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Pigeon Inlet NewsFurther updates about Pigeon Inelt can be found: Updated April 12, 2008. On April 2, 2008, the Town of Bay Roberts and the Pigeon Inlet Steering Committee hosted an Information Session for Provincial and Federal government funding agencies.
The event was held at the SUF Hall on Patterson Street, and despite the inclement weather, approximately 40 people were in attendance. Even though we greatly appreciate the fact that our town has provided the financial backing for this project to date, it would be irresponsible for us to assume that this level of funding would continue indefinitely. As we progress beyond this summer's Official Launch of the project and the 2008 production of A ‘Time' in Pigeon Inlet, and toward a sustainable tourism venture, we will be in need of sound direction and funding. This session was intended to provide background information and heighten the awareness of the scope of the project. Since Pigeon Inlet would obviously become an economic generator for the town, the session opened with a presentation of the town's economic development video . Mayor Glen Littlejohn then spoke to the Committee's vision and determination. He elaborated on Council's support for the project and the belief that it has the potential to become yet another factor in supporting the fact that Bay Roberts is ‘Not Your Ordinary Small Town'.
Councilor Clarence Mercer's power point presentation included a history of the vision and a vivid description of ‘the dream'- the living heritage village. He highlighted the potential economic benefits such a project could provide to the town and region and expounded on its educational merit and the implications for cultural preservation in the area. On behalf of the town and the committee, Mr. Mercer expressed a willingness and desire to partner with schools, entrepreneurs, other municipalities and organizations, as well as the corporate community to promote quality tourist packages that would entice visitors to visit Bay Roberts/Pigeon Inlet and other events and sites in the region, in an attempt to make the Baccalieu Trail a true tourism destination.
Mr. Mercer's presentation was followed by that of Kelly Russell, who shared the excitement of the Russell family in the development of a legacy for his father through the Pigeon Inlet project. He indicated that the current project was once his own personal dream, and was, therefore, extremely delighted to have been given the opportunity to become part of a project that would honor his father and his writings. [Photo from left: Councillor Clarence Mercer, Kelly Russell (Ted Russell's son), Bay Roberts Mayor, Glenn Littlejohn.] Those in attendance were very impressed by the scope and potential of the project as well as the work done to date. As a result of this information session, there have been several requests for more private meetings, which will take place over the coming weeks. If you have an idea that you think would compliment the efforts of the Pigeon Inlet Steering Committee, please contact Ron Delaney, Director of Tourism, Economic Development and Recreation @ 786-2126; Clarence G. Mercer, Chairperson, Pigeon Inlet Steering Committee at clarencemercer@bayroberts.com or drop us a line at pigeoninlet@bayroberts.com . Photos from session
Updated February 15, 2008. Many positive steps have been taken in the project since the August 17th meeting with Dr. Elizabeth Miller.
On November 26th, 2007, Councillor Clarence Mercer and Ron Delaney, Director of the Department of Development, Recreation, and Tourism with the town of Bay Roberts, had their first meeting with Kelly Russell. They toured potential sites for Pigeon Inlet, viewed the SUF Hall, and discussed plans for next summer. Kelly was very interested in the project.
On August 17, 2007, Committee Members were thrilled when they finally got a chance to meet with Dr. Elizabeth Miller and discuss the project with her. The committee is also making arrangements to meet with Kelly Russell, who has been busy with other projects over the summer. Meeting with Dr. Elizabeth MillerFirst, there was a meeting in the Town Council Chambers which are located in the Western Union Cable Building Registered Historic Structure. (Dr. Miller mentions in her biography of her father that one of his potential places of employment, when he graduated from school at Coley's Point, was in the Western Union Cable Office in Bay Roberts.) During the meeting, committee members had an opportunity to question Dr. Miller, and she had an opportunity to receive clarification about the project. Dr. Miller was then taken on a tour of potential sites for "Pigeon Inlet." Finally, a luncheon was served at the SUF lodge on Patterson Street.
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[from left] Peter Laracy - Cupids 400 and Mike Buist - Cupids 400
