The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of William Berczy

September 9, 2017                         Markham, Ontario                                       Parks Canada

Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.

Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today commemorated the importance of William Berczy, a person of national historic significance.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. William Berczy was a rare figure in the New World who exemplified the qualities of a true renaissance man. He had many accomplishments and will forever be remembered as a colonizer, land developer, road builder, artist, architect, and engineer. His achievements shaped a major part of Upper Canada’s pre-Confederation history. Alongside his wife and 200 dedicated German settlers, William Berczy carved a substantial section of Yonge Street out of the raw Canadian wilderness. The street evolved into York’s (Toronto) main commercial thoroughfare during the 19th Century and would eventually become one of the most well-known streets in the world. 

Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and are playing a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of the free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada.