Emerson, Manitoba, November 4, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada?s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at Fort Dufferin National Historic Site.
"I am very pleased to announce this funding for Fort Dufferin National Historic Site,? said Minister Toews. "Fort Dufferin has played a number of significant roles in the development of this region and the establishment of trade routes on the west side of the Red River. This investment will help determine options for best conserving this important historic site."
Fort Dufferin, located near Emerson, Manitoba, played an important role in asserting Canada?s sovereignty over Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. Established in 1872, Fort Dufferin was initially the base camp for the North American Boundary Commission which surveyed the 49th parallel. On July 8, 1874, the camp became the assembly point for the North-West Mounted Police's "March West." It later served as a police post in the winter of 1875 and became the immigration station and gateway into Manitoba for some 18,600 settlers arriving via steamboat on the Red River between1875 to 1879. Although designated a national historic site in 1937, only a few of the property?s original buildings remain today.
Through Parks Canada?s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing up to $21,000 for the preparation of a conservation plan that will look at options for stabilizing buildings at the site, including cost-estimates.
"One of our Government?s major objectives is to inspire Canadians to develop strong and meaningful connections with Canada?s national treasures,? said Minister Kent. ?Our national historic sites are vital to our history, our identity as Canadians, and our tourism industry. By investing in them and by building lasting relationships with the community groups that operate them, we ensure that they will continue to help support local economies and encourage more Canadians to explore and discover our national heritage."
"We are really excited about the investment that the Government of Canada has made in Fort Dufferin National Historic Site," said Dick Remus, President of Post Road Heritage Group, the heritage organization that manages the site in partnership with the Town of Emerson. "This will help us consider options to conserve this historic treasure which is so important to our local community."
The Parks Canada's Cost-Sharing Program reflects the Government of Canada's dedication to protect Canada's heritage through funding towards the conservation of national historic sites. In this centennial year, Parks Canada is pleased to continue its efforts to ensure that Canada?s historic and natural heritage is protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Parks Canada?s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program
