By Mark Squibb/November 18, 2021
The Colony of the Avalon’s Michael Harrington said grants and government subsidies have kept the Ferryland archaeological works out of the red for the last two years.
“As we all know too well, 2020 was an interesting and challenging year, and 2021 hasn’t exactly been boring either,” said Harrington, during the annual general meeting of the foundation that runs the Colony. “We were closed in 2020. We could not have any archeology on site and decided that we could not take the risk of opening to the public, both for health and fiscal reasons. But that doesn’t mean that we sat at home lounging around.”
He noted that staff worked during the off season doing on-site maintenance and working through a conservation backlog. He added that staff also chased every provincial and federal support program available.
“And because of that, we’re still here, and we’re still able to have an AGM in 2021,” said Harrington.
The Colony earned $241,768 in revenue during the 2020 season. Over half, 55 percent, of that revenue came from federal and provincial grants. Of that, about 67 percent, or $88,000, was made up of the provincial operating grant. The remainder of the grant money came from two COVID relief funds, one provincial, one federal.
Some 28 percent of income consisted of federal wage subsidies.
“So, these COVID relief funds along with the wage subsidies were incredibly helpful in keeping us going in 2020 without any admissions or giftshop revenues,” said Harrington.
There were some gift shop sales – “because of course puffin slippers sell in the good times and the bad,” Harrington joked.
Twelve percent of the Colony’s income, $28,000, came from donations. “A nice number, but I’d like to see it a bit bigger,” said Harrington.
He noted that in a normal year, the Colony would bring in about $350,000.
Despite the lower income, the Colony was able to put aside some money for the coming year, spending only $171,736.
The largest chunk of expenses, 59 percent, went to salaries. Nine percent went towards the power bill, while eight percent went towards insurance. The remainder was split over numerous other items such as operating supplies, municipal taxes, and bank charges.
“So, we survived the shutdown year with money in the bank, basically giving us a cushion going into the unknown of the 2021 season,” summarized Harrington.
The 2021 season looked much more like a regular season, although visitor numbers were down.
“The most important thing is we were open for the full season,” said Harrington. “We had a full seasonal staff working, although our student count was down. Like many others on the Shore, we had trouble getting student positions filled this year. 2021 admissions were a little more than 30 percent of those in 2019.”
He did note there was visitor uptake in August, as the number of visitors in that month was almost 50 percent of the number of visitors welcomed to the Colony in August of 2019.
“I know that’s not really unexpected given the uncertainty of the border openings and the general situation with COVID,” he said.
Wage subsidies and grants, said Harrington, continued to be essential to the Colony’s survival in 2021.
He added the 17th century kitchen event was a 2021 success, and also noted that Shirley Scott (a.k.a. Shirl the Purl) had released a Sara Kirke Fingerless Mittens patten, with all proceeds to go toward the Colony.
Most notably, in 2021 the Colony received approval for a joint federal and provincial grant of $200,000. That funding will be used for enhancements to the building, including some new roof shingles and windows, as well as gift shop and site enhancements. Work is expected to be completed before summer of next year.
The Colony has also applied for more modest grants to replace some fencing and complete other on-site maintenance jobs.
In other AGM news, board member Des Costello retired from the board, and members acknowledged and thanked him for his years of service.
Harrington also announced the Colony will be looking for a new executive director, as Coleen Crane is retiring from the position.
“I want to thank Coleen for the outstanding job she did for us while she was here, and the Colony of the Avalon is a better organization because of her,” said Harrington.
The Colony was accepting applications for the position up until November 12.
Jane Costello, Jane Severs, Michael Harrington, and John Andrews were nominated as directors.
Most importantly, said Harrington, the Colony will be open in 2022.
The information session was followed by an archeological report by Dr. Barry Gaulton.
