Government of Canada Launches Historic Places Conservation Initiative
EDMONTON, June 8, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today unveiled details of the Government of Canada's new $24 million investment strategy to conserve and protect Canada's historic places.Hundreds of historic buildings and sites, monuments, landscapes and archeological sites exist in every region across the country. But many are decaying or disappearing altogether.
Working with the private sector, volunteers and other levels of government, the Government of Canada wants to reverse that trend by involving Canadians from all walks of life in safeguarding our treasures from the past.
"Historic places are more than bricks and mortar. They are vivid reminders of our rich heritage," Minister Copps said. "For future generations to be able to cherish our treasures from our past, we must act now."
The Government of Canada will create a register of historic places, establish conservation standards and guidelines, and put in place a certification process. Once these tools are in place, the Government of Canada will be in a position to implement new financial incentives with the specific objective of preserving our built heritage. These incentives will be targeted to the private sector and they will be designed to tip the balance in the decision making process to favor the conservation of heritage property over its demolition.
"This is the first phase of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding our historic places and encouraging the rehabilitation of historic buildings to protect our built heritage," stated Minister Copps.
Canadian Register of Historic Places
The federal government will work with the provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive listing of historic places. Easily accessible to all Canadians via the Internet, the Register will provide a single source of up-to-date information on all historic places in Canada designated as having heritage value. The Register will help promote awareness of Canada's historic places and identify those historic places which may be eligible for future financial incentives.
Canadian Conservation Standards and Guidelines
For the first time, all Canadians will have access to a single, clear, easy to follow set of guidelines for the conservation and rehabilitation of historic places.
Certification Process
The federal government will work with other levels of government to develop a certification process to determine which expenses will be eligible for future financial incentives. The certification process will review conservation work to ensure that historic places are appropriately conserved and that only eligible conservation expenses receive financial incentives.
This historic places conservation initiative is part of the $560-million investment in arts and culture announced by Prime Minister Chrétien and Minister Copps on May 2 in Toronto.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
BACKGROUNDER
CANADIAN ARTS AND CULTURE: TOMORROW STARTS TODAY
PRESERVING OUR BUILT HERITAGE
($24 million over three fiscal years)
Canada's built heritage, its historic sites, heritage buildings and monuments, and archeological sites capture the values and creative work of previous generations but Canada has already lost more than 20% of its built heritage in the last 30 years. This is why the Government is now making a commitment of $24 million over three years to engage Canadian partners from other levels of government and the private and voluntary sectors, and to provide them with the tools they need to preserve their heritage.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE ARTS
($288 million over three fiscal years)
Participation and excellence in the arts contribute to quality of life, nurture creativity, develop citizenship and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The arts belong to all Canadians, and sustaining the arts is a shared responsibility of artists and cultural workers, all levels of government, the private sector, and the not-for-profit sector.
The Canada Council for the Arts
The Government of Canada will work in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts to promote excellence and diversity through an increase in budget of $75 million over three years.
The National Arts Training Contribution Program
The Government of Canada will invest an additional $13 million over three years to increase opportunities for young Canadians to train for careers in the arts. This funding will support currently funded institutions and foster the development of learning opportunities in other areas such as Aboriginal arts and non-western cultural traditions.
The Cultural Spaces Canada Program
A total of $80 million over three years will go towards improving Canada's cultural infrastructure, with a focus on repairing and upgrading arts and heritage facilities across the country.
The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program
The Government of Canada will invest $63 million over three years in a national strategy to support modern management and greater financial stability in arts and heritage organizations, and to help communities develop and sustain arts and heritage programs relevant to their aspirations and circumstances. This National Strategy will build and expand on the pilot projects on arts stabilization successfully tested in various communities across the country.
Connecting Canadians to the Arts
The Government will also invest $57 million over three years to enhance access to the arts for all Canadians, including young Canadians and those living in rural and remote communities, through arts celebrations, festivals and support to arts presenters.
BACKGROUNDER
CANADIAN ARTS AND CULTURE: TOMORROW STARTS TODAY
CULTURAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
($196 million over three fiscal years)
Books
Canadian writers have won acclaim throughout the world and Canadians read Canadian books. Our authors play a crucial role in reflecting our country and our perspectives to Canadians and to the world, but the industry faces significant challenges in the transition to the new economy. The Government will enhance current programs at the Department of Canadian Heritage that assist the Canadian book industry. The principal objective is to ensure that Canadians continue to enjoy access to Canadian books in an increasingly global and digital world. To reach these goals, the Government will invest an additional $28 million over the next three years to encourage the use of innovative new technologies and support the increased development, marketing and promotion of Canadian books and authors.
Sound Recording
Canadian music is a great success story. Canadian songwriters and musicians from all regions of the country play a key role in capturing and reflecting the diverse Canadian experience. The sound recording industry, however, faces significant challenges if it is to continue to nurture artists and build audiences in the digital age. The Government will, therefore, add new resources to create a new Canada Music Fund to ensure that Canadians have increased access to Canadian music choices. The Government of Canada will invest an additional $28 million over three years to nurture writers and composers; for the development of new artists and the production and promotion of new recordings; for cross-cutting projects affecting the industry; and for the preservation and digitization of significant Canadian musical works.
Internet Content and New Media
New information and communications technologies are transforming how we work, learn and create. New media are creating new opportunities for cultural expression and participation, and new demands for cultural content. The Government of Canada will therefore invest $108 million over the next three years for digitizing key cultural content and promoting the creation and use of new media and multimedia Canadian content. The Government will enhance access to Canadian cultural products and historical information, particularly for youth, and will give special attention to enhancing the use of French on the internet and reflecting Aboriginal cultures and languages.
Cultural Trade
Rapidly growing exports not only strengthen the bottom line and the vitality of Canadian cultural industries, but also help brand Canada around the world as the diverse and innovative country it has become. Under the umbrella of Team Canada Inc, the Government will create new initiatives to encourage the export of Canadian cultural goods and services. A new export readiness program at Canadian Heritage will enable Canadian cultural businesses and organizations to take advantage of these rapidly expanding opportunities. The Government of Canada will invest $32 million over three years to achieve these goals.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Ñ Société Radio Canada (CBC-SRC)
The CBC-SRC has long been a cornerstone of Canadian culture, showcasing Canadian stories and artists. The CBC-SRC has launched a major re-engineering exercise to enhance its role as a distinctly Canadian public broadcaster serving all Canadians. The Government of Canada will begin its reinvestment in the CBC-SRC with an additional $60 million in its budget this year. These funds will help the Corporation in its efforts to strengthen and revitalize its English- and French-television and radio programming.
FACT SHEET - I
HISTORIC PLACES INITIATIVE: ENGAGING CANADIANS IN PRESERVING
OUR HERITAGE
May 2 Announcement
The Government of Canada is investing $24 million over the next three years to support the preservation of Canada's historic places to ensure a rich legacy for future generations.
Canadians and preservation
Canada has a rich legacy of historic places, including national historic sites, buildings and monuments and archaeological sites on land and under water. These places capture the spirit of the nation, providing the connecting fabric that links Canadians together. They are as important to the Canadian story as are the maple leaf, the St.Lawrence River, the Prairies or the Rocky Mountains.
Through polls and surveys, Canadians have consistently expressed their support for the preservation of built and archaeological heritage.
96% of Canadians agree that "it is important to preserve Canada's historic and heritage buildings." (Environics, April 2000)
98% of Canadians feel that learning about Canada's archaeological heritage provides a better understanding of Canadian history. (Angus Reid, March 2000)
The Role of Canadian Heritage
The Government established the Historic Sites and Monuments Act in 1953. Under the umbrella of this legislation, the Department of Canadian Heritage, though Parks Canada, has worked to identify and commemorate places of historic significance. Despite the success of this program, which has enabled the special designation of 849 places of historic significance to Canadians, the Government recognizes the need to deepen its commitment to ensure that Canadians will be able to enjoy their rich heritage both now and in the future.
Canadian Heritage officials have undertaken discussions with provincial and territorial government officials to create the tools to help Canadians play a role in preserving our historic places and in finding appropriate new uses for them. This as an important first step in its strategy to create a climate of heritage conservation across Canada. One of the best ways to ensure their continued survival is to give our historic places a function in the life of the community.
Why act now?
Survival of Canada's historic places requires leadership and quick, concerted action from governments and citizens alike.
Despite their importance as cultural heritage, Canada's historic places are under threat. In the last 30 years, 21% of pre-1920 building stock have been demolished. Factors which have contributed to this decline include economic pressures, social and technological changes and lack of public awareness.
[ Media Room ]
