ARCHIVED - The National Battlefields Commission - Report

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SECTION II - Analysis by Program Activities

Strategic Outcome:
The Battlefields Park of Quebec is a prestigious, accessible, safe and educational historic and urban site.

The role of the National Battlefields Commission is to make Battlefields Park a prestigious national site, maintain its historic integrity and ensure that its urban mission receives equal consideration, allow for its safe use, and provide activities and relevant services in line with historic, cultural, recreational and natural aspects.

Program Activities:

Conservation and Development

Description of Program Activity:

As part of this activity, the NBC preserves the legacy and integrity of the Battlefields Park for future generations by maintaining infrastructure, the horticultural landscape and a secure site for Canadian and foreign users and visitors.

This program activity makes it possible for the NBC to offer people one of the world's most prestigious historic parks in an urban setting and the opportunity to safely use and enjoy it.

Canadians and foreign visitors were able to enjoy, in complete safety, amenities, infrastructure and services provided, such as pedestrian pathways, cross-country ski trails, historic buildings, flower gardens, green spaces and monuments.

Conservation and Development
2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)			2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
2,749	3,074	2,321	23	23	0

Expected Results	Performance Indicator	Target	Performance Status
Improve park infrastructure to ensure its long-term preservation and maintain landscapes in good condition.	The satisfaction of general state and the overall integrity of the park and quality of its landscapes.	Maintain the general state and make improvements to the infrastructure between now and 2013.	Very satisfying - evaluation of 9/10 Projects realised as planned, such as the construction of a new permanent structure for the Pavilion's garage, and work on the administrative building and workshop.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

The NBC achieved its expected outcomes related to regular work and planned projects for the maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, furniture and land use planning. The evaluation of the quality of various work completed was rated as 9/10 by management based on an internal measurement scale. Only the work involving strengthening the cliff had to be deferred to next year since it could not be carried out as planned.

A few projects were added to the initial list because more revenues were generated than expected.

The work planned to ensure the health and safety of employees was carried out according to the standards. A depressurization system was installed in the administrative building to eliminate a radon concentration level that exceeded standards. The NBC's experience served as a reference for Health Canada in the preparation of a technical guide on the installation of such a system. Also, because of significant humidity, the installation of a foundation drain and waterproofing of the administrative building's walls was carried out. The expected outcomes were quickly noticed in the building's basement.

In order to improve some infrastructure, the NBC constructed a permanent structure above the entrance of the Pavilion's garage that aligns with the existing building. This space now allows for equipment storage. The NBC also repaired the Braves monument (sanding and painting) and consolidated the Blockhouse remains (drainage and stowing).

In order to improve the horticultural landscapes, the NBC conducted many interventions to ensure the safety of users and visitors and the sustainability of its urban forest, particularly by maintaining a clear view within some wooded areas, collecting dead wood and controlling invasive plant species. To maintain the good condition of the amenities, planning in terms of the scope and schedule for maintenance the many shrubs was established everywhere.

Actions were also taken regarding arboriculture; in particular, the work method was reviewed to ensure better control of arboricultural work. All the elm trees in the Joan of Arc Garden were inspected. In 2010, no Dutch Elm disease cases were reported. Because of bad weather, 24 trees had to be felled. However, 30 trees were planted, 6 of which were new species. The park now has 108 different species.

The NBC is satisfied with the results achieved in the Great Celebration of Nature. This activity allowed visitors to learn about the horticultural and arboricultural know-how required to beautify the park. Attendance was higher than last year (4000 people); over 5000 visitors and clients were satisfied with the diversity of the kiosks presented.

To preserve the legacy and integrity of the Battlefields Park, the NBC established its sustainable development action plan in collaboration with an environmental consulting firm. There were 7 priorities identified and for each of them, specific objectives were established with an imposed schedule for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Various concrete actions were taken in 2010, particularly regarding the development and implementation of a communications, information and employees and partners awareness strategy for sustainable development. Some measures have already been applied to current operations (i.e. decrease of total fuel used, 7% compared to last year).

In 2010, there were special site usage conditions for some event organizers (i.e. Festival d'été de Québec and Fête nationale) since these activities are getting increasingly larger and require greater oversight to ensure user safety and the protection of NBC property.

Lastly, the NBC received a special commendation for the promotion of cultural heritage in the Special Attractions category of the 2010 Edition of the Communities in Bloom Competition.

Lessons Learned

The 2010-11 year confirmed that generating revenues is essential for the park's regular maintenance.

Public Education and Services

Description of Program Activity:

The purpose of this activity is to raise awareness about the history of the site and its cultural, recreational and natural assets in a manner that emphasizes its dual purpose as a historical site and an urban park. In support of this activity, the NBC is committed to continuous improvements, welcomes visitors, provides quality exhibitions, activities and public services, and disseminates information to Canadian and foreign users and visitors.

More particularly, the programs offered to clientele in schools provide students with an enhanced experience of the various social and historical aspects, which promotes better understanding of Canadian culture.

Through the activities and events organized, the NBC will also contribute to the dynamism of the region and the vitality of this rallying site in the heart of the city of Québec, while adding tourism appeal. This program activity is in line with the Government of Canada's strategic outcome for a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage.

Public Education and Services
2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)			2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
822	822	1,085	17	22*	5

^* The Pirates, Privateers and Freebooters exhibition was presented at Brown Basin for the first time in summer 2010. This exhibition required more FTEs.

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status
Promote the history of Canada's first national historic park and its cultural, recreational and natural assets.	The level of quality public and educational services.	Maintain the quality of services.	93% of users and visitors were satisfied, according to an in-house survey. This result demonstrates a percentage increase in satisfaction compared to last year (90% in 2009-10). Exhibition: 40,444 visitors - increase of 12% Activities offers: 91,085 participants - increase of 7% 31 shows offers - 28,650 spectators - increase of 40%
		Increase the dissemination of information by marking the events of 1760 in 2010-11.	Public interpretative activities on living conditions during the 18th Century. Special day commemorating the Battle of Sainte-Foy, including historical stations with discovery workshops, conferences and interpretative activities. Unveiling of the busts of Lévis and Murray in Des Braves Park.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

In 2010-11, the NBC offered various services, including shows at the Edwin Bélanger Bandstand (31 shows in the program) and sports facilities (football/rugby field). Close to fifty different interpretative activities were offered to the general public and school clientele. According to the data compiled, 131,529 people (in 2009-10, 110,751 people) visited the exhibitions or took part in the interpretative activities offered during this period. The NBC is satisfied with the performance it achieved in the Public Education and Services program activity. According to an in-house client survey, 93% of the users and visitors said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the public and educational services. This represents an increase of 3% compared to last year.

As planned, in order to augment client services, new interpretative activities primarily geared towards students were created, including Action Stations!, All Aboard! and Pirate Academy. These activities will be presented next year along with the new Pirates, Privateers and Freebooters exhibition at Brown Basin, which was well-received by visitors; it will be presented for at least the next two years.

The NBC commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sainte-Foy (1760). At Des Braves Park, site of the battle, an unveiling ceremony was held for the busts of the commanders of both armies, Chevalier Lévis and James Murray. There was also a special day that included historical stations with discovery workshops, conferences and various interpretative activities.

In terms of archaeology, subsequent research to the archaeological digs in 2009-10 revealed that the Blockhouse remains on Cap Diamant have proven to be those from the Citadel Blockhouse (1782 period rather than Murray's - 1760). Protection and consolidation measures for the remains were also taken.

In 2010-11, the archaeological digs were held in Des Braves Park on the site of the Battle of Sainte-Foy and the Dumont windmill.

The artefacts from the various dig sites were sorted, catalogued and processed in order to eventually be presented in an exhibition.

The result of the Plaines Lunes show, while satisfactory in terms of quality, did not attract the expected number of spectators despite the promotion budget invested. Since the expectations were not met, the NBC decided not to renew on the short term this type of show.

Lessons Learned

The experience gained from the Plaines Lunes show enables the NBC to recognize the great benefit of having many volunteers involved. However, it would be better to ensure beforehand that the context was favourable to this type of large-scale show (presented on an outdoor stage) that also encountered challenges in other regions.

Internal Services

Description of Program Activity

The NBC administers the Battlefields Park site and the budget allocated for that purpose in accordance with government policies and the NBC's mandate, vision and enabling legislation. Internal services include administrative services, financial services such as revenue generation (specifically parking lots), property management and communications services.

Internal Services
2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)			2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
5,901	6,706	6,483	15	15	0

It should be noted that financial resources include payments in lieu of taxes.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

In 2010-11, the NBC's priorities for action were effective in meeting the objectives in line with the strategic outcome.

Close tracking of the budgets enabled the NBC to carry out its planned projects. More revenues were generated than expected, $631,000 over budget estimates ($1,600,000). This is due to the introduction of a new fee structure for services and activities (parking and interpretative activities). Thanks to this surplus, other projects were completed or initiated for next year.

A five-year long-term investment plan was developed and submitted to the Treasury Board Secretariat. It includes regular maintenance, safety and public service operations as well as investments or projects to be carried out over the next five years to meet the objectives and fulfill the mandate of the conservation and development of National Battlefields Park.

In order to properly address information technology needs, NBC's entire computer system was replaced.

In terms of human resources, such as hiring new employees to replace those who are on maternity leave and retiring, the NBC analyzed the Client Services operation. It concluded that an assistant position is required for the welcome area.

The general promotion of services offered to the public was focused on Public Education and Services, with a special regard for the Pirates, Privateers and Freebooters exhibition and the Plaines Lunes show. The planning for sustainable development promotion was undertaken.

Press events decreased (6 in 2010 compared to 8 in 2009) as well as the number of press releases issued (37 in 2009 compared to 33 in 2010). There was significant media attention on the Pirates, Privateers and Freebooters exhibition, the Plaines Lunes show, the archaeological digs and Gilmour Hill.

Following Quebec City's intervention in the opening of Gilmour Hill all year, the NBC took steps with Public Works and Government Services Canada to have experts conduct a study on the impact and challenges of a possible opening. The first phase of this study was completed and showed that further analyses and interventions are necessary to make an informed decision regarding this project.

Review of the Land Use Policy is still under way. However, it should be completed next year.

As planned, updating of the document filing plan was started and the archival document disposal process continues in accordance with the Library and Archives of Canada Act.

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