Canada’s Economic Action Plan at work
 
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, APRIL 25, 2009 – Mr. Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced major improvements to visitor infrastructure at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and Pukaskwa National Park of Canada.
 
 “Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our government’s plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession,” said Mr. Rickford. “This investment will not only help preserve and improve these treasured places, it will also stimulate local economic activity and help to encourage tourism in Ontario.”
 
Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets aside $75 million for improvements to visitor facilities in Canada’s national parks and national historic sites over the next two years and another $75 million for the protection of national historic sites during the same time period. Of these amounts, over $1.5 million will be invested in Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and Pukaskwa National Park of Canada.
 
At Pukaskwa National Park, the investment will go towards the design and reconstruction of the Willow River and White River Suspension Bridges. These improvements in key park assets ensures that Canadians will continue to be offered safe, quality visitor experiences.
 
At the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, the funding will support structural and environmental assessment and replacement of decking of the emergency swing dam – the only such structure remaining in the world.
 
“National parks and national historic sites are important contributors to Ontario’s tourism economy,” said Minister Prentice. “Our Government values the status of each and every one of these protected heritage areas. The investments announced today will address pressing capital needs and will help to ensure that these treasured parks and sites remain thriving for years to come.”
 
This spring, as part of Pukaskwa National Park’s ongoing management, a $52,000 contract has been awarded to Outland Reforestation Inc. for the removal of hazardous trees from the Hattie Cove Campground.
 
“Our Government takes the safety of visitors to Canada’s national parks very seriously,” said Mr. Rickford. “By removing hundreds of hazardous trees from the campground and its access road, Pukaskwa National Park will not only provide a safer but also a more enjoyable environment for campers and day users.”

Through this project, approximately 600 previously identified trees will be removed from the park’s 67-site campground and access road. Any useable wood will be used by the Friends of Pukaskwa to supply campers with firewood in the future. The work is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2009.
 
Identification of the hazardous trees stems from a FireSmart Program initiated in the fall of 2008. FireSmart is a program that sets out standards to protect or reduce the damage to property and risk to people should a wildfire strike.
 
Pukaskwa National Park of Canada and Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site are the most recognized historic and natural wonders managed by Parks Canada in Northern Ontario. Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s cultural and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a nation-wide network of 42 national parks, 162 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to discover treasured natural and historic places.