OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/18/12 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the 2013 navigation season for historic canals and Trent-Severn Waterway.

"National Historic canals are a defining feature of Canada, and provide communities and regions with beauty, recreation and a unique sense of history," said Minister Kent. "I am pleased to announce that the 2013 navigation season will continue from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, as in previous years."

Parks Canada will continue providing 'upon arrival' services throughout the peak summer period, and offer a modified service seven days a week through scheduled lockages in the spring and fall period. For the canals 2013 navigation season, Parks Canada will align its hours of operation and personal service offer to better reflect patterns of use, offering between 7 and 9 hours of service per day.

"With this decision, the canals and the surrounding communities will continue flourishing as a vibrant centre of our regions," added Minister Kent. "The government appreciated the constructive feedback we received from the public, and was pleased to work with the local Members of Parliament, Mayors, business leaders, and stakeholders, to determine a workable schedule going forward that is affordable while minimizing the impact on the local economies and visitors."

Parks Canada will continue its stewardship of cultural and environmental resources providing meaningful experiences that promote understanding and appreciation of Canada, and supporting local communities through tourism - as it has done for the last 100 years.