Parks Canada designates new historic places

The federal governmenthas named the city of Westmount, Que. one ofCanada's "iconic neighbourhoods" for its architecture.

The tiny enclave west of downtown Montreal is one of fourplaces Parks Canada has added to the list of historically significant sites in Canada.

Bragg Creek, Alta., is being noted for the founding of the first youth hostel in North America. The Cataraqui Cemetery in Kingston, Ont.the final resting place of many prominent leaders such as Sir John A. MacDonaldis also receiving historic designation. Prince Edward Island, once known as Ile Saint-Jean, has been designated for the tragic deportation of Acadians in 1758.

"I am pleased that we are recognizing the special role these communities have played in Canada's history," Environment Minister Peter Kent said Tuesday in a media release.

"These designations remind us how the story of Canada has a wide variety of characters and places, each interesting and critical to our development as a nation," Kent said.

"Today's designations serve to remind us that Canada's communities all contribute to the many stories that made Canada," said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, "The great attention to detail in design and construction found in places such as Westmount or the Cataraqui Cemetery remains impressive today."