Québec, Quebec, April 23, 2012 -- Parks Canada is beginning to install three archeoscopes on Dufferin Terrace today. These five-foot-tall glass dormer windows prisms will allow visitors to view the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site’s archaeological remains at any times. Installation should be completed within a month.
“The archeoscopes are a new concept to be installed on Dufferin Terrace that will allow thousands of visitors to view from the top of the terrace the foundations of the Saint-Louis forts and châteaux under a new light,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister. “From now on, the rich history of this site where a number of important decisions were made for the future of our country will be rightfully presented.”
Installation of the archeoscopes marks a major step in the completion of the new facilities at Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. Work involved a complete review of every aspect of the interpretive experience along with the installation of a concrete roof over the site and a new wooden deck to restore Dufferin Terrace to its former appearance. To implement this state-of-the-art approach to sharing our heritage, Parks Canada carefully preserved the magic of the site, to ensure that visitors would be proud of seeing these cutting-edge devices appear on the Terrace.
“The Terrace and the remains of the Saint-Louis forts and châteaux are landmark attractions for visitors to the Old City and local residents alike,” said the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs. “They are among the busiest parts of the Old City’s tourism infrastructure, the terrace registering over 825,000 visits in 2011.”
During the installation of the archeoscopes, residents and visitors will continue to enjoy the site despite the presence of workers. Visitors are invited to rediscover the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site starting May 21, when, in the depths of this archaeological crypt, the past will come to life in a new way.
Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site is located under the Dufferin Terrace and harbours the vestiges of the residences of those French and British governors who held office between 1620 and 1834. The Durham Terrace, renamed the Dufferin Terrace half a century later, was built on the ruins of the last château after its destruction by fire. The Saint-Louis forts and châteaux, a seat of power, were recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 2001 and are part of the Historic District of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Information:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Julie Royer
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Québec Field Unit
Parks Canada
418-648-7601
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
