The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has transferred the historic Grand Falls House and land surrounding the property to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.
The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be joined by Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel and Grand Falls House Heritage Committee chair Peggy Bartlett at Grand Falls House to discuss the transfer today, (Friday, June 10) at 12:00 p.m.
The Grand Falls House is being transferred at no cost to the town or province.
Because of the transfer, the department anticipates annual savings from not having to continue to pay to secure and maintain property.
Grand Falls House was built in 1909 by Alfred and Harold Harmsworth and formed part of the properties established to service the paper mill. It is one of the oldest buildings in the community and region. The property comprises a large 1909 Tudor Revival style residence along with a small maintenance garage within a site of mature parkland overlooking the Exploits River.
In 2021-22, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure disposed of nine properties, including a building formerly used by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and eight undeveloped parcels of land.
Quotes
“The Grand Falls House has great value for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor due to its architecture and historical significance. All parties have done due diligence to help make this happen and we are happy to complete the transfer of this property to the town. The property can now be used for the benefit of residents and tourists.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The Grand Falls House has been a historic icon in Grand Falls-Windsor for generations. With this agreement, the Grand Falls House and its property can be developed into a community attraction that both residents and visitors can fully enjoy. It’s with great pride that we can restore this important piece of our town’s heritage and make it accessible for generations to come.”
Mayor Barry Manuel
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
““On behalf of the Grand Falls House Foundation, I am so pleased to see the transfer of the Grand Falls House and land to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. This 110-year-old mansion has long been an icon within the town for outdoor social events and photo opportunities and this agreement will now allow us to focus on a regional tourism strategy. The house and land, rich in history and heritage, has tremendous potential. In keeping with the foundation’s mandate, we will be reaching out to the community and its stakeholders to develop a viable and sustainable business plan that will be a destination for locals as well as the tourists that visit our province.”
Peggy Bartlett
Chair, Grand Falls House Heritage Committee
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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Robyn Hannaford
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
709-489-0173
communications@townofgfw.com
Peggy Bartlett
Chairperson, Grand Falls House Foundation
709-486-0714
pmbartlett161@gmail.com