Dear Minister Mackay:

We wish to express our enthusiastic support for the proposal of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation to redevelop the old Garrick Theatre at Bonavista. We believe that the redeveloped Garrick, a sustainable facility, would contribute much to the social and economic fabric of the Bonavista area. It offers numerous social, cultural and educational advantages - outlined on the Foundation's web site (www.garricktheatre.ca) - that would enhance its economic impact in the region.

We have recently moved to Bonavista from Brandon, Manitoba. The reason we chose to retire to Bonavista is twofold – we have found Newfoundland and Labrador to be an extremely beautiful and friendly province, and Bonavista has great appeal with the restoration of several heritage homes. We ourselves live in the 100+ year old Levi Ayles property which was restored under the Historic Properties Investment Program.

Restoration of the Garrick would add to the appeal of Bonavista as a heritage town, and provide activities for local people of all ages, as well as for individuals such as us who have chosen to join the Bonavista people. The Garrick would also be a great addition to the town in attracting tourists, and retaining them on the Bonavista peninsula longer.

The Foundation recently submitted a funding application to ACOA seeking support for this initiative. In my view, development agencies entrusted with the responsibility of helping communities and regions to revitalize their economies in "rural" Canada have an obligation to recognize and support sustainable, long-term initiatives that can succeed. Your government is committed to encouraging, "economic development in all regions of the country and creating job opportunities for all Canadians regardless of where they live." I believe that ACOA and other public agencies should therefore regard the Garrick as a high priority for development in the Bonavista area. Please ensure that ACOA gives the Garrick Theatre proposal full consideration. Thank you for considering this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Gerald & Elaine Bashforth
Bonavista
gbashforth@nf.sympatico.ca

cc:
Hon. Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Hon. Danny Williams, Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
Hon. Tom Hedderson, Minister, Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Hon. Kathy Dunderdale, Minister, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Scott Simms, M.P., Bonavista Gander Grand Falls-Windsor
Roger Fitzgerald, M.H.A., Bonavista South
Paul Mills, Vice-President (Newfoundland and Labrador), ACOA
Mayor Betty Fitzgerald, Town of Bonavista

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