Gaspé officially unveiled its new Birthplace of Canada historic site in the town's downtown core yesterday.

The inauguration at Point O'Hara marked the 482nd anniversary of French explorer Jacques Cartier planting his famous cross at the same site on July 24, 1534.

The waterfront park along the York River features five recreated buildings that once stood on the same spot, which served as the town's principal wharf until its buildings were largely razed in the 1970s.

The site includes replicas of an original tavern, warehouse, store, seaplane base and Mi'kmaq long house, among other attractions.

The development also pays homage to Gaspé's history as a main port of entry to Canada circa 1900, before it was eclipsed by Halifax, N.S.

"We rebuilt buildings that used to stand at Point O'Hara. Only one original building remains, Lebouthillier House, which was once the Italian consulate and the consulate of Brazil," said Daniel Coté, the mayor of Gaspé.

"It's a reminder of our history and gives visitors access to the waterfront … It's the new soul, the new heart of Gaspé," he said.

A representative of Quebec's current Italian consulate attended the ceremony.

Fabien Sinnett, who grew up at Point O'Hara, spearheaded the redevelopment of the historic site.

He undertook the project to ensure local history was preserved and better understood by the people of Gaspé.

"I realized that people of Gaspé didn't know their history and were losing it," he said.

"I looked around and I thought who's going to tell this story, so I said I'd try."

The project took 10 years to develop at a cost of around $17 million.