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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities

The following section describes Parks Canada program activities and identifies the expected result, performance indicators and targets for each of them. This section also explains how Parks Canada plans on meeting the expected results and presents the financial and non-financial resources that will be dedicated to each program activity.

Additional information on Parks Canada performance measurement framework and methodology can be found on the Agency’s website (www.pc.gc.ca).

Strategic Outcome and Program Activity Architecture

Figure 6 presents the new Strategic Outcome and Program Activity Architecture (PAA) as approved by Treasury Board on May 31, 2007, with two proposed additions to Program Activity 3: Public Appreciation and Understanding. The revisions from the previous PAA better reflect the Parks Canada Agency strategic outcome and programs. Two former program activities, Management of Parks Canada and People Management, have been incorporated into Internal Services as per Treasury Board direction, and are not part of the new PAA. In addition, two former program activities, Townsite Management and Throughway Management, have been incorporated into one program activity called Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure to reflect the common program element of infrastructure management.

Figure 6: Parks Canada Strategic Outcome and Program Activity Architecture

Program Activity 1: Heritage Places Establishment

Program Activity Description:

This program includes systems planning, completing feasibility studies, research, consulting with stakeholders and the public, negotiating with other governments and Aboriginal organizations and obtaining Ministerial approval, resulting in established national parks and national marine conservation areas and designated national historic sites of Canada and other heritage places. Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas, as well as the 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 historic heritage and making it available to Canadians for discovery and enjoyment is of key importance. Establishing heritage places is essential to enhancing pride, encouraging stewardship and giving expression to our identity as Canadians, and involving Canada in the internationally shared objective of protecting and commemorating the best of the world’s natural and historic heritage.

Heritage Places Establishment Program Activity Planned Spending ($ thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Planned Spending
2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)
131	24,897	131	24,919	131	24,845	131	24,401	128	23,266

 

Expected Result:	Performance Indicator:	Target and Date:
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	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
	Level of representation of Canada’s history	33% of yearly recommended designations are for under-represented themes in Canada’s history
	Level of representation of marine regions	Increase the number of represented marine regions from two in March 2003 to four of 29 by March 2010

Planning Highlights:

In order to achieve the expected result, Parks Canada plans to undertake the following activities:

• As of March 31, 2007, 28 of Canada’s 39 natural regions are represented by one or more national parks. Work on proposed national parks will continue at the stage of feasibility study or negotiation in five unrepresented regions and also on two park expansions—Nahanni National Park and the Nunavut sector of Tuktut Nogait National Park.
• By 2010, Parks Canada plans to recommend to Parliament the formal legislated establishment of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and Ukkusiksalik National Park, as well as an addition to Tuktut Nogait National Park within the Sahtu settlement region.
• Parks Canada will continue to support the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the Minister in the designation and commemoration of places, persons and events of national historic significance, mainly through its historical research services. The Agency will continue its efforts to ensure that 33% of recommended designations are made in under represented themes.
• Including the recently established Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, three of Canada’s 29 marine regions are represented. Work will continue on at least five national marine conservation areas proposals, which are at various stages of announcement, feasibility study or negotiation.
• The Agency will continue to evaluate federally owned buildings and make recommendations to the Minister for the designation of those buildings that are determined to be of heritage value.

Program Activity 2: Heritage Resources Conservation

Program Activity Description:

This program includes maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity in national parks through protection of natural resources and natural processes; ensuring the commemorative integrity of national historic sites managed by Parks Canada and influencing the commemorative integrity of those managed or owned by third parties; the protection and management of cultural resources under the administration of Parks Canada; and, the sustainable use of national marine conservation areas including protection of unique marine ecosystems. This program also includes fulfilling legal responsibilities assigned to Parks Canada by the Species at Risk Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The protection of Canada’s most special natural and cultural resources ensures that current and future generations will enjoy a system of protected heritage places.

