Ferryland, NL – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, was in Ferryland today to officially transfer ownership of the Ferryland Head Lighthouse to the Town of Ferryland. The Ferryland Head Lighthouse is currently home to Lighthouse Picnics, a thriving world-renowned tourist destination.
“Our government is pleased to support new economic opportunities in all regions of the country such as divesting the Ferryland Head Lighthouse to become the unique attraction that it now has become,” said Minister Ashfield. “This site which has long been a great attraction for the Southern Shore has been re-invented as a unique tourist destination that is making an important economic contribution to the area.”
The Government of Canada’s divestiture program allows government to engage communities and transfer assets to support economic innovation and tourism opportunities. Fisheries and Oceans has transferred ownership of over 100 lighthouse properties in Canada over the past 20 years in a manner which supports local economic development.
“We are enabling and sustaining Canada’s long-term economic growth, supporting jobs and helping communities and industries prosper. Lighthouse Picnics is a great example of the success that can be achieved through government co-operation and entrepreneurial innovation,” said Minister Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador
Ferryland Picnics has garnered recognition and awards internationally: EnRoute Magazine’s 100 Favourite Things in the World and listed in 2010 Canadian Living magazine’s #1 Picnic Place in Canada.
Jill Curran owner of Lighthouse Picnics developed the concept of a picnic experience based on her roots in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Many people here work outdoors and are used to taking their cup of tea and bit of bread outside. We enjoy it so much we thought others would too. This is a great day and recognizes the success of our business.”
The Canadian Coast Guard will continue to operate and maintain the light inside the Ferryland Head Lighthouse in accordance with the transfer agreement.
