New Infrastructure Investments in Northern Ontario Parks Canada Sites

Written by Parks Canada - Parcs Canada on 16 July 2015

Pukaskwa National Park. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced infrastructure investments totalling more than $16 million in Pukaskwa National Park and Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site in Northern Ontario.

“Our Government is focused on creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. These investments in our national parks and national historic sites are a way of simultaneously preserving our historical heritage while promoting the economy with investments that focus on local job creation.” MP Bryan Hayes, Sault Ste. Marie

This major investment includes significant work to the Pukaskwa National Park entry road and administration building as well as on several buildings and structures within Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic 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

Pukaskwa protects more than 1800 square kilometres of boreal forest and Lake Superior shoreline and is home to sought-after vistas among the ancient landscapes of the Canadian Shield.

Despite its more remote location, over 10,000 people visit Pukaskwa National Park every year. Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site welcomes more than 100,000 land-based and 50,000 water-based visitors each year.

Across Canada, over 21 million visits are made every year 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.

On November 24, the Prime Minister announced the largest infrastructure investment in Parks Canada sites across Canada in the agency’s 104-year history. This investment will support infrastructure improvements to heritage, visitor experience, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This is part of a new $5.8 billion federal infrastructure program.

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