FAMOUS TOURIST ATTRACTION TO GET FACELIFT

The S.S. Kyle is getting a facelift at a cost of $136,000.

The announcement was made Monday by Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Fred Mifflin. Work on the 84-year-old-vessel, aground and abandoned on a sand bar in Harbour Grace since 1967, is due to start later this month and will include sandblasting and painting.

In addition to providing skills enhancement training to 10 workers, the restoration will augment the tourism potential of the area.

Money for the project is being provided by Job Creation Partnerships, a partnership program of Human Resources Development Canada, the provincial Department of Tourism and the Town of Harbour Grace.

“The S.S. Kyle is an important tourist landmark for the Harbour Grace area,” said local MHA Art Reid. “I’m pleased we could contribute to its restoration.”

Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs said the restoration of the Kyle is par of the long-term development plan for the area.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with both the federal and provincial governments to create work opportunities and enhance the tourism potential of the area.”

The S.S. Kyle was built in 1913 and for more than 50 years carried fishermen and other passengers to Labrador. She also acted as a freighter and even a floating hospital, carrying a doctor to the residents of isolated communities.

The Evening Telegram

January 21, 1997