The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced a total investment of $274,757 for the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation to enhance the Garrick Theatre and address challenges caused by the pandemic.
This investment will enable the foundation to renovate the Garrick Theatre, improve the visitor and performer experience, and ensure the theatre’s long-term success. The project includes redesigning the box office, concession counter and annex stage, improving the annex seating and creating a new green room for visiting artists. The foundation will also develop a new website and acquire new personal protective equipment as well as acrylic barriers.
Today’s announcement highlights a commitment to communities, organizations and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Initiatives like this one ensure that all communities can fully participate in Canada’s economic recovery.
Quotes
“The Garrick Theatre is a valuable economic generator and contributor to tourism, culture and arts in the Bonavista area. Support from the Provincial Government to enhance the visitor experience through renovations and digital upgrades will further strengthen the product and help advance other opportunities for sustainable economic growth.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Over the years, the Garrick Theatre has become a cultural centerpiece of the Bonavista region. This investment will enrich the cultural offerings in the area for locals and tourists alike.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Investing in tourism infrastructure supports economic development and builds strong, resilient and vibrant communities. That is why we are investing in important projects to improve key tourism assets like the historic Garrick Theatre in beautiful Bonavista. Initiatives like this one will help the region’s tourism sector come back strong when travel restrictions are lifted.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Garrick Theatre is a beloved community and tourism asset in the Bonavista region and plays an important role in the local economy. This investment will enable the theatre to continue to provide high-quality performances year-round in a safe and comfortable manner. The improvements will also enhance the audience’s experience and help to attract more visitors when it is safe to travel, generating economic prosperity for years to come.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity
“Everyone involved with the foundation is looking forward to the improvements planned for the facility. While most of the changes are to reduce congestion in the theatre’s gathering areas, each piece of work is also being carefully considered for its potential to improve the facility for the long-term. As a result of these investments, the Garrick should be well positioned to better serve its clientele long after the pandemic.”
David Bradley
Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation
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Media contacts
Lisa Lawlor
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 631-8155
lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4570, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Paul McGrath
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Melissa Boyce
Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation
709-468-5777