Ottawa, Ontario, November 10, 2009--Mr. Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced $213,000 in funding for the protection of the Rideau Canal’s ecological health.
"I’m pleased to announce funding for the management of contaminated sites and conservation initiatives for species at risk along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site," said Mr. Galipeau. "Our protected areas provide opportunities for Canadians to experience, discover, understand and appreciate their natural heritage through tourism that generates important economic benefits for neighbouring communities.”
Today’s announcement is part of Parks Canada’s Action on the Ground Program, a nation-wide initiative to inspire Canadians to take part in a range of conservation activities that promote the health of Canada’s significant national sites. Through this investment, the Government of Canada’s is protecting a world-class destination, protecting jobs and maintaining the Canal’s health so it can be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.
“I am delighted to see this Action on the Ground project rallying public support along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site,” said Minister Prentice. “Protecting the environment and species at risk is our shared responsibility. This is exactly the type of project that yields long-lasting results and has the potential to encourage visitors to play their part in helping protect the environment.”
Mr. Galipeau made this announcement during the Rideau Corridor Forum for the Future, where he also presented the very first Don Warren Legacy Award, created by Parks Canada to recognize an individual or organisation’s dedication and commitment to the heritage preservation of the Rideau Canal. The first Don Warren Legacy Award recipient is Mr. Don Warren himself. As the son of the lockmaster at Chaffeys Lock, Mr. Warren has been a vocal advocate for preservation and conservation of the canal since the 1960’s.
“Public support and involvement is essential to ensuring that the Rideau Corridor has a future,” said Minister Prentice. “Given the complexity of the roles and responsibilities of so many government and non-government agencies in the Rideau Canal Corridor, it is essential we work together to develop a coordinated approach to land use planning and economic development."
The Rideau Canal National Historic Site, an important symbol of Canada, is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Government of Canada, through the Parks Canada Agency, owns and operates the canal.
Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Pam Buell
Project Manager
Eastern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-284-7793
