Investments Support Business and Tourism Growth on Bonavista Peninsula
News Release
Federal and provincial government funding announced for projects in Upper Amherst Cove and Duntara
July 18, 2017 – Bonavista, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Tourism continues to play a major role in economic development on the Bonavista Peninsula and investments announced today by the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will help drive new business and tourism growth in the region.
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and 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 more than $134,000 for two projects. Neil King, MHA for the District of Bonavista, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced $67,414 on behalf of the provincial government.
The Bonavista Social Club is receiving a repayable contribution of $94,690 from ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) and $57,414 from the provincial government to purchase the facility that the company currently leases, build an adjoining building for storage and acquire new pre-packaging equipment. This project will enable the business to improve production efficiencies, expand secondary processing and better meet a growing demand for quality food products on the Bonavista Peninsula.
The Bonavista Social Club is a restaurant and food production facility in Upper Amherst Cove that offers artisan breads, soups and fresh pasta products to hotels and restaurants on the Bonavista Peninsula and in the St. John’s area. The company employs 10 full-time seasonal staff and is home to the only commercial wood-fired bread oven in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition, 2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects Corporation in Duntara will receive a $40,000 non-repayable BDP investment from ACOA to market and host Bonavista Biennale – Art Encounters on the Edge throughout the Bonavista Peninsula region. The provincial government is contributing $10,000 towards the project. This large-scale visual arts exhibition brings together works by 26 leading Newfoundland and Labrador and other Canadian artists that will be presented in more than 20 outdoor and indoor locations from August 17 to September 17, 2017 as part of Canada 150 celebrations. The project has also received funding of $102,814 from the Canada 150 Fund, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support these initiatives which demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with non-profit organizations and local businesses to create economic activity, strengthen the middle class and grow key sectors such as tourism. We believe that public investment in projects like those announced today helps to increase economic growth and seize upon new opportunities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA“The Bonavista Peninsula is a major asset to Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving tourism industry and these investments will contribute to the region’s reputation as a world-class destination. The Government of Canada is committed to making smart investments to maximize tourism opportunities and support the small businesses which are playing a vital role in building strong, sustainable communities.”
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Arts and culture are at the forefront of the Canada 150 celebrations as communities across the country showcase the talents of our diverse artists. Bonavista Biennale – Art Encounter on the Edge is just one of the many activities highlighting Canada 150 and offers a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to appreciate the visual arts.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage“Though our Tourism Product Development Plan, our government remains committed to reaching a target of $1.6 billion annually in resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020. Today’s investment into the economic development and tourism offerings on the Bonavista Peninsula will help promote, grow and build on the region's strengths, and continue to give visitors the authentic cultural experience they are looking for.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“I am delighted with today’s announcement, and for the benefits these investments, through the province’s Tourism Product Development Plan, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Department of Heritage will have for my district. The Bonavista Social Club is a wonderful fixture in our community, and I look forward to seeing this business thrive and grow. As well, the investments in the Bonavista Biennale- Art Encounters on the Edge project is a wonderful way to celebrate our heritage and our talented local and Canadian artists. These investments show the provincial and federal government’s commitment to growing and encouraging Newfoundland and Labrador’s strong tourism industry.”
- Neil King, MHA, District of Bonavista
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Katherine Hayes
Bonavista Social Club
709-445-5556
shane@bonavistasocialclub.com
Catherine Beaudette
2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects Corporation
709-766-9500
catherinebeaudette@gmail.com