Tourism is a vital economic driver for many small and rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is investing to help Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. prepare for the community’s annual boat lighting festival.

“From Tibb’s Eve to the Mummers, the holiday season in Newfoundland and Labrador is special – and the boats in Port de Grave can’t be missed. With this investment, we’re helping share this holiday tradition with even more people and creating more opportunities for local businesses.”
       -      The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister
              responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with organizations like the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to boost tourism and diversify our communities. By investing in projects such as the annual Boat Lighting Festival, we are collectively developing and enhancing the area’s tourism offerings, which will attract more visitors and provide them with first class tourism products and experiences.”

       -    Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon

 

“Beginning with just a few boats, and growing over time, this amazing event has drawn local, national and international attention.  The Annual Boat Lighting Festival is one of the key tourism attractions for the Baccalieu Trail region. For many, coming out to see the boats has become a cherished holiday tradition, and we are pleased to provide support for this event as it marks its 25^th anniversary.”

-        The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, Member of the House of Assembly for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave 

“On behalf of the Port de Grave Boat Lighting Sub Committee of the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society, we are extremely happy that ACOA and the Provincial Government have come onboard this year.  Funding from both Governments will help us do so much more than we have in the past 24 years.  We are super excited to be celebrating 25 years.”

-        Joyce Morgan, Chair, Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc.

• Internationally recognized and featured in provincial and national tourism materials, the Port de Grave Boat Lighting Festival features close to 60 brightly lit boats and vessels at night, while attracting thousands of visitors and residents each year.

• The Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc was formed in 1993 and is a registered charitable organization. It has its own by-laws and constitution and is operated by a Board of Directors who are all volunteers.

• Since 1999, locals from the Port de Grave Peninsula have organized the annual boat lighting festival, transforming Port de Grave Harbour into a floating North Pole.

• This festival begins on the second Friday in December of each year and continues until January 6 on Old Christmas Day.

• The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA)  Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). 

Associated links

• Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)
• Regional Development Fund
• Port de Grave Peninsula
• Christmas in the Harbour

Kevin Lemkay

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Kevin.Lemkay@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Paul McGrath

Director of Communications

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

709-689-5731

Paul.Mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Brodie Thomas

Media Relations Manager

Industry, Energy and Technology

709-729-5248; 725-3759

BrodieThomas@gov.nl.ca

Joyce Morgan

Chair

Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc.

709-680-1231

Joyce@pdgphs.com