ROGERS PASS, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/10/11 -- MP David Wilks, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the 125th anniversary of Glacier National Park with the re-opening of the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. Following extensive renovations, which were funded in part by Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre was ready to welcome visitors. Today's celebrations also honoured the 50-year partnership between Parks Canada and the Canadian Forces for avalanche control along the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park.
"The renovated Rogers Pass Discovery Centre is introducing visitors to the Glacier National Park, established in 1886, and will contribute to tourism growth in the area for years to come by offering science, art and adventure-related activities," said the Honourable Peter Kent.
The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, a favourite destination in Glacier National Park, invites Canadians and visitors from around the world to connect with the natural wonders and rich cultural history of the park through interactive exhibits, films and storytelling. Renovations to the Discovery Centre include important structural repairs as well as innovative new exhibits.
As part of today's celebrations, the Canadian Forces presented Parks Canada with three decommissioned howitzers for display in Glacier National Park in recognition of the 50th anniversary of collaboration in operating the world's largest mobile avalanche control program.
"Members of the Canadian Forces give so much of themselves in order to protect the land we call home, the values we cherish and the people we love," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "I'm proud that our government takes action to demonstrate to Canadians that our men and women in uniform remain on guard - at all times - to keep Canada safe and secure."
"Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors to British Columbia's mountain national parks and millions of through-traffic vehicles are able to travel the Trans-Canada Highway safely thanks to the collaborative efforts of our Government," said Mr. David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia. "For 50 years, we have kept Canadians safe at home during the winter months by triggering controlled avalanches before they became a threat to the highway and motorists."
This year Parks Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary as the first formal national park service organization in the world. Parks Canada is a world leader in managing protected areas and works to ensure that Canada's treasured natural and historic heritage places are presented and protected for all Canadians to discover and experience now and for years to come. A total of $374 million dollars has been invested in the refurbishment of Parks Canada facilities through Canada's Economic Action Plan.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Editors Note: Photos for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.
B-Roll footage of the launch event will be available via satellite on Saturday, September 10th at 7:30-7:45 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Contacts:
Jacolyn Daniluck
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks
Parks Canada
250-837-7554
www.twitter.com/parkscanada