DÉLINE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, April 14, 2009--The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced an investment towards major improvements to visitor infrastructure in national parks and national historic sites of Canada in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The announcement, under Canada's Economic Action Plan, was made in Déline at a community celebration for the Saoyú and Æehdacho National Historic Site of Canada.
"Canada's Economic Action Plan is our government's plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession," said Minister Prentice. "This investment in iconic tourism destinations in Yukon and in the Northwest Territories will not only help preserve and improve these treasured places, it will also provide local construction jobs and economic activity – tangible benefits for Northern Canada – and help to encourage tourism in the North."
Canada's Economic Action Plan sets aside $75 million for improvements to visitor facilities in Canada's national parks and national historic sites over the next two years and another $75 million for the protection of national historic sites during the same time period. Of these amounts, $7.25 million have been set aside for infrastructure projects in national parks and national historic sites of Canada in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
The projects announced today include an investment of up to $5 million in a visitor centre in Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada, within a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations cultural centre in Haines Junction, Yukon. The project will be done in partnership with the First Nations. In addition, $1.25 million funding will help repair and stabilize structural components on Parks Canada's Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site. This dredge, located in the Klondike Gold Fields near Dawson City, Yukon, is the largest remaining gold dredge in North America.
Other sites to receive funding include - heating, ventilation and air system improvements within the Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site ($400,000), and a new boat dock and boardwalk at the Pingo Canadian Landmark in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories ($600,000).
"National parks and national historic sites are key components to the tourism industry in Northern Canada," added the Minister. "These investments reflect this Government's commitment to national parks and national historic sites and to offering the highest quality experience to visitors through a wide variety of activities."
.../2
Tourism represents a significant economic opportunity for Canada and, for this reason, has been targeted in Canada's Economic Action Plan. In 2007, the tourism sector contributed approximately $28.6 billion to the Canadian economy and employed 653,400 Canadians. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is delivering immediate action and investments in infrastructure. This is a targeted plan that will create and maintain jobs for today and tomorrow.
Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 42 national parks, 162 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.
Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Greg Kingdon
Senior Communications Advisor
Western and Northern Canada
Parks Canada
403-292-4540
