May 21, 2012
Above: The iconic Fathers of
Confederation photograph was taken on the steps of Government House (Fanningbank) in
Charlottetown in September 1864.
Major renovations are planned for Province House (below) in advance of the 2014
celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference.
Parks Canada officials say the renovations will commence next month and will
be ongoing until 2014.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent announced last August that
approximately $2 million had been approved by Ottawa for the renovations.
The work will consist of upgrades to the exterior of Province House that
have been identified as high priority and necessary to protect the
character-defining elements and heritage fabric of the building. Included in the
list of renovations are repairs to the building’s foundation, masonry repointing
and maintenance of the roof, windows and doors.
“These renovations will ensure that Province House National Historic Site
continues to be maintained, appreciated and enjoyed by present and future
generations of Canadians,’’ a Parks Canada press release states.
It is hoped Province House will look much the way it did 150 years ago when
Charlottetown Conference was held here. The building was not yet 15 years old at
that time.
Buildings of the age of Province House require ongoing maintenance. Between
1977 and 1984 Parks Canada spent $3.4 million on restorations.
Visitors will be able to access the building throughout the renovations.
Regular updates on the project will be available on the Parks Canada website at
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/provincehouse.
Image cf. http://www.tourismpei.com
Province House and Market Building c.1865
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