The Government of Canada Supports Restoration of the Chapel Point Battery Command Post in Nova Scotia Français
Canadian Heritage is providing $390,000 in funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Legacy Fund
SYDNEY MINES, NS, July 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Today Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament (Sydney–Victoria), on behalf the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $390,000 in funding to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for its project to restore the Command Post of the historic Chapel Point Battery.
Chapel Point is historically valuable and unique among Canada's coastal defences. The project will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and the role this fortification played throughout its lifetime. The restoration project will remove graffiti; repair deteriorated support structures; install new sloped roofs, stairways with handrails and interpretive historical signage; make the structure safe for public use; and provide access to local heritage. Once restored, the Battery will increase exposure to local history while serving as a site for arts and heritage activities for residents and visitors.
This funding is being provided through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, administered by Canadian Heritage. The Legacy Fund supports capital projects that commemorate significant local anniversaries and engage communities in their heritage.
Quotes
"The history and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who fought for our country can never be forgotten. That is why our government is proud to fund commemorative initiatives such as the restoration of the Chapel Point Battery Command Post. Thanks to projects like these, future generations will learn about the rich history of this location and the role it played in defending Sydney Harbour in three separate military conflicts."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"I am proud to be part of this important project, which is helping preserve the military history of Cape Breton and Canada. I commend the selfless work of the Atlantic Memorial Park Society. I would also like to applaud the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for their leadership on this project. Thanks to this restoration project, this site will not only educate, but also preserve and honour the legacy of the brave soldiers who defended our country."
— Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament (Sydney–Victoria)
Quick Facts
The Chapel Point Battery restoration project aims to restore the Command Post of the historic Chapel Point Battery. It was one of seven Sydney Harbour fortifications guarding Canada's east coast steel and coal assets and convoys assembled in the Harbour from U Boat attack during the Second World War.
The courage and valour of those who served in the first half of the 20th century has everything to do with the tradition of selfless service by today's Canadian Armed Forces. We honour those who served Canada, past and present, and recognize the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, armed conflict and peace.
The Chapel Point Battery is located in Atlantic Memorial Park at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. This area is steeped in military history dating back to the late 1800s. The Battery has experienced three different periods of use beginning in 1859, when, Chapel Point was selected as the place for a battery installation because of concerns about the American Civil War. It also served as a battery site in both the First and Second World Wars.
The project is being carried out by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in partnership with the Atlantic Memorial Park Society, a not-for-profit organization that conducted the planning for the development of Atlantic Memorial Park and is the lead agency for fundraising and project implementation.
The Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program supports capital projects that celebrate anniversaries of significant events or personalities that had an impact on the local community.
Associated Links
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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