November 25, 2004 Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Visitors to Red Bay, Labrador, will now find it easier to locate the many interpretive sites and scenic attractions that this popular tourism destination has to offer thanks to a new project being funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Town of Red Bay will receive $110,243 to carry out several improvements to the community's tourism infrastructure, including the construction of a new information booth, enhancements to the Town of Red Bay signage and upgrades to an existing walking trail to the Boney Shore. "Red Bay's unique history as a Basque whaling site already attracts visitors from around the world," said Lawrence O'Brien, M.P. Labrador. "And the numbers are growing every year. This new signage and information booth will make it easier to direct tourists to this town's attractions and will ensure that the community continues to develop a top- notch tourism product." The Town of Red Bay is designated as a National Historic site. Two Parks Canada centres interpret the town's sixteenth-century Basque history. One site, the Right Whale Exhibit, houses unique artefacts such as an original Basque whaling boat, or Chalupa, and a sixteenth-century whale skeleton. Visitors can also travel by boat to Saddle Island, the centre of Basque whaling activities. "We are delighted with this most recent funding from ACOA, "says Colinda Twyne deputy mayor of Red Bay. "Tourism has doubled since 1998. Now, in addition to being a National Historic Site, our town is currently short listed to become a World Heritage site. These enhancements are very important as we gain recognition on the global stage. ACOA's partnership has been critical to our development as a world-class tourism destination." The Town of Red Bay is located on the southern coast of Labrador. Its whaling history dates back to the sixteenth century when Basque whalers travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to harvest Right Whales. On Saddle Island, located alongside Red Bay, archaeologists have discovered the remains of buildings, as well as a cemetery, where it is believed that approximately 140 Basque whalers have been laid to rest. Red Bay also has several popular walking trails, one of which leads to the top of Tracey Hill and provides a panoramic view of the town and coastline. This initiative is being funded through the Short Term Adjustment Initiative, a $25.8 million dollar program designed to meet the immediate needs of communities and individuals affected by the cod fishery closures. The project will also employ qualified expertise to ensure construction practices follow industry code. The STAI program is administered by ACOA. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: The Town of Red Bay will make improvements to its tourism infrastructure. Labrador MP Lawrence O'Brien made the announcement on behalf of ACOA, saying $110, 243 will go to the project. The tourism enhancements will include the construction of an information booth that will direct tourists to Red Bay's many historic sites, as well as improved town signage and upgrades to popular walking trails. Red Bay, the site of an active sixteenth-century Basque whaling industry, is currently a National Historic site and has been short- listed to become a World Heritage site. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-4227 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA (709) 772-2935 Elizabeth Yetman Town Clerk Town of Red Bay (709) 920-2197
