The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are helping the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to strengthen the area’s tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.
The society will engage a consultant who will work with local businesses and community stakeholders to identify capacity building initiatives and ways to further develop the region’s product development experiences with a focus on existing strengths. Through this initiative, improvements will also be made to the Green Point Light Station, which was designated a federal heritage building in 1990.
Pam Parsons, MHA for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced an investment of $35,647 from the Regional Development Fund. Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced a $94,020 repayable contribution from Innovative Communities Fund for the project. In addition, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is contributing a $21,000 grant and Parks Canada is investing $4,000 towards the project.
These investments build 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 approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Provincial support for this project also delivers on commitments of The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“This announcement in Port de Grave will help to identify and develop new experiences in the area and enhance the visitor journey for the entire region. Through The Way Forward, our government continues to strengthen our tourism product throughout the province, focusing on ways to build communities and enhance economic growth.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Tourism is an important economic driver in Atlantic Canada and that is why growing tourism is a key priority of the Atlantic Growth Strategy. By making smart investments in tourism initiatives like this one with the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society we are helping to bring more visitors to the region, generate new economic opportunities and build strong, vibrant communities.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with organizations like the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to boost tourism and diversify our communities. The unique culture and history of the Port de Grave Peninsula and the welcoming people who live there make it a wonderful tourist destination. This project will further develop and enhance the area’s tourism offerings, which will attract more visitors and provide them with first class tourism products and experiences.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon
“I am extremely pleased to see our government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, support the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society. There is a bright future for the people of Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, as we are focused on identifying all potential opportunities for growth. This funding is a testament to the continuation of our commitment to strengthen the tourism industry, preserve heritage, and innovative economic prospects in my beautiful district of Harbour Grace – Port de Grave.”
Pam Parsons
MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave
“These investments from the federal and provincial governments will support the Port de Grave Heritage Society in activating its vision to grow the local economy by sharing the peninsula’s living history, cultural heritage and natural landscape through unique and sustainable visitor experiences. It will also help with visitor access to Green Point Heritage Light House and enhancements associated with its harbour and lifestyle that drive small business growth and employment.”
Roland Andrews
President, Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
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Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Erin Sulley
Government Members Office
709-729-5036
erinsulley@gov.nl.ca
Roland Andrews
Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
709-683-2635
rolandcandrews@gmail.com