GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN REVITALIZATION OF NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES FOR COMMEMMORATION OF THE WAR OF 1812

May 01, 2009

Canada’s Economic Action Plan supports tourism and heritage infrastructure projects in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO, May 1, 2009 – The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced important investments in visitor infrastructure in preparation for the War of 1812 Bicentennial. The announcement is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Accompanied by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister Prentice also announced the recently completed restoration of the iconic Brock’s Monument at Queenston Heights National Historic Site.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the War of 1812 as a significant nation-building chapter in Canadian history and celebrates the two centuries of peaceful co-existence with the United States,” said Minister Prentice. “This investment will not only help preserve and improve key national historic sites commemorating the War of 1812, it will also provide local construction jobs, economic activity and help to encourage tourism throughout Eastern Canada. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our government’s plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession.”

The Plan sets aside $75 million for improvements to visitor facilities in Canada’s national parks and national historic sites over the next two years and another
$75 million for the protection of national historic sites during the same time period. A total of
$12 million has been allocated to national historic sites in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick that commemorate the War of 1812.

In Fort George National Historic Site, the funding will help to ensure the protection of this significant resource and enhance the visitor experience at this important location where War of 1812 events unfolded.

At Fort Wellington, the funding will allow for the renewal of the site’s visitor centre and administration facilities.

Other sites receiving funding in Ontario include Fort Malden National Historic Site, Queenston Heights National Historic Site, and funding for a Parks Canada exhibit at Fort York National Historic Site. In New Brunswick, St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site will receive funding and in Quebec, sites receiving funding include Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site and Fort Chambly National Historic Site.

Tourism represents a significant economic opportunity for Canada and, for this reason, has been targeted in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, tourism spending in Canada totalled $70.8 billion in 2007 and employed 653,400 Canadians. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is delivering immediate action and investments in infrastructure. This is a targeted plan that will create and maintain jobs for today and tomorrow.

In 2008, important repairs were made to repairs to Brock’s Monument, located at Queenston Heights National Historic Site of Canada. Major-General Sir Isaac Brock was military commander and administrator of Upper Canada at the outset of the War of 1812. His organizational skills and bold initiatives early in the war made the defense of Upper Canada possible. He was killed while leading troops against an American invasion attempt at Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812. Today Brock's Monument stands as a reminder for all Canadians of his sacrifice at the Battle of Queenston Heights and his efforts that ensured the preservation of Upper Canada.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to have invested in the restoration of Brock’s Monument,” said Minister Nicholson. “1With the restoration of Brock’s Monument, this significant part of our Canadian heritage will be protected for the enjoyment of this generation and those to come.”