June 27, 2016

Canada’s national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer, and support Canada’s tourism industry and local economies.

The Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha, Maryam Monsef, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, has announced a historic federal infrastructure investment of nearly $270 million to restore and improve the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

Photo:  Fenelon Falls Lock

This funding will be used to restore and repair bridges, dams, locks and historic masonry structures, as well as improve visitor safety thanks to new lighting, handrails and signage.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites welcoming more than 1 million visitors every year. It is an integral piece of Canada’s history, and a crucial transportation and recreational link for the region. It also operates as an integrated system that mitigates flooding to ensure public safety.

As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage. Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada announced free lockage will also be free for boaters in 2017.

“This historic infrastructure investment from the Government of Canada will protect and preserve the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site for residents and visitors alike. From First Peoples to fur traders to lumber barons and steamship traffic, the Trent Severn has linked communities across Ontario for hundreds of years. Today’s investment will ensure Canadians can continue to work and play on its shores for generations to come.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha.

Quick facts
– The Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada’s largest national historic site spanning nearly 400 kilometres and with more physical assets than any other. It has 44 locks, a marine railway and approximately 160 water control structures.

– The new Voyageur Canoe Tours provides an opportunity for visitors to paddle, portage and be immersed in the lifestyle of the voyageur, with a guided paddling experience on the Trent Severn Waterway and through the Peterborough Lift Lock. Additionally, oTENTik accommodations at Lock 24 Douro and Lock 35 Rosedale provide an ideal base camp for exploring the waterway. A cross between a rustic cabin and a tent, the Parks Canada oTENTik is a relaxing, easier way to experience camping.

Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across Canada.