Fort LaTour's multi-million dollar facelift

A new study by the federal government says at least $2 million is needed to restore Fort LaTour.

The land overlooking Saint John Harbour has been home to various things, including a native burial ground, a French fort and a nail factory. But today the national historic site is little more than a grassy hill.

Councillor Eric Teed has been trying to get the site restored for 30 years. He says a historic re-creation would be a big tourist draw. "You know in one site you have a whole kaleidoscope of Canadian history, from the aboriginals right up to the modern day. And that is most unusual. You know you got tragedy, you got business, you got battle. What more could you want? All in a very compact area."

The study calls for the restoration of some of the old stonework and footpaths.

James Theriault is with the Fort La Tour Authority, a group that's trying to raise $ 3 million to pay for the project, says the site represents more than just the dramatic battle in the history of early Acadia. "This is unique, 4000 years of history,in North America in the downtown of a city along the harbour. This has tremendous potential, so hotels restauarants, businesses. It's win-win for everybody."

Organizers would like to start the first phase of the project next summer. It would include trails and an interpretation centre and cost $1.6 million.

A replica of the fort would also be built. Teed says the biggest obstacle will be getting someone to pay for the project.