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Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities


Strategic Outcome
Canadians have a strong sense of connection, through meaningful experiences, to their national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas and these protected places are enjoyed in ways that leave them unimpaired for present and future generations.
Performance Indicator, Target and Date 2008/09 Performance
Maintain or improve the overall ecological integrity in all national parks from March 2008 to March 2013 As of March 2009, 93% of Canada’s national parks identified key indicators of ecological integrity and 60% identified the status and trends of these indicators, providing a picture of the overall ecological integrity of a park upon which maintenance or improvements will be evaluated in 2013.
Improve the overall average commemorative integrity rating from 6.0/10 in March 2008 to 6.6/10 in March 2013 As of March 2009, Parks Canada achieved an overall average commemorative integrity rating of 6.4. This includes data for the 133 sites evaluated by that date, and new results for sites where re-evaluations have taken place.
Establish a baseline by March 2009 for the percentage of Canadians that report a personal connection to Parks Canada administered places Parks Canada conducted a National Survey of Canadians, the results of which were used to establish a baseline. The baseline, an index derived from a series of behaviour- and attitude-based questions, showed that 55% of Canadians report a personal connection to places administered by Parks Canada.
Measuring Ecological Integrity: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/plans/cont-back2008-2009/section2-1.aspx
Measuring Commemorative Integrity: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/plans/cont-back2008-2009/section0-2.aspx

Note: Specific details about the National Survey of Canadians can be found in Section 3.

Parks Canada accomplishes its Strategic Outcome by ensuring Agency activities and investments are relevant to Canadians and thereby create meaningful experiences in the enjoyment of national heritage places. This will, in turn, foster a strong sense of connection in the hearts and minds of Canadians as these places are protected in ways that allow present and future generations to enjoy them.

Parks Canada has developed tangible and measurable performance indicators that will inform management of the Agency’s progress towards its Strategic Outcome. Contributing directly to these high-level expectations are the results of all of the Program Activities that comprise the Agency’s Program Activity Architecture. Measuring these results allows Parks Canada to paint a picture of its overall performance and to determine the progress the Agency has made in attaining its long-term goal.

For each of the five Program Activities – Heritage Places Establishment, Heritage Resources Conservation, Public Appreciation and Understanding, Visitor Experience, and Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure – the pages that follow

  • demonstrate the ways in which Canadians have gained benefit from the work of Parks Canada;
  • describe Parks Canada’s performance expectations and show how the Agency has striven to achieve its goals;
  • present an analysis of Parks Canada’s performance; and
  • show that Parks Canada learns from its actions to strengthen its capacity, processes and practices.

Parks Canada’s performance results, achieved during the period covered by this report, are evaluated against the priorities and expected results identified in the Corporate Plan 2008/09–2012/13 using the following performance rating system established by Treasury Board:

  • Exceeded: more than 100%
  • Met All: 100%
  • Mostly Met: 80% to 99%
  • Somewhat Met: 60% to 79%
  • Not Met: less than 60%

Program Activity 1: HERITAGE PLACES ESTABLISHMENT


2008/09 Financial Resources
($000s)
  2008/09 Human Resources
(Full-Time Equivalent)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
  Planned Actual Difference
24,897 34,775 33,594   131 111 (20)

Note: The increase in Total Authorities and Actual Spending as compared to Planned Spending is due to the fact that Parks Canada received confirmation of additional funding after the preparation of the planned spending figures presented in the Corporate Plan 2008/09–2012/13, and includes the Agency’s carry forward of funds from the previous fiscal year.

Benefits for Canadians

Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas, as well as persons, places and events of national historic significance to Canada, are symbols to the world and are part of the fabric of the nation. Preserving Canada’s natural and historical heritage and making it available to Canadians for their discovery and enjoyment are of key importance in enhancing pride and giving expression to our identity as Canadians. During 2008/09, Parks Canada made important progress in several ongoing projects to establish national parks and national marine conservation areas, with a particular emphasis on unrepresented regions, and in the designation of persons, places and events of national historical significance, particularly in under-represented themes. As a result, Canadians can experience and take pride in a stronger representation and conservation of our natural and cultural national treasures.

Performance Expectations


Expected Result
Represented regions in the systems of national parks and national marine conservation areas; the system of national historic sites represents the breadth and diversity of Canada’s history

The Expected Result of this Program Activity is measured by three performance indicators. For ease of reporting, Parks Canada’s performance for each indicator, including analysis and lessons learned, is presented separately.


Performance
Indicator 1
Target and Dates Progress as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Level of representation of terrestrial natural regions Increase the number of represented terrestrial natural regions from 25 in March 2003 to 30 of 39 by March 2010 28 terrestrial natural regions represented. No new regions represented in 2008/09. Performance will be assessed in 2010. Progress made towards target is outlined in the following text.
Program Activity definition: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20082009/me-bd/pub/me-199_e.asp
Steps in the establishment of national parks: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/v-g/nation/nation6.aspx

Performance Analysis

No new parks were established in the period covered by this report. The national parks system currently consists of 42 operational parks representing 28 of the 39 natural terrestrial regions represented in the system, and covering a total of 276,240 square kilometres. The establishment of a park begins with the identification of areas representative of a natural region (Step 1); followed by the selection of a potential park area (Step 2); conducting a feasibility study (Step 3); negotiating park agreements (Step 4); and formally protecting a park under the Canada National Parks Act (Step 5). Progress on the establishment of seven proposed national parks and park expansions is presented in Figure 1.

