As part of a continued goal of supporting the growing craft brewing industry in the province and the associated business and employment opportunities, the Federal and Provincial Governments are investing $300,000 for the Dildo Brewing Company and Museum to set up processing facilities to produce high-quality crafted beer. This supports the private-sector investment of several hundred thousand dollars by the partners involved in the new operation.
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced $150,000 for equipment to operate the microbrewery. Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a repayable investment of $150,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program.
Scheduled to open in July, the Dildo Brewing Company and Museum is owned by brother and sister Angie and Roger George, and their spouses, Rob and Debbie and their friends and business partners, Geoff and Steve Matthews. Renovations to the Dildo Museum are being made so it is equal parts museum and brewhouse, with a taproom so visitors can sample local beer while taking in local history of the region. The brewery will also have a fully operational kitchen with a beer inspired menu. As part of the project, the museum will be completely redesigned within the brewery building, showcasing local artifacts and highlighting stories of historical and cultural significance to Dildo and the surrounding region.
The Dildo Brewing Company will produce hand crafted beer made from all natural ingredients such as water, yeast, grain and hops, with no added preservatives.
Craft breweries appeal to visitors by focusing on local flavours that highlight our culture and heritage. By complementing existing tourism experiences, the craft beer industry has the potential to flourish in areas of high activity during the tourism season.
An initiative of The Way Forward, the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will contribute directly to the Provincial Government’s commitment to double resident and non-resident visitor spending to $1.6 billion by 2020. This strategy aims to increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador tourism experiences, to attract more visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and experience more.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement aligns with our Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan to improve the visitor experience through enhanced food and beverage by offering diversified products unique to Newfoundland and Labrador. Our province’s craft beer industry is rapidly expanding, exposing consumers to the premium quality and culture of beer made with locally-sourced ingredients. I congratulate Dildo Brewing for their commitment to establishing a microbrewery in this rural area of our province.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation
“This new endeavor provides a unique opportunity to showcase the town’s history, while creating a social and arts hub for locals and tourists. I would like to congratulate Angie and Roger George, and their spouses Rob and Debbie, on the Dildo Brewing Company and wish them the best of luck. I expect they’ll have a very busy and successful summer ahead.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of ServiceNL and MHA Placentia – St. Mary’s
“Our government recognizes that developing new opportunities is one of the keys to Canada’s future economic success. This investment in Dildo Brewing Company and Museum supports the establishment of a small business that will contribute to the growth and diversification of the business base here in this region.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Dildo Brewing Company and Museum is a welcome new addition to the business community here in this region. Small businesses are one of the cornerstones of our communities. They create jobs, contribute to diverse, vibrant regions, and offer both residents and visitors a wider range of amenities and attractions to experience.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“As long standing business operators, we have always been passionate about promoting rural Newfoundland, and in particular our hometown of Dildo. We wanted to invest in a business that not only promoted our community, but also highlighted our cultural and historical significance in the province. The brewery and museum perfectly captures our vision for creating a unique and exciting new experience in the region. Dildo is an absolutely beautiful and picturesque town with so much to offer visitors; from whale watching to local shops and cafes. Now we are offering a brand new service that we hope will entice people to visit and create economic growth in rural Newfoundland. To the province for your support, we say thank you.”
Angela Reid
Dildo Brewing Company
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Media contact
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Angela Reid
Co-owner
709-680-0774
Dildo Brewing Company