The Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site is opening to the public on Tuesday, September 13.
Yesterday, in celebration of the upcoming opening, a Cabinet meeting was held on-site in the newly restored Legislative Council Chamber. This was a historic day for Newfoundland and Labrador as it marked the first Cabinet meeting held inside the Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site since 1959.
The Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site will be an immersive and interactive visitor experience featuring guided tours and exhibits. Due to building capacity limits, people interested in visiting the site are required to book a guided tour online here. The daily hours of operation at the site will be 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A tour of the Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site will be available for media on Friday, September 9 at 1:00 p.m. To register, media are asked to please RSVP to Tina Newhook (tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca).
The Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site was the permanent seat of the provincial legislature from 1850 to 1959. It was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1974. The restoration of the building started in 2009 and the total cost of the restoration project is $23.4 million. The Provincial Government has invested a total of $14,730,196 for the project, while the Government of Canada has invested $8,669,804.
Quotes
“Home to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Legislative Assembly for more than a century, the Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site is a testament to our province’s unique political evolution from Colony to self-governing Dominion to becoming part of Canada. It was here, within these very walls that representatives gathered to make laws that ultimately shaped our economy, our society and our culture. We are excited to see this comprehensive restoration project conclude, and to share the stories of this special place.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The Colonial Building Provincial Historic Site is an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s political history. The intent of this restoration project was to respect the historical integrity of the building and we rigorously followed best practice preservation standards and guidelines to maintain and enhance that integrity. We wanted to capture the building’s true historical essence and provide visitor’s the opportunity to be transported to another time when they walk through the door. We are excited to finally be opening the doors and welcoming residents and travellers to see the inside of this beautiful historic building.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The opening of the Colonial Building is a significant milestone for our province as we showcase the work that has gone into restoring one of our province’s most historic buildings. These investments are important as we protect the building for future generations.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Members of Newfoundland’s last Legislative Council at Colonial Building in 1933.
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Learn more
Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador – The Colonial Building
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NOTE: Photos accompanying today’s release can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.
Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Tina Newhook
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4570, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca