WATERTON, ALBERTA, March 7, 2009 -- The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Minister responsible for Southern Alberta, along with Mr. Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, today announced the intention of the Government of Canada to invest in infrastructure improvements in Waterton Lakes National Park under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“The Economic Action Plan is providing real action and real stimulus while ensuring tangible benefits for Waterton Lakes National Park and its many visitors for years to come,” said Minister Prentice. “The projects announced today would help to create local construction jobs and economic activity right away and will help to increase tourism in the long term through an improved visitor experience.”
The January 2009 Budget – Canada’s Economic Action Plan – supports Canada’s national parks with $75 million, over two years, for improvements and enhancements at Parks Canada’s visitor facilities, such as campgrounds and visitor centres, as well as an additional $75 million to Parks Canada for upgrades to National Historic Sites.
Projects announced for Waterton Lakes National Park today, which could total up to $9.4 million, would include repairs to the Belly River Bridge on Chief Mountain Highway, improvements at the Blakiston Valley day use area, and new washroom facilities at the community playground.
“The new investments would focus on projects ready to start construction,” said Mr. Casson. “These would provide immediate benefits and reflect this Government’s commitment to national parks and to offering the highest quality experience to park visitors.”
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government is delivering immediate action and investments in infrastructure. This is a targeted plan that will create and maintain jobs for today and tomorrow. The plan invests $4.5 billion over the next two years for infrastructure projects in Alberta.
Information:
Rod Blair
Field Unit Superintendent
Waterton Lakes Field Unit
Parks Canada
T: 403.859.5112
Source: Parks Canada news release & the web editors
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