Old town, new look: 6 new stores open in Bonavista with hopes of revitalizing town

Bonavista Creative hopes a project aimed at fostering new businesses will start a new chapter in the town's storied history.

Six new businesses have opened their doors on Church Street insidehistoric residential properties, after they wererestoredtocommercialbuildings designed with thenewtenantsin mind.

"We worked with the tenants at a very early stage and customized the buildings inside and out for what they want and what they need to the best of ourabilities," said John Norman, chief operations officer ofBonavistaCreative.

"Then we leased them at very generous rates so that we can cover our costs."

The buildings werepurchasedand restored by the companyat no cost to the newtenants.

"What we looked at was revitalizing these buildings and removing risk," said Norman.

"Not every business owner especially a young new entrepreneur can say I'm going to take two or three or four hundred thousand dollars and restore this building in Bonavaista and try a business."

New opportunity

JonHowseand SylviaMitfordare two of the new business owners on Church Street. They'veopened The Boreal Diner withplans to work with residents to offer locally-sourced food on their menu.

Howse, whoowns Fixed Coffee & Baking in St. John's, jumped at the chance to start something new inBonavista.

"We had a meeting and they explained it all to me. How they're trying to attract new business in these beautiful heritage properties," said Howse.

"They were going to pay for most of the renovations, they were trying to keep the rent as cheap as possible. It seemed like a great oppurtunity."

Co-owner and chef Mitford saidshe enjoys the idea of starting something new at a time when there's so much economic uncertaintyin rural Newfoundland.

"We have this kind of devastating budget and yet Bonavista is this little hub of entrepreneur spirit," said Mitford.

"It's like moving things into the rural area and it feels very sustainable. I'm excited to be part of something that I really believe in."

Boosting localeconomy

Karen Dewlingoperates East Coast Glow, a shop that sellsorganic andveganskincare products.

She saidopening as one ofsix new businesses takes off some pressure.

"Everybody's really, really excited. It's so nice to be part of something good in this province," said Dewling.

"There's a lot of doom and gloom it seems lately and to be able to be part of a group who's bringing business to a small town.It's really great."

Optimistic openings

Paddy Barry has opened a gallery in Bonavista after five years as a photographer on Fogo Island and ambassador at the Fogo Island Inn.

Barry said there's a similar feeling with what BonavistaCreative is doing when compared with what's happened on Fogo Island with the Shorefast Foundation.

"Both places are old and both places are trying to find their way with respect and dignity in the 21stcentury to survive," he said.

Barry saidBonavista'ssize will help guide its future.

"I thinkBonavistais a bigger regional centre so it might be easier, there's more business here."