The Government invests in Fort Wellington National Historic Site

Restoration plan in the works for this historic military site

September 8, 2016                          Prescott, Ontario                                           Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada is responsible for protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Our national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.

Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced $2.6 million in funding for Fort Wellington National Historic Site.

This funding will be used to restore the fort’s battlements, which includes the fraising, palisades, revetment wall, and entrance gate. Improvements to the battlements will enable Parks Canada to continue to tell the story of Fort Wellington’s place in the protection and building of our nation, so Canadians can connect with their 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. As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history.

 

Quote

“Through investments like this, the Government is protecting and preserving our treasured heritage places, while supporting local economies and contributing to the growth of the tourism sector. The project announced today at Fort Wellington National Historic Site will ensure safe, high-quality visitor experiences for years to come, and enable Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience and share our heritage.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

 

Quick Facts

• Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River just south of Ottawa in Prescott, Ontario, Fort Wellington National Historic Site was an important military post during past Canadian military conflicts, where troops stationed there saw battle.
• During the War of 1812, British Gunboats were stationed in Prescott. Fort Wellington National Historic Site has the wreckage of one of these 1812 era British Gunboats, raised from the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, on display.
• The cannons at Fort Wellington National Historic Site are original circa 1812 weapons. The fort’s Fire the Cannon program offers visitors an opportunity to fire one of these muzzle loading cannons.
• Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 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 Product

Backgrounder: Parks Canada Infrastructure Investments for Fort Wellington National Historic Site – 2016

 

 

Associated Links

Parks Canada

Fort Wellington National Historic Site

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Contacts
Caitlin Workman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9436

Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca