Parks Canada announces the rebuilding of the Chambly Wharf and an additional allocation to carry it out

News release


Federal infrastructure funding will help to enhance the visitor experience

August 15, 2018                                 Chambly, Quebec                       Parks Canada Agency

The Parks Canada mandate is to protect and present 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.

The Government of Canada announces the start of work on the rehabilitation of the Chambly Wharf and an additional investment of $3.1 million for a total amount of nearly $10 million dedicated to the rehabilitation of this emblematic site of the Chambly Canal National Historic Site.

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Chief Government Whip, made the announcement today on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna. The rehabilitation of the wharf will restore access to this facility to the thousands of visitors to this national historic site.

The work announced today concerns the complete rebuilding of the wharf (also known as the “federal wharf”) located in the heart of Old Chambly, downstream from Lock No. 1 in the Chambly Basin. The Government of Canada will thus give the public access again to this facility cherished by local residents. Parks Canada has mandated Public Services and Procurement Canada to manage the planning and execution of the wharf rehabilitation project and the contract award process for this work.

A real oasis for cycling, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts, the Chambly Canal offers moments of pure relaxation in an environment shaped by 175 years of history. In addition, eight out of nine of the Canal’s locks as well as a bridge are still manually operated, as during the period when the Canal opened in 1843.

Following the Minister’s Round Table, the most extensive consultations ever held with respect to Parks Canada, Minister McKenna put forward her priorities for Parks Canada. The Chambly Canal NHS is an excellent example of the efforts made by Parks Canada to use innovative ideas to help Canadians discover, connect with, and enjoy historic sites and national parks. 

The Government of Canada is currently investing massively in the infrastructure of historic sites and national parks in order to maintain the incredible ecological and economic value they represent for society and our country’s heritage and history for present and future generations.

Quotes

“Historic canals such as the Chambly Canal are important parts of our history and are part of Canada's heritage. With this additional investment to refurbish this centennial facility, current and future users will have a greater sense of ownership of this national historic site. Rehabilitating Parks Canada's site infrastructure allows more Canadians to discover and enjoy one of the most beautiful and extensive networks of protected places in the world.” 

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez,
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Chief Government Whip


“This project will provide the public and visitors to the Richelieu Valley with restored access to the Chambly Wharf so that they can enjoy the riverside amenities on foot, by bicycle or by boat. Our government is proud to support Parks Canada in carrying out this work, the outcome of an open and transparent process offering the best value for taxpayers.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough,
Minister of Publics Services and Procurement and Accessibility

Quick facts

  • The Chambly Wharf was closed for user safety reasons in 2011 following floods along the Richelieu River. The reopening of the wharf after its reconstruction is scheduled for the 2020 navigation season.

  • Work worth nearly $10 million will be carried out from fall 2018 to spring 2020 to rehabilitate the wharf and allow it to reopen to the public.

  • Parks Canada is investing the record sum of $3 billion over five years to carry out infrastructure work at facilities located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada.

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Contacts

Caroline Thériault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
caroline.theriault2@canada.ca

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

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