Tourism is a vital economic driver for many small and rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Government of Canada, is investing to help the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. prepare for the community’s annual boat lighting festival.

Today, the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, announced a non-repayable contribution of $9,165 for the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. to help promote and enhance the 25th annual Port de Grave Boat Lighting Festival – a key part of this year’s annual Christmas in the Harbour 2023 celebration. The announcement was made on behalf of The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, also announced a non-repayable contribution of $27,786 on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The investment will help the society attract more people to the popular festival while delivering an enriched visitor experience. Improvements include a welcome booth and signage to help visitors explore and navigate the festival area.

Through projects like this one, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are working together to create new opportunities for communities to engage and attract visitors, setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.

Quotes
“Beginning with just a few boats, and growing over time, this amazing event has drawn local, national and international attention. The Annual Boat Lighting Festival is one of the key tourism attractions for the Baccalieu Trail region. For many, coming out to see the boats has become a cherished holiday tradition, and we are pleased to provide support for this event as it marks its 25th anniversary.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave

“From Tibb’s Eve to the Mummers, the holiday season in Newfoundland and Labrador is special – and the boats in Port de Grave can’t be missed. With this investment, we’re helping share this holiday tradition with even more people and creating more opportunities for local businesses.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“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. By investing in projects such as the annual Boat Lighting Festival, we are collectively developing and enhancing the area’s tourism offerings, which will attract more visitors and provide them with first class tourism products and experiences.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon

“On behalf of the Port de Grave Boat Lighting Sub Committee of the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society, we are extremely happy that ACOA and the Provincial Government have come onboard this year.  Funding from both Governments will help us do so much more than we have in the past 24 years.  We are super excited to be celebrating 25 years.”
Joyce Morgan
Chair, Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc.

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Learn more
Regional Development Fund

Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)

Port de Grave Peninsula

Christmas in the Harbour

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