Harper Government announces new investments in Parks Canada sites in Alberta

LAKE LOUISE, AB, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, on behalf of The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced infrastructure investments totalling $28.9 million in several Parks Canada projects in Alberta.

This major investment includes infrastructure improvements to traffic flow and the arrival experience in the Lake Louise area, implementation of a transit system in Lake Louise, RV camping improvements at multiple sites, and water and sewer infrastructure work at the Lake Louise town site.

These projects are the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.

Quick Facts

• Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
• Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada's overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
• Parks Canada investments support the Government's National Conservation Plan while also creating jobs, promoting visitor experience and supporting communities across Canada.
• As our country nears its 150^th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about the major events that have shaped their country's history. Canada's national historic sites enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quote

"These investments in our community will help to support the infrastructure of our parks, historic sites and conservation areas. This funding is unprecedented, and will ensure our parks remain viable and protected for the future, while also creating jobs and opportunities."

- Blake Richards - Member of Parliament for Wild Rose.

Associated Links

National Conservation Plan

Parks Canada: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

SOURCE Parks Canada

For further information: Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 1-855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada