Government of Canada invests $57 million in Rideau Canal National Historic Site

OTTAWA, May 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. These beautiful natural environments bring Canadians together, attract thousands of tourists to our country, and support our local economies.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced the installation of two paddle access points along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.            

These new paddle access points will ensure safe and easy access to the Rideau Canal for paddlers and their canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards, allowing even more community members and visitors to enjoy the history and beauty of this national treasure. The access points are located at Clegg Avenue and Patterson Creek in Ottawa.

These paddle access points respond to feedback from the local community and are an example of Parks Canada's commitment to continually improving experiences for visitors to natural and cultural heritage sites.

Minister McKenna also announced a historic federal infrastructure investment of over $57 million in the Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Also, today's announcement of over $57 million in additional funding for infrastructure work is the largest investment of its kind in the 184-year history of the Rideau Canal. The funding will be used to rehabilitate and repair bridges, dams, locks and historic masonry structures in communities along the Canal, more than doubling previously announced federal funding. This will improve the quality and reliability of visitor facilities and continue to allow Canadians to experience and enjoy this cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parks Canada continues to work with partners and communities to help the Rideau Canal be a premier tourism destination, foster recreation and support economic development along its whole length, from Ottawa to Kingston.

Quote

"I am thrilled that my family and I, community members and visitors alike, will have safer, easier access points to paddle on the Canal. These paddle access points are just one example of how we are making Parks Canada places more accessible to Canadians who want to experience the outdoors and learn about our history. Through this historic infrastructure investment, the Government of Canada is protecting and preserving the Rideau Canal National Historic Site for future generations, while supporting local economies and the tourism sector."
- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

Quick facts

• Whether walking, paddling, cycling, or boating, Parks Canada welcomes over a million visitors to the Rideau Canal each year and enables Canadians to access nature within the city.
• The Rideau Canal is one of the most visited national historic sites in Canada and one of Eastern Ontario's top attractions serving over 50,000 boats each year and welcoming over 80,000 cyclists that use its pathways each month during the summer season.
• Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada.

Related product

Backgrounder: 2016 Rideau Canal National Historic Site infrastructure investments

Associated link

Parks Canada 

Rideau Canal National Historic Site Infrastructure Program

Rideau Canal National Historic Site – Paddling the Rideau Canal

SOURCE Parks Canada

Image with caption: "Government of Canada invests $57 million in Rideau Canal National Historic Site (CNW Group/Parks Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160510_C6010_PHOTO_EN_686715.jpg

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [email protected]