If there’s a place in Canada that you think deserves a little extra recognition, now’s the time to speak up. For the first time in more than 10 years, Ottawa is asking Canadians to nominate future UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites around the world, 18 of which can be found in Canada. In order to be considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the sites need to be places of cultural, historic, and natural significance.
The current list includes Gros Morne National Park, the Rocky Mountain Parks in Alberta and British Columbia, and the Rideau Canal, alongside international destinations such as the Pyramids of Egypt and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
But the designation is about more than just status—it means the world has committed to preserving the site for future generations, whether that’s through financial assistance or expert advice.
The call for submissions was announced on Monday by environment minister Catherine McKenna, who spoke in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, which is another one of Canada’s designated sites.
According to reports, the current list of nominations was last updated in 2004. Any new additions will be revealed next year.
“As we prepare to come together as a nation to celebrate our 150th birthday in 2017, I invite Canadians and communities from across the country to nominate their unique and exceptional places for consideration as future World Heritage Sites, so we can share more of our treasures with the world,” McKenna said.
A committee of heritage experts, selected by McKenna, will review submissions for the country’s next bid. For more information on how to nominate a site, visit www.pc.gc.ca.
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