DEVOLIN ANNOUNCES $584,400.00 WORTH OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE KIRKFIELD LIFTLOCK

December 19, 2006

KIRKFIELD:  Local MP Barry Devolin, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and responsible for Parks Canada, announced today that Parks Canada is investing in the repainting of the Kirkfield Lift Lock, part of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

"This will help to ensure the long term protection of this remarkable historic resource for future generations," said Minister Ambrose. "It is particularly timely given that Parks Canada and the community will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Kirkfield Lift Lock during the summer of 2007."

Parks Canada is mandated to preserve and protect nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage in our family of national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas. Protection of assets such as the Kirkfield Lift Lock is a top priority at each site owned or operated by Parks Canada.

"The Kirkfield Lift Lock is a priceless cultural asset and a key component of the Trent-Severn Waterway," said Devolin. "I am particularly pleased that this project will have it looking its best in time for the 100th anniversary celebrations next year. But this goes beyond appearances. Timely interventions such as these are crucial to ensuring the long term future of such precious resources."

The competitive contract for this project has been awarded to All Services Incorporated of Oshawa, Ontario by Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of Parks Canada. The $584,400.00 contract includes painting of the steelwork and tubs of the lift lock. Work is expected to begin following the close of navigation on October 11th and to be completed by March 31, 2007.

Constructed between 1833 and 1920, the Trent-Severn Waterway was declared a National Historic Site in 1929. It commemorates Canada's history of canal construction and the importance of the canal system throughout this country's history. Today this 386 km long heritage corridor is enjoyed by more than 1.5 million land and water based visitors every year.

For more information contact:
Barry Devolin, MP                               Brian O'Neil
(705) 324-2400                                   Chief Engineer, Trent Severn Waterway
(866) 688-9881                                    705-750-4906