Montréal, Quebec, April 26 2010--The Government of Canada is investing in the restoration and preservation of St. Patrick’s Basilica National Historic Site of Canada, today announced the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. Today’s announcement is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to stimulate Canada’s economy, which includes major investments in national historic sites.
“Montreal offers many rich and interesting experiences for visitors as well as for the local community,” said Minister Prentice. “St. Patrick’s Basilica is an impressive monument of great historical value, and I am proud that our Government’s investment will help to preserve this special place for years to come.”
Through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing $287,429 to support the preservation of the masonry and windows as well as some general repairs to the building at the St. Patrick’s Basilica National Historic Site of Canada.
“This project will help protect the future of St. Patrick’s Basilica,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and regional minister for Montreal. “The work announced announcing today will not only significantly affect tourism, history, and heritage, but will also directly help to stimulate the economy.”
“I am thrilled that the Government of Canada has granted St. Patrick's $287,429 in order that we may complete our current restoration project. I can assure you that my parishioners will rejoice with me in this generous act of stewardship on the part of our Federal Government,” said Msgr. Francis J. Coyle, Pastor of St. Patrick's Basilica Montreal.
The Parks Canada National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, with a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada’s Economic Action Plan, reflects the government’s desire to support job creation by providing funding for the conservation of national historic sites.
The National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program is a contribution program that can pay up to 50% of eligible costs incurred by the owner to conserve a national historic site and present it to Canadians for their enjoyment and appreciation. Eligible recipients include other levels of government, not-for-profit organizations and not-for-profit aboriginal organizations.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Mélissa Larose
Communication Advisor
Parks Canada
418-648-4533
http://twitter.com/jimprentice
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
St. Patrick’s Basilica National Historic Site of Canada
