Government of Canada invests in heritage infrastructure at Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks (St. Paul's) National Historic Site of Canada

July 24, 2010

Brantford, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks National National Historic Site of Canada. The Chapel is recognized as the oldest surviving church in Ontario, originally built in 1785 to serve the Mohawk community that relocated to the area after loyally supporting the British during the American Revolution.

“Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks has been a treasured part of our community’s history for well over a century,” said Mr. Phil McColeman. “This investment, which is funded in part through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, means that this important landmark will continue to provide spiritual support and historical significance to our region, while also creating economic support in the form of local jobs for our tradespeople.”
Through the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $73,246 to support structural repairs and reinforcement of Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks National Historic Site of Canada.

“Our government recognizes the importance of stimulating growth through key infrastructure investments,” said Minister Prentice. “We are pleased to be investing in Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks as a way of simultaneously preserving our historical heritage while promoting the economy with investments that create local jobs.”

“The Members of the Mohawk Chapel Committee are pleased to have the Government partner with us in the stabilizing of this remarkable 225-year-old frame structure,” said the Ven. Jim Sutton, Chair of the Governing Committee. “The chapel is an icon of the relationship between the people of the Grand River Territory and these funds will assure that the witness of the chapel will serve future generations.”

Parks Canada’s Cost-Sharing Program, with a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada’s Economic Action Plan, reflects the government’s desire to support job creation by providing funding for conservation of national historic sites. This Program provides opportunities for skilled construction and conservation professionals to work on national historic sites across the country.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca  under Media Room.