October 16, 2014 – Calgary, Alberta – Infrastructure Canada
Officials from all levels of government were on-site today to participate in the sod turning ceremony for phase two of the Fort Calgary Master Plan expansion project.
With phase one well underway, phase two of this symbolic project includes the reimaging of the 1875 Fort, resulting in a permanent interpretive exhibit located on the original site. The 1875 Interpretive Exhibit will mark the place where the City of Calgary began and will be the symbolic representation of what the Fort was and is today — the place that shaped the city's values and who Calgarians are today.
Fort Calgary was designated a National Historic site in 1925 and is the original location of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) fort built in 1875.The Fort Calgary Master Plan expansion consist of three phases. The first phase of this project, involves the restoration of Hunt House, built in 1876, the rehabilitation of Deane House, built in 1906 and the development of the surrounding community park. Phase two will be the 1875 Fort Interpretive Exhibit. In phase three, the original 1976 Interpretive Centre will be expanded with an iconic second story to meet the increased needs for services.
"Investing in phase two of the expansion of Fort Calgary showcases our government's commitment to maintaining and protecting cultural infrastructure right here in Calgary. Our Government has made unprecedented investments in Canada's infrastructure since 2006 and we are proud to support important infrastructure projects, such as this one, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."
- Diane Ablonczy, Member of Parliament for Calgary—Nose Hill
"Preserving Alberta's rich heritage matters to Albertans and contributes to the cultural, social and economic well-being of our communities. We are proud to join Fort Calgary, the City of Calgary, and the Government of Canada in a project that will ensure a vital chapter in the history of this province and this nation is shared with Albertans and visitors from across Canada and around the world."
- Maureen Kubinec, Minister, Alberta Culture and Tourism
"The 1875 NWMP Fort is the birthplace of our city. It is a symbol of the vision, dreams, risks, challenges, personal commitments and opportunities that Calgary was built on. The Interpretive Exhibit will give everyone an opportunity to remember the past and reflect on their own story.
Fort Calgary is grateful for the support from all levels of government, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation and the community that have given us the opportunity to realize the Fort Calgary Master Plan."
- Sara Jane Gruetzner, President & CEO
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Beryl Cullum
Communications Director
Alberta Culture and Tourism
780-644-5588
Sara Jane Gruetzner
President and CEO
Fort Calgary
403-290-1875, ext. 225
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada
