at Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada and Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada
TOBERMORY, ONTARIO, October 21, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Paul Steckle, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, today announced a $404,732 contract for the Phase II construction of the new visitor centre and administration building for Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada and Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada in Tobermory.
Parks Canada awarded the competitive contract to Bridge Excavating Limited, from Lion's Head, Ontario.
"This next phase of the project is an exciting step towards the highly anticipated completion of the new visitor centre and administration building," said Mr. Steckle. "When it's opened, it will offer local, national and international visitors new opportunities to enjoy a greater park experience and expand their knowledge of the riches protected within this special place."
Phase II involves the construction of a parking lot for over 100 vehicles, the completion of a service yard and the completion of road access to the new facility. Pedestrian access from the town of Tobermory to the Visitor Centre will be promoted through a new walking trail.
The 1,355 m² (14,600 ft²) building will house exhibits related to the two parks and office space for Parks Canada's administration staff. It will also include a 110-seat theatre and an information desk for visitors to the area. A visit to the centre will be complemented by hiking trails to viewpoints over Georgian Bay and the islands of Fathom Five. The facility will be located on the east side of Tobermory along the Bruce Trail, a 10-minute walk from Little Tub Harbour. Phase I, which included the construction of the visitor centre, observation tower and trail access, will be completed in October. After fabrication and installation of exhibits, the facility will open to the public next June.
Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada and Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada are part of the family of 41 national parks and two national marine conservation areas in Canada that protect and present significant examples of the nation's natural and cultural heritage. Situated on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada is located within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and is home to an incredible array of species and habitat. Fathom Five, Canada's first national marine park, preserves a rich cultural legacy that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic light stations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Ivan Smith
Superintendent, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park
Parks Canada
(519) 596-2233 ext.237
