December 10, 2020 · Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The tourism industry is crucial to the vitality of communities across the Atlantic region. This is why the federal government is working closely with its many community partners to help them diversify their local economies and create jobs. Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Canada is investing to build healthy, resilient communities so their residents can enjoy a high quality of life for generations to come.
Supporting tourism through infrastructure upgrades
Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, along with the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a total investment of $274,757 for the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation to enhance the Garrick Theatre and address challenges caused by the pandemic.
This investment will enable the foundation to renovate the Garrick Theatre and annex to improve the visitor and performer experience and ensure the theatre's long-term success. The project includes redesigning the box office, concession counter and annex stage, improving the annex seating and creating a new green room for visiting artists. The foundation will also develop a new website and acquire new personal protective equipment as well as acrylic barriers.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to communities, non-profit organizations and businesses in Atlantic Canada - helping them to not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like this one will help the tourism sector come back strong, get Atlantic Canadians back to work and ensure that all communities can fully participate in Canada's economic recovery.
Quotes
"Investing in tourism infrastructure supports economic development and builds strong, resilient and vibrant communities. That is why we are investing in important projects to improve key tourism assets like the historic Garrick Theatre in beautiful Bonavista. Initiatives like this one will help the region's tourism sector come back strong after the COVID-19 crisis."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Garrick Theatre is a beloved community and tourism asset in the Bonavista region and plays an important role in the local economy. This investment will enable the theatre to continue to provide high-quality performances year-round in a safe and comfortable manner. The improvements will also enhance the audience's experience and help to attract more visitors when it is safe to travel, generating economic prosperity for years to come."
- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
"The Garrick Theatre is a valuable economic generator and contributor to tourism, culture and arts in the Bonavista area. Support from the Provincial Government to enhance the visitor experience through renovations and digital upgrades will further strengthen the product and help advance other opportunities for sustainable economic growth."
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
"Everyone involved with the foundation is looking forward to the improvements planned for the facility. While most of the changes are to reduce congestion in the theatre's gathering areas, each piece of work is also being carefully considered for its potential to improve the facility for the long-term. As a result of these investments, the Garrick should be well positioned to better serve its clientele long after the pandemic."
- David Bradley, Chair, Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada, through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $210,857 while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $63,900 towards this project.
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The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and development of Bonavista's historic cultural landscape and the implementation of the Historic Townscape Plan.
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The Garrick Theatre is owned and operated by the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation. It is the oldest surviving theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador. The 200-seat theatre first opened on Christmas Day in 1945 and was re-opened in 2010.
