Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada/GEMMELL

By Gloria Elayadathusseril

Parks Canada celebrates its centennial this year. Yes, on May 19, 1911, the Government of Canada created the Dominion Parks Branch, known today as Parks Canada, the very first national parks service in the world.

Throughout the year, the federal agency is showcasing its 100 years of world leadership in conservation, education and visitor experience programs.

Kickoff of the centennial activities is taking place on the 19th across the country. And several events, including free entry to all the parks across the country to celebrate Canada Day on July 1 and Parks Day on July 16 are slated as part of the celebrations. (Visit pc.gc.ca for events listing.)

To celebrate this historic event, it has also launched historicplaces.ca, the Canadian Register of Historic Places website, which includes more than 1,500 places, persons and events, commemorated by the Government of Canada.

A page is dedicated to each historic place included in the site. Information found in these pages typically includes a description of the historic place, heritage value and character-defining elements aside from other data.

Parks Canada says it is now making special efforts to encourage participation and increase the representation of aboriginal, women and ethno-cultural communities’ history.

Pier 21 — recognized for its role as a major ocean port-of-entry immigration facility and its embodiment of the policies, procedures and attitudes of early 20th-century Canadian immigration processes — is among the historic places that are part of the website.

“Canada’s historic places are a living legacy for all Canadians,” said Peter Kent, environment minister and minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Ensuring a future for these treasures will allow the next generations to enjoy and appreciate these exceptional Canadian places.”

Parks Canada has a network of 42 national parks and 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas.

So this spring and summer, take advantage of all the free events offered to explore the country you now call home and learn about its rich history and geography!

Photos courtesy of Parks Canada

Related Articles:

• Blue Jays and Parks Canada Campout
• Canada honours abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman
• Four black players among top drafts
• ‘Dark Girls’ Documentary Showcases Biases in African Diaspora
• That’s What She Said, The Rapture, The Big O