Helping rural communities seize opportunities to grow their tourism potential strengthens local economies, creates jobs and builds resilience for future generations. The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are investing to help upgrade an important heritage building in Western Newfoundland to improve visitor experience.
Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology announced a $50,994 investment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee Inc.
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, also announced a non-repayable investment of $145,843.
The contributions will support improvements to Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church and complex. This includes a new visitor services counter and tourism information kiosk, safety and accessibility upgrades, updates to the building’s exterior and entrance, and wayfinding signage on highways and roadsides. The investment will also help the committee develop a new marketing strategy for the 2025 Centennial Celebrations.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to helping communities realize their tourism potential, while attracting more visitors and contributing to the region’s continued economic prosperity.
Quotes
“The Our Lady of Mercy Complex has served as a hub for the Port au Port and Bay St. George region for decades, the centre for a host of community activities. These enhancements will create a sense of welcome for visitors, pride for those who live in the area, and will prepare the region for the 2025 centennial celebration of the heritage facility.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Our Lady of Mercy Church is a treasure of the Port au Port peninsula that should be preserved and celebrated. With the federal government investment announced today, we are giving the incredible team at the church even more tools to make the restoration possible.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee is absolutely delighted to partner with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Provincial Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to do the essential repairs and maintenance to our heritage church. It is more than a building- it is the heart of the community. The restoration activities in this project will help us achieve the goal of the board and the community to restore and preserve our heritage for future generations.”
Sandra Hunt
Chair (Acting), Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee
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