Harbour Breton Website Up Again After Unexpected Service Interruption

Due to the increasing popularity of the Town of Harbour Breton Website as the vehicle for information in and about our town, we recently had to upgrade our service plan to handle the increase in web traffic.

Unfortunately, that resulted in a service interruption that lasted longer than we had expected. But you will be glad to know that the Town of Harbour Breton Website is now operating on a premium plan and we have lots of room for expansion and features that will continue to make your visits well worth your while!

Town of Harbour Breton Celebrates Official Opening of the Elliott Premises

The people of Harbour Breton celebrated the official opening of the Elliott Premises and other related tourism infrastructure developments today with a special ceremony that paid tribute to the many men and women of the community who worked to bring the variety of community-based projects to a successful completion.

In attendance were the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; and His Worship Don Stewart, Mayor of the Town of Harbour Breton; along with officials and citizens from Harbour Breton and surrounding communities.

"Canada’s New Government is continuing to get things done for the people of Harbour Breton and the surrounding areas," said Minister Hearn, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This great tourist facility will make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the tourism industry which is important to the economic growth of the region."

"Today's official opening of the Elliot Premises demonstrates the success and ingenuity of the people of Harbour Breton to use all means at their disposal to grow the economy," said Minister Hedderson. "By combining history, art and culture, this innovative combination of an historic interpretation area, performance space and marina has tremendous potential for economic development through cultural tourism. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to support this initiative."

"For the last several years, the Town of Harbour Breton has been pursuing strategic diversification of our economy in response to the devastating impact of the cod fishery closure in 1992," said Mayor Stewart. "Until a few years ago, the economy of Harbour Breton was entirely dependent on the fishery and the processing jobs associated with it. Although the industry is still the backbone of our economy, we realized we had to diversify by capitalizing on aquaculture opportunities along the coastline, and the unique history and beauty of the community and the surrounding area as a tourism attraction."

The investments by Canada’s New Government and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in the Town of Harbour Breton were a direct response to the short-term crisis created when the town’s fish plant was closed, displacing over 300 employees. The various projects undertaken by the town were supported by a contribution of just over $2.3 million under ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund and $1.25 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

BACKGROUNDER

With the closure of the fish plant in Harbour Breton in late 2004, close to 350 plant workers lost their jobs. While the community worked diligently and was eventually successful in securing another operator for the plant, they were in need of an immediate response to the loss of jobs.

In response, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invested just over $2.3 million and $1.25 million respectively in measures designed to immediately address the loss of employment and, in the longer term, to create economically sustainable initiatives, projects and infrastructure to diversify and strengthen the region’s economic base.

The project consisted of three phases. Phase I included renovations to an existing building formerly known as the Elliott Premises, which has now been completely upgraded to include a 50-seat theatre and the Newman Company Museum. The first phase also included the relocation of a building known as Pierce's Store. The building was floated across the harbour to its present location, where it has been completely refurbished. It is located adjacent to the Elliott Premises.

In addition, a small marina consisting of four floating docks and a kayak launch have been constructed adjacent to both properties.

Phase II included research, development, and construction of 11 interpretative stations for placement at local landmarks, construction of a portable stage for use in community events, and the development the Connaigre Head Trail as a nature walk for hiking enthusiasts.

Phase III included the installation of the interpretative stations, the development of five roadside stops throughout the community to provide scenic lookouts and interpretive materials for visitors, enhancements to the walking trail and boat launch at Mile Pond, the development of a coastal trail from Deadman's Cove to the lighthouse, and additional attraction landscaping at the various sites. The project also assisted the community to build its awareness of the tourism industry through training and marketing efforts.

These projects have provided Harbour Breton with the opportunity to take advantage of the natural beauty and the cultural history of the area through tourism development. The town has a magnificent land-locked harbour and is one of the oldest and largest fishing centres on the south coast of Newfoundland.

Town of Harbour Breton Launches New Community Website

The Town of Harbour Breton is proud to announce the launch of our new community website. The format of our new website was chosen with three things in mind:

This new site format provides us the opportunity to better organize the information into logical groups for easier access and to update and expand our information offerings when required.

New Chair Appointed to the Harbour Breton Economic Development Committee (EDC)

The Town of Harbour Breton has supported the recommendation of the EDC and appointed John Vallis as the New Chair of the Economic Development Committee.

Mr. Vallis replaces former Mayor Churence Rogers as chair having served as vice chair since its inception in 1997. The EDC was formed with a mandate to diversify Harbour Breton's Economy and develop a five year Strategic Development Plan. The plan continues to guide the economic and social development needs of the community.

