Celebrating Samuel de Champlain’s first trip to the Penetanguishene area in 1615, as part of commemorating 400 years of French presence in Ontario
May 15, 2015 – Penetanguishene, Ontario – Department of Canadian Heritage / Ontario Office of Francophone Affairs
Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, joined the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, to announce a joint $2.8‑million investment in Penetanguishene Park, on the shores of Lake Huron in Georgian Bay.
Mr. Stanton and Minister Meilleur were joined by Gerry Marshall, Mayor of Penetanguishene, for an official ground‑breaking, signalling the start of the project. The project includes the redevelopment of areas for cultural activities, historical interpretation, trails, and monuments.
The Department of Canadian Heritage is investing $900,000 under the Canada–Ontario Agreement on French Language Services and $500,000 as part of its Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program’s Legacy Fund. The Government of Ontario is investing $1.4 million as part of the Commemoration of 400 years of French Presence in Ontario. This investment will help promote Ontario’s French history and support 16 new sculptures that recognize the contribution of the Huron-Wendat Nation to local and regional history.
“French and English are key aspects of our history, our identity, and our future. They are part of what unites us. They help us live together and prosper together. This project perfectly illustrates this vision and these values.”
— The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“This major project will have a significant impact on the Penetanguishene community. In addition to providing a unique window into its culture and rich history, it will help promote tourism and bolster business opportunities.”
— Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North)
“I am thrilled to celebrate the launch of this unique project commemorating 400 years of French presence in Ontario. Penetanguishene and the southern Georgian Bay region are very important to our province’s history, and the new park will help showcase the importance of French and Wendat culture to visitors . It will also be a wonderful gathering space for the community for generations to come.”
— Madeleine Meilleur, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
"The Town of Penetanguishene is honoured to be involved in commemorating 400 years of French history in Ontario. Thanks to federal and provincial funding, we will be able to enhance our waterfront parkland and create a legacy park where residents and tourists can also learn about our province’s rich history and experience the site of where Champlain once lived.”
— Gerry Marshall, Mayor, Town of Penetanguishene
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
Charles Jean Sucsan
Director, Strategic Communications
Office of Francophone Affairs of Ontario
charlesjean.sucsan@ontario.ca
416-476-5223
Christine Michaud
Minister’s Office
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
christine.michaud@ontario.ca
416-326-4019
