Fort Erie, Ontario, June 8, 2012 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today paid tribute to the Point Abino Lighthouse National Historic Site. A special ceremony was held at the Point Abino Lighthouse where Minister Nicholson unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorative plaque.
"I am proud to commemorate the Point Abino Lighthouse as a National Historic Site of Canada and see it reopened to the public," said Minister Nicholson. "The recently completed restoration projects will help ensure that this national historic site remains a living legacy to be enjoyed by Canadians and tourists for generations to come."
"The Point Abino Lighthouse is a beautiful monument to the important role these waterways played in our proud industrial heritage," stated Doug Martin, Mayor of Greater Fort Erie. "This restoration project has been a labour of love for our community and we are grateful for the Federal Government's partnership."
The Point Abino Lighthouse was built on Lake Erie in 1917-18 in response to increased shipping past a dangerous reef between the Welland Canal's entrance at Port Colborne, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York. Rendered in the Late Classical Revival style and housing an integrated light and fog horn, the tower has maintained a high degree of integrity since its construction. The exceptional architecture makes it one of the most aesthetically pleasing lighthouses in the Canadian system of navigational aids.
Through the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada contributed funds towards completing the restoration of the historic lighthouse. These repairs included restoration of the exterior concrete structure and metal works, replacement of the windows and doors, and a complete recoating of the exterior works.
"I am pleased that the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program was able to provide funding in the amount of $425,000 towards the restoration of the historic lighthouse," said Minister Kent. "By investing in the infrastructure of Canada's National Historic Sites, our Government is helping to preserve and protect the special places that are symbols of our country."
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada through the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada's cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
Scott Currie
Communications Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit, Parks Canada
519-596-2233 x 243
http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
POINT ABINO LIGHTHOUSE