Heritage Resources Conservation Program Activity Planned Spending ($ thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Planned Spending
2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)
1,424	212,566	1,424	217,648	1,424	217,178	1,424	217,125	1,424	213,378

 

Expected Result:	Performance Indicator:	Target and Date:
Management actions result in improvements to ecological integrity indicators in national parks and the state of cultural resources in national historic sites is improved	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
	Condition of cultural resources and management practices elements of commemorative integrity in national historic sites	70% of the condition of cultural resources and management practices elements of commemorative integrity rated as poor are improved within five years

Planning Highlights:

In order to achieve the expected result, Parks Canada plans to undertake the following activities:

• Through active management or restoration initiatives, the Agency will work towards addressing the conservation issues in Canada’s national parks. Priority ecological issues will be identified in Management Plans and the ecological integrity condition and trends will be reported in State of Park Reports. Active management projects will be initiated to improve aspects of ecological integrity.
• Parks Canada will lead the development of national recovery strategies for species at risk that are found primarily on lands and waters it administers. Parks Canada will also participate, along with the lead department (Environment Canada or Fisheries and Oceans Canada) in the development of recovery strategies for other species at risk that occur regularly but not primarily on Parks Canada's lands and waters.
• Parks Canada will continue to work towards maintaining and improving the commemorative integrity of the national historic sites it administers, notably by investing in its built cultural resources and by maintaining its historic objects collection in good or fair condition. Investments in built cultural resources will be made using social science research information and visitor information trends to better support visitor experience.
• Parks Canada will also continue to work towards improving the condition of cultural resources located in national parks and of priority heritage buildings in townsites.
• Strategic development of the NMCA program will include applying a national zoning framework that fosters achieving the ecologically sustainable use of conservation zones within NMCAs and developing a national monitoring program to measure the state of ecological sustainability in the operating sites.
• The Agency will continue to support the protection of cultural resources not administered by Parks Canada through a national cost-sharing program and through the Historic Places Initiative.

Program Activity 3: Public Appreciation and Understanding

Program Activity Description:

This program aims to reach Canadians, particularly youth and urban audiences, at home, at leisure, at school and in their communities through effective and relevant learning opportunities designed to increase understanding, appreciation, support and engagement towards natural and historic heritage. To accomplish this, Parks Canada is collaborating with audiences and strategic partners within formal, informal and non-formal learning contexts. Using a diversity of carefully targeted outreach education approaches, such as the Parks Canada Web site, broadcasting and new media, integration into urban venues and introduction of content into school curricula, the Agency helps build a connection to place essential to achieving its mandate. Parks Canada also intends to broaden its base of support by involving its many stakeholders, and encouraging shared leadership in the development and implementation of the Agency’s future direction.

Public Appreciation and Understanding Program Activity Planned Spending ($ thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Planned Spending
2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)
257	26,482	257	27,658	257	27,658	257	27,658	257	27,658

 

Expected Result:	Performance Indicator:	Target and Date:
Canadians appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada and understand the importance of protecting and presenting them	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
	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

Planning Highlights:

In order to achieve the expected result, Parks Canada plans to undertake the following activities:

• Parks Canada will continue to raise awareness of its mandate, notably through the launch of a national advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of Canada's national parks.
• Parks Canada will continue to build understanding of the importance of protecting and presenting the heritage places it administers by working with museums, science centres, NGOs and community groups to integrate natural and historic heritage conservation messages into their exhibits, programs and events to reach Canadians in urban settings. Parks Canada’s in Schools initiative will continue to focus on collaboration with the formal education community to influence curriculum content and teaching resource development.
• Parks Canada will invest in new and emerging social communications technologies that have potential to engage outreach audiences, notably in internet technologies.
• Parks Canada will continue to engage stakeholders and partners in the protection and presentation of the heritage places it administers. As such, it will establish a formalized Aboriginal advisory relationship for each national park within five years.

