Stirling, Alberta, May 13, 2010--On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at the Michelsen Historic Farmstead at Stirling Agricultural Village National Historic Site of Canada, one of Canada’s best remaining examples of a Mormon homestead.
“The restoration at the Michelsen Historic Homestead will provide an enhanced opportunity for visitors to experience a Mormon farmstead of the early 20th century,” said Mr. Casson. “History, heritage and tourism play an important role in the economy and Parks Canada is helping to support local economies through the protection of national historic sites.”
In the late 1800s, Stirling was one of 17 Mormon communities established in southern Alberta. Today, Stirling is recognized as one of Canada’s best surviving examples of a traditional Mormon agricultural village. Through the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing up to $17,500 to support restorations at the Michelsen Historic Farmstead at Stirling Agricultural Village National Historic Site.
“This project will help Stirling Agricultural Village continue to be a destination of choice for travelers,” said Minister Prentice. “This work highlights the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring the treasures of our past are passed on to future generations.”
"We are thrilled that the Government of Canada is taking definitive action with programs like the National Historic Site Cost-Sharing Program to help smaller communities like ours maintain and enhance national historic sites, such as the Michelsen Farmstead," said Mr. Larry Nilsson, Mayor, Village of Stirling. "This funding will greatly enhance our ability to maintain and restore the historical integrity of the site."
Parks Canada’s 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 conservation of national historic sites.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-994-3023
http://twitter.com/JimPrentice
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Agricultural Village – Michelsen Historic Farmstead
