Canada's Economic Action Plan invests in heritage infrastructure at Old Stone Mill National Historic Site of Canada

August 17, 2009

Gord Brown, MP for Leeds-Grenville recently announced funding to help the Old Stone Mill in Delta prepare for its 200th anniversary.


Delta – The Government of Canada is providing infrastructure funding for Old Stone Mill National Historic Site of Canada, today announced 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’s announcement is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to stimulate Canada’s economy during the global recession. The Economic Action Plan includes major investments in national historic sites as a means of stimulating growth in the tourism sector.

“Ontario offers many rich and interesting experiences for visitors as well as for the local community,” added MP Gord Brown. “Delta’s Old Stone Mill is of great historical value to the local community, and I am inviting everyone to learn and experience something special about our great province by visiting this wonderful national historic site.”

Through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada is contributing $14,950 to support the rehabilitation project at the Old Stone Mill

“This project will help Old Stone Mill provide an attraction of choice for visitors,” said Minister Prentice. “In our Economic Action Plan, we recognize just how important history, heritage and tourism are to the economy, and the important role that our Cost-Sharing Program will play in support to local economies, as well as to the fabric of Canadian history.”

"The Delta Mill Society is thrilled to be entering into a Cost-Sharing agreement with Parks Canada in time for the 200th anniversary of the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in 2010,” said Mr. Art Cowan, President of the Delta Mill Society. “This grant takes the Delta Mill Society one step closer to its long-standing goal of preparing this magnificent building for the Bicentennial Celebration."

National historic sites contribute to tourism in over 400 communities across Canada through direct spending, visitor spending and spin-off economic activity. The Cost-Sharing Program, with a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada’s Economic Action Plan, reflects the government’s desire to support job creation by providing funding for conservation of National Historic Sites. This Program provides opportunities for skilled construction and conservation professionals to work on historic places across the country.

Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program is a contribution program whereby up to 50% of eligible costs incurred in the conservation and presentation of a national historic site are paid by the Program. Eligible recipients include other levels of government, not-for-profit organizations and not-for-profit aboriginal organizations.

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.