The Government of Canada placed a high priority on reaching agreement within government and with Aboriginal groups on the boundaries of the expansion area of Nahanni National Park Reserve within the Dehcho region, which will significantly increase the representation of the Mackenzie Mountains natural region, improve the ecological integrity of the park and provide enhanced visitor experience opportunities. In addition, the Minister of the Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work towards the creation of a national park reserve (Nááts’ihch’oh) in the Sahtu settlement region, which would protect the headwaters of the South Nahanni watershed.

Between March 2003 and March 2006, three previously unrepresented terrestrial natural regions were represented in the national parks system, making the goal 60 percent achieved (three out of five regions represented). In 2003, Parks Canada signed an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Ukkusiksalik National Park and a Canada/British Columbia agreement for Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. In 2005, an agreement was signed for the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve and it was formally protected under the Canada National Parks Act. However, in 2007, with the settlement of the Quebec Inuit claim, Torngat Mountains changed its status from park reserve to that of national park. These actions resulted in the addition of over 30,000 square kilometres of protected land to the national parks system.


Figure 1: Progress of projects to establish and expand national parks
Terrestrial Natural Region and National Park Area of Interest Progress Statement in 2008/09
East Coast Boreal
Mealy Mountains (NL)
Preparing to negotiate agreements (Between Steps 3 and 4)
The feasibility study has been completed and the report of the Steering Committee is under review. Consultations with Innu from Quebec, who have and overlapping claim, are in progress.
Manitoba Lowlands
Manitoba Lowlands (MA)
Discussions with First Nations re agreement (Between Steps 3 and 4)
Parks Canada held informal discussions with the Chief and Council of Misipawistik Cree Nation and Manitoba. First Nations representatives visited northern national parks to learn about management and relationships.
Western High Arctic
Northern Bathurst Island (NU)
Negotiation of agreements (Step 4)
Parks Canada is working with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the community of Resolute Bay towards a potential Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Northwest Boreal Uplands
East Arm of Great Slave Lake (NWT)
Feasibility assessment (Step 3)
Parks Canada conducted part of the Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment technical work. The park operational scenario was completed with input from First Nations and Métis representatives. The social and economic study is advancing. The parties in the Treaty 8 forum agreed to allow discussions on a proposed park to proceed as a side table.
Interior Dry Plateau
South Okanagan-Lower Similkameen (BC)
Feasibility assessment (Step 3)
Parks Canada is working with the Government of British Columbia to address several outstanding considerations, including the potential transition from provincial land management to national park reserve, the management of cattle grazing and other land use activities. The engagement of First Nations remains a priority.
Northern Interior Plateaux and Mountains
Wolf Lake (YK)
Selection of candidate area of interest (Step 2)
Parks Canada remains interested in considering the feasibility of a national park in the Wolf Lake area, subject to the support and collaboration of the Government of Yukon.
Mackenzie Mountains
Nahanni expansion and Nááts’ihch’oh (NWT)
Negotiation of agreements (Step 4)
Agreement was reached on boundaries for a significant expansion of Nahanni National Park Reserve within the Dehcho region. The Minister of the Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work towards creating a new national park reserve (Nááts’ihch’oh) in the Sahtu settlement area, and an interim land withdrawal covering 7,600 km2 of the upper South Nahanni watershed was put in place. An Impact and Benefit Plan is currently under negotiation with the Sahtu Dene and Métis.

Note: A region may be represented by a national park or national park reserve. A reserve is an area managed as a national park but where the lands are subject to one or more claims by Aboriginal people that have been accepted for negotiation by the Government of Canada. A region is considered to be represented when one or more national parks or park reserves are operational as a consequence of: signing a park establishment agreement (federal-provincial and/or Aboriginal agreements); the lands have been transferred to Canada (from the province); and/or the park/reserve is in a schedule of the Canada National Parks Act.

Lessons Learned

Establishing national parks is an intricate and lengthy process in which building positive and productive relationships with Aboriginal groups, other governments and communities is essential for successful outcomes. The most important factors and considerations that affect the process are related to working in a complex external environment.

Throughout Step 3 (feasibility assessment), managers and planners take an integrated and balanced approach to realizing Parks Canada’s mandate. Ensuring that a proposal is positioned for success requires an understanding of the study area’s regional context, local interests and aspirations, as well as traditional and current uses of resources, potential visitor markets, and socio-economic impacts and benefits. This may consume more time and funds initially, but it will lead to improved effectiveness and efficiency in reaching agreement for establishment.

The ever-increasing competition for resources and land, and the complex operating environments in Canada’s North and South, create additional challenges for advancing proposals in a timely fashion, keeping costs down and reaching agreement on boundaries.

As a result of these lessons learned, Parks Canada is implementing a more strategic risk management approach to establishment projects that will contribute to streamlining the work, improving decision making and, in turn, producing clear milestones and final outcomes.


Performance
Indicator 2
Target and Date Results as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Level of representation of Canada’s history 33% of yearly recommended designations are for under-represented themes in Canada’s history 63% Exceeded
Information on under-represented themes: http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/r/system-reseau/sec4/sites-lieux44_e.asp

Performance Analysis

The Minister of the Environment made 44 new designations in 2008/09; of these 28 were in under-represented themes in Canada’s history, representing 63 percent of the total number of designations. Of the designations in under-represented themes, 8 were women, 2 were Aboriginal, 11 were ethnocultural communities, and 7 touched more than one theme. See Figure 2 for further details.

