Supporting tourism in Port au Port West
News release
Governments of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador invest in Our Lady of Mercy heritage structure
August 20, 2024 · Port au Port West, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Helping rural communities seize opportunities to grow their tourism potential strengthens local economies, creates jobs and builds resilience for future generations. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing to help upgrade an important heritage building in Western Newfoundland to improve visitor experience.
Federal, provincial investments help boost tourism
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a non-repayable investment of $145,843 to the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee Inc. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also contributing $50,994 to the project.
The contributions will support improvements to Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church and complex. This includes a new visitor services counter and tourism information kiosk, safety and accessibility upgrades, updates to the building’s exterior and entrance, and wayfinding signage on highways and roadsides. The investment will also help the committee develop a new marketing strategy for the 2025 Centennial Celebrations.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities realize their tourism potential, while attracting more visitors and contributing to the region’s continued economic prosperity.
Quotes
“Our Lady of Mercy Church is a treasure of the Port au Port peninsula that should be preserved and celebrated. With the federal government investment announced today, we are giving the incredible team at the church even more tools to make the restoration possible.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Our Lady of Mercy Complex has served as a hub for the Port au Port and Bay St. George region for decades, the centre for a host of community activities. These enhancements will create a sense of welcome for visitors, pride for those who live in the area, and will prepare the region for the 2025 centennial celebration of the heritage facility.”
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee is absolutely delighted to partner with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Provincial Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to do the essential repairs and maintenance to our heritage church. It is more than a building- it is the heart of the community. The restoration activities in this project will help us achieve the goal of the board and the community to restore and preserve our heritage for future generations.”
- Sandra Hunt, Chair (Acting), Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee
Quick facts
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Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation and restoration of the church and complex for residents and visitors of the Port au Port and Bay St. George region.
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Construction of Our Lady of Mercy Church began in 1914 and was officially consecrated in 1925.
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At 115 feet in height, the church is the largest wooden structure in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1997, the church was named a registered heritage structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, tours of the church and public services are offered during the summer months.
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The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
(Acting) Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-743-5835
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5282; 693-1865
Joanne Rose
Treasurer
Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee Inc.
709-649-9187
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