Mr. Vallis has a long history of service to the Community both as a former adminstrator for the Hospital and more recently as a volunteer. Mr. Vallis' commitment to the community is evident in his current and past volunteer activities, including:

Harbour Breton and Area Broadband Connectivity Project

Broadband for Rural and Northern Communities: Pilot Project

On March 28, 2003 The Town of Harbour Breton submitted a proposal to Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development, Pilot Project for funding to develop a business plan, identifying and securing the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband services to Harbour Breton and the surrounding communities. On July 10, 2003 the successful applicants were announced and the Town of Harbour Breton’s proposal was among the 65 nation wide to receive approval and funding in the amount of $30,000 (50% of the total cost). To further support this project the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has provided an additional $15,000 to assist the area as we aim to improve our information technology capabilities.

Currently no communities identified in the proposal have access to high speed internet. The proposal submitted requires the Town to develop a business plan to determine how to best develop and sustain broadband infrastructure within the community and surrounding area.

This will require an analysis of the specific needs of the area and its various stakeholder groups with respect to broadband connectivity. This will ensure that initiatives are well matched with the educational, health, social, and business needs of the area and will also ensure the most efficient and effective use of resources. In addition, the Town is required to develop a RFP targeting vendors capable of supplying the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband service to the area and select and negotiate terms of the delivery with chosen vendor. To do this the Town will be seeking the assistance of a consultant and have issued a Call for Proposals on August 12, 2003. For more information regarding the requirements of the business plan and RFP please refer to the Industry Canada, Broadband website and view the program guidelines http://broadband.gc.ca and RFP Template.

As part of the process we will be seeking input from individuals, businesses and institutions throughout the study area. The deadline for completion of the Business Plan to Industry Canada is November 20, 2003 at which time it will be considered for implementation.

If you have any questions or would be interested in providing input to our study please contact Baxter House at the Harbour Breton Town Office at (709) 885-2885 or by email at baxter@harbourbreton.com .

Volunteer Appreciation Night in Harbour Breton

On Wednesday May 7, 2003 approximately 140 Volunteers representing 33 organizations gathered at the Connaigre Arena where the Town of Harbour Breton expressed appreciation for the contribution they continue to make on a day to day basis. Volunteers of all ages were present to enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages which were donated by the Town. In addition, a number of Door Prizes were drawn.

All-Party Committee Hold FPI Act Consultations in Harbour Breton

The All-Party Committee holding consultations on the FPI Act came to Harbour Breton on January 31, 2002 to hear from the people most affected by any changes to the Act.

About 1000 people from Harbour Breton and the Coast of Bays region came out to the gymnasium at St. Joseph's School to let the committee know how they felt the recent developments at FPI would affect them personally, their community and the region.

The Hon. Oliver Langdon, MHA, Fortune Bay - Cape LaHune opened the meeting and encouraged everyone to express their views as this was an important issue for their community and also for the province. He then handed the meeting over to the Hon Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, chair of the All-Party Committee. Just then, about 130 plant workers from the night shift at the plant marched into the meeting chanting, "Stop that Deal!", in reference to the proposed FPI-Clearwater deal.

Once the workers took their position at the front of the gym, Eric Day, FFAW, explained that these workers represented the 130 workers wo would have been laid off first if the deal is finalized. The workers took three hours off work to attend this meeting. The local representatives of the FFAW were the first to present explaining the stress the workers and their families are enduring under such trying times and the possibility of having to uproot and leave this area should their jobs be made redundant. They also impressed upon the committee the need to strengthen the FPI Act to protect the workers that has built the company to what it is today.

Mayor Churence Rogers, stated that the workers have the full support of the Town of Harbour Breton and other towns in the region. He said that he was willing to work with the company, government and the unions to reach a suitable solution to this problem. FPI, he said, has been the mainstay of the economy of Harbour Breton for many years and he hoped that this would continue well into the future. After a well delivered, straight from the heart speech, Mayor Rogers was given a standing ovation by the gathering.

Bill Snook, President of the local branch of the NLTA, stated that this issue goes further than the fishplant. It has implications to the educational environment as well. As the numbers of students decrease, so too does the teaching resources. Mr. Snook told the plantworkers that the teachers are solidly behing them in their fight.

Mildred Skinner, the FFAW representative of the inshore fishers, extended their support to the plantworkers as well. This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Tracey Perry, Executive Director of the Coast of Bays Corporation, who put forward four points for consideration:

Will Reid and Eric Day of the FFAW then spoke about working for the company, about the pride of the workers and of the friendly competition between various plants. He also stated that the economies of larger towns such as Grand Falls, Gander and Clarenville are as much dependent on the fishery for successful economies as are the communities that have the fishplants. Roy Drake, a local businessman, gave a presentation on the effects any kind of downsizing would have on the businesses in the town and the surrounding region.