As of March 2009, the Minister designated 1,989 persons, places and events of historical importance. The average number of designations over three years increased from 16 in 2007 to 37 in 2009, as shown in Figure 3.


Figure 2: Ministerial designations by type in 2008/09
Type # Under-represented themes
Places 13 5
Persons 21 17
Events 10 6
Total 44 28 (63%)

 


Figure 3: Total of ministerial designations of places, persons and events
  2008/09 2007/08 2006/07
Balance as of April 1 1,942 1,897 1,875
New Designations 44 45 21
Net Adjustments +3 0 +1
Balance as of March 31 1,989 1,942 1,897
Average over 3 years 37 28 16
Source: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Secretariat database and Directory of Federal Heritage Designation. Adjustments to the number of designations result from the destruction of the listed asset, discovery of double-counted or uncounted previous designations, or reassessment of the status of a listed site.

Lessons Learned

Through Parks Canada's New Commemorations Initiative, the Agency invested $600,000 over the past two fiscal years to engage women's, Aboriginal and ethnocultural organizations in the development of nominations within these three under-represented themes identified in the National Historic Sites of Canada System Plan (2000). The objective of the initiative is to encourage public participation in identifying and bringing forward nominations in these areas to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. A final $300,000 investment will be made in 2009/10, followed by an evaluation of the initiative, which is expected to produce recommendations for the way forward.


Performance
Indicator 3
Target and Date Progress as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Level of representation of marine regions Increase the number of represented marine regions from 2 in March 2003 to 4 of 29 by March 2010 Three marine regions represented. No new marine regions represented in 2008/09. Performance will be assessed in 2010. Progress made towards target is outlined in the following text.
National marine conservation areas and their establishment: http://www.pc.gc.ca/progs/amnc-nmca/systemplan/index_e.asp

Performance Analysis

As of March 31, 2009, 3 of 29 marine regions were represented. An agreement for Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area was signed in October 2007, resulting in 50 percent achievement of the goal of representing two additional marine regions. Parks Canada invests much time and effort in increasing the representation of marine regions. Figure 4 shows the progress achieved during fiscal year 2008/09 on current projects to establish national marine conservation areas.


Figure 4: Progress of projects to establish national marine conservation areas
Marine Region and National Marine Conservation Area of Interest Progress Statement in 2008/09

Hecate Strait / Queen Charlotte Shelf
Gwaii Haanas NMCA Reserve (BC)

Negotiating an agreement and preparing an interim management plan (Step 4/early 5)
The Canada/Haida marine agreement negotiations advanced well. The interim management plan, with zoning, is being developed in consultation with Haida and other interests. In collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada embarked on consultations with the fishing sector.
Strait of Georgia
Southern Strait of Georgia (BC)
Feasibility assessment (Step 3)
Parks Canada and the British Columbia government analyzed issues of importance to the latter to facilitate the next step of negotiations. The Agency took steps to expand consultations with First Nations.
Magdalen Shallows
Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (QC)
Preliminary stages of feasibility assessment (Early Step 3)
Parks Canada is in the early stages of a feasibility study and is continuing to work with the Government of Quebec.
Lancaster Sound
Lancaster Sound (NU)
Preliminary stages of feasibility assessment (Early Step 3)
Parks Canada is working with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Government of Nunavut towards a potential Memorandum of Understanding to guide future collaboration on this project.

Note: A marine region is considered to be represented when one or more national marine conservation areas or reserves are operational as a consequence of: signing an establishment agreement (federal-provincial and/or Aboriginal agreements); seabed and any lands have been transferred to Canada (from province); and/or the national marine conservation area/reserve is in a schedule of the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act.

Lessons Learned

Parks Canada’s national marine conservation areas (NMCA) program is relatively unknown to, or is not well understood by, the Canadian public. For this reason, additional time will be taken to fully communicate what Parks Canada’s marine program is about and how it relates to other Parks Canada programs and Canada’s Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy. Over 2008/09, Parks Canada worked towards developing a policy framework for the marine program that will assist in conveying the overall intent of the program and the way it will be implemented. Parks Canada is continuing to learn from the complexities of working closely with stakeholders and other government agencies in order to advance NMCA program objectives in a sustainable use context.

Program Activity 2: HERITAGE PLACES CONSERVATION


2008/09 Financial Resources
($000s)
  2008/09 Human Resources
(Full-Time Equivalent)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
  Planned Actual Difference
212,566 226,841 216,807   1,424 1,499 75

Note: The increase in Total Authorities and Actual Spending as compared to Planned Spending is due to the fact that Parks Canada received confirmation of additional funding after the preparation of the planned spending figures presented in the Corporate Plan 2008/09–2012/13. This increase includes funding for such items as law enforcement; forest fire suppression; assessment, management and remediation of federal contaminated sites; and the Agency’s carry forward of funds from the previous fiscal year. The increase was partially offset by the realignment of the Program Activity Architecture in 2008/09.

Benefits for Canadians

The protection of Canada’s most special natural and cultural resources ensures that current and future generations will enjoy a variety of protected heritage places. Parks Canada made significant investments in the preservation of the ecological integrity of our national parks as well as of the commemorative integrity of national historic sites. Because of these actions, generations of Canadians will continue to enjoy the nation’s most treasured places, in ways that leave them unimpaired.

