Harper Government Announces New Investments at Fort Henry National Historic Site

News Release

June 8, 2015 – Kingston, Ontario – Office of the Minister of Environment, Parks Canada

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, joined by Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville, today announced infrastructure investments totalling more than $9 million in Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston, Ontario.

This major investment includes the repair and rehabilitation of the counterscarp walls on the east, west and north faces; health and safety work under the Fort Henry Conservation Capital Plan; and the repair, rehabilitation or replacement of damaged masonry, structural elements, and lighting and electrical systems to meet current safety codes in the Curtain Wall Revetment and Block 10 Revetment.

These projects are the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.

This announcement follows recent related infrastructure announcements in the area including a $39.4 million investment in the Rideau Canal National Historic Site as well as a $25 million investment at CFB Kingston and the Kingston Armoury.

Quick Facts

Fort Henry is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage destination, and is a cornerstone of Kingston’s vibrant tourism industry.
Each year over 150,000 visitors come to experience the majesty and grandeur of this fort. Whether they come as children on school trips, bus tour groups, or families on vacation, tourists from across the country flock to Fort Henry.
The economic impact from tourism in Kingston is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of people are directly employed by the tourism industry.
Passing through Fort Henry’s limestone arch entryways, visitors enter the realm of 19th century military life, experience guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.
Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada’s overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
On November 24, the Prime Minister announced the largest infrastructure investment in Parks Canada sites across Canada in the Agency’s 104-year history. This investment will support infrastructure improvements to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This is part of a new $5.8 billion federal infrastructure program.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to protecting and promoting our rich cultural heritage. With these investments, we are creating and protecting jobs and opportunities by enhancing our national parks and national historic sites. Fort Henry is a national treasure and these investments demonstrate a commitment to our history and renewing visitor facilities, allowing Canadians to connect with our natural and historic places.”
- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada

“Fort Henry plays an important role to residents of Kingston and visitors from all around the world. The fort is part of Ontario’s only World Heritage Site and offers visitors a one of a kind opportunity to experience 19th century military life through historical re-enactments, drills, battle tactics and parades.”
- Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville

Additional links

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Media contacts

Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Bruce MacMillan
Partnering Engagement and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-923-5261 ext. 122

Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
www.twitter.com/parkscanada

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Harper Government Announces New Investments at Fort Henry National Historic Site

News Release

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