GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND VARIETY, THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF MANITOBA, TO CREATE ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND AT THE FORKS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

June 24, 2009

 

Canada’s Economic Action Plan At Work

WINNIPEG, June 24, 2009 – The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood – St. James – Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, along with Mr. Wayne Rogers, Executive Director, Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, today announced a joint partnering agreement to develop a fully accessible Variety Heritage Adventure Playground at The Forks National Historic Site (NHS) in Winnipeg. 

“By partnering with Variety to build this new playground, we will be providing children of all abilities additional opportunities for fun and learning at The Forks National Historic Site,” said Mr. Fletcher. “As a component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to quick implementation of Budget ‘09 economic stimulus initiatives.”

An investment of $600,000 in the innovative playground has been announced by the Government of Canada under Budget 2009 – Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In addition, Variety, the Children’s Charity, will contribute $250,000 and will work with partners to raise additional funds. This collaboration will lead to the construction of a one-of-a-kind playground reflecting the historic themes of The Forks NHS. It will feature a variety of unique, interactive play structures and include an outdoor performance area for interpretive programs and presentations. Key to the overall playground design will be full accessibility for children of all abilities.
 
“The Government of Canada is committed to improving infrastructure and providing outstanding and enhanced visitor services in Canada’s national historic sites and national parks,” added Mr. Fletcher. “The agreement we are announcing today between Parks Canada and Variety, the Children’s Charity, demonstrates that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is making a difference by providing funds for projects that will create jobs, increase tourism and benefit Canadians of all abilities.”

“Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, is extremely proud to be partnering with Parks Canada,” said Mr. Wayne Rogers. “The development of this unique world-class playground will certainly enrich the lives of thousands of children and children at heart visiting and enjoying The Forks NHS for many years to come.”

The Forks NHS, opened by Parks Canada in 1989 at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, bore witness to many key events in Western Canadian history. A traditional native meeting place, a centre for trade and exploration, a hub of rail and road transport and the gateway for settlement of the prairies, The Forks continues to be Winnipeg’s most vibrant gathering place.

The Forks National Historic Site is part of Canada’s system of national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas, which is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. Visitors to these special places can take advantage of a two-year fee freeze currently in effect in all national parks and national historic sites managed by Parks Canada.