Program Activity 4: Visitor Experience

Program Activity Description:

This program supports the more than 22 million person visits that are made annually to Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas by Canadians and international visitors. The visitor experience is the sum total of a visitor’s personal interaction with heritage sites and/or people, an interaction that awakens their senses, affects their emotions, stimulates their mind and leaves them with a sense of attachment to these special places. Activities include the provision of high quality pre- and on-site trip planning information, reception and orientation, interpretation, campgrounds, infrastructure, hiking trails, opportunities for recreational activities, visitor safety and the ongoing post-visit relationship. The meaningful experiences fostered by these activities lead to a sense of relevance and connection to Canada’s system of special heritage places.

Visitor Experience Program Activity Planned Spending ($ thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Planned Spending
2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)
2,045	271,718	2,045	276,709	2,045	276,709	2,045	276,709	2,045	276,709

 

Expected Result:	Performance Indicator:	Target and Date:
Visitors at surveyed locations feel a sense of personal connection to the places visited	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
	Visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied with their visit	85% of visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied, and 50% are very satisfied, with their visit

Planning Highlights:

In order to achieve the expected result, Parks Canada plans to undertake the following activities:

• Parks Canada will renew its Website trip planning section to facilitate visitor experience.
• Parks Canada will develop visitor experience products and services using new social science research information to respond to visitors expectations and needs. As such, programs will be modified to further encourage visitors to take part in learning activities. This will allow Parks Canada to continue to deliver quality, professional and authentic learning experiences through personal interpretation programming.
• Parks Canada will develop and apply national service standards and guidelines for services offered to Canadians.
• To protect the commemorative integrity of national historic sites and facilitate visitor experience, there will be an emphasis to improve the communication of the reasons for the commemoration of national historic sites, particularly for sites where this is a concern.

Program Activity 5: Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure

Program Activity Description:

This program involves managing, operating and providing municipal services to five townsite communities within Canada’s national parks. These are Field in Yoho National Park of Canada, British Columbia; Lake Louise in Banff National Park of Canada, Alberta; Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada, Manitoba; Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park of Canada, Saskatchewan; and Waterton, in Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, Alberta. Two other townsites, Banff and Jasper, are self-governed since 1990 and 2002, respectively. Parks Canada retains authority for community plans and by-laws in Banff, and for community plans, land-use planning and development in Jasper. This program also involves the operation of provincial and inter-provincial highways and waterways that connect communities and pass through national parks and national historic sites.

Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure Program Activity Planned Spending ($ thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Planned Spending
2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)	FTE	($000s)
390	74,881	390	68,320	390	63,320	390	63,320	390	63,320

 

Expected Result:	Performance Indicator:	Target and Date:
Condition of contemporary infrastructure for townsites and waterways is maintained or improved and through highways are open to traffic	Condition of townsite and waterway contemporary assets and through highways accessibility due to asset condition	The condition of 75% of townsite and waterway contemporary assets is maintained, and the condition of 25% of assets rated as poor or fair is improved by March 2013 and no closure of through highways due to asset condition

Planning Highlights:

In order to achieve the expected result, Parks Canada plans to undertake the following activities:

• Parks Canada plans to manage townsites efficiently while ensuring the cost-recovery of municipal services (water, waste-water treatment and solid waste collection).
• Parks Canada will demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship by minimizing environmental impacts of operations such as meeting townsite targets for limits to growth, sewage effluent quality and management of contaminated sites.
• Parks Canada will maintain the condition of through highways so that they remain open to through traffic and that none of them is closed due to asset condition.
• Water levels of canals will be managed to meet legal and/or operational obligations.

Links to Additional Information

The following information can be found on the Teasury Board Secretariat’s website at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2008-2009/info/info-eng.asp.

• Details on Transfer Payment Programs
• Planned Audits and Evaluations for 2008-2009
• Planned User Fee Activities for New or Amended Fees
• Services Received Without Charge
• Sources of Respendable Revenue
• Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity
• Sustainable Development Strategy

The following information can be found in the Library section of the Parks Canada website at http://www.pc.gc.ca.

• Details on Project Spending
• New Parks and Historic Sites Account – Source and Use of Funds

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