Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador support O’Brien Farm Foundation
St. John’s, NL – Supporting important economic sectors in Atlantic Canada like tourism and agriculture generates new opportunities, creates good paying jobs and helps to strengthen and diversify our communities. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that these industries offer a tremendous opportunity for further economic growth. That is why they are partnering with the
O’Brien Farm Foundation on an initiative that will benefit the agriculture and tourism sectors, while also preserving the history of urban farming and Irish settlement in St. John’s.
Over the next three years, the O’Brien Farm Foundation will undertake the development of the 200-year old O’Brien Farm to preserve its history, advance public education on sustainable agricultural practices, encourage innovation in agriculture and enhance cultural and experiential tourism at the farm.
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), made the announcement today. The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl also took part in the event.
The project will involve interior and exterior renovations to Thimble Cottage and improvements to the grounds and parking area, as well as constructing a learning centre, creating a community garden and developing farm incubator infrastructure, including a barn, fencing and equipment. The foundation is receiving $600,000 from ACOA’s
Business Development Program and $263,750 from TCII’s Regional Development Program for this initiative.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the
Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians. This includes supporting economic development in key sectors like tourism and agriculture through investments in innovation, growth and diversification.