Drumheller, Alberta, January 14, 2013 – On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Kevin Sorenson, Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, today announced an investment by the Government of Canada in the conservation of Atlas No. 3 Coal Mine National Historic Site of Canada. Atlas preserves the last of 139 coal mines from the era when Drumheller was known as “Coal Town” and provides Canadians with a compelling place to experience history.
“Our government has taken a leadership role in the protection and promotion of Canada's invaluable and irreplaceable historical heritage such as the Atlas No. 3 Coal Mine National Historic Site,” said Mr. Sorenson. “This new funding will ensure the preservation of one of Alberta's most treasured national historic sites for future generations and help foster a healthy local economy and thriving tourism industry.”
Through Parks Canada's National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $10,000 to support condition assessment of the wooden tipple to guide a preservation strategy at Atlas No. 3 Coal Mine National Historic Site of Canada.
“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 wooden tipple is the last of its kind in Canada, and a monument to history. Thousands of people tour the tipple every year,” says Linda Digby, Executive Director of the Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society. “Deceptively rustic in appearance, the Atlas tipple is brilliantly engineered. However its open timber structure makes it vulnerable to decay. This condition assessment will guide a preservation strategy to keep it safe for visitors, and to ensure this iconic building remains for future generations to enjoy.”
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. Through this program, 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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