Dec 14, 2007 14:30 ET
Government of Canada Announces Groundbreaking Archeological Discovery on the Grounds of the Canal of Chambly National Historic Site of CanadaCHAMBLY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Dec. 14, 2007) - On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, Mr. Luc Harvey, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hebert, today announced the discovery of Fort Sainte-Therese, one of five forts erected by the Carignan-Salieres regiment between 1665 and 1666.
"Thanks to the exceptional collaboration of the Municipality of Carignan, the region's historical societies, heritage organizations and local researchers, Fort Sainte-Therese has finally been located on the grounds of the Canal Chambly National Historic Site of Canada", said Mr. Harvey. "Our Government is proud to be here today to unveil this discovery and ensure it is preserved for future generations."
The mayor of Carignan, Mr. Jean-Guy Legendre, was pleased with the discovery of Fort Sainte-Therese. He emphasized the major historic significance of the defensive work in the young colony, and how the site was linked to the Carignan-Salieres regiment for which the city was named. The City of Carignan will contribute financially to the archaeological research and the presentation of the site for the 2009 festivities celebrating the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's arrival in the Richelieu Valley.
The municipality of Carignan, historic societies from the region, organizations dedicated to heritage, local researchers and a Parks Canada archaeologist all played important roles in finding the exact location of Fort Sainte-Therese.
While attentively observing an aerial photograph from 1938, a Parks Canada archeologist determined that the fort was situated on what is now Chambly Canal National Historic Site property, in the Ile Fryer area.
After the discovery of Champlain's home under the Dufferin Terrace, the location of Fort Sainte-Therese is the second significant discovery announced by Parks Canada archaeologists this year.
Fort Sainte-Therese National Historic Site of Canada is part of the Parks Canada system of national parks and national historic sites in Quebec, which provide quality services and exceptional heritage experiences for visitors.
Also available on the Internet at
www.pc.gc.ca under Media Room.
For more information, please contact
Parks Canada
Odette Lachance
Communications Advisor
418-648-4167
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