2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay to shine bright at iconic Parks Canada sites

National Park and five National Historic Sites set to host the flame

OTTAWA, June 3, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today invited Canadians to cheer on the flame and torchbearers when the TORONTO 2015 Torch Relay for the Pan Am Games visits six national historic sites and a national park – locations that themselves are symbols of the very best natural and cultural heritage that Canada has to offer.

The Pan Am Torch Relay stops will range from full community celebrations to photo opportunities at iconic Canadian landmarks. As part of the relay through more than 130 communities, Canadians will have the opportunity to see the Pan Am flame at the following Parks Canada locations:

• Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, Peterborough Ontario, on June 4, 2015;
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 7, 2015;
• Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, Gravenhurst, Ontario, on June 9, 2015;
• Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, on June 17, 2015;
• The Forks National Historic Site, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 22, 2015 and;
• Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Smith Falls, Ontario on July 2, 2015

Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of 168 national historic sites, 44 national parks and four national marine conservation areas. These incredible places make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural and natural heritage, are a source of pride and part of our Canadian identity. In addition to being an international multisport event, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games are an opportunity to put our heritage in the spotlight, promote Canadian culture, and increase Canada's engagement in the Americas.

Quick Facts

• The TORONTO 2015 Torch Relay for the Pan Am Games will be a 41-day journey, covering 5,000-plus kilometres on the road and more than 15,000 kilometres in the air, with 3,000 torchbearers, through more than 130 communities, including six national historic sites and one national park.
• The torch relay will begin on May 30, 2015, and make its final stop on July 10, 2015, at the Pan Am Opening Ceremony venue in Toronto, Ontario.
• The Government of Canada is a proud supporter of the TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.
• 2015 was proclaimed as the Year of Sport by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and celebrates the role sport plays in our Canadian identity.

Quotes

"The TORONTO 2015 Torch Relay for the Pan Am Games is about bringing the spirit of the games to communities around Ontario and special locations across the country. Our Government is proud to invite Canadians to join us at some of Parks Canada's incredible places as we welcome the flame, celebrate sporting excellence, and shine a light on some of the best culture, history and environment that Canada has to offer."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"As we recognize 2015 as the Year of Sport, our Government is proud to support the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games and the torch relay. We invite all Canadians to celebrate the games and welcome the torch in their community and in Parks Canada locations in celebration of sport and the spirit of international competition."

The Honourable Bal Gosal,
Minister of State (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Bramalea—Gore—Malton (Ontario)

Associated Links
www.parkscanada.gc.ca
www.toronto2015.org

Backgrounder

Parks Canada Locations for TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay

June 4, 2015
Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site
Peterborough, Ontario

Come and join us for a community event hosted at Del Crary Park on the shore of Little Lake to witness the flotilla of vessels arriving with the Pan Am Games flame. The torch relay will be broadcast live and shown on a large screen at the park.

June 7, 2015
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is proud to host the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games torchbearers where they will start the relay off with a bang. As the traditional noon gun fires in Halifax, a 78^th Highlander and piper will escort the torchbearers out of the fort and onto the relay route. Visitors are welcome to take part in the kick-off event for the torch relay in Halifax, including the lighting of the torch.  

June 9, 2015
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site
Gravenhurst, Ontario

Come and be part of the Pan Am Games torch relay celebration at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada. This historic site commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune. A battlefront surgeon, promoter of public health care, inventor, teacher and artist, Dr. Bethune is most famous for the last two years of his life, which were spent in China, serving as a surgeon and teacher. Generations after his death, his story continues to be taught to millions of Chinese students. Bethune Memorial House plans to open for the public on June 9, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. free of charge.  Refreshments and will be available for visitors.   

June 17, 2015
Point Pelee National Park, Ontario

On June 17, the Pan Am Games flame will be welcomed by the roaring cheers of hundreds of school children, visitors, and Parka – Parks Canada's friendly mascot – as it makes its way along the majestic Savannah forested trail in Point Pelee National Park to the southernmost tip of mainland Canada. The torchbearer will stop for a quick photo op in front of the lapping waves of Lake Erie.

June 22, 2015
The Forks National Historic Site,
Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Pan Am Games torch relay celebration at The Forks in Winnipeg will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 22. Visitors will be treated to the popular "Parks Canada Green Screen Photo Booth" activity providing a fun photo that virtually transports them to a national park or national historic site setting in Manitoba. The souvenir electronic image is sent to the visitor by e-mail, Facebook or Twitter.

Parks Canada's photo booth will be part of a larger Pan Am Games torch relay celebration organized by the Forks Renewal Corporation (FRC), which will feature VIP guests, musical performances and sports and cultural demonstrations.

July 2, 2015
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Smiths Falls, Ontario

Come and join us for a community event hosted at Confederation Park located beside the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre and watch the Pan Am Games flame travel by boat through Combined Lockstation on the Rideau Canal. In conjunction with the Town of Smiths Falls and TO2015, local entertainment, concessions and activities for all ages will be available on-site.  

SOURCE Parks Canada

For further information: Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 819-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada