Province House Ready to Shine For 2014

CHARLOTTETOWN, Dec. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Parks Canada is ready to ring in 2014 and celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference at Province House National Historic Site with the recent completion of a $2 million renovation project.

"Our Government is pleased to have invested $2 million in preserving Province House National Historic Site for the enjoyment of Canadians today and into the future," says the Honourable Gail Shea, Member of Parliament for Egmont, Prince Edward Island and Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "Discussions held at this historic place played a pivotal role in shaping our country. We look forward to supporting local partners as they tell this important story throughout the celebration year."

Conservation work at Province House National Historic Site began in 2011, focusing on the preservation of the period masonry to prepare it as the backdrop for 2014 celebrations. There were also some structural upgrades to the building, and measures were taken to make the building weather-tight.

"The Legislative Assembly is pleased that Parks Canada has undertaken this phase of renovations to Province House National Historic Site. As the home to the Provincial Legislature since 1847, and as a national historic site, the building continues to be a powerful symbol of Prince Edward Island's provincehood and our democratic system of governance," says Charles MacKay, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of P.E.I. "It also continues to serve the important role of welcoming thousands of visitors every year who want to see the very building that provided inspiration to the Fathers of Confederation in 1864."

Celebrations to mark the sesquicentennial of the Charlottetown Conference will be held across the island throughout 2014. Parks Canada is pleased to collaborate with PEI 2014 Inc. and the province of P.E.I. to launch festivities on New Year's Eve at Province House with fireworks, music and entertainment for the whole family. To find out more about this and other events planned for the celebration year, please visit pei2014.ca.

"Providing learning opportunities and facilitating experiences for visitors is a priority for Parks Canada," says Parks Canada P.E.I. Field Unit Superintendent, Karen Jans. "This renovation will help to ensure that all Canadians can continue to enjoy this iconic structure and discover the important role it has played, and continues to play in our shared heritage."

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

SOURCE: Parks Canada