Québec City, Quebec - 16 December 2014
Our Government is committed to preserving cultural and heritage sites of significance across the country, as they are part of our national identity and shared legacy, and are essential to helping Canadians learn more about their past. To this end, on December 16, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $35.7 million over the next five years to refurbish three important heritage sites in Québec City.
These projects, which will be managed by Parks Canada, are:
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site ($30 million from 2015-2020)
The Fortifications of Québec, which encircle Upper Town, cover 4.6 kilometres. Work on the fortifications began in 1608 to defend the city against the threat of invasion, and was completed in 1871. They are at the heart of the historic district of Old Québec and make up the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico, a distinction that has led to its status as a UNESCOWorldHeritageCity.
Activities under this project may include dismantling walls, strengthening foundations, ensuring water management and rebuilding the drainage system before rebuilding the core of the walls and renewing stucco siding.
Dauphine Redoubt ($4.5 million from 2015-2017)
Dating back to 1712, the Dauphine Redoubt is among the oldest military infrastructure in Canada that can still be visited in its original state. This building, which is one of the key elements of the Artillery Park, is an integral part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site and is located in the heart of Old Québec. Its location makes it a leading tourist attraction.
The Dauphine Redoubt is built into a rising terrain, and has four, three and two-storey sections with symmetrically arranged multi-paned windows along its parged masonry walls. The building features cut stone around the openings, gabled dormers, masonry chimneys, a wood shingle-clad roof and a metal-clad roof. Tall, gabled stone buttresses on the east façade distinguish the building in its urban landscape.
Activities under this project will include refurbishing the masonry walls, repairing and reinforcing the foundation, and repairing interior walls which have been affected by the deterioration of the structure.
The Maillou House National Historic Site ($1.2 million from 2015-2017)
Recognized as an integral part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, Maillou House was built in 1737 and underwent some renovations before its acquisition by the then Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources (Parks Canada) in 1958. The same year, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized the Maillou House as a landmark of national historic significance, taking into consideration that it is an exceptional example of French architecture, that people of historical significance lived there, and that it is testimony to a military presence in Québec.
Since 1959, the building has housed the administrative offices of the Chambre de commerce de Québec, which leases the premises.
Activities under this project will include rehabilitating the massive stonework exterior walls which are either clad with stucco or wooden boards and repairing wood-framed windows and doors. This work is necessary to halt the deterioration of exterior walls, materials and features of this National Historic Site of Canada.
Through the support being announced today, the Government is ensuring that the history, culture and beauty of Québec City are respected and preserved for the enjoyment of Quebecers, Canadians and international visitors for years to come.
Cultural resources management experts (architects, archaeologists, historians and enginee`rs) from Parks Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada are involved in the planning process and the drafting of project specifications. These experts will help ensure the historical integrity of these iconic sites.
Funding for these restoration projects is part of a $5.8 billion infrastructure program announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on November 24, 2014. A total of $2.8 billion was identified for infrastructure improvements to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada.
The Government of Canada has undertaken other major projects to keep Québec City beautiful. These include:
Project: Restoration of Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
Federal Funding: $16 million
Timeframe: 2010-2011
Description: This project included the restoration of various components of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, specifically the Kent, Saint-Jean and Saint-Louis gates, Maillou House, the Dufferin Terrace, the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux, MontmorencyPark and the Governors’ Garden.
Project: Expansion of the Musée national des beaux-arts
Federal Funding: $33.7 million
Timeframe: 2013-2015
Description: The expansion project will include a new 8,000-square metre pavilion; the construction of a tunnel linking the new pavilion to the Charles-Baillargé Pavilion; the re-fit of exhibit spaces and the existing restaurant, shop and lobby; as well as exterior work.
Project: Renovation of the Monastère des Augustines
Federal Funding: $15 million
Timeframe: 2013-2015
Description: The monastery is being renovated, while maintaining its authenticity, so that it can be used for multiple purposes. The extensive complex will be a museum dedicated to public display and heritage interpretation of artifacts from all Quebec Augustine monasteries, some dating back as early 1639. It will also include an archive centre, a retreat centre, and accommodation space for both cultural and social use.
Project: Rebuilding of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury (formerly the Grande Allée Armoury)
Federal Funding: $104 million
Timeframe: 2015-2017
Description: The reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury represents an investment of approximately $104M under Canada's Economic Action Plan, notably $93M expected for the reconstruction and $11.3M invested towards consultations, the development of a plan for the future of the Armoury, a feasibility and cost-effectiveness analysis, the development of the concepts, as well as work towards the rehabilitation and preparation of the site.
Project: Year-round Opening of Gilmour Hill
Federal Funding: $8.2 million
Timeframe: 2013-2015
Description: This is a two-part project: redevelopment of this historic access path, and the construction of a multi-purpose interpretive trail providing a safe path for pedestrians and cyclists. Its year-round opening will help to reduce peak season traffic flow for Québec City residents, while the path – with its interpretive panels – will help preserve the heritage and historical character of Gilmour Hill.
Project: Expansion and Renovation of the Pavillon de l'Education Physique et des Sports
Federal Funding: $35.73 million under the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component
Timeframe: 2010-2013
Description: The new facilities include an aquatic centre, a sports amphitheatre with seating for 3,100 that can be converted into training areas for multiple sports, and a training room open to students, athletes of all levels and the public. These additions and improvements make the Pavillon de l’Education Physique et des Sports the biggest sports complex in Quebec.
Project: Construction of an indoor soccer complex in Parc Chauveau
Federal Funding: Nearly $6 million
Timeframe: 2008-2009
Description: The new 9,800 square-metre building includes facilities on two floors. The ground floor features a synthetic soccer field with a 6,500 square-metre playing surface and bleachers for some 300 spectators, a lobby, ticket office, information booth, cloakrooms, restrooms and administrative offices. On the basement level, the new complex includes a snack bar, sporting goods shop, storage areas and a 100-person capacity hall that can be divided into smaller rooms. A 170-car outdoor parking lot and various complementary works will also be built.
