Dear Minister MacKay,

The Town of Bonavista, perched on the tip of the scenic Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland, has experienced enormous social and financial benefits from initiatives funded by ACOA. I moved from the mainland to Bonavista a few years ago, and there has been an obvious increase in community pride, spirit, and personal well-being during this time despite the difficulties associated with the depleted fisheries. Part of this renewed enthusiasm can be directly related to the historic restoration projects that have been funded largely by ACOA, as these undertakings have positively impacted the growing tourism potential of the community. Despite the increase in number of tourists to the area, there is little for visitors or locals to do in Bonavista after the sun sets!

Accordingly, I wish to express my enthusiastic support for the proposal of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation to redevelop the old Garrick Theatre at Bonavista. I 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.

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,

Arden Bashforth
Bonavista
ardenbashforth@yahoo.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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