Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City, is given a tour of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux by Robert Gauvin, Archaeologist, Parks Canada, prior to announcing support for the restoration of three important historic landmarks in Québec City.
Québec City, Quebec - 16 December 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for the restoration of three important historic landmarks in Québec City, with a view to preserving their heritage and culture for generations to come. He was joined by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City.
This support will contribute to the restoration of the historic walls around Old Québec City, rehabilitate the Dauphine Redoubt military fortification, and restore elements of the Maillou House National Historic Site. Activities will include repairing and stabilizing the masonry in walls, strengthening foundations and improving cladding and drainage.
Restoration activities will help ensure 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. The fortifications being restored surround Old Québec. This is part of the Old Québec historic district which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Restoration activities will also generate more than 500 jobs and promote economic development and tourism.
Cultural resources management experts (architects, archaeologists, historians and engineers) 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.
The restoration projects, which are being managed by Parks Canada, will be funded using a portion of the infrastructure investment announced by the Prime Minister on November 24, 2014.
Today’s investments are the latest of many projects that the Government has supported to ensure that Québec City remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one where communities thrive. Other examples include 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, Montmorency Park and the Governors’ Garden, the expansion of the Musée national des beaux-arts, the renovation of the Monastère des Augustines, the rebuilding of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury (formerly the Grande Allée Armoury), the year-round opening of Gilmour Hill, the expansion and renovation of the Pavillon de l'Education Physique et des Sports at the University of Laval, and the construction of an indoor soccer complex in Parc Chauveau.
