Government of Canada invests in historical infrastructure at St. Anne's Chapel of Ease

Canada's Economic Action Plan helps protect the country's built heritage across the country

On behalf of the Honorable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Fredericton, announced today that the Government of Canada is providing infrastructure funding to St. Anne's Chapel of Ease National Historic Site of Canada. Today's announcement is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to upgrade national historic sites as a means of stimulating growth in the tourism sector.

"This project will help St. Anne's Chapel of Ease continue to be a celebrated local landmark that welcomes residents and visitors from around the world," said Minister Prentice. "In our Economic Action Plan, we recognize how important cultural 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."

Through the National Cost-Sharing Project, the Government of Canada is contributing $425,000 to support the restoration and conservation project at St. Anne's Chapel of Ease.

<>"Fredericton offers many rich and interesting experiences for visitors as well as for the local community,” added Minister Ashfield. "Saint Anne's Chapel of Ease is an impressive monument of great historical value, and I am inviting everyone to learn and experience something special by visiting this wonderful historic site."

"The proposed restoration work on the Chapel of Ease is directed toward bringing the building back to as close as is economically and technically possible to its original condition," said Frank Wilson, Chairman of the Restoration Committee. "This support by the Government of Canada will make possible the work necessary to restore the Chapel."

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 in the built heritage sector 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.

The 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 is 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.

Backgrounder

National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program