HEART'S CONTENT, NL — A Heart's Content property with significant ties to the history of global telecommunications is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Wednesday, Canada's Minister responsible for Park Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced the Heart's Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site is one of eight places the country is adding to its tentative list for World Heritage Sites consideration.
"Canada is full of hidden gems and exceptional, inspiring places," McKenna said in a news release. "I'm grateful to the Canadians and communities across the country who shared the places they cherish to be considered as potential future World Heritage sites. To cap-off the Canada 150 celebrations, I am extremely proud to announce Canada's newest official candidates for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These national treasures represent the very best that Canada has to offer from natural wonders and maritime heritage to Indigenous lands and culture. These places will showcase Canada to the world."
Heart's Content was the final destination for the first successful trans-Atlantic telegraph cable, connecting the Trinity Bay community to Valentia, Ireland. The cable station itself was originally built in 1876, with an extension added in 1918. It operated until the 1960s. Today, the building serves as a museum and gift shop.
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There are now 14 sites in total on Canada's tentative list, which was previously updated in 2004.