Government of Canada Invests in Point Pelee National Park
News release
Canada’s southernmost national park makes infrastructure improvements to help conservation of nature
September 5, 2019 Leamington, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our national parks, conserving the important natural habitats and species at risk they protect, while supporting sustainable tourism. In managing national parks like Point Pelee, Parks Canada maintains and restores ecological integrity while providing Canadians with opportunities to discover and enjoy them.
Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced a federal infrastructure investment of $9.9 million for Point Pelee National Park. This funding will support upgrades to the park’s main road.
The main road project involves:
- the underground installation of electrical and phone lines to minimize impact of utility corridors through important forest and coastal savannah habitat;
- upgrading sewage treatment to protect the park’s wetland ecosystems; and
- repaving the 7km main road, which runs from the park’s entrance to the visitor centre.
These improvements will benefit species at risk and the park’s natural habitat, improve water quality, and significantly decrease long-term maintenance costs.
The first phase of the project focuses on archaeological work in the construction areas. Any artifacts found in the area will be protected and studied to help better define the cultural history of the park and region. Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation are assisting Point Pelee National Park with concept development and archaeological monitoring.
Point Pelee National Park is Canada’s most biodiverse national park. At the southernmost tip of Canada, this lush Carolinian forest oasis is a gateway to nature, adventure, and discovery. This project directly contributes to the Government of Canada’s conservation initiatives, collaboration with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of reconciliation, and provide Canadians with more opportunities to connect with nature.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to investing in nature, preserving our treasured places and connecting more Canadians to the outdoors. Delivered in partnership with Indigenous partners, this project will help restore habitat in Canada’s most biodiverse national park and protect Parks Canada’s infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather. I encourage all Canadians to visit Point Pelee and connect with the beauty of all of Canada’s natural treasures.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Parks Canada works with Indigenous communities across the country – including Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation – as partners in conserving Canada’s natural heritage. The main road project is being planned and implemented hand-in-hand with Indigenous peoples, who have stewarded this land for thousands of years.
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Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars 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.
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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 invested $368 million in funding for Parks Canada’s infrastructure projects.
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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 Cultural Access Pass Program.
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Contacts
Caroline Thériault
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
caroline.theriault2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca
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