Canada connects more Canadians to nature in Pukaskwa National Park
News release
June 24, 2019 Marathon, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
It’s in our nature to conserve our land and water, to protect our wildlife, and to save the places we love. Together with Canadians, we are doubling the protection of Canada’s lands and oceans. Our national parks allow us to touch nature in new ways and to experience the natural wonder of our country. By encouraging Canadians to visit their national parks and historical places, and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada allows more Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn about our heritage.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, celebrated the completion of several federal infrastructure projects in Pukaskwa National Park on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna. The Government of Canada invested over $10 million in infrastructure improvements for Pukaskwa National Park, the largest federal investment in the park since its opening in the early 1980s.
These improvements include campground upgrades and two replaced viewing platforms overlooking Lake Superior, among other projects. Visitors will be welcomed by an upgraded main access road and improved Visitor Reception Centre. These park improvements make sure all visitors to Parks Canada’s places have a high-quality experience and give Canadians an opportunity to better connect with nature.
Pukaskwa National Park is a hidden gem nestled along the shores of Lake Superior and just off the Trans-Canada Highway. National parks represent the very best Canada has to offer. All Canadians are encouraged to visit them and discover the beauty of Canada’s natural treasures.
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Quotes
“Through investments in our national parks, the Government of Canada is improving infrastructure to ensure Canadians of all ages have the opportunity to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and heritage. Improvements to Pukaskwa National Park’s campgrounds, trails, and Visitor Centre will support efforts in providing a world class experience for visitors, while the renewed road access into the park will enable more Canadians to discover and connect with nature. I hope Canadians and people from around the world come to Northwestern Ontario and visit Pukaskwa National Park.”
Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North
Quick facts
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Other projects completed under this funding include the addition of electricity to eight campsites, improvements to the washrooms, as well as the replacement of numerous structures on the front and back country trails. The Park Administration Building was also renovated to make the building more energy efficient and reduce operational costs during the winter months.
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Pukaskwa National Park is Ontario’s only wilderness National Park. The park welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors per year.
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Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.
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Since 2016, the federal government has provided an additional $555 million to Parks Canada for the continued management of Canada’s natural treasures, and Budget 2019 proposes $368 million in funding for capital projects, to collectively ensure the quality and reliability of Agency infrastructure.
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The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places. In celebration of diversity, Parks Canada continues to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile application.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Stephane Comeault
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada Agency
705-941-6200
Stephane.comeault@canada.ca
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