Members of the local arts and cultural industries sector, , tourism operators and businesses in the Gros Morne region will benefit from the marketing and promotional exposure the local tourism industry will receive as a result of the Government of Canada’s support for the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation’s “Voice of Bonne Bay” radio service.
The Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s representative in the federal cabinet, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, today announced assistance of more than $82,000 through the Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to help the “Voice of Bonne Bay” improve its ability to serve area residents and local businesses.
“Our regional tourism industry is a key contributor to Atlantic Canada’s economic growth,” said Minister Valcourt. “Our Government’s investment in the Voice of Bonne Bay will help enhance the Gros Morne visitor experience by highlighting information on a broad range of local tourism features while providing an outlet to showcase local talent and promote the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Voice of Bonne Bay provides tourists and residents with access to local cultural, educational and recreational events, and provides up-to-date coverage of local news stories. The station provides programming that reflects the interests and individuality of the community, and will promote local musicians, writers and other artists in the region. From the station in Norris Point, volunteers also gain valuable training and experience in radio programming and production.
“With this generous contribution from ACOA, the Voice of Bonne Bay is able to really act on the mandate of our parent organization, the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation,” said Gary Wilton, chair of the radio station. “We see VOBB as more than just a radio station — it is a way for us to help strengthen community ties and preserve the unique culture of Bonne Bay while sharing this amazing place with visitors from around the world.”
ACOA funding helped purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the Voice of Bonne Bay, which operates from a permanent studio in the Julia Ann Walsh Heritage Centre (formerly the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital). The station has the capacity to record on location and engage in live-to-air broadcasting. Continuous webcasting over the station’s website allows the broadcaster to reach those outside of the immediate area.
The Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation is dedicated to the preservation of the culture and heritage of the region, the promotion of health and wellness, and community economic and social development. The Government of Canada is providing $82,375 to the BBCHHC through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity- building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Tourists and residents in the Gros Morne region will continue to enjoy local news, music and access to information on the arts community through the Voice of Bonne Bay, as a result of a Government of Canada’s support for the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation
ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt today announced an investment of more than $82,000 which has helped the Corporation purchase state-of-the-art equipment for this unique community station. Support is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Gary Wilton
Chair, Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation
Radio Sub-Committee
709-458-7104
