Tourism Improvements in Norris Arm Benefit Residents and Visitors
News Release
Extending Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre’s operating season means more work and new business opportunities
November 9, 2017 – Norris Arm, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investments in heritage and culture that impact tourism provide communities with more jobs and new business opportunities to help strengthen the middle class and those trying to join it. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing close to $128,000 to enable the Norris Arm Heritage Society Inc. to enhance and expand the arts and heritage interpretation programs and overall visitor experience offered at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of both the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced the funding today.
The project includes upgrades to heating, lighting, sound and electrical systems as well as enhancements to museum displays and staging. Enhancements will allow the museum to meet current exhibition standards, while increasing access to museum collections and heritage displays. The Government of Canada is investing a total of $98,390 in this project with $57,965 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and $40,376 from the Canadian Heritage Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF). The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $29,530.
These investments build on the Government of Canada’s and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This Strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting projects that help position small and medium-sized businesses in the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“Developing and responding to multi-season tourism demand is important in fostering sustainable, viable tourism jobs, products and services. The Government of Canada is committed to working with local businesses and non-profit organizations like the Norris Arm Heritage Society, to boost the local economy and grow key sectors like tourism.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Funding for specialized equipment at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre will help showcase the arts and heritage of this region of Newfoundland and Labrador, and draw in more and more visitors for a richer interactive museum experience.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“The Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre is a key piece of tourism infrastructure in Norris Arm. These upgrades allow an expanded operating season and enhance the capacity of the community to seize new opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification in a strategic sector of the local economy.”
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame
“Our government continues to support diversification and enhance economic development efforts in all regions of the province by investing in tourism initiatives. By supporting improvement and expansion of the visitor experience offered at the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre, today’s announcement will help provide economic benefits to not only Norris Arm, but the surrounding region.”
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The Norris Arm Heritage Society, through the Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre, has been celebrating and preserving this region’s rich cultural history for many years. These improvements will attract more visitors to the area and enhance the visitor experience.”
Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits
“Our Society is deeply indebted to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canadian Heritage and Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for their funding and confidence in our operation. This funding will enable the Society reach its goals of extending our tourism season, to develop hands on learning experience to help educate visitors of all ages on local history, provide a more suitable venue for the performing arts by providing upgrades to lighting, sound as well as enhancements to staging, improve seating for patrons during dinner theatre events. Without this funding, it would be impossible to complete these enhancements to our facility.”
Fred Budgell, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Cyril Langdon
Treasurer
Fox Moth Museum and Heritage Centre
709-653-2163
Cyril.langdon@nf.sympatico.ca