On March 29, 2016, Canada‘s Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna has announced an investment of more than $170 million to protect and preserve Parks Canada’s five historic canals in Quebec.
She said “Through this significant investment, our government is protecting and preserving these treasured places, while supporting local economies, contributing to growth in the tourism sector, and enhancing the charm and attractiveness of these heritage sites. I encourage Canadians to visit and experience Parks Canada’s special places and to enjoy the outdoors, while learning about our rich history and heritage.”
This major investment will be used to conduct reconstruction work on the walls of the Lachine Canal, on the impressive lock of the Carillon Canal, and on the locks and bridges of the Chambly Canal. The funding will also be allocated to rehabilitate and reconstruct heritage-value buildings – such as the Chambly Canal superintendent’s house – and to build structures that preserve biodiversity, such as the Vianney-Legendre Fish Ladder on the Saint‑Ours Canal. Finally, service areas and footpaths will be built for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal, in order to increase the experience for all visitors.
Related Facts:
- Parks Canada is the largest provider of natural and cultural tourism products in Canada and its destinations form the cornerstones of the Canadian tourism industry.
- The Lachine Canal, which draws more than 1.2 million visitors, is an important gathering place and tourist attraction in Montreal.
- National Historic canals are a defining feature of Canada and encourage communities and visitors to discover their beautiful landscapes, recreational opportunities and unique connection to our history.
- Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada’s overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
- Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada.
Photo of Montreal’s Lachine Canal via Wikipedia.