News Release

Canada's New Government Provides $1 Million for Halifax's Point Pleasant Park Restoration

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, March 15, 2007 -The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced Canada's New Government's is contributing $1 million toward the reforestation of Point Pleasant Park in Halifax. Minister MacKay was speaking on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.

"Canada's New Government is making this contribution so that Canadians and visitors from around the world can once again fully enjoy this natural treasure," said Minister MacKay. "I am proud to be involved in helping make this happen. Once again this Government is delivering real results for Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians."

"Together with the people of Halifax and Dartmouth, this Government recognizes that Halifax's Point Pleasant Park is a treasure that must be restored from the devastation caused by Hurricane Juan," said Minister Baird. "Today is one more step to ensure the regeneration of the forest's ecosystem and biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations."  

When Hurricane Juan struck Point Pleasant Park on September 29, 2003, an estimated 75,000 trees - more than 70 percent of the park's forest - were downed or damaged by the storm.

"Healthy urban forests contribute to healthy cities and improve the quality of our lives in many ways," said Minister Lunn. "The restoration of Point Pleasant Park is important for the Halifax Regional Municipality and its residents, and this funding shows our government's commitment to taking real action to produce real results."

Point Pleasant Park is one of our municipality's greatest natural assets and one of the most loved and well-used parks in Canada," said Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly. "This funding will help us restore the health of Point Pleasant Park so that HRM citizens and visitors can continue to enjoy and take full advantage of this wonderful resource."

Hurricane Juan swept across Nova Scotia early on September 29, 2003 before weakening to tropical-storm strength as it approached Prince Edward Island. The brunt of the storm was borne by Halifax Regional Municipality, and particularly Point Pleasant Park. The damage to the city and the park shocked Canadians, as well as the Nova Scotians who were directly affected. To ensure the public's immediate safety, the Government provided funding for the initial cleanup of the park through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.

Point Pleasant Park is federal land that is leased to the Halifax Regional Municipality by Parks Canada, which owns and operates the Prince of Wales National Historic Site, located in the Park.

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