Kingston, ON – The City of Kingston in partnership with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) will continue the highly successful Kingston Penitentiary (KP) public tours, launched in 2016, for the 2017 tourism season.
Kingston Penitentiary Tours proved to be enormously successful, welcoming over 60,000 visitors in the initial season running from June to October 2016. The tours produced a regional economic impact of approximately $5 Million, employed 40 students and a number of retired CSC staff.
Net proceeds of the 2016 tours benefitted local tourism and destination marketing initiatives, and youth programs through the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. SLPC proudly presented the United Way with a cheque in the amount of $322,421, representing the 2016 contribution.
SLPC will continue as the official operator of the 2017 public tours which will start in May and will run to October. More tour options and days of operation will be offered in 2017. Tickets will be available for the public to purchase beginning in February. For updates on the 2017 tour season please visit <http://www.kingstonpentour.com>
QUOTES
“The opening of Kingston Penitentiary (KP) for tours proved an amazing success. As we welcomed visitors from across the country they not only experienced the rich history within the walls of KP, they discovered all that Kingston has to offer. Beyond the tourism boost, KP tours have enhanced the lives of youth in Kingston through a significant contribution to our local United Way. As we look ahead to 2017, the City of Kingston is proud to building on the great partnership with Corrections Canada and St. Lawrence Parks Commission to continue and enhance KP tours for the 2017 tourism season.”
Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston
“Kingston Penitentiary is a cornerstone of Kingston’s heritage. This renowned Canadian landmark represents Kingston’s long-standing commitment to creating and maintaining a fair justice system and rule of law in Canada. The success of the tours this past summer underscores the interest in our history, both on the local and the national scale. Once again, the Kingston community has made me proud to be a Kingstonian, and even more proud of our storied history as an influential Canadian city. I encourage everyone to tour Kingston Penitentiary, and immerse yourself in Kingston’s illustrious history.”
Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
“I welcome Correctional Service of Canada (CSC)’s participation in the 2017 Kingston Penitentiary (KP) tours and another year of increased support for the United Way. The public interest in KP is extraordinary and I am proud of CSC’s distinguished history in Kingston and the contributions that our employees continue to make in this community. We have a strong partnership with the City of Kingston and St. Lawrence Parks Commission and I look forward to seeing what the 2017 tour season brings.”
Don Head, Commissioner Correctional Service Canada
“The continuation of Kingston Penitentiary (KP) tours is great news for our community and province. Bringing tourism, revenues and youth employment to our region is extremely valuable and is in line with our provincial commitment to build Ontario up. KP should be proud of their accomplishments and their work to educate the public of our city’s rich history with the Correctional Service of Canada. I wish KP and partners great success in the new year.”
Sophie Kiwala, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
“The St. Lawrence Parks is truly excited about delivering another season of Kingston Penitentiary tours. The 2016 tours were a huge success driving 60,000 visits and generating over $5 million in economic benefits in the Kingston area. Going forward, we will be greatly expanding the scope and volume of tours including the addition of areas previously off limits, the addition of premium and more in-depth experiences and a substantially greater number of tours available. We are proud to work with CSC and the City of Kingston once again and look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a world-class visitor experience in 2017.”
Darren Dalgleish, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, St. Lawrence Parks Commission
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For more information, contact:
City of Kingston
Christina Thomson, Assistant to the Mayor City of Kingston
cethomson@cityofkingston.ca
Tel: 613-546-4291 ext. 1405
The City of Kingston provides municipal services to 125,000 residents living in this visually stunning, historic city, often ranked one of the best places to live in Canada. In 2014, it was named a Top 7 Smart Community by the Intelligent Community Forum. Kingston is focusing on being smart and livable as it pursues its vision to become Canada’s most sustainable city. We focus on environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health and cultural vitality – ensuring that today’s decisions don’t compromise our future. Please visit <http://www.CityofKingston.ca> and join the conversation on social media.
Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
Shannon Mills, Communications Manager
Correctional Service of Canada
RHQ Ontario, Kingston, Ontario
shannon.mills@csc-scc.gc.ca
Tel: 613-545-8168
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is the federal government agency responsible for administering sentences of a term of two years or more, as imposed by the courts. As part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, CSC contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.
St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC)
Susan Le Clair
Manager, Customer Service & Corporate Communications St. Lawrence Parks Commission susan.leclair@parks.on.ca
Tel: 613-543-3704 ext. 2496
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities in 16 municipalities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 12 campgrounds and beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and 1000 Islands Parkway.
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