Kingston, Ontario, September 23, 2004 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, announced today a contract for the stabilization of the redoubt at Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada. Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded the competitive contract of $3,819,592 to A. Santin Mason Contractor Limited of Kingston, Ontario. The contract includes waterproofing the top surface (8,000 square metres) of the redoubt, which involves removing the existing surface and rubber membrane of the redoubt and replacing it with new material. It also includes the repair and stabilization of the north wall, which faces onto the parade square. Restoration will begin in September and will continue for three years during the shoulder and off-season, so as to minimize the impact on the fort's operations. The fort will remain open and operating while the work is taking place. "Fort Henry is one of our nation's most beloved national historic sites, which the Government of Canada is committed to preserving and presenting," said Minister Dion. "The ongoing restoration is another step in ensuring the future of the fort, so that this legendary landmark can be enjoyed by all Canadians, for all time. Parks Canada looks forward to continuing to work with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in making this special place a world-class attraction." The redoubt, a major component of the fortifications at the site, is the third element of the fort to undergo major restoration work. The Fort Henry project is being funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments through Parks Canada and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. The Commission operates Fort Henry as a heritage attraction and national historic site of Canada under an agreement with the federal government. Parks Canada has been working closely with the Commission to undertake the highest priority work required in the stabilization of the fort. "The McGuinty government is proud to be a partner in the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve Fort Henry," said the Honourable Jim Bradley, Ontario's Minister of Tourism and Recreation. "Renewing this major tourism attraction and providing visitors with a quality experience will invigorate tourism and economic prosperity in communities all along the St. Lawrence. I encourage visitors to come out to the fort and rediscover one of Ontario's most interesting historic landmarks." Fort Henry is part of the family of national historic sites of Canada, which connect the roots of our past to the promises of our future and Canadians to each other. - 30 - Information: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 953-8239 John Grenville National Historic Sites Program Manager Eastern Ontario Parks Canada (613) 545-8666 ext. 102
