Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
August 18, 2015

Supporting the Province’s Rich Heritage Through Strategic Investments

Battle Harbour Benefitting from Important Enhancements and Developments

Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc. is better positioned to capitalize on the community’s growing reputation as a unique and experiential cultural destination as a result of a Provincial Government investment of $64,690. Funding will assist with Phase III of the organization’s revitalization efforts, while also supporting the development and implementation of marketing initiatives and further site expansion.

“The continued development of Battle Harbour as an anchor attraction in Labrador presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the community’s unique economic, social and cultural heritage and contribute to sustainable economic benefits to the region. This initiative celebrates the distinctiveness of our province’s history and traditional industries. Strong communities with important cultural offerings are essential to maintaining and increasing the province’s population, and our government is committed to supporting such initiatives, as highlighted in our Population Growth Strategy.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Through the efforts of Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc., a non-profit organization, the village of Battle Harbour is now a living commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Funding will be used to support attendance at tourism trade shows in St. Johns and Halifax, as well as for the installation of an upgraded communication system, improvement to the existing water filtration system, and replacement of the community wharf’s winch and boom system.

“From its start in the late 1700s as the fishing capital of Labrador, to its outstanding restoration and transformation into a world-renowned tourist destination, the legacy of Battle Harbour endures, and this evolution would not be possible without the support of the Provincial Government. Battle Harbour is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through the dedicated efforts of many organizations working to capitalize on our unique heritage resources. Completion of Phase III will help build upon our previous work and ensure that this community continues to make its mark as a world-class destination.”
- Peter Bull, Executive Director, Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc.

Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc. is continuing to build on its efforts to be a leading destination that caters to cultural tourists. Cultural tourism is a significant component of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry and one of its strongest growing segments. Cultural tourists seek unique and authentic experiences which are grounded in firsthand cultural and heritage experiences and focus on community and sense of place. Since 2010, the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development has provided $859,041 in support of Battle Harbour’s revitalization and tourism development efforts.

The Provincial Government is committed to supporting initiatives that nurture strong communities, as outlined in the population growth strategy, Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025. The strategy will ensure investments and programs are aligned to encourage individuals to choose Newfoundland and Labrador to live, work and raise a family.

QUICK FACTS:

• Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc. is receiving $64,690 in Provincial Government Funding to support Phase III of their site enhancements and development plans.
• Information on Battle Harbour can be found by visiting: www.battleharbour.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.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/.
• The Population Growth Strategy is supported by four action plans covering the main elements of population growth – workforce, families, communities and immigration. For more information visit www.homeforgoodnl.ca .

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Peter Bull Executive Director Battle Harbour Historic Trust Inc. 709-921-6677 peter@battleharbour.com

2015 08 18                              10:45 a.m.