Gilmour Hill to Be Open Year-Round

QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 31, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today officially opened Gilmour Hill for year-round use on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Minister Lebel was accompanied by Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City.

The federal government's $8.2 million investment will help redevelop the hill for winter use. In addition, a multi-purpose interpretive trail, highlighting the history of Battlefields Park, will skirt the hillside.

Quick Facts

• In 2013, the federal government provided $8.2 million in assistance to the National Battlefields Commission to redevelop Gilmour Hill and create, by the fall of 2015, a multi-purpose interpretive trail.

• Gilmour Hill is a 1.1-kilometre steeply sloped path running through Battlefields Park between Champlain Boulevard and Québec's Upper Town. Built around 1910, the road was not designed for winter travel.

• Québec City will be responsible for the maintenance of Gilmour Hill and snow removal in winter.

• Gilmour Hill is in the vicinity of where the troops of General James Wolfe successfully climbed the Québec promontory during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, in 1759, after landing at L'Anse-au-Foulon.

• While preserving the heritage and historical character of Gilmour Hill, the project has many benefits for residents of the Québec region and visitors. Not only will it facilitate road traffic in the area, but it will enhance the experience of the Park's users, who will be able to learn more about the history of Battlefields Park while travelling along a safe pathway.

• The National Battlefields Commission was established in 1908 under the National Battlefields at Quebec Act. It administers Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham (in remembrance of the Battle of Quebec in 1759) and Des Braves Park (commemorating the Battle of Sainte-Foy in 1760).

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to announce the official opening of Gilmour Hill for year-round use. Thanks to the road redevelopment, residents and visitors will be able to go through Battlefields Park for the first time starting this winter. We are proud to have carried out this work for the residents of Québec and all who visit this magnificent site."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"This investment by the Government of Canada will allow residents to use Gilmour Hill throughout the year from now on. The work has been completed on time and in an environmentally acceptable manner, while preserving the heritage and historical character of the site. By the fall of 2015, a multi-purpose interpretive trail will be added to allow Park users to safely cycle or walk the entire length of Gilmour Hill. The trail will include rest areas and interpretive panels on the history of Battlefields Park."

-The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"The opening of Gilmour Hill 12 months of the year is an excellent piece of news for drivers in Québec City, as it will allow traffic to move more smoothly during rush hour. The City thanks the federal government for listening to citizens and for working together throughout the planning and completion of the work."

-Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City

Related Products

PM Announces Year-Round Opening of Gilmour Hill - August 2, 2013

Additional Links

The National Battlefields Commission

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