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Santin Masonry commenced the stabilization of the Redoubt, the major structural project of the Restoration Program, in September of 2004. Throughout October, November and into December, work has concentrated on cutting and repointing masonry joints in the most critical areas. The Parapet, a major source of water penetration has had the mortar joints removed and resealed along the entire eastern Ramparts and almost the entire parapet of the North Wall as well as most of the Curtain Wall. The Eastern section of the North Wall has been scaffolded and covered with an insulated hoarding that will allow the masons to work within this area throughout the winter. The most critical area within this zone is the eastennmost arch, which has been supported for the last few years with a structural brace. This arch will be carefully dismantled and solidly placed back into position. All of the artillery pieces have been removed from the walls of Fort Henry to allow stone repairs and waterproofing of the Barbettes. These features will be resurfaces to allow water to flow away from the Parapets and reduce water penetration at the joints.

Kingston, Ontario, September 23, 2004 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, announced today a contract for the stabilization of the redoubt at Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada.

Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded the competitive contract of $3,819,592 to A. Santin Mason Contractor Limited of Kingston, Ontario. The contract includes waterproofing the top surface (8,000 square metres) of the redoubt, which involves removing the existing surface and rubber membrane of the redoubt and replacing it with new material. It also includes the repair and stabilization of the north wall, which faces onto the parade square. Restoration will begin in September and will continue for three years during the shoulder and off-season, so as to minimize the impact on the fort’s operations. The fort will remain open and operating while the work is taking place.

“Fort Henry is one of our nation’s most beloved national historic sites, which the Government of Canada is committed to preserving and presenting,” said Minister Dion. “The ongoing restoration is another step in ensuring the future of the fort, so that this legendary landmark can be enjoyed by all Canadians, for all time. Parks Canada looks forward to continuing to work with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in making this special place a world-class attraction.”

The redoubt, a major component of the fortifications at the site, is the third element of the fort to undergo major restoration work. The Fort Henry project is being funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments through Parks Canada and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. The Commission operates Fort Henry as a heritage attraction and national historic site of Canada under an agreement with the federal government. Parks Canada has been working closely with the Commission to undertake the highest priority work required in the stabilization of the fort.

“The McGuinty government is proud to be a partner in the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve Fort Henry,” said the Honourable Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism and Recreation. “Renewing this major tourism attraction and providing visitors with a quality experience will invigorate tourism and economic prosperity in communities all along the St. Lawrence. I encourage visitors to come out to the fort and rediscover one of Ontario’s most interesting historic landmarks.”

Fort Henry is part of the family of national historic sites of Canada, which connect the roots of our past to the promises of our future and Canadians to each other. -30-

Information: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 953-8239 John Grenville National Historic Sites Program Manager Eastern Ontario Parks Canada (613) 545-8666 ext. 102 (Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under What’s new.)

During the summer of 2004, Parks Canada Archaeologists undertook several projects in preparation of for the main project of the Restoration Program, the stabilization of the Redoubt. The archaeologists excavated two locations for this purpose. The first, located in the East Ditch, was dug to better understand the location of modern services entering the Redoubt; essential information for the project. The second pit was located in the northeast corner of the Parade and revealed the location of a historic blast wall outside the Magazine. A third pit was excavated outside the main gate as to further examine a wall uncovered in 2003. The corner of an 1820’s Officers’ Barracks was found that will assist in placing overlays of the original War of 1812 Fort with that of the current Fort Henry.

The Advanced Battery Roof Project was completed in June of 2004. Visitors over the summer had the first opportunity to see the metal shingled roof as it appeared throughout the British Garrison period in the nineteenth century. An exhibit of the Roof Project was open to visitors thoughout the summer. On display were original and new roofing shingles, articles from the archaeological excavations and numerous photos of the project in progress.

DID YOU KNOW....There are two holes per shingle. Roofers nudge the shingle into place with the hammer, then drive each nail in with one good whack. Barring a few smashed thumbs and a few missed nails, the number of hammer blows to complete the shingling job would be 196,000!

DID YOU KNOW...When roofers uncovered the original decking on the roof, they discovered the original nail holes of the angled shingles. This dates the original roof back to the early 1840's!

DID YOU KNOW...the shingling style you will now see at Fort Henry was called "Tole a la canadienne"?

Become a donation partner! Champion the new Restoration Program designed to preserve and conserve Fort Henry National Historic Site. Visit our online "donation form" which is credit card friendly or submit a cheque. Donations of $50 or more will earn an offical tax receipt along with an engraved name plate on our Donor Board, located in the Orientation Room at Fort Henry. All donations help solidify our 'future foundation'!