Architectural contract awarded for construction of new visitor centre at Fort Henry

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) announced today the awarding of the contract for Architectural Services for the construction of the new Visitor Centre at Fort Henry National Historic Site to the Ventin Group Architects.

Ventin Group Architects have been leaders in heritage and cultural projects since 1972, having completed more than 100 projects within an historical context. The firm was also the designer of the new Goodes Hall at Queen’s University, which featured a modern addition as well as adaptive reuse of the Victoria School to significantly expand the facilities of the Queen’s School of Business. The project was the winner of three design and heritage awards. Other noteworthy heritage projects undertaken by Ventin include the restoration of the Legislative Assembly building at Queen’s Park, the restoration of Old City Hall in Toronto, and the current restoration of the copper roof at Toronto’s historic Union Station.

The Fort Henry Visitor Centre will create an informative and compelling environment to orient visitors prior to entering the site. Key themes will encompass early Kingston, the Fort’s creation, its role in the War of 1812 and in defending Canada, its reconstruction, more modern day uses, and its distinctions as a National Heritage Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site (designation earned in 2007 in conjunction with the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications).

The design of the Visitor Centre shall be harmonious with the Fort’s waterfront environment and blend into the natural landscape while preserving the heritage integrity of the Fort itself. The project is scheduled for completion in Fall 2011.

Ontario Realty Corporation (Toronto) is overseeing the SLPC’s revitalization projects, ensuring maximum value for the Commission’s investments. Last Fall, MHPM (Ottawa) was secured as the Project Managers for the Visitor Centre projects at Fort Henry National Historic site and in Morrisburg at Upper Canada Village/Crysler Park. MHPM’s role includes preparing and executing all Request for Services and Request for Proposals for the different phases of these initiatives.

Reich and Petch Exhibit Design was awarded the contract for conceptual space planning and exhibitry in late 2009 and have been working on heritage messages/stories and extensive new exhibits planned for the new centre. A community open house to discuss these potential messages and exhibits (not the building design) will be held from 4:30 – 6 pm at the Four Points Sheraton in Kingston (285 King Street East) on February 11.

QUICK FACTS • The 2009 Ontario budget included a capital investment of $23 million in the St. Lawrence Parks Commission – an agency of the Ontario government’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture. • $10 M was allocated for Fort Henry and $13 M for Upper Canada Village / Crysler Park). • This $10 Million investment in Fort Henry is to improve the quality of its attractions in order to attract more visitors to the area and drive economic development. • The St. Lawrence Parks Commission manages Fort Henry on a long-term lease basis from Parks Canada. • In 2007, the Rideau Canal, Kingston Fortifications and Fort Henry were named Ontario’s first and only UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural organization) world heritage site. • The St. Lawrence Parks Commission attracts approximately 1 Million visitors annually. • Approximately 300,000 people in Ontario are directly or indirectly employed by the tourism industry.

LEARN MORE

Learn about Fort Henry at www.FortHenry.com

Learn more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at www.parks.on.ca

Learn more about Kingston at www.VisitKingston.ca