Harper Government announces new investments in Parks Canada National Historic Sites in Halifax

HALIFAX, NS, July 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Central Nova and Mr. Scott Armstrong, MP for Cumberland — Colchester — Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced infrastructure investments totalling more than $20 million in several Parks Canada projects in Halifax.

This major investment includes work on the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site's future Heritage Experience Centre and significant work to remediate the counterscarp behind the walls on the south front of the site. Also included in this investment is stabilization and restoration work on the York Shore Battery of York Redoubt National Historic Site.

These projects are the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.

Quick Facts

• Halifax Citadel National Historic site gives visitors a place where the sounds of a modern, bustling port city are exchanged for the crack of rifle-fire and the skirl of bagpipes. The present Citadel was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of British forts on this site. Today, the restored Citadel is a national landmark, commemorating Halifax's role as a key naval station in the British Empire and for its role in the progress of colony to nation. The current site is renowned for bringing history to life in Atlantic Canada's largest urban centre.
• Between the two of them, Halifax Citadel and York Redoubt National Historic Sites welcome nearly 500,000 visitors every year.  Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
• Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada's overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes

"These projects are happening as a result of our Government's unprecedented investment in the infrastructure of Canada's precious historic legacy. These projects will support the local tourism industry and boost the appeal of Halifax's landmark national historic sites."

- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

"The investments announced today will create and protect jobs and opportunities in Halifax while also offering excellent opportunities for Canadians to connect with our rich historic and cultural heritage."

- Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Labour

Associated Links

National Conservation Plan 
Parks Canada: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

Backgrounder
Infrastructure Investments in Parks Canada Sites in Halifax
Grand total of infrastructure investments:	$20.1 M
Infrastructure projects:
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Project descriptions:
Garrison Grounds Drainage and Resurfacing	$350 K
The Garrison Grounds, which are part of the Halifax Citadel NHS, have long been used by both the military and community for a variety of purposes, including special events, sports activities and Royal visits.  The objective of this current project is to provide improved field drainage infrastructure and regrade and sod the field to improve its performance as a multi-use, grassed surface.
Halifax Citadel NHS - Perimeter Road Rehabilitation	$1.2 M
A project was undertaken in 2014-15 to begin addressing perimeter road issues by rehabilitating the entrance area of the fort to make it more attractive, improve traffic and pedestrian flow and ensure fee compliance.  The objective of this current project is to continue this work by assessing and renewing the existing paved perimeter/access road at the Citadel. Elements to be addressed include the paved surface, curbs, line painting, guardrail, signage and the entrance gates at Sackville Street and Rainnie Drive.
Halifax Citadel NHS - Perimeter Security Fence Replacement	$720K
Replacement of approximately 1000m of existing fence.
Halifax Citadel NHS - South Front	$12.2 M
This project will serve to repair the walls of the South Front of the Halifax Citadel NHS to improve their overall stability.
Halifax Citadel Site Heritage Experience Centre	$4.1 M
Complete design and fabrication of a new signature experiential offer to replace the four theatre Tides of History program. This will allow for a year-round interior experience program that is flexible and changing to engage new and urban Canadians. This space will accommodate large gatherings as well as ongoing experiential programs, and allow us to keep pace with other local attractions.
Prince of Wales Tower Roof Rehabilitation	$175 K
This project will see the installation of a new protective roof and windows to address issues with water infiltration along the roofline of the Prince of Wales Tower, which is a largely masonry structure.
Town Clock Building, Halifax Citadel NHS	$800 K
This project will include a complete assessment and renovation of the upper exterior stories and the interior renovation of the first floor, returning it to a useable state. It will also address ongoing issues with water infiltration to complete the required work on the Town Clock.
Site description:
The present Halifax Citadel was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of British forts on this site. Today, the restored Citadel is a national landmark, commemorating Halifax's role as a key naval station in the British Empire and bringing history to life in Atlantic Canada's largest urban centre.
York Redoubt National Historic Site
Project descriptions:
York Redoubt NHS - York Shore Battery Stabilization	$565 K
This project involves significant masonry and concrete restoration work.
Site description:
Established in 1793 on a bluff overlooking the harbour entrance, and expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, York Redoubt was a key element in the defence of Halifax Harbour. Visitors can see the Second World War Command Centre and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour mouth and adjacent coastline. This National Historic Site of Canada is part of the Halifax Defence Complex.
* Please note that the sum of individual project values may not equal the grand total indicated at the top of this document due to standard rounding errors.

SOURCE Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Jessica Brown, A/Communications Officer, Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit, Parks Canada Agency, 902-426-1553 (office), 902-483-5184 (cell), [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 1-855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada