GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES CONTRACT FOR STABILIZATION WORK AT FORT HENRY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA

KINGSTON, Ontario - The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P. for Kingston and the Islands, today welcomed the announcement by the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, awarding a $2,113,250 contract to rehabilitate the roof of the advanced battery casemates at Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada.

Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded the competitive contract to Roof Tile Management Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario. The contract includes repairs to the timber roof structure, removal of the old roof shingles and installation of a new tôle B la canadienne roof (metal shingles). Work began in early December, with an expected completion date in April 2004, to ensure that it has a minimal impact on the operation of the fort.

"Fort Henry is one of our most famous national historic sites and an important historical treasure that the Government of Canada is committed to preserving," said Minister Anderson. "We will continue to work with our partners from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to protect this important piece of our shared heritage for the benefit of generations to come."

"Thousands of tourists from around the world visit Fort Henry each year, which supports Kingston's economy," said Mr. Milliken. "They come to the fort to experience the past, and leave with a better appreciation of Canada and our unique history that will stay with them long after they return home."

The roof restoration work is the second phase of a major stabilization project at Fort Henry that is being funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments through Parks Canada and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. An Agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, the Commission operates Fort Henry as a heritage attraction and national historic site of Canada under an agreement with the federal government. Parks Canada has been working closely with the Commission to undertake the highest priority work required in the stabilization of the fort. 

"This important historic landmark contributes to tourism and economic growth in the region and we are pleased to work together with Parks Canada to ensure its ongoing preservation," said Jim Bradley, Ontario's Minister of Tourism and Recreation. "Fort Henry's unique displays and high-quality programs welcome more than 150,000 visitors each year to experience 19th century military life."

Fort Henry's advanced battery was constructed between 1841 and 1843. Historical research has shown that the roof shingles have been replaced only once before, probably about 1920. Research has also indicated that the original 19th century shingles were unpainted metal, in contrast to the red painted roof that has been in place for most of the 20th century. The scheduled work will restore the advanced battery roof to its historical appearance. With proper maintenance, the roof will provide protection for the casemates below for generations to come.

Major preservation work at Fort Henry will continue following the completion of the work on the advanced battery. The next phase will include the stabilization of the walls of the main part of the fort. 

Fort Henry is part of the family of National Historic Sites of Canada, which connect the roots of our past to the promises of our future and Canadians to each other.

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Information:

Kelly Morgan John Grenville
Director of Communications National Historic Sites Program Manager
Office of the Minister of Environment Eastern Ontario, Parks Canada
(819) 953-8239 (613) 545-8666, extension 102 

(Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under What's New.)