Government offers free admission at national parks and national historic sites on Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay route
Banff, Alberta, January 13, 2010--The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, invites Canadians to cheer on the Olympic Flame as it arrives in Alberta. 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 Banff National Park offers many rich and memorable experiences for visitors as well as for the local community,” said Minister Ambrose, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove. “The Olympic Torch Relay provides a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to celebrate and learn about their country’s history and spectacular natural environment.”
The Olympic Flame will glow in the heart of Canada’s first national park as the torch is welcomed in a fun-filled evening community celebration at the Banff Townsite on January 20. The crisp mountain air will be filled with the inspiring voices of the Canadian Tenors. Bomba, a Latin percussionist tour de force will keep the mood upbeat with high energy and good cheer. The next morning the torch makes its way to Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of the national park system. Later in the day the Olympic Flame’s arrival in Lake Louise will mark the beginning of the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Ice Magic Festival.
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:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819 997-1441
