The Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society is receiving funding to strengthen the area’s tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.
The society will engage a consultant who will work with local businesses and community stakeholders to identify capacity building initiatives and ways to further develop the region’s product development experiences with a focus on existing strengths.
“This announcement in Port de Grave will help to identify and develop new experiences in the area and enhance the visitor journey for the entire region,” said Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation Minister Christopher Mitchelmore.
Through this initiative, improvements will also be made to the Green Point Light Station, which was designated a federal heritage building in 1990.
“These investments from the federal and provincial governments will support the Port de Grave Heritage Society in activating its vision to grow the local economy by sharing the peninsula’s living history, cultural heritage and natural landscape through unique and sustainable visitor experience,” according to heritage society president Roland Andrews. “It will also help with visitor access to Green Point Heritage Light House and enhancements associated with its harbour and lifestyle that drive small business growth and employment.”
The initiative is made possible through the province providing $35,647 from the Regional Development Fund; a $94,020 repayable contribution through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency from Innovative Communities Fund; the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is contributing a $21,000 grant and Parks Canada is investing $4,000 towards the project.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with organizations like the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to boost tourism and diversify our communities,” said Avalon MP Ken McDonald. “The unique culture and history of the Port de Grave Peninsula and the welcoming people who live there make it a wonderful tourist destination. This project will further develop and enhance the area’s tourism offerings, which will attract more visitors and provide them with first class tourism products and experiences.”
These investments are said to build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region.
“Tourism is an important economic driver in Atlantic Canada and that is why growing tourism is a key priority of the Atlantic Growth Strategy,” said Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA Navdeep Bains. “By making smart investments in tourism initiatives like this one with the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society we are helping to bring more visitors to the region, generate new economic opportunities and build strong, vibrant communities.”
The approach is also noted to be in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-10 global tourism destination by 2025.
“I am extremely pleased to see our government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, support the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society,” Harbour Grace - Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons. “There is a bright future for the people of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, as we are focused on identifying all potential opportunities for growth.
“This funding is a testament to the continuation of our commitment to strengthen the tourism industry, preserve heritage, and innovative economic prospects in my beautiful district of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.”
