Government of Canada Celebrates the Historical Significance of Gastown Historic District

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jul 14 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada, today celebrated the national historic
significance of Gastown Historic District, which he designated a National
Historic Site of Canada, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and
Monuments Board of Canada.

"The designation of Vancouver's Gastown recognizes the role of this
special place in shaping the economy and development of western Canada,"
said Minister Prentice. "The remarkable collection of architecturally
significant buildings is an exceptional and early example of an urban
historic district created by civic involvement in the heritage
conservation movement."

Gastown Historic District is an intact urban area of business and
commercial buildings dating largely from 1886 to 1914. The area presents,
an early Western Canadian city core and the growth of the Western
Canadian economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

"The buildings in Gastown Historic District are handsome, strikingly
harmonious in their materials, scale and architectural detailing,
collectively splendid examples of Victorian and Edwardian commercial
architecture," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of
International Trade, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway and Regional
Minister for the Province of British Columbia. "I am delighted to know
that, through this designation, future generations will have the
opportunity to enjoy them as part of Vancouver's urban landscape and an
integral part of the city's vibrant tourism industry."

"Gastown is the birthplace of Vancouver, and our citizens have been
instrumental in ensuring that it could be preserved for future
generations to enjoy," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "It's
gratifying to see that all of the work put in to revitalization and
preservation measures is now being recognized nationally with this
designation."

In 1867, Captain John "Gassy Jack" Deighton persuaded some mill workers
to build him a saloon on the south side of Burrard Inlet. From such
modest beginnings, "Gastown", as it came to be known, grew into the City
of Vancouver.

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage
is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education, appreciation and
inspired discovery of all Canadians, today and in the future.

Also
available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media room.

Contacts:
Parks Canada
Corporate Communications Branch
Michele Monette
Media Relations Officer
819-994-3023

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