News

Connecting community through Holyrood Open House
Monday, July 22, 2013

Community members and tourists gathered at Memorial University’s Marine Institute (MI) Holyrood Marine Base on Friday, July 19 for the fourth annual Community Open House.

The event was held as part of the Town of Holyrood’s annual Squid Festival, July 17-22, which has been drawing in hundreds of visitors each year since its launch in 1988.

MI’s open house gave visitors a chance to learn more about the training and research activities at the Holyrood Marine Base.

“MI is strengthening its presence in Holyrood. Our Centre for Applied Ocean Technology, which is now housed at the marine base, is working in conjunction with the Town of Holyrood to develop and expand upon their oceans sector,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). “The annual open house allows us to engage the community by showcasing our work through first-hand knowledge and experience of the marine base’s education and industrial support capabilities.”

Visitors experiences interactive exhibits and displays throughout the day from the Canadian Coast Guard Oil Spill Response, Explorer Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), MI Ocean Mapping, Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, Eastern Edge Robotics, Ground Search and Rescue and MI’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development, Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Centre for Applied Ocean Technology and Student Recruitment.

Visitors and youth from the town’s community recreation program participated in MI Ocean Net’s beach cleanup of the Holyrood beach and coastal areas. The cleanup is part of MI Ocean Net's Friends of Beaches network, a collection of volunteers from across the province committed to cleaning Newfoundland and Labrador's beaches, shorelines and underwater areas.

A special appearance was made by Miss Newfoundland and Labrador, Chelsea Ash who met with children and helped out at some of the displays. Guests also enjoyed seven year old balloon artist Grace Parsons, face painting and a free barbeque.