Thanks to contributions from the federal and provincial governments, Newfoundland will soon see a former lighthouse keeper’s residence on Bell Island turned into a tourist attraction. A total of $223,750 in funding will be provided to support the development of the project.

The investments will serve to refurbish the original residence and convert it into a visitor information centre that will become Bell Island’s main tourism hub. In addition to providing tourists with information about the residence itself, the centre will also relay essential information on the island’s major tourist attractions, including the Bell Island Mine Museum and Underground Tour.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting business and tourism projects that stimulate and diversify our economy,” the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, said in a news release. “Revitalizing the former lighthouse keeper’s residence on Bell Island will generate economic benefits both locally and for the region. This is a good example of a project with strong links to other community initiatives which will build on and complement existing tourism product on Bell Island such as the Mine Museum and Underground Tour, and Radio Bell Island. Our government is pleased to continue to support projects that contribute to the vitality of communities throughout our province.”

The tourism centre, scheduled to open this month, will be the first stop for visitors to Bell Island.