News Article

Representatives of College of the North Atlantic (CNA) met with the residents of Lord’s Cove on the Burin Peninsula this afternoon to discuss the findings of a community-based qualitative research study.
 
The study, entitled It’s Just Nice to See the Light on Again, explored the social implications of establishing research facilities in rural Newfoundland and Labrador – specifically Lord’s Cove, which is the home of CNA’s Wave Energy Resource Centre (WERC).
 
The 38-page report features interviews with 12 citizens of Lord’s Cove and explores how residents have responded to the establishment of the centre in their community, and what they anticipate the outcome of the research may be.
 
As a viable option for long-term economic sustainability, WERC’s aim is to provide the community of Lord’s Cove with economic and technical benefits from both a wave-powered piston pump and a shore-based multi-species aquaculture facility located in the town’s former fish processing plant.
 
The purpose of the study, which was conducted and compiled by CNA employee Janice Rowsell with support from CNA’s Office of Applied Research and the Rural Secretariat, was to gain intimate insight from community members in order to advance stakeholder knowledge on how to successfully conduct research, and establish research facilities in rural areas.
 
“With the number overwhelming changes this community has experienced in the last 20 years I felt it was important to take into account the human impact this project will have,” says Rowsell. “It’s important when conducting research to work closely with community members so that outcomes are mutually beneficial. We have learned just how important it is to maintain a positive relationship with community members throughout the life of the project.”
 
Analysis of the findings from the report is presented in terms of social factors that have contributed to resident attitudes. The report also provides recommendations to CNA on how to implement research projects that affect rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, it explains social lessons that have been learned as a result of establishing the WERC which will be a useful resource to stakeholders.
 
 
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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca