BRACKLEY BEACH, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, August 6, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Shaw's Hotel, which was established in 1860.
"With the designation of Shaw's Hotel, we are recognizing the importance of the early development and the on-going evolution of Canada's tourism industry," said Minister Dion. "For 145 years, Shaw's Hotel has grown and adapted its services to meet the changing demands of the tourists who visit PEI each summer, but it has never strayed from its original promise of providing a refreshing rest where one can escape the rush and noise of everyday life."
"In the early days of Canada's tourism industry, the Brackley Beach area of PEI quickly became one the most notable tourist destinations in the country, which created a significant demand for rental accommodations," said Mr. Easter. "This phenomenon offered an opportunity for farm families such as the Shaws, and other families on Prince Edward Island, to supplement their incomes by renting rooms and other accommodations."
Shaw's Hotel provides a rare illustration of a significant period in the early history of Canada's tourism industry, when the growth in the number of recreational purists seeking wilderness experiences led to the opening up of natural areas to tourists. In rare instances, early facilities such as Shaw's Hotel were able to evolve to meet the changing demands of the tourism industry and be continuously operated by the same family.
The plaque unveiling ceremony to commemorate Shaw's Hotel was held on the hotel grounds in Brackley Beach, PEI. In operation for 144 years, Shaw's Hotel was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 2004.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history as a nation. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Michel Bujold
Manager, Client Services
Prince Edward island Field Unit
Parks Canada
(902) 566-7245
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
SHAW'S HOTEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA
