Dear Minister MacKay,

I was raised in the town of Bonavista. I will never forget the lessons I learned there while growing up and will always be proud of the town and its people! What does that have to do with the funding of the Garrick Theatre? Let me tell you...

The theatre was home for my friends and I every single weekend night I can remember while growing up. We shared many laughs, got ourselves into trouble with ushers, and nervously held the hand of our first girlfriends as well. It will forever be a place I hold very close to my heart.

With the closing of the theatre some years ago, part of the attraction of surrounding communities and tourists alike, died a death we all thought would last for good... Now, as one goes by the theatre on the beautifully reconstructed two-way street, the great job of renovating the building catches the eye of all who see it!

With the recent focus on increased tourism for Bonavista in the past few years, the experience of witnessing a live play based on the life of local residents in past years would leave none disappointed! It would leave audiences with life-long memories of one of the most beautiful places in the world, Bonavista.

Now, let's add in the bonus of feature films to attract younger generations. How about if the added bonus of having access to a theatre and the latest hit movies keeps the town even a little more alive with a younger generation? Imagine, no more having to drive almost 2 hours to get to the nearest movie theatre! And also having the chance to experience this movie in beautiful downtown Bonavista!

Let me tell you sir, that as a live musician and performer in the St. John's area, I would also jump at the chance to create some memories for residents and tourists alike with my own band at the theatre... envision an intimate and interactive acoustic session where folks could request what they wanted, or even asks questions on old and new songs alike. Or how about a more upbeat, rock show for the younger generation again? Yet another way to keep them in the area!

Please consider all of the above ideas before shutting down the idea of helping make the Garrick Theatre a reality! Also, please believe me when I say that to see that building looking great again outside brings back memories of a downtown Bonavista alive with both young and old alike. Alive with folks strolling the streets on a warm and beautiful night, discussing the amazing feature film they just witnessed with their family and friends!

Imagine...

Yours sincerely,
David White
B.Kin(hons), PFLC
David White
St. John's
david.white@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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