On Christmas Day, 1945, Bonavista’s Garrick Theatre opened its doors to the public. Today, the Garrick is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Newfoundland and Labrador. Now, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada, the Garrick Theatre is transforming itself into a multi-use theatrical facility that will help attract new visitors to the area.

“The $700,000 federal investment we’re making will enhance Bonavista’s tourism infrastructure and improve this region's status as a destination of choice for travelers to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This project will help develop the heritage resources of Bonavista and create new economic opportunities for the town and region.”

The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation will also provide an additional $210,000 to the project.

“The financial viability of the Garrick hinges on a fundamental concept – that it will be a multi-use theatrical venue with cinema to supplement live performance events, allowing the facility to operate on a year round basis with part-time, permanent staff,” said Gordon Bradley, chair of the board of directors of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation. “A second component of the operation will see the Garrick returned to its former roots as a cinema.”

Mr. Bradley said the Garrick Theatre will offer Newfoundland, Canadian and international films, with an emphasis on independent films. During the tourism season, special events featuring Newfoundland films, documentaries and short films will be offered.

ACOA’s funding for this project is provided through its Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation has received funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to renovate the old Garrick Theatre in Bonavista into a multi- use theatre.

The Garrick originally opened its doors on Christmas Day, 1945, and is among the oldest theatre buildings in the province. Federal funding of $700,000 was announced today by Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. Mr. Hearn said the investment from the Government of Canada will see the old theatre developed into a facility that has the capacity to attract new visitors to the Bonavista Peninsula area and create economic opportunities for the town and the region.

-30-

INFORMATION:
 
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935

David Bradley 
Chair, Planning & Priorities Committee
Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc.
709-737-8232