Performance Expectations


Expected Result
Management actions result in improvements to ecological integrity indicators in national parks and the state of cultural resources in national historic sites is improved

The Expected Result of this Program Activity is measured by two performance indicators. For ease of reporting, Parks Canada’s performance for each indicator, including analysis and lessons learned, is presented separately.


Performance
Indicator 1
Target and Date Progress as of March 2009 Performance
Status
State of ecological integrity indicators in national parks 90% of national parks have at least one improved ecological integrity indicator from March 2008 to March 2013 Priority active management and restoration initiatives for improving ecological integrity indicators were identified in 24 national parks (57%). Performance will be assessed in 2013. Progress made towards target is outlined in the following text.
Program Activity definition: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20082009/me-bd/pub/me-199_e.asp
Action on the Ground II: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/bib-lib/~/media/docs/bib-lib/pdfs/aslt2 aotg2_e.ashx
Principles and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada’s Protected Natural Areas: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/guide/resteco/~/media/docs/pc/guide/resteco/guide_e.ashx
State of Park Reports: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/bib-lib/docs5hi.aspx

Performance Analysis

As of 2008/09, a total of 39 national parks, representing 93 percent of Canada’s national parks, have identified key indicators of ecological integrity. Twenty-five parks have already determined the status and trend of these indicators, providing the baseline information against which improvements in ecological integrity indicators will be evaluated in 2013.

Parks Canada implemented an investment strategy called Action on the Ground integrated funding. The strategy involved the consolidation of several funding sources to improve the integrated delivery of the Agency’s programs and facilitate multi-year investments targeted at the most pressing ecological integrity issues in national parks. As a result, priority active management and restoration initiatives for improving ecological indicators were identified and targeted projects for 24 parks in the South, representing 57 percent of Canada’s 42 national parks, will be initiated in 2009/10. Figure 5 provides additional details on some of the activities related to the Action on the Ground investment strategy.

Programs focussed on active management and restoration initiatives to improve ecological integrity in Canada’s national parks have been ongoing. Nonetheless, the Agency has recently taken a more targeted approach by incorporating ecological integrity indicators of key park ecosystems into the program framework. With an ecological integrity monitoring and reporting system in place, national principles and guidelines for ecological restoration established, and key ecological integrity indicators and priority investment projects identified, Parks Canada is well positioned to report on ecological integrity improvements in future years.


Figure 5: Examples of Action on the Ground projects
National Park Ecological Integrity Indicator Condition Trend Action on the Ground II Project Description
Gros Morne Forest Poor Down Restoring Forest
Point Pelee Non-Forest (Savannah) Fair Down Greater Park Ecosystem – Restoring the Carolinian Habitat Mosaic
Grasslands Grasslands Fair Stable Prairie Restored: Building the Grasslands Experience
Jasper Aquatic Fair Up Restoring and Reconnecting Our Waters
Pacific Rim Streams Fair Stable Restoring Salmon Streams for People and Wildlife

Lessons Learned

Apart from climate change, northern parks are not facing the same stresses that affect the ecological integrity of other national parks, due to their relative remoteness and large size. Because the current state of ecological integrity in northern parks is generally maintained, improvement efforts will focus on the greater challenges facing southern parks, which require heightened management due to their smaller size, impacts resulting from surrounding land uses and invasive non-native species. For these reasons, and to better address the complexities of ecological systems and their responses to active management and restoration initiatives, Parks Canada modified its target in the Corporate Plan 2009/10–2013/14. The performance target will read: “Outside of national parks in the far north with an already acceptable ecological integrity status,4 80 percent of national parks have at least one improved ecological integrity indicator from March 2008 to March 2013.”

Parks Canada is developing a plan to complete the design of ecological integrity monitoring in the North. Northern parks will be using the best available information, including Aboriginal traditional knowledge, remote sensing information and data acquired from selected sites, to guide ecological monitoring and reporting activities.


Performance
Indicator 2
Target and Date Results as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Condition of cultural resources and management practices elements of commemorative integrity in national historic sites 70% of the condition of cultural resources elements of commemorative integrity rated as poor are improved within five years 60% Mostly met5
70% of the management practices elements of commemorative integrity rated as poor are improved within five years 71% Exceeded
Definition of the concept of Commemorative Integrity: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/guide/guide/commemorative_1_0/commemorative_1_1.aspx
Cultural Resource Management Policy: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/poli/princip/sec3.aspx
List of National Historic Sites administered by Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/progs/lhn-nhs/recherche-search_e.asp?s=1

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada completed baseline commemorative integrity evaluations at 133 of 162 national historic sites. Each site that had poor ratings of any element of commemorative integrity is reassessed five years after the original evaluation to determine if improvements have occurred. In 2007/08, Parks Canada conducted reassessments of national historic sites originally evaluated in 2001/02, representing a six-year gap. In order to move to a five-year cycle, reassessments were accelerated in 2008/09 to include those sites that were initially evaluated in 2002/03 and 2003/04.

During fiscal year 2008/09, three of five national historic sites (60%) whose condition of cultural resources element of commemorative integrity was rated poor in 2002/03 or 2003/04 improved that rating within the five-year period, thereby mostly meeting the performance expectation. Five out of seven sites (71%) improved their poor rating for management practices.

Overall, commemorative integrity ratings for the condition of cultural resources and management practices demonstrate improvement. Efforts focussed on addressing deficiencies, which resulted in improvements to the ratings, with the exception of three sites: Carillon Canal, Fort George and Fort Mississauga, where only tentative steps were taken. A fourth site, Kingston Fortifications – Cathcart Tower, although it did improve its commemorative integrity rating, did not undertake or complete its conservation work within the five-year period. See Figures 6 and 7 for further details.


Figure 6: 2008/09 reassessment results of National Historic Sites with poor ratings in 2002/03 or 2003/04 for the condition of cultural resources element of Commemorative Integrity
National Historic Sites with Poor Ratings 2008/09 Rating Progress Statement Performance Status
Carillon Canal (Carillon, QC) Poor Parks Canada made investments to improve the condition of the locks, but work remains to be done on buildings and structures. Not Met
Battle of the Windmill (Prescott, ON) Fair Considerable work was undertaken to improve the structural integrity of the tower since the 2002 evaluation. Further work is planned, and cyclical maintenance is in place to address ongoing concerns. Met All
Fort Henry (Kingston, ON) Fair Parks Canada made investments in built resources that improved their condition. These investments included, in particular, the design and stabilization of the entrance cutting; repairing the roof of the Commissariat Stores; stabilizing and waterproofing the redoubt and replacing the roofs of the stockade house, the maintenance building and the hospital guardhouse. Met All
Kingston Fortifications – Cathcart Tower (Kingston, ON) Fair Conservation work was planned but not undertaken within the five-year period. The initial site evaluation took place in July 2002; work on the Cathcart Tower was begun in July 2007 and completed in October 2008. Knowledge of the archaeological resources at the site increased since the original evaluation. Not met
Twin Falls Teahouse (Yoho National Park, BC) Good Conservation issues were addressed, such as the rotting foundation logs and the roof deterioration. Selective tree cutting re-established the view of Twin Falls and of surrounding landscape from the Teahouse. Met All

 


Figure 7: 2008/09 reassessment results of National Historic Sites with poor ratings in 2002/03 or 2003/04 for the management practices element of Commemorative Integrity
National Historic Sites with Poor Ratings 2008/09 Rating Progress Statement Performance Status
Alexander Graham Bell (Baddeck, NS) Fair The Kite House photo collection was reproduced and the images preserved. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system was replaced, although humidity remains an issue that can affect the building and exhibits. Met All
Carillon Canal (Carillon, QC) Fair Parks Canada inventoried most of the cultural resources and there is regular monitoring of the masonry of the houses of the collector and the superintendent. Met All
Battle of the Chateauguay (Allans Corners, QC) Fair Subsequent to an environmental study conducted in 2006 for the area administered by Parks Canada, there were improvements to the inventory and evaluation of cultural resources, though further work needs to be done. The site developed partnerships or relationships with local committees, with the region’s municipality and with owners of neighbouring properties. Met All
Fort Henry (Kingston, ON) Fair Parks Canada improved procedures for conducting inventory and evaluation of buildings, structures, archaeological sites and objects, although gaps remain. Monitoring programs are in place for some of the built heritage, but not for the presentation program. Formal conservation maintenance on the buildings/structures is not in place. Met All
Cave and Basin (Banff National Park, AB) Fair The inventory and evaluation of the landscape and archaeological features were improved, as a result of a ground survey conducted in 2007 that identified elements not previously known, such as the identification of WWI internment sites. Record keeping has improved, though no formal monitoring programs or up-to-date maintenance plans exist for the cultural resources. Met All
Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) Poor The site made some improvement in management of records, particularly those related to decisions and actions involving cultural resources. Remedial action did not take place to address the deteriorated palisades and revetments, which were identified as a key issue in the 2003 Commemorative Integrity Evaluation. Parks Canada will invest $2.5 million in 2009/10, funded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to address this issue. Not Met
Fort Mississauga (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) Poor The site made improvements in records management related to decisions and actions regarding cultural resources. Viewsheds were also improved through vegetation management. The inventory and evaluation of archaeological objects and sites, including the mapping of known and suspected sites, remains incomplete. There is no monitoring or management strategy in place with respect to the shoreline erosion threat that was identified in 2003. Not Met

Source: Parks Canada’s Reassessment of Sites with Poor Ratings.

Lessons Learned

The Commemorative Integrity Evaluation program and the reassessment of elements rated as poor have been important tools for the Agency in identifying and addressing key issues and in focussing resources. The reassessments demonstrated success in improvement of resources condition and management practices. The assessment questionnaire has been reviewed to improve efficiency of the evaluation process, while maintaining consistency in methodology. The draft rating guide is being formalized to provide improved guidance in the application of the evaluation process.

Program Activity 3: PUBLIC APPRECIATION AND UNDERSTANDING


2008/09 Financial Resources
($000s)
  2008/09 Human Resources
(Full-Time Equivalent)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
  Planned Actual Difference
26,482 41,141 40,121   257 360 103

Note: The increase in Total Authorities and Actual Spending as compared to Planned Spending is primarily due to the realignment of the Agency’s Program Activity Architecture in 2008/09 and the carry forward of funds from the previous fiscal year.

Benefits for Canadians

To foster a sense of connection to Canada’s places of natural and cultural heritage, it is important that Canadians have opportunities to understand, appreciate and support these places. By conducting the National Survey of Canadians, Parks Canada gained insight into the way Canadians feel about these places. With this knowledge, Parks Canada can work towards further engaging Canadians in getting to know their national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas better. This will lead to strengthening the connection Canadians have to these treasured places, and deepen the relevance of these places to Canadians. Canadians will increasingly take pride in these places, knowing that they have an opportunity to influence decisions and actions undertaken on their behalf.

Performance Expectations


Expected Result
Canadians appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada and understand the importance of protecting and presenting them

 


Performance
Indicator
Target and Dates Results as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Canadians appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada Establish a baseline by March 2009 for the percentage of Canadians that appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada Baseline established Met All
Canadians understand the importance of protecting and presenting heritage places administered by Parks Canada Establish a baseline by March 2009 for the percentage of Canadians that understand the importance of protecting and presenting heritage places administered by Parks Canada Baseline established Met All
Program Activity definition: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20082009/me-bd/pub/me-199_e.asp
Link to Parks Canada’s ad campaign: http://www.pc.gc.ca/cp-ac/index_e.asp

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada met its objectives of establishing two baselines by March 2009 using a National Survey of Canadians. As a result of the survey, Parks Canada now knows that 53 percent of Canadians appreciate the significance of heritage places. This means that Canadians

  • understand why places administered by Parks Canada are established/designated;
  • consider it important that they visit places administered by Parks Canada;
  • feel that it is important that places administered by Parks Canada are enjoyed by current and future generations; and
  • consider that places administered by Parks Canada are a source of pride.

The Agency also knows that 67 percent of Canadians understand the importance of protecting and presenting the heritage places administered by Parks Canada. This means that Canadians understand the importance that Parks Canada places on protecting (establishment, designation and sustainability) and presenting (opportunities to discover and experience) national parks and national historic sites. See Section 3 for additional details on the survey.

Lessons Learned

The results of the survey are encouraging as they support the concept that awareness leads to understanding which, in turn, leads to appreciation. The results suggest that while Canadians may understand the importance of protecting and presenting places administered by Parks Canada, not all of them have yet made the step towards appreciating these places.

With baselines now in place, Parks Canada can focus its attention on increasing Canadians’ understanding and appreciation. In establishing the baselines, it was found that clarity was lacking in the distinction between the two performance targets. With this in mind, Parks Canada modified the second performance target to better reflect the importance and relevance of its work to Canadians. Thus, Parks Canada’s 2009/10 performance targets for this Program Activity will be:

  • Increase the percentage of Canadians that appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada by March 2014.
  • Increase the percentage of Canadians that understand the importance of why Parks Canada protects and presents its administered places by March 2014

Program Activity 4: VISITOR EXPERIENCE


2008/09 Financial Resources
($000s)
  2008/09 Human Resources
(Full-Time Equivalent)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
  Planned Actual Difference
271,718 297,249 283,118   2,045 2,461 416

Note: The increase in Total Authorities and Actual Spending as compared to Planned Spending is due to the fact that Parks Canada received confirmation of additional funding after the preparation of the planned spending figures presented in the Corporate Plan 2008/09–2012/13. This augmentation includes increased revenue collections and the Agency’s carry forward of funds from the previous fiscal year. The increase was partially offset by the realignment of the Program Activity Architecture in 2008/09.

Benefits for Canadians

The visitor experience is the sum total of a visitor’s personal interaction with heritage sites and the people encountered there, an interaction that awakens their senses, affects their emotions, stimulates their mind and leaves them with a sense of attachment to these places. Through the Visitor Information Program survey, Parks Canada was able to discover the extent to which visitors are satisfied with the national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas that the Agency administers. Equipped with this body of information, Parks Canada is well positioned to create and enhance opportunities and activities to further enrich the experience of visitors to Canada’s natural and cultural treasures. These actions will help develop and reinforce in Canadians a sense of personal connection to these cherished places.

Performance Expectations


Expected Result
Visitors at surveyed locations feel a sense of personal connection to the places visited

The Expected Result of this Program Activity is measured by two performance indicators. For ease of reporting, Parks Canada’s performance for each indicator, including analysis and lessons learned, is presented separately.


Performance Indicator 1 Target and Date Result as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Visitors at surveyed locations consider the place is meaningful to them Establish a baseline by March 2009 for the percentage of visitors at surveyed locations that consider the place is meaningful to them Baseline established at 15 of 15 places surveyed Met All
Program Activity definition: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20082009/me-bd/pub/me-199_e.asp
Link to Parks Canada’s ad campaign: http://www.pc.gc.ca/cp-ac/index_e.asp

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada succeeded in establishing a baseline of the percentage of visitors who consider that the place is meaningful to them at all of the 15 places surveyed. Visitors to selected national parks and national historic sites were asked about their sense of connection to the protected heritage place. By responding to the statement, “Now that I’ve been here, this location is meaningful to me,” visitors at each of the surveyed sites indicated the degree to which they felt a sense of connection to the site. The results for the four national parks and 11 national historic sites surveyed in 2008/09, shown in Figure 8, suggest that visitors feel a strong sense of connection with heritage places administered by Parks Canada.

The sum of the percentage of survey respondents who indicated that they totally agreed and that they agreed with the statement formed the baseline for each location. More than three-quarters of the respondents felt a sense of connection at each surveyed location

Figure 8: Percentage of visitors who agree with the statement: Now that I have been here, this location is meaningful to me

Percentage of visitors who agree with the statement: Now that I have been here, this location is meaningful to me

Lessons Learned

Parks Canada conducted the Visitor Information Program (VIP) survey between June and September 2008 (peak visitor season). This past year was the first time visitors had been asked if the national park or national historic site was meaningful to them. Partial results available in October from a few surveyed locations suggested that the percentage of visitors reporting a sense of personal connection was relatively low. With this in mind, the Agency proceeded to establish a progressive performance target for 2009/10 (Increase the percentage of visitors at all surveyed locations that consider the place is meaningful to them by March 2014). When full results were available in March 2009 for all locations surveyed, the values for personal connection were much higher. For this reason, Parks Canada will establish a specific target in the Corporate Plan 2010/11–2014/15 for the percentage of visitors at surveyed locations who consider the place meaningful to them. The target will be founded on baselines established at individual places participating in the Visitor Information Program in 2008/09 and 2009/10. The two-year plan thus provides a larger sample of places from which to reliably define the overall target. See Section 3 for additional details on the survey.


Performance Indicator 2 Target and Date Result as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied with their visit 85% of visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied with their visit 14 of 15 surveyed locations met or exceeded the target Mostly Met
50% of visitors at surveyed locations are very satisfied with their visit 13 of 15 surveyed locations met or exceeded the target Mostly Met
Campground reservation: http://www.pccamping.ca/
Travel Planners: http://www.pc.gc.ca/voyage-travel/pv-vp/index_e.asp
National passes: http://www.pc.gc.ca/voyage-travel/carte-pass/index_e.asp
Link to Parks Canada’s ad campaign: http://www.pc.gc.ca/cp-ac/index_e.asp

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada mostly met its performance target in 2008/09 with respect to visitors feeling satisfied with their visit, with 14 of 15 surveyed locations (93%) meeting or exceeding the target of 85 percent. One location had a result of 80 percent. The total percentage of satisfied visitors is the sum of the percentage of visitors who said they were satisfied with their visit and those who said they were very satisfied.

The Agency mostly met its performance target regarding the percentage of visitors feeling very satisfied with their visit, with 13 of 15 surveyed locations (86%) meeting or exceeding the target of 50 percent. Two locations reported rates of 40 percent and 46 percent. Survey results for the period ending March 31, 2009, are shown in Figure 9.

Various elements contribute to a visitor’s level of satisfaction, including the availability and quality of learning activities, recreational activities and pre-visit information, the condition of facilities, service from staff and value for fees. These elements were also evaluated in the VIP survey.

The level of overall satisfaction was generally consistent across national parks and national historic sites with the exception of two national parks, as described below. In general, visitors were satisfied with the availability and quality of services provided. Visitors to the surveyed sites were satisfied with the availability of service in their language of choice and with the courtesy and knowledge of Parks Canada’s staff. Visitors were also satisfied with the professionalism of Parks Canada’s staff, an important component in influencing overall satisfaction.

Figure 9: Percentage of visitors who are satisfied and very satisfied with their visit

Percentage of visitors who are satisfied and very satisfied with their visit

Lessons Learned

Based on the results of the VIP survey, Parks Canada determined that each heritage place must develop a service offer that is tailored to the needs and expectations of its visitors in order to increase satisfaction levels. Consequently, in the upcoming year, the Agency will continue to collaborate with a broad range of partners to enhance existing offers and to develop new visitor experience opportunities that reflect the different requirements of visitors to each heritage place. To accomplish this, Parks Canada will apply a market-based approach, calling for a better understanding of the needs and expectations of current and potential visitors, to the planning of activities for visitors to experience on an ongoing basis.

Program Activity 5: TOWNSITE AND THROUGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE


2008/09 Financial Resources
($000s)
  2008/09 Human Resources
(Full-Time Equivalent)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
  Planned Actual Difference
74,881 112,408 110,149   390 340 (50)

Note: The increase in Total Authorities and Actual Spending as compared to Planned Spending is due to the fact that Parks Canada received confirmation of additional funding after the preparation of the planned spending figures presented in the Corporate Plan 2008/09–2012/13. This increase includes funding for such items as the continuation of the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway, increased revenue collections and the Agency’s carry forward of funds from the previous fiscal year. A portion of the increase is the result of the realignment of the Program Activity Architecture in 2008/09.

Benefits for Canadians

Five of Canada’s national parks provide a haven for vibrant townsite communities, to which Parks Canada provides a variety of municipal or other services. These are Field in Yoho National Park, Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park, Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park and Waterton in Waterton Lakes National Park. The Agency also manages and maintains the provincial and inter-provincial highways and waterways that connect communities and pass through national parks and national historic sites. As a result of the work of Parks Canada in 2008/09, residents of and visitors to townsite communities benefited from improved facilities and services, which contributed to a better quality of life. Through highways remained open and were maintained, permitting Canadians to travel freely and safely. Waterways provided effective commercial and recreational boating facilities.

Performance Expectations


Expected Result
Condition of contemporary infrastructure for townsites and waterways is maintained or improved and through highways are open to traffic

The Expected Result of this Program Activity is measured by one performance indicator that covers three elements – townsites, waterways and through highways – for which there are separate performance targets. For ease of reporting, the analysis of the performance of each element is presented separately. The lessons learned for this Program Activity are relevant to all three elements and thus appear once at the end of this subsection.


Performance Indicator 1 Target and Date Progress as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Condition of townsite contemporary assets The condition of 75% of townsite contemporary assets is maintained, and the condition of 25% of assets rated as poor or fair is improved by March 2013 20 projects undertaken to maintain or improve asset condition.

Real Property Management System has been initiated to improve management of assets.
Performance will be assessed in 2013. Progress made towards target is outlined below.
Program Activity definition: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20082009/me-bd/pub/me-199_e.asp
Lake Louise Community Plan: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/docs/planll/index_e.asp
Wasagaming Community Plan: http://www.pc.gc.ca/~/media/pn-np/mb/riding/pdf/2000wasag_e.ashx
Waskesiu Community Plan: http://www.geocities.com/wlhtp/wcp-1-e.html
Waterton Lakes Park Management: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/plan/index_E.asp
Field Community Plan: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng//docs/v-g/yoho/fieldplan/index.aspx

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada conducted the last condition reports on townsite assets between 1998 and 2001. These reports have historically been done on a 10-year cycle. The Agency began the review of condition ratings in 2008/09 and expects to complete this task by March 2010. Parks Canada will measure its performance against the new condition ratings by 2013.

Nonetheless, in 2008/09, Parks Canada invested in 20 projects, with a total value of $11.6 million, to maintain or improve asset condition. In the case of five projects in four townsites, this investment resulted in an improvement in the asset condition rating. Three examples of these projects follow.

Field

The Slope Stability project protected 2nd Avenue from collapse and stopped sloughing of lots, allowing the release of lots for residential development as proposed in the Field Community Plan, and prevented further damage to foundations of privately owned residences and businesses.

Waterton

Parks Canada conducted the Waste Water Treatment upgrade, which included a new facility to remove solids and debris, an upgraded aeration system/blower building, the addition of a new lagoon to provide increased storage capacity, and a new tertiary treatment facility (filtration and ultra-violet disinfection) to allow the use of treated effluent to irrigate the golf course.

Wasagaming

The Agency effected various repairs to the shower building that services 525 cabins. The work performed included the installation of new hot water tanks, the complete re-tiling of the bath area, repainting of the interior and refurbishing of the interior fixtures.


Performance Indicator 2 Target and Date Progress as of March 2009 Performance
Status
Condition of waterway contemporary assets The condition of 75% of waterway contemporary assets is maintained, and the condition of 25% of assets rated as poor or fair is improved by March 2013 Real Property Management System initiated to improve management of assets. Performance will be assessed in 2013. Progress made towards target is outlined below.

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada lacks a formal national inventory and condition rating for through waterways. This weakness has been identified and Parks Canada is currently pursuing a new Real Property Management System that will address this deficiency.

However, Parks Canada has made progress in the management of its waterway assets. Dams make up a significant portion of the through waterway assets and represent a complex and high-risk subset. The inspection of all the dams in the Agency’s inventory will take some time but is proceeding on a risk management basis with the highest-risk dams being inspected first. In 2008/09, Parks Canada initiated the inspection and classification of dams using the definitions established by the Canadian Dam Safety Association. During the same period, the Agency developed a Dam Safety Program Directive, which came into effect in April 2009 and which is currently being used to manage its dams and water-retaining structures. The directive provides consistent national guidelines for the design, construction, inspection and maintenance of dams and water-retaining structures.

Bridges over through waterways also represent a significant asset base. Parks Canada developed a Bridge Inspection Directive in January 2008 and initiated the inspection of all Parks Canada bridges. In 2008/09, the Agency trained approximately 150 staff on the application of the Bridge Inspection Directive. Parks Canada also proceeded with the implementation of this directive so that all bridges will have a current inspection by March 2010.


Performance Indicator 3 Target and Date Results as of March 2009 Performance
Summary
Through highways accessibility due to asset condition No closure of through highways due to asset condition 0 days of closure Met All
National Highway System Reports and Studies: http://www.comt.ca/english/reports-e.htm

Performance Analysis

Parks Canada observed no closures of through highways due to asset condition. Parks Canada manages 1,026 kilometres of through highways in 17 national parks and one national historic site. These highways range in length from 149.4 kilometres in Banff National Park, 80.6 kilometres in Cape Breton, to 19 kilometres in Fundy National Park, and 2.4 kilometres at the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.

With costs estimated at $37 million, Parks Canada proceeded with the twinning (two-directional widening) of the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff. Twinning of the Trans-Canada highway provides much-needed redundancy and provides Parks Canada with the ability to conduct major repairs to this vital transportation link without closure of the highway. A total of 9 kilometres, including associated bridges, wildlife fencing and wildlife crossing structures, is nearing completion. This is expected to lead to a significant improvement in safety by addressing the current congestion problem at this section of the highway. The Agency initiated an additional $130 million project over the next five years, funded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to continue the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway to the British Columbia border. Parks Canada also developed specific measures to assess the effect of through highways on the environment and they are currently being implemented through the ecological integrity monitoring system.

Lessons Learned

Parks Canada owns a wide variety of assets, such as buildings, bridges, dams, utilities, roadways and waterways. To improve the management of these assets, Parks Canada initiated the Real Property Management System (RPMS) project which, in addition to acquiring a new software system, introduces common national business processes that will be mandatory for all national parks and national historic sites. As part of these business processes, the RPMS project will develop a nationally consistent method of assessing the condition of assets, a uniform definition of what constitutes an asset and procedures for managing these assets. This will enable the timely and accurate compilation of information in a nationally consistent manner. Full implementation of the RPMS project is expected to take approximately three years, ending in October 2012.