New Brunswickers offer UNESCO World Heritage Site ideas
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna asks Canadians to suggest places of significance for UNESCO designation
In preparation for Canada's 150th anniversary, the federal government is accepting nominations for new UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the first time since 2004.
There are 18 sites in Canada designated as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage sites.
However, none of them are located in New Brunswick.
Some New Brunswickers already have suggestions in mind for places that should receive the international honour.
"I would say Île Sainte-Croix would be a good one. It's rich in the Acadian history and it would be a good point to highlight within New Brunswick," said Tara Mutter.
Nicolas Leblanc said agrees that Saint Croix Island would be an ideal spot for a UN designation and he pointed out that the site is also culturally significant to First Nations people in New Brunswick.
Saint Croix Island is located in the mouth of Saint Croix River and was the site of a French settlement in 1604. Today, the island is located in Maine.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designates sites that are places of cultural or natural significance that members of the global community have committed to preserve for future generations, sometimes through financial assistance or expert advice.
Tony Holland said he believes the "highest and lowest tides in the world and rocks formed over a millennia" make it a unique place in the world.
Robert Sergeant said he believes some of the province's beaches should be considered.
"The beaches that we have around the Northumberland Strait are some of the warmest waters north of Virginia, so I thought that was pretty unique," he said.
"That's something that we should be pretty proud of and promote for sure."
Recommending sites
Caitlin Workman, the environment minister's press secretary, said 10 new sites will be announced throughout 2017.
The federal environment minister is putting together a committee of heritage experts, including indigenous representatives, to review submissions for Canada's next world heritage bid.
In order to suggest a site, community groups and organisations can submit a proposal through Parks Canada's website.
In order to be considered for the tentative list, the federal government is asking the proposed meet one of the 10 natural and heritage criteria set by UNESCO.
The applications must also demonstrate "landowner consent, engagement and support of local Indigenous communities, and the support and engagement of local stakeholders."
The nomination list will be revealed on Canada Day 2017.
18 sites in Canada
The existing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada are:
- L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territories
- Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta
- Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek in Yukon and British Columbia
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta
- SGang Gwaay in British Columbia
- Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta and Northwest Territories
- Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks in Alberta and British Columbia
- Historic District of Old Québec in Quebec
- Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia
- Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in Alberta
- Miguasha National Park in Quebec
- Rideau Canal in Ontario
- Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia
- Landscape of Grand Pré in Nova Scotia
- Red Bay Basque Whaling Station in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Mistaken Point in Newfoundland and Labrador