The Government of Canada recognizes the national significance of the Marconi Wireless Station
News Release
November 18, 2017 Glace Bay, Nova Scotia Parks Canada Agency
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.
Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape-Breton–Canso, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today unveiled a plaque commemorating the importance of the Marconi Wireless Station as a place of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held at the Glace Bay Heritage Museum with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian physicist, demonstrated a successful wireless telegraph in the late 19th century. In 1901, he proved that wireless telegraphy over long distances was possible with a transmittal across the Atlantic Ocean.
With the help of the Canadian Government, Marconi established a permanent wireless station on Cape Breton Island in 1902. Realizing that a bigger site was needed to accommodate for a larger antennae and a power plant, a second station was constructed and completed in 1905 south of Glace Bay. In 1908, the station, now called the Marconi Towers, began providing regular intercontinental service with a “sister” site in Clifden, Ireland.
This year also marks the centennial of national historic sites and 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 and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the Marconi Wireless Station. This site was the location of the first regular intercontinental wireless communications service. It’s in moments like this, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation that I encourage all Canadians to take an opportunity to learn more about this great place and its important role in our country's history.”
Rodger Cuzner,
Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“Marconi Wireless Station is an important part of Glace Bay and the surrounding area’s cultural story. This plaque is a wonderful addition to the Glace Bay Heritage Museum, which showcases the rich tapestry of our community’s history.”
Elke Ibrahim,
Vice Chair of the Glace Bay Heritage Museum
Quick Facts
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Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless station south of Glace Bay, Cape Breton, was a significant site of early wireless communication in Canada, and played a critical role in the development of wireless technology.
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In 1922, Marconi Towers began broadcasting under the call letters VAS, or the Voice of the Atlantic Seaboard. It could contact ships up to 1,600 kilometers offshore. The station was of great importance to the vessels and fishermen who relied on it for weather conditions.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Coady Slaunwhite
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Cape Breton Field Unit
Parks Canada
902-217-0861
Coady.Slaunwhite@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca