Parks Canada contributes to infrastructure improvements at site
Port Edward, British Columbia, December 19, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Minister Responsible for British Columbia, and Member of Parliament for Port Moody - Westwood - Port Coquitlam, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site of Canada.
“The North Pacific Cannery takes visitors back to the roots of the West Coast’s fishing industry. By contributing to the restoration of the historic site, this story will continue to reach Canadians and attract tourism to a remote part of northern BC,” said Minister Moore.
Designated a national historic site in 1985, the North Pacific Cannery is a salmon cannery complex in the community of Port Edward, British Columbia at the mouth of the Skeena River. The North Pacific Canning Company Ltd. was first established here in 1889 and remained in active operation until 1980. The layout and design of the complex reflects its initial isolation and consequent self-sufficiency, both typical of northern coastal canneries, as well as the role played by European, Asian and First Nations cultures in the development of the West Coast fishing industry.
Through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing up to $150,000 to support conservation work on some of the highly threatened cultural resources of the Cannery.
“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.”
“The ongoing conservation of North Pacific Cannery preserves an asset of great significance within the history of BC’s north coast,” said Steve Milum, Manager of Conservation and Operations at the North Pacific Cannery. “By stabilizing and preserving key structures, we are enabling a richer, safer, and more historically accurate experience for the nearly ten thousand visitors we welcome each year.”
The Cost-Sharing Program reflects the Government of Canada’s dedication to protect Canada’s heritage through funding towards the conservation of our 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:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
