Government offers free admission at national parks and national historic sites on Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay route
Ottawa, December 10, 2009--The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, invites Canadians to cheer on the Olympic Flame as it travels through Ontario. To support the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay celebrations, the Government of Canada is offering free admission at Parks Canada’s national parks and national historic sites on the day the flame is visiting.
“I am very pleased and proud that so many of our national parks and national historic sites are involved in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. This is an opportunity to showcase to the world Canada’s national treasures,” said Minister Prentice. “By following the Olympic Flame, Canadians and visitors from around the world will get to know Canada and the people and places that make this country great.”
“Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal, Queenston Heights and Fort Malden National Historic Sites as well as Point Pelee National Park offer many rich and interesting experiences for visitors as well as for the local community,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Regional Minister for the Greater Toronto Area and Central Ontario. “The Olympic Torch Relay provides a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to celebrate and learn about their country’s history and spectacular natural environment.”
The running of the torch to Point Pelee National Park, the southernmost point in Canada, will provide a once-in-a-lifetime photo op on December 23. Warm beverages will be provided for visitors to keep the wintery chills at bay while waiting for that perfect moment for a picture. Later in the day events are family focused at Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg. Games, caroling and traditional foods in the cookhouse will provide a fitting celebration for the Olympic Flame during the holiday season.
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay began its 106-day Canadian journey on October 30, 2009 and will travel more than 45,000 km across the country. For the complete list of Parks Canada sites to be visited by the torch please visit www.pc.gc.ca/2010.
Information:
Robert Gratton
A/Communications Manager
Eastern Canada Communications (Ontario)
Parks Canada
613-938-5769
