Kitchener, Ontario, July 26, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, today announced the completion of tourism infrastructure projects at Woodside National Historic Site. These projects were made possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“I am pleased to see Canada’s Economic Action Plan funding play a vital role in the revitalization of our heritage places, helping to support local economies and preserve and improve tourism opportunities”, said Mr. Braid. “The investment celebrated today will ensure that this valued heritage site in Kitchener will be an ongoing benefit to the local community and to visitors.”
The investment of $410,000 in visitor infrastructure went toward the construction of an exterior washroom building and a picnic shelter to enable the site to fully utilize the grounds for program activities and third party events, which will increase visitation and enhance the visitor experience. The new washroom building also provides an accessible facility for visitors to the historic house.
“Our Government is a leader in the protection of Canada’s heritage buildings and national historic sites and recognizes just how important heritage and tourism are to the economy”, said Minister Kent. “This investment improves community infrastructure, created jobs and enhances the visitor facilities at Woodside National Historic Site.”
Tourism represents a significant economic opportunity for Canada and, for this reason, was targeted in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In 2007, the tourism sector contributed approximately $28.6 billion to the Canadian economy and employed 653,400 Canadians. Canada’s Economic Action Plan set aside $374 million for improvements of facilities and protection of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. As a result of these investments, many skilled men and women in construction, tourism and conservation sectors were hired in every province and territory of Canada.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Scott Currie
Communications Manager
Parks Canada, Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
519-573-2476
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
