Here's the PR from Canadian Heritage:

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario, October 11, 2011 - The Harper Government today launched the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. This War helped establish our path toward becoming an independent and free country, united under the Crown with a respect for linguistic and ethnic diversity.

"The heroic efforts of those who fought for our country in the War of 1812 tell the story of the Canada we know today: an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own distinct parliamentary system," said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our history, and we look forward to taking part in the events and activities that will mark this important anniversary for Canada."

Over the next four years, the Government will invest to increase Canadians' awareness of this defining moment in our history. This will include support for:


•a pan-Canadian educational campaign focused on the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada's history;

•support for up to 100 historical re-enactments, commemorations, and local events;

•a permanent 1812 memorial located in the National Capital Region;

•interactive tours, six exhibits, and improvements to three national historic sites across the country;

•investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario;

•celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812.
 
This sounds great. Can't wait to hear more.
Does the federal government own the Fort York property? If they don't, what are the chances of the government accepting to take over the site from the city?
 
That makes a lot of sense. The city shouldn't be burdened with what is in effect a National historic site -- a federal jurisdiction. Of course it is of importance to Toronto, but the Feds should take over in funding Fort York because of its national role.
 
MetroMan said:
That makes a lot of sense. The city shouldn't be burdened with what is in effect a National historic site -- a federal jurisdiction. Of course it is of importance to Toronto, but the Feds should take over in funding Fort York because of its national role.
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Anyone can own a National Historic Site. It's not necessarily a burden or the privilege of the federal government to control. But I agree that Fort York should be maintained by the federal government as a military history site and museum of significance to national history.
 
An update from City Council regarding the Fort York Visitor Centre:

- - -

At its meeting held on January 17, 2012, City Council authorized the construction of the Fort York Visitor Centre as part of the 2012 Capital Budget for Economic Development and Culture. The approved Fort York Visitor Centre capital budget includes contributions of $5 million each from the Federal and Provincial governments. Both governments have confirmed their contributions and staff require Council authority to enter into the necessary contribution agreements.

- - -

So, on Tuesday March 6th, Council dealt with the following:

- - -

MM19.16
Authority to Enter into Contribution Agreements for the Fort York Visitor Centre - by Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Councilor Paul Ainslie

1. City Council authorize the City to enter into contribution agreements with the Federal and Provincial governments for funding to be provided for Fort York Visitor Centre, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contribution agreements on behalf of the City.

- - -

It was adopted. The Visitor Centre inches it way closer to existence!

42
 
Finally an actual tender call to the short-listed contractors - closing quite soon.

Description: Fort York Visitors Centre, Construction
For all materials, equipment, labour and supervision for the construction of the Fort York Visitor Centre.

Questions about this Tender should be directed in writing to Mike Voelker, CSCMP at e-mail mvoelke@toronto.ca. For more information, please refer to Section 2.3 Deadline for Questions. The last day for questions with respect to this tender is four (4) working days prior to closing.
Issue date: June 4, 2012 Closing date: July 4, 2012
at 12:00 Noon

Pre-bid meeting: Interested Bidders are required to attend a mandatory site meeting in the Blue Barracks, Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Road, Toronto, commencing at 10:00 a.m., on June 12, 2012. Bidders must sign in with the City’s Representative at the Mandatory Site meeting during the designated date and time for their bid to be considered. Bids from bidders that do not attend the mandatory site meeting shall be declared informal. Site meetings will not be available at any other times.

Tenders are invited from pre-qualified bidders only. The companies that have qualified through RTP No. 3907-10-5155 are:

Atlas Corporation

Giffels Construction Inc.

Graham Construction A Joint Venture

PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Harbridge and Cross Ltd.
 
Why has this taken so long? I thought it was all supposed to be done in time for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
 
Read back a bit Towered, you'll see why it's not ready for this year. Long story!
 
I'm not sure I understand how far smaller communities could manage to complete their commemoration projects in time, and much larger ones really (relatively speaking) while Toronto couldn't?
 
Tewder said:
I'm not sure I understand how far smaller communities could manage to complete their commemoration projects in time, and much larger ones really (relatively speaking) while Toronto couldn't?
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It may be instructive to look at the political affiliation of their MP.

These kind of incredible coincidences do seem to happen.
 
FAC33 said:
Well, EVERYONE celebrates bicentennials. We're going to prove we're world class by celebrating the 202nd anniversary. How daring! How radical!
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War of 1812 didn't end until 1815. Locally, I'd think big event would be the April/May 1813 capture and occupation of York. Guess it won't be ready for that though, either.
 
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