Peter Penashue announced today Government of Canada support for renovations to an important cultural landmark in Marystown. The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council, and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of $230,000 to assist with improvements to St. Gabriel’s Hall. Minister Penashue made the announcement on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie.
“Our arts and cultural sectors play an important role in the life of our communities and the economy of our region,” said Minister Penashue.”Our investment in the renovation of St. Gabriel’s Hall helps it become a key performance venue for the local arts community and is an investment in the growth and vitality of Marystown.”
St. Gabriel’s Hall is a well-known landmark. Built in the early 1900’s by the local citizens, it served as a school, community centre, church and event venue. These renovations will allow the hall to once again be the community focal point it was nearly 100 years ago.
“This funding will see the physical restoration of St. Gabriel’s Hall to fruition. It will be a place that every resident of the region can be proud of,” said John Baker, Chair of Board of Directors at St. Gabriel’s Hall. “With a seating capacity in excess of 450, it will allow us to attract cultural, historic and contemporary acts and events that would otherwise bypass the Burin Peninsula.”
ACOA’s assistance for this project will be used to complete restorations of the hall, including exterior and interior improvements, electrical upgrades, and new seating and audio visual equipment.
The Government of Canada’s support is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), a program which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Minister Penashue today announced an investment of almost $230,000 to assist in the renovation of St. Gabriel’s Hall in Marystown as a facility for the performing arts.
The assistance from the Government of Canada will be used to complete restorations of the hall, including exterior and interior improvements, electrical upgrades, and new seating and audio visual equipment.
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INFORMATION: Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 709-772-2935 John Baker Chair of Board of Directors St. Gabriel’s Hall Inc. 709-277-2858
