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Carleton Martello Tower National Historic site of Canada Officially opens new Visitor Reception Centre and Exhibits
August 6, 2007 -- Saint John, NB -- Mr. Rob Moore, MP for
Fundy Royal and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of justice and
Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada,
today officially opened the new visitor reception centre at the
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site of Canada.
"Canada's government is pleased to be continuously investing in the
visitor experience at our National Historic Sites and National Parks
in the region and across the country," said Mr. Moore. "The Government
of Canada recognizes the Carleton Martello Tower as an asset to the
people of New Brunswick and all citizens of Canada, and is committed
to sustaining its value for present and future generations," continued
MP Moore.
Located inside the new visitor reception centre is a new exhibit
entitled: The Martello Tower, Sentinel of Saint John. It depicts the
early history of the tower, its builders and life in Saint John at the
time of the War of 1812. Through various components such as tower and
harbour defences models, an arch building hands-on activity, audio
accounts of Privateer John Harris and British lieutenant John Le
Couteur, history comes alive for all who visit.
"This investment allows the Carleton Martello Tower to take its
rightful place as a highly visible symbol of the City of Saint John
and an important tourism attraction in the Province of New Brunswick,"
added Mr. Moore. "This new visitor reception centre is a welcome
addition to this important cultural icon, ensuring that the Tower more
effectively tells its fascinating story to the thousands of visitors
received each year."
These improvements are part of a multi-year project to rejuvenate the
visitor experience at Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site.
The Parks Canada Agency has contributed over $555.000.00 to this
project to date for the centre and the new exhibits. Additional work
is planned in the future for the Tower itself, with new exhibits
slated for installation in 2009.
Carleton Martello Tower has stood over Saint John for more than 190
years, and is the oldest building in the City of Saint John. Its
history and architectural design led to its designation in 1924 as a
national historic site.
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site of Canada is part of a
system of national parks, national historic sites and national marine
conservation areas that is recognized as one of the finest and most
extensive systems of protected areas in the world. Parks Canada works
to ensure Canada's cultural and natural heritage are presented and
protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all
Canadians, today and in the future.
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