Focusing Session
Meeting Notes
Steering Committee
Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre Re-profile
September 15, 2005
Committee Members
Present were:
Roxanne Notley - Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation
Cindy Gibbons - Parks Canada, Red Bay
Lawrence Normore - Labrador Straits Development Corporation
Linette Moores - Visitor Services, Tourism, Culture & Recreation ( via phone)
Martha Drake, Archaeology Department ,Tourism Culture & Recreation( via phone)
Cindy Robbins, Facilitor
Bonnie Goudie, Labrador Straits Historical Development Corporation, Project Coordinator
Regrets:
Chris Montague, Labrador Metis Nation
This was a focusing session to discuss redesigning of the exhibits at Gateway Visitor Center so that they are reflective of the region from L’Anse Au Clair to Cartwright and Labrador in general.Other considerations in the re-profile are structural improvements to the building, requirements to serve as part of a new program for the delivery of visitor services in the Province and capabilities to better serve the tourism industry. Funding has been approved from ACOA and Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. The goal is to have most of the work completed this fall.
Responsibilities of Committee/LSHDC
The LSHDC is the signatory for this project and will be fiscally responsible for all work. The Steering Committee is tasked with reviewingthe Re-profiling Report and provide input on behalf of their perspective organizations to ensure that there is fair representation in the work of the re-profile and that the end result is of significant value to the region.
Visit to the Gateway
Members were provided with a copy of a Re-profile Report done in 2002. This strategy did involve community stakeholders via public meetings. Even though that report has served as a basis for a funding proposal, the final review has never been done and is now being tasked to this Committee.
The report includes a history of the building. The building is unique in that it is restored church and a very attractive building that is notable of a stop by visitors. It is important that all work including exhibits protects the integrity of the building.
After a quick review of the plan, in terms of the exhibits, in the actual space,members thought that there was not enough space for the exhibits being suggested and that without changes, traffic flow in the Gateway would be a problem. It was agreed that the intent of this Gateway was not to fully interpret anything but to present teasers – to encourage people to visit all our attractions/sites/communities. It was agreed that pictures were important and also very important that there be some flexibility to add new pictures and attractions as tourism development continues in the region.So per exhibit as detailed in the plan, this is an outline of what is being suggested at this point.
Exhibit A - Brochure Cabinet & Calendar of Events
In the foyer of the Gateway there is an amateurish display of brochures from outside the region, a cork board to display notices, a guestbook and a donation box. We need to find a solution to professionally display brochures. Linette had some concerns about the foyer being used for this purpose as space is limited for displaying brochures per destination area as required in VIC’s and it is in a high traffic area??There is space on the walls here for some nice pictures. The cork board will be replaced by a framed board that can be used to write daily forecasts and keep a calendar of events. The guestbook and donation box will also stay here.
Exhibit B, C and D, G Point Amour, Red Bay, Battle Harbour and Burial Mound
These were detailed exhibits in this plan that took up a lot of space and had more detailed that was really needed. The Committee decided to combine these into one exhibit, People of Labrador. This exhibit would be placed along the wall on the left entrance of the building and along side of the building to the third window. But would be designed as a somewhat flat, to be included within a foot or so off the wall. We talked about having the panels of info and pictures displayed behind or mounted on the back of plexiglass. The exhibit itself would chronologically present the arrival of peoples in Labrador. The attractions would be highlighted in this context.
Exhibit E - Coastal Attractions
It was suggested that the space allotted for this exhibit, would include be broken down into three subthemes
Natural Attractions – icebergs, birds, mammals, flora, whales and fish. Maybe a series of silk paintings in conjunction with a small sampling of photos and a computer terminal/screen that played a slideshow with same and additional pictures plus additional information including best places for viewing in Labrador.
Outdoor Activities( winter) – a series of pictures of outdoor activities with a 10x8 picture/painting as backdrop, either an iceberg or northern lights. The outdoors activities suggested included snowmobiling, cutting wood, icefishing, salmon fishing, somehow presented in 3D.
Outdoor Lifestyle – Highlight fishing, forestry. Etc. Use existing wall surface to display artifacts. Boat, fishing and beach exhibits moved here.
Exhibit F – Lifestyle and Craft
This space will be used to tell a bit about an indoor lifestyle. Use existing cabinetry to simulate a kitchen setting.
Exhibit H – Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre
This would include a display on the restoration of the church, the Heritage Quilt, the seating pew. A kitchen cabinet would be relocated here to display artifacts from the Jersey Room site in L’Anse Au Clair.
