Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Invests in Bonavista Peninsula

Press Release

September 20, 2024

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier tourism destinations with its rugged coastlines, rich history, vibrant cultural experiences and opportunities for nature viewing. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Government of Canada, is investing to help communities build on the region’s tourism potential and improve experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a contribution of almost $700,000 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for five tourism-related projects within the Bonavista Peninsula region. The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, also announced federal investments of over $2.4 million for seven projects.

Tourism is an important industry for communities and a key part to building a robust and diverse economy. These investments will help upgrade equipment and infrastructure, improve energy efficiencies, and support the development and production of art exhibitions, culinary festivals and vibrant theatre experiences in Trinity and the Bonavista Peninsula region.

For the full list of projects, please see the backgrounder.

Quotes

“Our government continues to champion our province as an incredible destination for tourism and business investment. This funding supports economic development initiatives, innovation and capacity building in the Bonavista Peninsula region of the province. The projects are an essential part of building a successful and sustainable tourism industry in the area, and we are pleased to partner with these organizations and appreciate the important work they continue to do.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry is a strong contributor to our provincial economy, bringing in over $1.2 billion annually. The Bonavista Peninsula encapsulates everything that visitors are looking for – geographical beauty, unique cultural offerings, outdoor adventure opportunities and authentic experiences. Investing in tourism operators in the region will help grow the economy and create even more compelling reasons to visit.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Newfoundland and Labrador has what the tourism visitor is looking for – especially the rugged and magical Bonavista Peninsula. The investments your federal government is making today will boost the local economy and make the communities that support these visitors even stronger.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“With its diverse attractions, experiences and amenities, the Bonavista Peninsula region has a lot to be proud of. Projects like those announced today are creating more opportunities for tourism, building momentum in the region and moving us forward toward a stronger, brighter future.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity

“Tourism Elliston is so very appreciative of the funding received today from ACOA and the Province to grow Roots, Rants and Roars to a broader regional level. Already recognized as one of Canada’s top culinary festivals, these funds will help enhance and expand the annual Roots Rants and Roars festival to include activities throughout the Bonavista region resulting in significant economic benefits for the entire area.”
Marilyn Coles-Hayley, Chairperson
Tourism Elliston

“We would like to thank ACOA and the province for the funding received today by the Home from the Sea Foundation which will help ensure the sustainability of the Sealers Interpretation Centre and Sealers Memorial in Elliston. This funding will provide increased marketing activities including interactive visitor and multimedia experiences resulting in increased visitation, broader programming and an enriched visitor experience.”
Chris Collingwood, Chairperson
Home from the Sea Foundation

“We are grateful to ACOA and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for its ongoing support of the Bonavista Biennale. Funding has allowed us to provide an important platform for contemporary art while also encouraging significant tourist spending and job creation throughout the Bonavista Peninsula.”
Sue Balint, Executive Director
Bonavista Biennale

“As a not-for-profit interpretive tourist attraction with charitable status, the Cape Random Trust Inc. has been operating on the Bonavista Peninsula for over 20 years. ACOA and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador have been with us every step of the way, offering advice and financial support as we strive to develop a high-quality visitor experience. As we move into an era of new challenges and opportunities, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with ACOA, the province and the other tourism operators in our region.”
Dawne Marlow, Chairperson
Cape Random Trust Inc.

“Rising Tide Theatre is proud to contribute to the economic and cultural life of this magnificent place we call home. Great achievements come with dedicated and passionate teams and with strong and supportive partners. ACOA and the provincial government have always been there for us, without their faith and commitment such growth and impact simply would not be possible. Communities thrive when we work hard, and we build together as we have had the honour to do in Trinity since 1993.”
Donna Butt, Founder/Senior Producer
Rising Tide Theatre

“ACOA and the Provincial Government’s support for our hydroponic farm project is a game-changer for the Bonavista Peninsula, driving local economic growth while tackling food insecurity head-on. This investment will empower our communities to access fresh, nutritious produce and create sustainable employment opportunities.”
Laura Bishop, Chairperson
SaltWater Community Association Inc.

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BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is investing more than $3.1 million in the Bonavista Peninsula to help stimulate the local economy, upgrade equipment and infrastructure, increase tourism experiences and improve the quality of life for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and Canadians.

2024 09 20

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