OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2016. Canada’s national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

The Government of Canada is investing more than \\$45 million at Parks Canada places across western Newfoundland. Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Small Business, made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

The funding will be used to upgrade Gros Morne National Park’s popular Western Brook Pond Boat Tour facilities, wharf, and access trail, in addition to road improvements and bridge replacements elsewhere in the park. Investments will also be made in the Visitor Centre at Port au Choix National Historic Site and the walking trail at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site will be upgraded.

These improvements will ensure that more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, can learn about our environment and cultural heritage, while experiencing the natural wonder of the park.

Investments in visitor infrastructure – such as trails, visitor centres and campgrounds, as well as roads and bridges – will ensure the quality and reliability of visitor facilities, and help maintain the commemorative and ecological integrity of national parks and national historic sites across Canada.

Quotes

“I am proud of Parks Canada’s work with surrounding communities to welcome the world on our doorstep. The Government is committed to preserving our national parks and national historic sites, providing more opportunities for Canadians to experience and learn about our environment and culture. These investments in Gros Morne, Port au Choix and L’Anse aux Meadows will help strengthen their appeal as world-class destinations, support outstanding visitor experiences and contribute to the economy and growth of the tourism sector in western Newfoundland.”

-Gudie Hutchings,
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Small Business

Quick facts

  • Gros Morne National Park welcomed approximately 200,000 visitors in      2015, while some 24,000 visited L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.      Port au Choix National Historic Site experienced one of its best years      ever with approximately 8500 visitors.

  • Gros Morne is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the basis of its internationally significant geological features and outstanding natural beauty, while L’Anse aux Meadows is listed for what it tells us of the worldwide migration of peoples. It is the first and to date only authenticated Viking site in North America. Port au Choix National Historic Site’s preserved evidence of 6,000 years of Indigenous history makes it one of the most important of such sites in Canada.

  • Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented \\$3 billion dollars over 5 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.