Exhibit I – Reception Desk
The desk would incorporate a map on the surface of the desk. A map of region, with communities, distances, services, etc indicated. A topographic map and a locator map. Two computer kiosks would be installed at the desk where visitors could access detailed information on services in the region and as databases become available throughout the Province. It was discussed using the sides of this desk to display pictures of communities.
Washrooms
The walls in the public washrooms and hallway would also be used to display pictures.
Exterior Exhibits
A flower bed to showcase local flora and plants/trees.
A rock garden to showcase the geology of the region.
A kiosk with a map of the region to service visitors that arrive outside of operation hours.
Martha Drake, Provincial Archaeologist
There is an opportunity to display artifacts from the Jersey Room site, which fits well with the “vintage” of the building. Martha gave us suggestions for the display of and care of actual artifacts.
Linette Moores, Visitor Services, TCR
From a Provincial perspective, the primary use of the Gateway is the delivery of information services and that must be our focus. The re-profile should make space for the proper display of brochures from around the Province. We are also expected to use Provincial icons in our displays, icebergs, birds and whales.
Priorities for Gateway Re-profile
- Highlight sites and attractions in the region, L’Anse Au Clair to Cartwright and wherever possible encourage travel throughout Labrador
- Portray the people of Labrador and lifestyles
- Design exhibits to be flexible, so that information can be added at a later date.
- Maintenance and updating must be cost effective, now and in the future.
- That the re-profile provide for a good flow of traffic at the Gateway
- Install appropriate brochure displays
- That the re-profile collect and use good maps
- Install and outdoor kiosk with a map, phone # and maybe a pay phone
- All work has to maintain integrity of the building
- Review directional and on site signage for the Gateway to ensure building is easy to find
- Have tools available at the site to research and plan trips ie computer terminals for staff and visitors.
Objective for Gateway Re-profile
- The Gateway will be an essential first stop for visitors to Labrador, where visitors will finalize their travel plans to Labrador
- The Gateway will also be equipped to serve as part of theProvince’s information delivery services
- The re-profile will give visitors an understanding of Labrador in general and take advantage of the opportunity to have visitors extend their stay, continue their journey throughout Labrador and even plan a return trip.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will work on a storyline/text for the proposed exhibits and is set for September 21 in Point Amour.
Steering Committee
Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre Re-profile
September 15, 2005
Committee Members
Present were:
Roxanne Notley - Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation
Cindy Gibbons - Parks Canada, Red Bay
Lawrence Normore - Labrador Straits Development Corporation
Linette Moores - Visitor Services, Tourism, Culture & Recreation ( via phone)
Martha Drake, Archaeology Department ,Tourism Culture & Recreation( via phone)
Cindy Robbins, Facilitor
Bonnie Goudie, Labrador Straits Historical Development Corporation, Project Coordinator
Regrets:
Chris Montague, Labrador Metis Nation
This was a focusing session to discuss redesigning of the exhibits at Gateway Visitor Center so that they are reflective of the region from L’Anse Au Clair to Cartwright and Labrador in general.Other considerations in the re-profile are structural improvements to the building, requirements to serve as part of a new program for the delivery of visitor services in the Province and capabilities to better serve the tourism industry. Funding has been approved from ACOA and Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. The goal is to have most of the work completed this fall.
Responsibilities of Committee/LSHDC
The LSHDC is the signatory for this project and will be fiscally responsible for all work. The Steering Committee is tasked with reviewingthe Re-profiling Report and provide input on behalf of their perspective organizations to ensure that there is fair representation in the work of the re-profile and that the end result is of significant value to the region.
Visit to the Gateway
Members were provided with a copy of a Re-profile Report done in 2002. This strategy did involve community stakeholders via public meetings. Even though that report has served as a basis for a funding proposal, the final review has never been done and is now being tasked to this Committee.
The report includes a history of the building. The building is unique in that it is restored church and a very attractive building that is notable of a stop by visitors. It is important that all work including exhibits protects the integrity of the building.
After a quick review of the plan, in terms of the exhibits, in the actual space,members thought that there was not enough space for the exhibits being suggested and that without changes, traffic flow in the Gateway would be a problem. It was agreed that the intent of this Gateway was not to fully interpret anything but to present teasers – to encourage people to visit all our attractions/sites/communities. It was agreed that pictures were important and also very important that there be some flexibility to add new pictures and attractions as tourism development continues in the region.So per exhibit as detailed in the plan, this is an outline of what is being suggested at this point.
