PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, September 27, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Peter Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal, today announced a $635,796 contract to refurbish the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada headquarters building.
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has awarded the competitive contract to Jeffery G. Wallans Construction Limited of Brighton, Ontario. The company will begin work to refit the headquarters building, located at 2155 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough, in early October.
"These improvements to the building will enhance the heritage experience offered to visitors and help Parks Canada employees to deliver on their mandate," said Minister Dion.
Constructed in the early 1970s, the headquarters building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems will be modernized. As part of the project, staff offices will be renovated with new carpeting and painting. A vestibule will also be added to the entrance area, which will improve reception services for visitors. No other major exterior work is planned.
"This refurbishing demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Canada to improving the infrastructure of our nation's national historic sites," said Minister Brison.
The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site headquarters is home to approximately 37 Parks Canada staff members. Staff will be relocated to trailers located on-site during construction, which should be completed in November. Visitor and administrative reception facilities will be moved to the Shops building at the site so that there is no disruption to visitor services.
"This project will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the waterway as an important heritage and tourist attraction in the area," said Mr. Adams.
The 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway connects Lake Ontario's Bay of Quinte to Georgian Bay through a series of interconnected lakes, rivers, man-made canals and historic lock stations. A backbone of economic development for the area, the waterway was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1929, and its Peterborough Lift Lock was similarly recognized in 1979.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Bruce Kidd
Manager, Finance and Administration
Trent-Severn Waterway NHSC
Parks Canada
(705) 750-4900
