The Government of Canada Invests in Eastern Newfoundland
News Release
September 16, 2016 Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
The Government of Canada is investing close to $6 million for various infrastructure projects at Parks Canada sites across eastern Newfoundland. Today, Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada and Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
This investment will support infrastructure projects focused on providing the best possible experience for visitors, including upgrades to the visitor centres at Signal Hill National Historic Site and Terra Nova National Park. Other projects include stone wall masonry work at Signal Hill National Historic Site, the rehabilitation of the water system at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site and exterior siding restoration at Ryan Premises National Historic Site. These projects will enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience nature and connect with history.
Investments in the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of our national parks and historic sites will protect our heritage and strengthen their appeal as destinations to celebrate our nation’s achievements. These infrastructure investments are also vital to creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to preserving our national parks and national historic sites. Federal infrastructure investments such as these create and support middle class jobs and sustain economic growth in the region while ensuring safe, high-quality experiences for Canadians and international visitors”
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada and Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity
Quick facts
- Terra Nova National Park protects the area where the North Atlantic Ocean touches Newfoundland’s Eastern Island Boreal Forest. The landscape of the park varies from the rugged cliffs and sheltered inlets of the coastal region, to the rolling forested hills, bogs and ponds of the inland. Cultural history abounds in the remnants of sawmills and ancestral cultures.
- Signal Hill National Historic Site was the site of St. John’s harbour defences from the 17th century to the Second World War and where Guglielmo Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
- North America’s easternmost point of land, historic Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, is home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador and offers a glimpse into the lives of 19th century lighthouse keepers and their families.
- Ryan Premises National Historic Site tells the fishing industry story through the reminiscences of the site’s interpreters, the variety of artifacts in the on-site Bonavista Museum, and the internationally-recognized “Cod, Seals and Survivors” exhibition that tells the 500-year story of Canada’s east coast fishery.
- 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.
Related products
Backgrounder: Investment in Parks Canada infrastructure in eastern Newfoundland - 2016
Related links
Parks Canada
Terra Nova National Park
Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Signal Hill National Historic Site
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
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Media contacts
Caitlin Workman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9436
Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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