2018 Niagara National Historic SitesFederal Infrastructure Investment ProgramGrand total investment*: $13.6M

Niagara National Historic Sites (NHS)

The Niagara National Historic Sites is made up of seven sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake administered by Parks Canada. They are: Fort Mississauga, Butler’s Barracks, Fort George, Mississauga Point Lighthouse, Battlefield of Fort George, Queenston Heights, and Navy Island.

Fort Mississauga National Historic Site is a hidden treasure nestled along the South shore of Lake Ontario. Built just after the War of 1812 and used as a military site until just after World War II, this unique site reflects 150 years of British and Canadian military activity. Today, visitors can experience the serenity of a once-bustling fortification where soldiers trained before being sent overseas, and climb to the top of the earthen walls to connect with stunning historic vistas.

Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site commemorates military activity, dating back to well before the War of 1812, and through Canada’s evolution from a colony to a nation. Additionally, it played a key role in training Canadian troops during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and Canadian peace-keeping efforts. Today, Butler’s Barracks is a community gathering place where, each year, large-scale events connect thousands Canadians to our country’s rich and vibrant heritage, in a natural setting.

Fort George National Historic Site has been an important military site for over 200 years. During the War of 1812, during the Battle of Fort George it was destroyed by American artillery fire and captured. The fort fell into ruins, but in the 1930s it was reconstructed according to the original plans of the Royal Engineers and became a national historic site. Each year, almost 100,000 visitors experience the fort’s dramatic history through interactive programs and thrilling demonstrations. Music and muskets engage the senses as friendly and knowledgeable heritage interpreters make each visit truly memorable. Fort George National Historic Site is an ideal getaway for families, history buffs, and unique experience seekers.

Federal Infrastructure Project Funding

Project name: Fort Mississauga NHS – Shoreline Protection
Previously announced funding: $970K
Estimated new funding: $3.9M

Project description: This project focuses on protecting the shoreline from further erosion. In April 2018, $970 K was announced to initiate a study of long-term shore protection options for Fort Mississauga of actively eroding Lake Ontario shoreline. The funding is also being used to implement emergency protection work along 80-100 metres of shoreline at Fort Mississauga. This work is currently in progress.

With $3.9 M of additional funding, full protection measures can now be put in place along approximately 600 metres of shoreline at Fort Mississauga. This work to combat shoreline erosion will conserve in-situ artifacts and ensure public safety. Project work will occur over the next year and a half.

Project name: Fort Mississauga NHS – Phase l Tower Stabilization
Estimated total: $1.3M

Project description: This project, scheduled to start this winter, will begin the process of stabilizing and preserving the central brick tower at Fort Mississauga NHS, including replacing the roof to stop water infiltration and reinforcing the structure to ensure its stability.

Project name: Fort Mississauga NHS - Phase II Stabilization of Cultural Resources
Estimated total: $1.7M

Project description: This project, which began last fall, entails repairs and stabilization of several historic structures at Fort Mississauga including: the two powder magazines built into the earthworks; the sally port; and the main gate wing walls. Gates will be placed on the powder magazines and sally port for improved site security and to help preserve the historic etchings made by generations of Canadian soldiers, from the 1880s through the First and Second World Wars.

In addition, a viewing platform has been constructed where visitors can access a breath-taking heritage view of the Lake Ontario shoreline and understand the site’s strategic relationship with Old Fort Niagara in New York. All work will soon be finished.

Project name: Butler’s Barracks NHS - Site Stabilization and Rehabilitation
Estimated total: $3.2M

Project description: This project involves structural and exterior envelope (roof, siding, windows and doors) repairs to three of the buildings making up Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site: Commissariat Stores Building, Junior Commissariat Officers’ Quarters and the Barracks. Structural work on the Barracks, which started in the summer of 2017, also included refurbishing the interior to create administration offices and meeting space. This project was completed in early 2018.

The Commissariat Stores building will receive a new roof this fall. Structural and other exterior work on the Junior Commissariat Officers Quarters will start next year.

Project name: Fort George NHS - Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Heritage Buildings and Grounds
Estimated total: $2.2M

Project description: Parks Canada is rehabilitating and restoring the grounds of several heritage structures at Fort George National Historic Site, as well as at Navy Hall. This work will include structural and siding repairs to Blockhouses 1, 2 and 3, the Octagonal Blockhouse, the earthworks and palisades. Some of the smaller project work was started in February and has been completed, with the remainder of the work starting this fall. It is expected that all work will be completed in the spring of 2019.

Project name: Fort George NHS - Pathway Accessibility Improvements
Estimated total: $707K

Project description: The pathways and road surfaces at Fort George National Historic Site were re-graded and re-surfaced to improve visitor accessibility to the site. New energy efficient lighting was also installed along the Fort’s pathways and in the parking lot to aid in the delivery of evening programs and events, and to ensure the safety of visitors. The project work started in 2015 and was completed in 2016.

Project name: Fort George NHS - Blockhouse 3 Recapitalisation
Estimated total: $645K

Project description: Renovations to the interior, the addition of insulation, and completion of HVAC work now maximize the use of available space, accommodate staff offices, protect assets that support visitor experience, and enhance programs and activities at the site that connect Canadians to our shared cultural heritage. This work was completed in 2016.

* Please note that the sum of individual project values may not equal the grand total indicated at the top of this document due to standard rounding errors.

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