How Do You Want to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Confederation?

Photo Credit: Wellington County Museum and Archives - Circa 1868

"Have Your Say" about the celebrations in 2017

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario, January 17, 2014 /Canada NewsWire/ - Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover, today conducted consultations in St. Catharines to seek Canadians' views on how they would like to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

"As we shape plans for Canada's 150th anniversary, I encourage Ontarians to let our Government know how they want to celebrate Canada's history, values, and traditions. We are fortunate and so proud to call Canada home, and we have an opportunity to celebrate together who we are as Canadians, where we come from, and why we represent such a great country." - Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Quick Facts

...The Government of Canada is holding roundtables this winter with individuals who are active in their communities and represent a wide range of organizations or groups from across the country.

...In addition to the roundtables, Canadians are invited to have their say by completing an online questionnaire at Canada.ca/150.

...Both the roundtable participants and Canadians who complete the online questionnaire will be asked five key questions.

...The data collected will provide insight into the types of activities and projects that resonate most with Canadians and will help us plan the celebrations.

...Over the next three years, as we approach the anniversary, we will celebrate key historic milestones that have defined our country.

"Canada's 150th anniversary will give us the opportunity to reflect on all the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country it is today. I invite all Ontarians to tell us how they would like to celebrate." - Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

Associated Links

Canada 150 Website

Have Your Say! Questionnaire

Follow us on Twitter: @CdnHeritage

Lighthouse at Heart of a Bloody Battle Protected - Windmill Point Lighthouse Designated under Heritage Lighthouse Legislation

PRESCOTT, Ontario, January 3, 2014 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today designated the Windmill Point lighthouse, a site at the heart of a bloody battle in Upper Canada (Prescott, Ontario), as a heritage lighthouse under Canada's Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA).

The HLPA, which was adopted in 2008, allows for the protection of federally-owned lighthouses on Canada's coastal and inland waters that have significant heritage value. Administered by Parks Canada, the HLPA helps ensure Canada's maritime history is protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Canadians have nominated hundreds of lighthouses to be considered for designation under the Act.

 "I am pleased that the centrepiece of the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site will now be protected for the benefit of future generations. This lighthouse was a witness to historical events that have impacted Canada." - Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada 

Windmill Point Lighthouse is the key symbol of the Battle of the Windmill in Upper Canada. This four-day battle in 1838 between British troops and local militia defeated an invasion force of 300 American "Hunters" and Canadian rebels. It brought an end to the Rebellion of 1837-1838.


Located close to the American border, this lighthouse was initially built as a windmill before being converted to a lighthouse in 1874.


For over one hundred years, this lighthouse was associated with the system of navigation aids along the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes.


The heritage lighthouse and National Historic Site of Canada is administered by Parks Canada.

"I am thrilled that Canadian history is one of our government priorities and that we are taking action to protect and preserve cherished sites like Windmill Point Lighthouse, which has been an integral part of Eastern Ontario heritage for almost 200 years and an important tourist attraction for the area." - Gordon Brown, MP, Leeds-Grenville