Dear Minister Mackay:

I am writing this letter of support on behalf of the Garrick Theatre and the people of Bonavista.

Within the last fifteen years Newfoundlanders have struggled to reinvent themselves and their communities in the wake of the moratorium. Many outports have established community museums and archives and recreated historic fishing villages, all in an attempt to showcase our incredible culture and heritage to the rest of the world, while at the same time creating jobs and contributing to the economy.

This is a project that has the potential, not only to increase tourism, but to keep tourists in the area longer. It will also become a good recreational and educational tool enabling those along the Bonavista Peninsula to provide a venue for talent within their own community.

ACOA's purpose is to help communities like Bonvista find funding for projects that attempt to sustain heritage communities. Certainly, by granting money to help with the outside of the building, you encouraged members of the community to go forward with this project. Not only would it be irresponsible to choose not to support the rest of this inititive, but it is damaging to the morale of the people to discontinue support at this stage.

As a member of several heritage organizations within the province, I have seen first hand what a thriving tourist industry does for our economy. Sharing our heritage also strengthens our volunteer sector and provides a cultural purpose for our people. It provides our children with a glimpse of the past as an understanding for the future. Reviving a piece of heritage such as the theatre in Bonavista can have wide-reaching effects on communities. Please consider reversing your decision and help contribute funding for the Garrick Theatre.

Yours sincerely,
Melanie Martin, St. John's
mmmartin@mun.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

Supporting Cast? Yes

Post Your Letter? Yes

IP:134.153.202.166