Exhibit A - Brochure Cabinet & Calendar of Events
In the foyer of the Gateway there is an amateurish display of brochures from outside the region, a cork board to display notices, a guestbook and a donation box. We need to find a solution to professionally display brochures. Linette had some concerns about the foyer being used for this purpose as space is limited for displaying brochures per destination area as required in VIC’s and it is in a high traffic area??There is space on the walls here for some nice pictures. The cork board will be replaced by a framed board that can be used to write daily forecasts and keep a calendar of events. The guestbook and donation box will also stay here.
Exhibit B, C and D, G Point Amour, Red Bay, Battle Harbour and Burial Mound
These were detailed exhibits in this plan that took up a lot of space and had more detailed that was really needed. The Committee decided to combine these into one exhibit, People of Labrador. This exhibit would be placed along the wall on the left entrance of the building and along side of the building to the third window. But would be designed as a somewhat flat, to be included within a foot or so off the wall. We talked about having the panels of info and pictures displayed behind or mounted on the back of plexiglass. The exhibit itself would chronologically present the arrival of peoples in Labrador. The attractions would be highlighted in this context.
Exhibit E - Coastal Attractions
It was suggested that the space allotted for this exhibit, would include be broken down into three subthemes
Natural Attractions – icebergs, birds, mammals, flora, whales and fish. Maybe a series of silk paintings in conjunction with a small sampling of photos and a computer terminal/screen that played a slideshow with same and additional pictures plus additional information including best places for viewing in Labrador.
Outdoor Activities( winter) – a series of pictures of outdoor activities with a 10x8 picture/painting as backdrop, either an iceberg or northern lights. The outdoors activities suggested included snowmobiling, cutting wood, icefishing, salmon fishing, somehow presented in 3D.
Outdoor Lifestyle – Highlight fishing, forestry. Etc. Use existing wall surface to display artifacts. Boat, fishing and beach exhibits moved here.
Exhibit F – Lifestyle and Craft
This space will be used to tell a bit about an indoor lifestyle. Use existing cabinetry to simulate a kitchen setting.
Exhibit H – Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre
This would include a display on the restoration of the church, the Heritage Quilt, the seating pew. A kitchen cabinet would be relocated here to display artifacts from the Jersey Room site in L’Anse Au Clair.
Exhibit I – Reception Desk
The desk would incorporate a map on the surface of the desk. A map of region, with communities, distances, services, etc indicated. A topographic map and a locator map. Two computer kiosks would be installed at the desk where visitors could access detailed information on services in the region and as databases become available throughout the Province. It was discussed using the sides of this desk to display pictures of communities.
Washrooms
The walls in the public washrooms and hallway would also be used to display pictures.
Exterior Exhibits
A flower bed to showcase local flora and plants/trees.
A rock garden to showcase the geology of the region.
A kiosk with a map of the region to service visitors that arrive outside of operation hours.
Martha Drake, Provincial Archaeologist
There is an opportunity to display artifacts from the Jersey Room site, which fits well with the “vintage” of the building. Martha gave us suggestions for the display of and care of actual artifacts.
Linette Moores, Visitor Services, TCR
From a Provincial perspective, the primary use of the Gateway is the delivery of information services and that must be our focus. The re-profile should make space for the proper display of brochures from around the Province. We are also expected to use Provincial icons in our displays, icebergs, birds and whales.
Priorities for Gateway Re-profile
- Highlight sites and attractions in the region, L’Anse Au Clair to Cartwright and wherever possible encourage travel throughout Labrador
- Portray the people of Labrador and lifestyles
- Design exhibits to be flexible, so that information can be added at a later date.
- Maintenance and updating must be cost effective, now and in the future.
- That the re-profile provide for a good flow of traffic at the Gateway
- Install appropriate brochure displays
- That the re-profile collect and use good maps
- Install and outdoor kiosk with a map, phone # and maybe a pay phone
- All work has to maintain integrity of the building
- Review directional and on site signage for the Gateway to ensure building is easy to find
- Have tools available at the site to research and plan trips ie computer terminals for staff and visitors.
Objective for Gateway Re-profile
- The Gateway will be an essential first stop for visitors to Labrador, where visitors will finalize their travel plans to Labrador
- The Gateway will also be equipped to serve as part of theProvince’s information delivery services
- The re-profile will give visitors an understanding of Labrador in general and take advantage of the opportunity to have visitors extend their stay, continue their journey throughout Labrador and even plan a return trip.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will work on a storyline/text for the proposed exhibits and is set for September 21 in Point Amour.
