Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre to be Expanded

News release

April 11, 2019 – Carbonear, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The tourism industry is an important economic driver in Atlantic Canada that is generating new opportunities for economic development, creating good paying jobs for the middle class and diversifying communities. The industry offers tremendous opportunity for further economic growth and community development in key areas like the performing arts.

The Town of Carbonear is expanding and renovating the Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre so it can diversify and accommodate larger scale events, including theatre productions, conferences and trade shows. The expansion involves the construction of a large multi-purpose room, a kitchenette and an improved and bigger backstage area, including renovated dressing rooms and washrooms.

The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $528,382 and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $203,223 towards the project.

Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works, made the announcement today.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in the Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre is building on our competitive advantages by supporting the modernization of community infrastructure and the expansion of key tourism assets, which are needed to boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians.”
    -The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible     for ACOA

“The Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre is one of several key attractions in Carbonear that draws visitors from around the world and is a source of pride for residents and the entire Baccalieu Trail region. We are pleased to partner with the Town of Carbonear to support the expansion of this beautiful theatre, which will enable it to better accommodate the needs of performing companies and increase its capacity to host larger events. Projects like this one help advance tourism and economic activity in the region for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
    - Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon

“Our government is pleased to support the expansion of the Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre, improving its ability to attract larger scale theatrical productions, trade shows, drama festivals and other community events. Enhancing this cultural product will act as a catalyst for increased investment and business development in Carbonear’s downtown renewal initiative.”
    - The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and     Innovation

“This funding is excellent news for the district of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde. This expansion of the Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre will benefit the entire Trinity Conception region and it will also be an integral part of Carbonear's downtown renewal initiatives. The construction for the renewal of the downtown area will be commencing soon and will allow the community to take full advantage of their downtown area.”
    - The Honourable Steve Crocker, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works

“The Town of Carbonear would like to thank ACOA and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for funding the theatre expansion, which is an investment in tourism and economic growth in Carbonear and the region. As the principal performing arts centre on the Baccalieu Trail, this funding will allow the theatre to diversify and accommodate larger scale events enhancing the economy of the region.”
    - His Worship Frank Butt, Mayor of the Town of Carbonear

Quick facts

  • The Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre opened in 1998. The 379-seat, air conditioned and wheelchair accessible facility is located in the Conception Bay Regional Community Centre and is the principal centre for performing arts in the Baccalieu Trail region.

  • The Government of Canada is investing $528,382 in this project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $203,223 towards this project.

  • The Innovative Communities Fund focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.

  • Eligible recipients include non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local co-operatives, universities and educational institutions.

Contacts

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Cynthia A. Davis
Chief Adminstrative Officer
Town of Carbonear
709-596-3831 Ext. 224
c.davis@nf.aibn.com

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