Infrastructure Work to Begin at Parks Canada National Historic Sites in Halifax
News Release
May 5, 2016 Halifax, N.S. Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada is pleased to announce that significant infrastructure projects at national historic sites in Halifax will soon be underway.
In 2015, Parks Canada announced an investment of more than $20 million in infrastructure projects at Parks Canada places in Halifax to restore historic structures, improve visitor safety and ensure high-quality visitor experiences. Planning is well underway and work is anticipated to begin this spring and summer at both Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and nearby Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site.
Work on these iconic landmarks will focus on stabilizing masonry, renewing roads, improving visitor and pedestrian access, field drainage, roof and window replacement and restoration of the clock faces on the Town Clock. Parks Canada will continue to provide updates as these projects progress.
This important work will safeguard our heritage assets and allow Parks Canada to continue to be a leader in the tourism industry in Nova Scotia. By restoring and rejuvenating national historic sites in Halifax, Canadians will be able to continue to experience these places and their stories as we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
The Government is committed to investing in the revitalization of federal infrastructure assets including national parks and national historic sites, for the benefit of all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.
Quote
“The work that Parks Canada is undertaking at Halifax’s national historic sites will ensure that these treasured places are protected and preserved, while also supporting the local economy, contributing to growth in the tourism sector and enhancing visitor experiences.”
– Julie Tompa, Field Unit Superintendent, Mainland Nova Scotia
Quick Facts
- The present Citadel was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of British forts on this site. The strategic hilltop location with a commanding view of the Halifax harbour was chosen in 1749 for the fort destined to protect the city. The Halifax Citadel’s star-shaped architecture is equally as impressive from the inside and out.
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors every year. The national historic sites in Mainland Nova Scotia contribute over $20 million to the Nova Scotia economy annually.
- The first tower of its type ever built in North America, the Prince of Wales Tower is part of the robust Halifax Defence Complex constructed, beginning in the 1790s, to protect British sea batteries from a French landward attack. This solid, thick walled Martello tower stands guard on the highest point of Point Pleasant Park.
- Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across Canada.
Related Product
Backgrounder: Infrastructure projects at Parks Canada national historic sites in Halifax
Associated Links
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ParksCanada_NS
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Contacts
Alicia Brett
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
902-426-1345 (office) / 902-402-2174 (cell)
Alicia.Brett@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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