Boosting visitor experiences on the Bonavista Peninsula

News release

August 5, 2021 · Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is vital to the region’s economy and supports thousands of local jobs and businesses. That is why the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing in two non-profit organizations on the Bonavista Peninsula, to improve visitor activities in the area.

Federal and provincial government funding will help strengthen tourism

Today, Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, along with the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a total combined contribution of $1,759,529 to support two projects that will enhance popular tourism sites and attractions in the region.

·        The Bonavista Histortic Townscape Foundation Inc. is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $998,489 from ACOA, along with a $485,790 investment from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. These investments support upgrades to the Alexander Bridge House and nearby street area. The project will improve public safety, offer a shared space for tourism operators and create a new, engaging visitor experience showcasing the region’s history and architecture.

·        The Bonavista - Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $214,500 from ACOA, along with a $60,750 investment from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. These investments support initiatives that will help build a stronger brand for the Bonavista Peninsula’s tourism industry, extend the tourism season, and encourage visitors to stay in the area longer.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help the tourism sector build back better and create strong, resilient Atlantic Canadian communities.

Quotes

“Before the pandemic, Atlantic Canada’s beautiful landscapes, delicious food and rich cultural experiences attracted millions of visitors each year, creating good local jobs and a strong economy. By enhancing visitor experiences on the Bonavista Peninsula, we are creating new opportunities for communities, businesses and tourism operators. Through our plan for a swift recovery, and by supporting initiatives like these, we are preparing for economic growth and success.”

-   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA


“The Bonavista Peninsula has a lot to be proud of, and has grown into a popular tourist destination. With the Government of Canada’s support, the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation and the Bonavista - Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce are keeping the momentum going and creating more activities to continue building on the accomplishments of the region.”

- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity


“Collaboration by many industry partners in this area of the province has resulted in the ongoing implementation of economic development initiatives, often linked to culture, heritage, geology and the natural environment. We look forward to the results of these projects, which aim to support further growth in the region.”

- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Bridge House will indeed add to the tourism infrastructure and generate new economic activity for the Bonavista Peninsula, but its restoration is also important for other reasons. This iconic structure, built over 200 years ago, represents a transformational period in Newfoundland's history when the bulk of English and Irish immigration occurred, creating a large pool of permanent settlers. Resident merchants and fishers eventually displaced the longstanding English migratory fishery, and came to dominate this international trade. Public access to Bridge House will allow people to learn more about these themes, and how Bonavista's built heritage evolved over time once permanent settlement was established.”

- David Bradley, Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc.

 

“The Bonavista-Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce is very much grateful for the continued support from both of our funding partners—Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. With this federal and provincial investment, we can now focus on amplifying our peninsula’s marketing activities to make it one of Canada’s top destinations for visitors, nationally and internationally.”

- John Norman, Mayor of Bonavista and President of the Bonavista-Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce

Quick facts

  • The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc. (BHTF) is an incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and development of Bonavista’s built heritage. The investment announced today will allow the Foundation to complete upgrades to the town’s historical district, and introduce new experiential and interpretive activities and tours. The project builds on previous Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) investments in Bonavista, which have helped draw many new business start-ups and residents to the area in recent years.

  • The Bonavista - Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce (BTRCC) is a non-profit organization with the objectives of promoting and improving trade and commerce, and the economic, civic and social welfare of the region. The investment announced today will support activities and events, including a shop local campaign, to encourage visitors to stay in the area longer.

  • The Government of Canada is providing a total investment of $1,212,989: the BHTF is receiving $998,489 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and the BTRCC is receiving $214,500 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Economic

Development and Official Languages

Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca


Julie Afonso

Manager, Communications

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

709-743-5835

julie.afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca


Eric Humber

Media Relations Manager

Department of Industry, Energy and Technology

709- 729-5777

erichumber@gov.nl.ca


Melissa Boyce

General Manager

Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc.

709-468-5777

melissaboycebhtf@gmail.com


John Norman

President

Bonavista-Trinity Regional Chamber of Commerce

709-468-8696

johnnorman21@gmail.com

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