The 'open mic' session heard from such people as Georgina Ollerhead who spoke about the effects this would have on the volunteer sector in the community. Diane Mullins, Margaret Coady and Yvonne Bennett, plant workers, spoke about their personal experiences and that loopholes in the Act must be closed now to prevent future disruptions. Others spoke about the devastating effects any layoffs would have on the town and the region.

Before returning to work, the plantworkers shook hands with the committee members and thanked them for coming to hear their concerns.

Before closing the meeting, co-chairs of the committee commented about the quality of the presentations and the show of support by the whole community. They will consider all the points put forward during the meeting to formulate a plan of action in the weeks ahead.

The committee moves on to the Baie Verte peninsula, the Northern Peninsula and the West Coast next week to complete the consultation process.

Harbour Breton Sets a Course for the Future

On Tuesday, October 24, citizens of Harbour Breton along with regional economic development staff came together at the Lions Club in Harbour Breton to begin a planning process for the town. This plan, once developed, will be the blueprint for development in the town covering all sectors.

Mayor Rogers opened the meeting and pointed out the importance of having a vision to guide the planning. He said that it was important for the citizens to have a say in the planning process so that everyone can take ownership of it and work to see it through.

Joe Whiffen, Dave Vardy and Gail Hoskins (Moore) of the Department of Development and Rural Renewal provided facilitation for the process. After an overview of what will be happening over the next year, the audience broke into small groups to discuss various topics including municipal leadership, employment, infrastructure, youth, seniors, education and numerous other subjects.

The groups then reported back to the meeting and key topics and words were reviewed for inclusion into the vision statement. The Economic Development Committee of the town will now work to fine tune the vision statement as a focus for development. This process will involve other public meetings and the citizens are encouraged to come out and be heard.

Harbour Breton Welcomes Vikings

On Wednesday, August 9, 2000, the Town of Harbour Breton welcomed the Islendingur and its crew of modern day Vikings.

The Islendingur was escorted into Harbour Breton by a flotilla of local pleasure and fishing boats. The Captain and crew were greeted by local dignitaries, federal and provincial politicians, representatives of the corporate

sponsors and hundreds of residents of the Coast of Bays region and central Newfoundland. Following this, a reception, hosted by the provincial government, was held at the local Lions Club.

The Islendingur, a replica Viking longship, earlier this year retraced Leif Ericson's voyages from Iceland to Greenland to L'Anse aux Meadows. Click here to learn more about the Vikings. The ship is now circumnavigating the province as part of the provincial celebrations of the arrival of the Vikings. Performing at each port of call is the well known recording group, "The Fables".

The Islendingur (Icelander in english) was built in 1996 and measures 22.5 meters long by 5.3 meters wide. The vessel draws 1.7 meters of water and is constructed of oak and pine. The vessel is 80 tons gross and her average speed is seven knots. In the Viking age, a ship like the Islendingur would often have around 70 crewmembers with a double shift of rowers for the 32 oars.

The arrival of the Islendingur at Harbour Breton also coincides with the town's civic holiday and the beginning of three days of annual celebrations called the "Tradition by the Sea". The Islendingur will leave on Friday and sail to the Burin Peninsula as it continues its tour of the province.

Harbour Breton Wins Consumer's Choice Award

On April 22, 23, 24 and 25, the Town of Harbour Breton hosted a booth at the Outdoor Newfoundland and Labrador Show 1999 held at the Glacier in Mount Pearl. This event is held annually to showcase services and equipment used in the tourism industry. This year was the first time that towns and Regional Economic Development Boards used the venue as a marketing strategy to attract tourists to their regions.

As part of the Coast of Bays representation, the Town of Harbour Breton participants put on an impressive show with their extensive knowledge of local history and its connection to other parts of the Coast of Bays region. Dressed in period costume, the Harbour Breton display attracted many to ask questions about Harbour Breton and the region in general.

Close to ten thousand people visited the Outdoors Show over the three and a half days providing a one-on-one marketing opportunity for the Coast of Bays contingent which received an overall positive response from all visitors to the display area. As the people were leaving the show they were surveyed by Kinetic Events and Festivals staff about the show. Using this information, they awarded the Town of Harbour Breton with the second place Consumers Choice Award for being the most friendly, courteous, professional and helpful at the Outdoor Newfoundland and Labrador Show 1999.