Economic Opportunities Strengthened by Infrastructure Upgrades

Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc. to Receive $115,000 to Enhance Tourism Operations

To strengthen tourism opportunities, showcase the creation of traditional Newfoundland cuisine and promote local products, Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc. will receive funding of $115,000 from the Provincial Government to support upgrades to the Barbour Living Heritage Village. The announcement was made today at the Barbour Premises in Newtown by Paul Lane, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and Eli Cross, MHA for Bonavista North.

“The Barbour Living Heritage Village provides a unique tourist experience showcasing traditional Newfoundland culture, and a look back at the history of a traditional fishing community. We are pleased to support the Barbour Living Heritage Village and the Rita Love Memorial Kitchen which will add a new experience to the village, and allow visitors to experience traditional food, discuss recipes, ingredients and how food is prepared.”
- The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development

Funding will support infrastructure improvements to strengthen operations at the Barbour Living Heritage Village. This includes the purchase of commercial cooking equipment, electrical, plumbing and ventilation upgrades to establish the Rita Love Memorial Kitchen. The kitchen will provide visitors the opportunity to experience how traditional Newfoundland cuisine is prepared, and information on local products and recipes. Additionally, funding will also provide support for an assessment of the existing site and a new accounting and inventory management system.

“This is a promising development for Cape Feels Heritage Trust Inc. Our government is committed to the growth and sustainability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and projects of this nature hold significant potential for economic progress while also reflecting our heritage.”
- Eli Cross, MHA for Bonavista North

Located in Newtown, the Barbour Heritage Village is a tourism destination which explores the lives of the Barbour family, a typical merchant family involved in the sealing and fishing industry in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This region is steeped in heritage and our goal is to celebrate and share that legacy in everything we do. From interpretation, to our hand-crafted goods, to how we prepare and share our food, we want visitors to take away the best this area has to offer. We are very thankful for the significant investment from the Provincial Government, it will be instrumental in continuing the work we do promoting and sharing our culture and history”
- Judy Stagg, Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc. will receive funding of $115,000 to support infrastructure upgrades to the Barbour Heritage Village.
• The Barbour Heritage Village includes a schoolhouse, sealing interpretation centre, fisherman's stage, and visitor reception centre.
• The tourism operation includes a restaurant, craft shop and theatre and operates seasonal tours to visitors to the area.
• The Rita Love Memorial Kitchen is expected to be operational in the summer of 2014.

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2013 12 06                                     1:40 p.m.