Parks Canada’s Cost-Sharing Program helps protect national historic sites across the country
Ottawa, Ontario, January 28, 2013 -- Today, the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the Government of Canada’s renewed commitment to Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program. Since 2009, the Program has funded a total of 115 projects, helping to ensure Canada’s historic heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.
“I am very pleased to announce the renewal of the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, which has a proven record in the conservation of the country’s historic heritage,” said Minister Kent. “This program has not only helped to protect and improve Canada’s irreplaceable national historic sites for future generations, but has also supported local economies across Canada by creating jobs and promoting tourism.”
Through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost Sharing Program, up to 50% of eligible costs incurred in the conservation and presentation of a national historic site are reimbursed. The continuation of the Cost-Sharing Program demonstrates the government’s support for Parks Canada’s mandate of protecting and presenting places of national historic significance, and fostering the public’s understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of these places in ways that ensure their commemorative integrity for present and future generations.
Since 2009, the Program has provided $16.9 million in contribution funds to non-federally owned or administered national historic sites for their conservation and presentation. On average for every dollar contributed by the Program, 2.4 times the contributed amount came from other funding sources. Cost-sharing projects are aimed to address the most critical needs such as urgent stabilization, restoration and repairs to structures of national historic significance.
A recipient can be eligible to receive a maximum of $100,000 annually depending on the extent of conservation work and specific terms and conditions of a signed contribution agreement. Eligible recipients are not-for-profit organizations, aboriginal organizations and other levels of government that are owners or eligible lessees of national historic sites. The next deadline to submit an application to the Program is March 8, 2013. Additional information and application forms are available on Parks Canada’s website.
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our country’s treasured natural and historic places.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounders at 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
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
