“This new enterprise will offer visitors the opportunity to explore and experience traditional craft through the production of goods in a workshop-style environment, which will both preserve and promote traditional artistry,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “With this $48,000 investment, we are creating a win/win situation where the committee can provide a sales venue for local crafts people, while also ensuring that traditional craft knowledge and skill is preserved, shared and celebrated.”
The Placentia West Heritage Committee currently operates the Livyer’s Lot museum and the Tea Rose restaurant out of separate buildings on the same site. Completion of the new facility will see the construction of a central structure, unifying and enhancing the existing structures, establishing an interactive, heritage focused shop.
“Visitors want to experience authentic arts and crafts from artisans created here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Beyond the economic benefits, tourism helps preserve and protect our natural heritage, culture, and history, it gives life to a range of facilities and events that play an important role in the regeneration of communities for both residents and tourists alike.”
When the extension is in place, the Placentia West Heritage Committee will be able to extend their activities beyond sales to include interpretation of, and instruction in, the traditional methods used to produce the textile crafts offered for sale on site.
“This is a welcomed addition to the area and an important investment in rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education and MHA for Burin – Placentia West. “Initiatives of this nature help secure long-term sustainability of tourism.”
The Placentia West Heritage Committee seeks to provide visitors and craftspeople with an environment to learn, interpret, interact and or participate in traditional culture and heritage as presented through art and craft. The new facility is scheduled to open in May of 2014.
“The Placentia West Heritage Committee and Development Association are very happy this funding is being made available,” said Elizabeth Murphy, Chair of the Placentia West Heritage Committee. “Over the last two years we have increased activities at the Livyer's Lot site but were constrained by the lack of space. We look forward to the continued increase of our customer base as we add new activities for our visitors and residents once the building is complete.”
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Media contacts:
| Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
| Elizabeth Murphy Chair, Placentia West Heritage Committee 709-443-2580 eamurphy54@gmail.com |
Janice Brushett Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Clyde Jackman MHA for Burin - Placentia West 709-891-5607 janicebrushett@gov.nl.ca |
2013 10 01 12:40 p.m.