Government of Canada Invests Close to $1 Million in HMCS Haida National Historic Site
News Release
June 17, 2016 Hamilton, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
HMCS Haida National Historic Site is a living legacy that offers Canadians a first-hand opportunity to experience and learn about our nation’s great history. This cultural treasure is an important feature of the tourism fabric of the Greater Hamilton Area and welcomes between 12,000 and 16,000 visitors every year.
Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced $948,000 to rehabilitate HMCS Haida National Historic Site.
This investment will be used to evaluate and repair the superstructure of the ship including the gun decks, bulkheads, radar tower, bridge, and more. This investment will improve visitor safety, ensure high-quality visitor experiences, and maintain commemorative integrity.
Investments in preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of our national historic sites will protect our heritage and strengthen their appeal as destinations to celebrate our nation's achievements.
Quote
“Through this investment, the Government is protecting and preserving national treasured places like HMCS Haida National Historic Site and supporting the local economy and the tourism sector in Hamilton. I am pleased that HMCS Haida – the fightingest ship in the Royal Canadian Navy – will continue to tell her stories to all Canadians.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
- HMCS Haida is the world’s last surviving Tribal Class destroyer. She has received more battle honours than any other Canadian ship and has earned the title of “Canada’s fightingest ship”.
- Built in England, HMCS Haida was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943 and served in many theatres of operation through the Second World War. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through the Korean Conflict until she was decommissioned in 1963. The ship was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1984 by the federal government. HMCS Haida arrived at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour on August 30, 2003, the 60th anniversary of her commissioning.
- Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.
Related Product
Backgrounder: 2016 HMCS Haida National Historic Site Infrastructure Investments
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Contacts
Caitlin Workman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9436
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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