Important national historic site in Pugwash receives funding
Pugwash, Nova Scotia, June 28, 2010 -- The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in the conservation of Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site of Canada. Located in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Thinkers’ Lodge served as the location of the first Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs, organized by American philanthropist Cyrus Eaton in 1957, and is the birthplace of the Pugwash movement for nuclear disarmament.
Through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing up to $100,000 towards a conservation project aimed at stabilizing the exterior of Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site of Canada.
“The Government of Canada has taken a leadership role in the protection and promotion of Canada’s invaluable and irreplaceable historical heritage,” said Minister Prentice. “This funding, provided through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and Parks Canada’s Cost-Sharing Program, will contribute to the conservation of Thinkers’ Lodge. The Lodge remains a symbol and source of inspiration for the Pugwash movement.”
“The Village of Pugwash and Cumberland County are thrilled to welcome Parks Canada as a partner in the ongoing effort to restore Thinkers' Lodge and to celebrate the iconic conference that took place here in 1957 that launched the drive for a world without nuclear weapons,” said John Eaton, grandson of Cyrus Eaton. “A place of inspiration and reflection, Thinkers' Lodge remains a beacon for world peace and a reminder of the prominent role played by Nova Scotia and Canada.”
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.
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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
http://twitter.com/parkscanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program
