The Government of Canada Invests in the fortifications and the Québec Citadel
News Release
Restoration work at the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site and the Québec Citadel
September 8, 2016 Québec City, Quebec Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is investing an additional $22 million in the restoration of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site and $15 million in the Québec Citadel for a total investment of $37 million in infrastructure. Today, Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, made this announcement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, and the Minister of National Defence, Harijt S. Sajjan.
This additional Parks Canada's investment of $22 million will be used to increase the scale of the interventions on the walls of the Fortifications of Québec to enable a more thorough rehabilitation and a complete restoration of the sections affected by the work. This project will also improve visitors' experiences by providing them access to new areas.
At the Québec Citadel, a military garrison that is still active today, $15 million will be invested to preserve and upgrade this national historic site. A complete renovation of the masonry of four retaining walls will be carried out. In addition, the mechanical room of the building which houses the residence of the Governor General, the Citadel officers' mess and the residence of the Commander of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, will be upgraded.
As we near the 150th anniversary of our great country in 2017, investment 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.
Quotes
“These infrastructure investments are vital to creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth. They will help protect and preserve these precious sites for generations while contributing to the tourism sector, enabling Québec City to continue to be a destination of choice for travellers from everywhere.”
The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site which has helped make Québec City a UNESCO World Heritage site. The projects announced today will ensure safe, high-quality visitor experiences and will give Canadians the opportunity to learn more about our rich and varied heritage.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“Today's investment will preserve the home of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment and a mecca of diplomacy, where a number of ceremonial events are held. The men and women of the Royal 22e Régiment will have access to secure facilities in order to perpetuate the military traditions of the Citadel, such as the Changing of the Guard in red.”
The Honourable Harjit S.Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
- The Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site encircling Old Québec City over 4.6 kilometres, commemorates the defence of Québec between 1608 and 1871. These imposing earth and stone works make Québec the only fortified city north of Mexico and have earned the Historic District of Old Québec the distinction of being inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites.
- A plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was recently unveiled recognizing the historic significance of the Royal 22e Régiment within the Québec Citadel National Historic Site.
- Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitors, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.
- As announced in the 2016 Federal Budget, the Department of National Defence will invest an additional $200 M in infrastructure for the Defence installations across the country.
- The Department of National Defence has the largest portfolio of buildings rated as heritage sites that are operational within the Federal Government, a portfolio which includes 26 national historic sites and a national wildlife reserve.
Related Products
Fact Sheet: Announcement concerning the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, 2016
Fact Sheet: Highlights of Federal investments in the infrastructure of the Québec Citadel
Associated Links
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment
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Information
Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defense
613-996-2353
866-377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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