Live Rural NL blog sends congratulations to the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital, Norris Point, NL for being designated a Place of Provincial Significance in 2011. Thank you Joan Cranston, Director, a committed volunteer and community activist for taking the time to make this worthy nomination as the Center is truly worthy of this designation. To read more about the BBCH click the following link: http://www.seethesites.ca/designations/bonne-bay-cottage-hospital.aspx
The Julia Ann Walsh Heritage Center is well-known for being the former Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital. After the construction of a new clinic in Norris Point, the fate of the building was unknown. However, community spirit and a group of dedicated volunteers worked together to ensure that this building of historical significance could continue to serve the community.
“The BBCHHC is a not-for-profit community corporation whose mandate is the adaptive re-use of the center for the preservation of local culture and heritage (including arts, crafts, music and oral history), the promotion of health and wellness, and community economic and social development.” JuliaAnnWalshHeritageCenter
Today the Center is home to:
- Norris Point Public Library and CAP Site – 458-3368;
- Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation – 458-3072;
- Norris Point International Backpackers Hostel – 458-3072 OR 458-8880;
- VOBB (Voice of Bonne Bay) Community Radio Station;
- Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival Committee – 458-3399;
- Cottage Hospital Physiotherapy and Fitness – 458-2875;
- Norris Point Harbour Authority – 458-2647;
- Bonne Bay Ground Search and Rescue Team – 458-2222 (RCMP);
- Writers at Woody Point Festival
They have a studio space, which is available for rent to conduct meetings, classes for health, well-ness, art, crafts, music, storytelling and other economic and social development activities. The Center is working to build a community garden, greenhouses and a community kitchen. The importance of growing local is gaining momentum and garnering interest from locals and travellers to grow and buy local produce. This is a community space, a social commons. It is amazing the progress that can be achieved by working with others, fostering strong partnerships, establishing co-operatives and meeting the needs of the greater community. Is there room for a Place of Similar Social Significance in the Straits of Belle Isle region? St. Anthony & Greater Area? Northern Peninsula East Heritage Corridor? We must let the movers & shakers, the residents and stakeholders of these communities decide if this is something they feel is a good fit with their needs, wants and norms.
Also the Nomination Deadline of June 15, 2011 is quickly approaching. If you think a person, event, place or tradition is significant in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador then click the link below:
Experience the Great Northern Peninsula –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Volunteers – Stars in Our Community (liveruralnl.com)
- Scenic Gros Morne National Park (liveruralnl.com)
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