Infrastructure improvements conserve cultural assets and improve visitor experience.
GRAND-PRÉ, NS, July 7, 2017 /CNW/ - Parks Canada is responsible for protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and discover our rich and varied history.
The Government of Canada is investing $925,000 in Grand-Pré National Historic Site. The announcement was made today by Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, and President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, the Honourable Scott Brison.
The upgrades to the theatre and exhibits being announced at Grand-Pré National Historic Site will enable new and innovative experiences to be offered, so Canadians can learn more about our diverse heritage. The investments will also allow the completion of maintenance to the Memorial Church and Grand Pré's monuments to preserve these important cultural symbols. In addition, a replacement of the operations compound will improve the workspace for staff to support the ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds of Grand-Pré National Historic Site. These investments ensure that more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, can learn about our environment and cultural heritage, while experiencing the natural wonder of our treasured places.
Canada's national historic sites will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. This year, Grand-Pré National Historic Site opened on May 19, and will be an exciting place to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 100th anniversary of national historic sites this summer. Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover cultural treasures, meaningful exhibits, and fun events at these historic places.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is determined to create opportunities for Canadians across Canada to participate in a year-long celebration and help shape the best that Canada can be in the future. The Government is also very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas.
Quotes
"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is proud to invest in the protection and conservation of Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Through infrastructure investments at Parks Canada places, we are creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth, while ensuring high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences for years to come. I encourage Canadians to visit Parks Canada destinations across Nova Scotia as part of Canada 150 to experience the province's natural and cultural treasures."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
"This year, we are proudly celebrating both Canada 150 and the 100th anniversary of national historic sites across the country. Our government is committed to preserving and protecting our historic places and this investment is a further confirmation of that. This funding will go a long way to ensuring that all Canadians can experience Grand-Pré to its fullest for generations to come."
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants
Quick Facts
- In June 2012, the landscape of Grand Pré, which includes Grand-Pré National Historic Site, was inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value. These picturesque grounds offer a meaningful memorial, interpretive centre and manicured greenspace – a place to celebrate regional heritage and to bring to life the triumphs and trials of the past.
- Grand-Pré National Historic Site is a monument to Acadian culture of the 17th and 18th centuries and a commemoration of both the significant contributions by, and the Deportation of, the Acadian people. An important tourist attraction and economic driving force in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley region, Grand-Pré National Historic Site welcomes more than 2,000 students and 25,000 visitors per year.
- Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.
Related Link
Backgrounder: 2017 Grand-Pré National Historic Site Announcement
Related Documents
Parks Canada
Grand-Pré National HistoricSite
SOURCE Parks Canada
Mathieu Brossard, Manager, External Relations, Northern New-Brunswick Field Unit, Parks Canada, 819-369-3916, [email protected]; Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
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