Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, today announced an investment of up to $204,000 for Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“This investment will not only help preserve and improve these treasured places, it will also provide local construction jobs and economic activity which will help encourage tourism,” said Minister Nicholson. “The upgrades announced today will help prepare the area for the upcoming Bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812.”

Today’s announcement includes funding for heritage preservation of buildings at Navy Hall and Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site including upgrades to fire prevention systems as well cannon-sleeving and carriages protection to help bring history to life at Fort George National Historic Site. 

“The Government of Canada is committed to acting quickly and effectively to implement Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Prentice “The projects announced today will help to enhance visitor experiences, create jobs and economic activity right away, and help conserve the important sites of Niagara.”

Tourism represents a significant economic opportunity for Canada and, for this reason, has been targeted in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In 2007, the tourism sector contributed approximately $28.6 billion to the Canadian economy and employed 653,400 Canadians. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our government’s plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession by restoring confidence and supporting workers and families.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets aside $374 million for improvements of facilities and the protection of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. As a result of these investments in national parks and national historic sites, many skilled men and women in construction, tourism and conservation sectors will be hired in every province and territory of Canada.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.