Government of Canada Investing in the Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Multi-million dollar improvement to the lighting system for the Lachine Canal path

MONTREAL, June 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Parks Canada is responsible for protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience the outdoors and discover our rich and varied history.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $9 million over the next three years to rebuild the lighting system along the Lachine Canal path. Members of Parliament, Marc Miller (Ville-Marie – Le Sud-Ouest – Îles-des-Soeurs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities), David Lametti (LaSalle – Émard – Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development) and Anju Dhillon (Dorval – Lachine – LaSalle) made the announcement together on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. 

This investment will guarantee a safe, high-quality experience for the more than one million yearly visitors to this remarkable urban park in the heart of Montreal. This project involves replacing the entire underground distribution system for lighting along the canal path that dates from 1978. More than 400 lampposts will also be replaced over the next three years to provide pleasant, secure and reliable lighting for visitors. The new LED lamp models will contribute to the sound environmental management of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site and a reduction in energy costs. 

The rebuilding of the lighting system is in addition to numerous other infrastructure projects recently completed or planned over the next few years along the Lachine Canal, including the rehabilitation of footbridges and tunnels, the rebuilding of canal walls, and the rebuilding of Locks 1 and 2. 

The Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada in 2017 to celebrate Canada 150. This also includes free lockage on the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Just as admission fees give visitors access to the wonders of national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, lockage fees give boaters access to Parks Canada's historic waterways.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and preserving our national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. In addition to supporting local economies and the tourism industry, infrastructure investments at Parks Canada places, support safe, enjoyable experiences for visitors. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I invite Canadians to experience the history and beauty of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site in the heart of Montreal."

Marc Miller,
Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, investments in the protection and conservation of Canada's treasured places take on an even more important meaning. Canada's national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in Canada 150. I encourage all Canadians to take advantage of free admission and free lockage for boaters at Parks Canada places in Quebec in 2017, starting right here with the Lachine Canal National Historic Site."  

David Lametti,
Member of Parliament for LaSalle – Émard – Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"National parks and historic sites, like the Lachine Canal, represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are as a people. Our government is investing in the revitalization of federal infrastructure assets at Parks Canada places to help create middle class jobs and sustained economic growth, while ensuring high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences for years to come."

Anju Dhillon,
Member of Parliament for Dorval – Lachine – LaSalle

Quick facts

• As the government's gift to Canadians for Canada 150, admission to all national parks, historic sites and national marine conservation will be free in 2017. This includes free lockage at the historic canals and waterways administered by Parks Canada.
• With more than one million visitors, the Lachine Canal is an important gathering place in Montreal and a major tourist attraction.
• A link between the city and nature, the Lachine Canal is located in the southwest section of Montreal. Its 14.5-kilometre urban route runs between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis, a navigable waterway punctuated by five locks. Along its banks, a linear green urban park is lined with vestiges of the industrial era when the canal boomed. Throughout the year, a varied schedule of activities makes this historic site a great place to experience with family or friends.
• Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.
• From June 12 to July 1, the public is invited to take part in the various consultation activities on the draft management plan for the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. For more information on the proposed vision and the consultation activities, and to complete the online questionnaire, visit www.consultationscanal.ca.

Associated documents

Backgrounder: Investment in the lighting system of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Backgrounder: Infrastructure projects completed along the Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Associated links

Parks Canada
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Consultation on the draft management plan for the Lachine Canal

SOURCE Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways

Marie-Pascale Desrosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]