Government announces new investments in Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Bar U Ranch, AB, – July 30, 2015 – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Parks Canada
John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced important infrastructure investments totalling $4 million in the Bar-U Ranch National Historic Site.
This major investment includes extensive work refurbishing four of the historic site’s buildings including the Workhorse Barn, the Bunkhouse/Self Feeder, the Machine Shed and the Slaughter House. The restoration of these structures will greatly enhance the visitor experience and ensure the story of Canada’s ranching past is preserved for future generations.
These projects are the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.
Quick Facts:
• Set in the rolling foothills of the Rockies, the Bar U Ranch is the only national historic site to commemorate the history and importance of ranching in Canada. The site has many historic buildings and structures, illustrating various stages of ranching development. A visitor orientation centre and a vibrant living history program interpret a time when the West was young.
• Bar U Ranch National Historic Site welcomes approximately 15,000 visitors every year. Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
• Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada’s overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
Quotes:
“By investing in our national parks and national historic sites like Bar U Ranch, our government is creating jobs and economic growth. Through these essential infrastructure investments we are ensuring continued support for local economies and offering opportunities for skilled construction and conservation professionals to preserve our historic places across the country.”
– John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod
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