The Government of Canada Invests in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Investing in new camping facilities to improve visitor experience

 

November 3, 2016                     Chéticamp, Nova Scotia                                         Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $2 million to create a new campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, made the announcement today on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

This investment will create a new camping experience to replace part of the Chéticamp campground that was affected by flooding in 2015. As part of this investment, Parks Canada will celebrate the significant local Acadian history by incorporating Acadian names, stories, music, building techniques, landscaping and other traditions into the design and plans. This new campground will enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to learn about our environment, our history, and to access and experience nature.

Investments in visitor infrastructure – such as trails and campgrounds, as well as highways, parkways and bridges – will ensure the quality and reliability of visitor facilities and continue to allow Canadians to connect with nature.

 

Quote

“The Government is committed to preserving our national parks and providing more opportunities for Canadians to get outdoors to experience and learn about our environment. These infrastructure investments are vital to creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth, while ensuring high-quality and meaningful experiences for Canadians and visitors from around the world to these national treasures.”

Rodger Cuzner,
Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

 

Quick Facts

• This new campground will consist of approximately 40 sites, including several cabins inspired by the local culture.
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers over 400 front country and back country camping sites in seven campgrounds. Campers can choose from remote sites with tent pads in the back country, to fully serviced RV and traditional tenting sites, or new hassle-free comfort camping, such as one of our 20 oTENTiks. The park’s 26 hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoasts.
• 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.

 

Associated Document

Backgrounder: Parks Canada Infrastructure Investments for Cape Breton Highlands National Park – 2016

 

Related Links

Parks Canada

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

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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 Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca