Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada has announced $12 million over three years for projects related to critical infrastructure improvements at Fort Henry, Fort Wellington, Laurier House, and Sir John Johnson House national historic sites.
Funding will help Parks Canada conserve the heritage value of these cultural resources with the following projects:
- restore deteriorating stone walls, update sanitary systems and replace the main entry bridge at Fort Henry National Historic Site
- protect Laurier House National Historic Site from the elements with a new roof
- continue to preserve the battlements of Fort Wellington National Historic Site using the innovative approach that was successfully proven through a first phase of renewal in 2020
- upgrade the fire alarm and protection systems at Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site
Parks Canada’s wide-ranging infrastructure portfolio includes more than 18,500 built assets such as highways, bridges, dams and other marine infrastructure, historic buildings and fortifications, water and wastewater treatment facilities, campgrounds, visitor centres and operational buildings and compounds.
Since 2015, the federal infrastructure investment program has enabled Parks Canada to improve the condition of approximately 5,000 assets across the country. These upgrades help ensure public safety, quality and reliability in visitor offers, incorporate green technologies and climate resilience, while connecting Canadians with nature and history.
“The significant restorative work will be transformative for these heritage treasures and will help protect and conserve these national historic sites for future generations,” said Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier. “For nearly half a century, Laurier House stood witness to the lives of two Prime Ministers who oversaw great changes in Canada and today offers visitors unique insights into our political history.
“These national historic sites not only provide a glimpse of our country’s rich history, but are focal points for the communities around them, offering social, cultural, economic, linguistic and tourism benefits.”