GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- The federal government is committed to protecting and conserving heritage places in Canada for present and future generations. These irreplaceable sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our country and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our country's wonderful and diverse history.

Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, launched the call for proposals for Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places. For 2027-28, a total of up to $2 million is available to help ensure the protection of national historic sites, heritage lighthouses, and heritage railway stations.

The Cost-Sharing Program is a contribution program whereby up to 50% of eligible costs incurred in the conservation and presentation of heritage places can be reimbursed. Funding is available to heritage places that have been formally recognized, but are not administered, by the federal government. Project funding helps ensure these sites remain vibrant and support tourism and job creation in the community. Special consideration will be given to projects that seek to represent the diversity and complexity of Canadian history, protect and present places of national historic significance, highlight climate resilience, and advance accessibility at heritage places.

National historic sites, heritage lighthouses, and heritage railway stations provide a wide range of cultural, social, economic, and environmental benefits to their communities.

For 2026-2027, Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places awarded $2.9 million in financial assistance to foster heritage conservation and presentation supporting 21 projects across the country. One notable example of a recent project is the conservation of the lantern room at Boar's Head Lighthouse in Tiverton, Nova Scotia. Parks Canada contributed $17,752 to the repair project which ensures the long-term preservation of the lighthouse in its coastal location setting.

The deadline to submit an application is December 8, 2026. Additional information and application forms are available on Parks Canada's website.

Quote

"Heritage places showcase the defining moments in Canada's history. They reflect stories of who we are, connect us to our past, and enrich our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country. Through Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places, we are protecting and preserving national historic sites, heritage lighthouses and heritage railway stations with up to $2 million. Investments like these do more than preserve heritage buildings. They help strengthen local economies, support jobs, and contribute to a vibrant tourism sector by encouraging visitors to experience the unique history and culture at these special places."

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Quick Facts

• Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places can can provide financial assistance of up to 50% or $300,000 for conservation projects, and up to 50% or $25,000 for preparatory assistance or presentation projects. Applications are carefully considered for funding following a call for proposals and competitive selection process.
• Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, and provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments which are either owners or long-term lessees of heritage places that have been formally recognized by the federal government, including associated lands, or parts of a heritage place or national historic site district.

Related Links

• Parks Canada
• Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places

SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)