Canada's Economic Action Plan prepares Fort Wellington National Historic site for commemoration of the war of 1812

August 12, 2009

Gord Brown, MP for Leeds-Grenville announces $2 million in funding for Fort Wellington.


PRESCOTT – Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced a $2,000,000 investment in visitor infrastructure at Fort Wellington National Historic Site in preparation for bicentennial commemorations of the War of 1812. The announcement is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our Government’s plan to stimulate the economy during the global recession,” said Mr. Brown. “The investment announced today will not only help preserve and improve a key national historic site commemorating the War of 1812 and prepare it for an increase in visitation, but will also provide an economic stimulus and create local jobs.”

Canada’s Economic Action 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. As part of this investment, a total of $12 million has been allocated to national historic sites associated with the War of 1812 in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.

“Bicentennial commemorations of the War of 1812 will increase awareness of the colour and drama of Canadian history and celebrate two centuries of peaceful coexistence with the United States,” said Minister Prentice.

Investment in the visitor centre at Fort Wellington will play a large role in stimulating increased awareness of our shared history and will encourage heritage tourism, creating sustainable jobs in heritage protection and presentation. This funding will help to ensure the protection of resources and enhance the visitor experience at the site.