Parks Canada has opened a reimagined Visitor Information Centre in Gros Morne National Park/Parks Canada
A new $8.9 million visitor information center has opened in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Parks Canada promises an enhanced sense of arrival and “a safe, accessible and inclusive experience.” It consulted with the Qalipu First Nation and Miawpukek First Nation on the creation of the new interpretive designs and features the Mi’kmaq language in site interpretation.
The Rocky Harbour center has been designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver certification as outlined in the Parks Canada Green Buildings Directive. This aligns the design and construction with new government greening strategies by adopting new alternative power sources, energy metering and implementing carbon capture construction technologies. The design also maximizes the building’s life cycle to minimize required maintenance.
For improved visitor safety and conveniences, the site design has realigned the circulation of parking, separated the bus circulation with its own drop-off/pick-up location, and expanded parking for RVs and trailers. New EV charging systems and parking strategies will support the use of green transportation.
With phase one of the renewal project now complete, the building features a design that properly showcases the site’s viewscape and historical interpretation. Accessibility and inclusivity standards have been upgraded, with design work that includes green targets and federal sustainability objectives.
Phase two is underway with a focus on the design and installation of visitor experience interpretive design element. New interpretive exhibits highlighting Gros Morne’s landscapes, wildlife and geology are slated to be installed this fall and ready for the following operational season in 2025.
Gros Morne, on Newfoundland’s west coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches inland from the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastline through lowlands where waterways meander towards the Long Range Mountains and Tablelands.
The new Gros Morne National Park Visitor Information Centre is in Rocky Harbour/Parks Canada
