Catherine McKenna, minister of environment and climate change and minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced a federal infrastructure investment of $9.9 million for Point Pelee National Park. This funding will support upgrades to the park’s main road.
“Our government is committed to investing in nature, preserving our treasured places, and connecting more Canadians to the outdoors,” said Catherine McKenna, minister of environment and climate change and minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Delivered in partnership with Indigenous partners, this project will help restore habitat in Canada’s most biodiverse national park and protect Parks Canada’s infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather. I encourage all Canadians to visit Point Pelee and connect with the beauty of all of Canada’s natural treasures.”
The main road project involves:
- The underground installation of electrical and phone lines to minimize impact of utility corridors through important forest and coastal savannah habitat.
- Upgrading sewage treatment to protect the park’s wetland ecosystems.
- Repaving the seven kilometre main road, which runs from the park’s entrance to the visitor centre.
These improvements will benefit species at risk and the park’s natural habitat, improve water quality, and significantly decrease long-term maintenance costs.
The first phase of the project focuses on archaeological work in the construction areas. Any artifacts found in the area will be protected and studied to help better define the cultural history of the park and region. Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation are assisting Point Pelee National Park with concept development and archaeological monitoring.
Point Pelee National Park is Canada’s most biodiverse national park, according to the Government of Canada. At the southernmost tip of Canada, this lush Carolinian forest oasis is a gateway to nature, adventure, and discovery. This project directly contributes to the Government of Canada’s conservation initiatives, collaboration with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of reconciliation, and provide Canadians with more opportunities to connect with nature.
