Grosse Île, Quebec
22 May 2015
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canada’s culture and tourism sectors. To this end, on May 22, 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $5.13 million in support for the Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site.
The support being provided for the Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site will help create jobs and opportunities by ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained for Canadians and international tourists to enjoy for years to come. It will allow Parks Canada to undertake the following activities:
Cost and timeframe: $1.95 million (2015-2017)
Project description: Replacement of existing air sprinkler systems with a longer-lasting, more resistant galvanized steel sprinkler system to offer better protection to the heritage buildings and the public in the event of a fire.
Cost and timeframe: $1.75 million (2015-2017)
Project description: Installation of new tanks and furnaces and addition of new protective components in compliance with Environment Canada’s recent federal regulations regarding the transfer and storage of petroleum products.
Cost and timeframe: $1.4 million (2015-2017)
Project description: Repairs to the roof and rehabilitation of dormers, lanterns, chimneys and pillars supporting the lavatory. Some outside walls will be straightened.
The Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site commemorates the importance of immigration to Canada, particularly via the port of entry of Québec, from the early 19th century to the First World War. Grosse Île also reminds Canadians of the tragic events experienced by the Irish immigrants on this site, primarily during the typhus epidemic of 1847, and the role the island played as a quarantine station for the Port of Québec from 1832 to 1937. At the time, the island was the main point of entry for immigrants coming to Canada.
