Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
March 3, 2015
Supporting the Province�s Rich Heritage Through Strategic Investments
Significant Port Union Heritage Structure to Undergo Restoration
The Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation is better positioned to protect a key Port Union heritage structure as a result of a $100,000 Provincial Government investment. Funding will be used to carry out the restoration of the Union Electric Building which was designated as a registered heritage structure in 2009 by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding was provided through the Regional Development Fund.
�The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to advancing our province�s rural regions with investments that target sustainable, long-term economic opportunities in the cultural and tourism sectors. As a government, we are dedicated to providing community groups with access to the necessary resources to leverage existing strengths and expand the economic potential of our communities. Investing $100,000 in the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation allows us to enhance tourism in the region as we work to preserve our past while preparing for the future.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The only union-built town in North America, Port Union was established in 1916 as a basis for William Ford Coaker and members of the Fishermen's Protective Union to create a commercial and economic footing for Newfoundland fishermen. In 1998, the town was designated as a National Historic District because of its unique heritage as a union-built town. The Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Historic District of Port Union, with a mandate to restore, develop and promote the Coaker/Fisherman�s Union Trading Company premises and commemorate the Coaker Legacy and union theme.
�Each step in the historic district�s restoration brings it to life and connects the past and the present. We are truly using the past to build the future of Port Union. Each restored property is a piece of the puzzle that not only tells the story of Sir William Coaker and the Fishermen�s Protective Union, but provides opportunities in tourism for our community and its long-term sustainability.�
- Bruce Sweetland, Chair of the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation
The Regional Development Program provides support by way of non-repayable contributions to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives. Administered by the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, additional information on funding programs and how to apply can be found by visiting //www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/RDF.html.
QUICK FACTS
- The Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation is receiving $100,000 in Provincial Government funding to carry out restoration on the Union Electric Building, a registered heritage structure in Port Union.
- Additional information on Port Union and its activities can be found by visiting www.historicportunion.com.
- The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a wide range of services to economic development organizations. Additional information on programs can be found at: //www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/RDF.html.
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Media contacts:
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Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Edith Samson Executive Coordinator Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc. 709-469-2207 coakerfoundation@persona.ca |