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2009-10
Report on Plans and Priorities

Parks Canada

Supplementary Information (Tables)

Details of Transfer Payment Programs
(in thousands of dollars)

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Historic Places Initiative Class Contribution Program

Start Date: 2002-2003

End Date: March 31, 2010

Purpose of Transfer Payment Program: To provide direct support for provinces and territories to participate in the development of the Canadian Register of Historic Places and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, and to engage municipalities, stakeholders and the general public in the conservation of historic places.

Expected results: Ongoing population and maintenance of the Canadian Register of Historic Places; refinement and dissemination of national Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places; partnership between Parks Canada and provincial and territorial authorities to identify, preserve and protect Canada's historic places; and creation of the basis for further initiatives to encourage preservation and protection of Canada's historic places.

Expected outcomes: Better preservation and protection of Canada's historic places; and greater public awareness of the importance of conservation and of the significance of Canada's historic places.

Program Activity	Forecast Spending 2008-09	Planned Spending 2009-10	Planned Spending 2010-11	Planned Spending 2011-12	Planned Spending 2012-13	Planned Spending 2013-14
Heritage Resources Conservation	5,018	5,000	0	0	0	0
Total Contributions	5,018	5,000	0	0	0	0

Note: Figures do not include new Budget 2009 funding.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: General Class Contribution Program (GCCP)

Start Date: 2006-2007

End Date: March 31, 2011

Purpose of Transfer Payment Program: The GCCP is atypical in that it is not a program within itself; rather, it is a funding authority available to Agency managers. From time to time, Agency managers with programming responsibilities may determine that, given their priorities, available resources, other program delivery mechanisms already in place, and the players and environment in which they deliver their programs, use of a contribution agreement is the most effective means of achieving program objectives.

Expected results: More Canadians recognizing, appreciating and being engaged in the values of natural and cultural conservation. Stakeholders being further engaged in terms of interest and involvement of common objectives towards ecological or cultural integrity. Access to a better knowledge base on commercial, ecological or aboriginal issues of mutual interest for informed decision-making and dialogue for Parks Canada managers and stakeholders. Heritage assets are protected, secured and researched. Targeted audiences are educated in such areas as ecology, safety and other issues.

Expected outcomes: The expected outcomes mirror the Parks Canada mandate of engaging Canadians in preserving and presenting Canada's rich diversity of cultural and natural heritage.

Program Activity	Forecast Spending 2008-09	Planned Spending 2009-10	Planned Spending 2010-11	Planned Spending 2011-12	Planned Spending 2012-13	Planned Spending 2013-14
Program Activity 1: Heritage Places Establishment	712	15	—	—	—	—
Program Activity 2: Heritage Resources Conservation	1,543	624	305	—	—	—
Program Activity 3: Public Appreciation and Understanding	1,986	320	226	—	—	—
Program Activity 4: Visitor Experience	196	140	139	—	—	—
Program Activity 5: Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure	37	37	25	—	—	—
Total Contributions	4,474	1,136	695	—	—	—

Note: The Agency intends to seek renewal of authorities for the General Class Contribution Program (GCCP). Figures do not include new Budget 2009 funding.

Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown

Sustainable Development Strategy

In December 2006, the Minister of the Environment tabled the 2007-2009 Parks Canada Agency Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) in Parliament. The complete SDS document is accessible at: http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/strat/sdd-sds-2007/index.

Parks Canada’s mandate aligns well with the goals of sustainable development. The business of Parks Canada is the protection and presentation of significant examples of Canada’s history and culture and representative examples of Canada’s ecosystems and biodiversity. In doing this, Parks Canada plays a key role in the implementation of the federal government’s commitment to sustainable development.

Parks Canada’s actions in support of government priorities include commitments to increase and expand the system of national parks and national marine conservation areas; designate new national historic sites of Canada; maintain or improve the overall ecological integrity in all national parks; improve the overall average commemorative integrity rating in national historic sites; and minimize the environmental impact of its operations.

The following table provides an update on nine of the key commitments of the Parks Canada SDS.

SDS Agency Commitment 2007-2009	Performance measure from current SDS	Agency’s Planning Highlights for 2009-10
1. Federal SD goal: Water — Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Provide responsible environmental stewardship, heritage conservation, and efficient and affordable administration to the five national park townsites administered by Parks Canada.	Townsite targets for growth, sewage effluent quality and management of contaminated sites are met.³	Parks Canada will continue to demonstrate environmental stewardship by minimizing the impact of townsite operations; meeting townsite targets for limits to growth, sewage effluent quality and management of contaminated sites.
Parks Canada will create national parks and national marine conservation areas in unrepresented regions.	Increase the number of represented terrestrial natural regions from 28 in March 2007 to 30 of 39 by March 2010; make progress towards establishing national parks in six unrepresented regions by March 2011.¹	As of March 31, 2008, 28 of Canada’s 39 natural regions are represented by one or more national parks. Work will continue on assessing feasibility or negotiating park agreements for six proposed national parks.
	Increase the number of represented marine regions from three in March 2007 to four of 29 by March 2010; make progress towards establishing national marine conservation areas in two unrepresented regions by March 2011.¹	As of March 31, 2008, three of Canada’s 29 marine regions are represented. Work will continue on two national marine conservation area (NMCA) proposals (Gwaii Haanas and Southern Strait of Georgia), which are at the feasibility assessment and agreement negotiation stages. Subject to territorial or provincial government readiness, two other projects (Lancaster Sound and Îles de la Madeleine) could proceed to feasibility assessment.
It will complete or expand some existing parks.	Expand two national parks by March 2010 and increase the targeted land holdings in three unfinished national parks.¹	Work will continue on the expansion of Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada and Tuktut Nogait National Park of Canada.
Parks Canada will conduct ecological monitoring and reporting on the state of aquatic ecosystems in national parks and national marine conservation areas.	Approved monitoring guidelines and indicators to measure the state of ecological sustainable use in 2 operating sites by March 2013.²	Parks Canada will continue to develop, as a priority, the various elements of the national marine conservation areas program. A national zoning framework for national marine conservation areas that reflects a spectrum of management approaches has been developed and is being applied. Parks Canada will develop a framework to report on the state of ecosystem health in national marine conservation areas.
	Outside of national parks in the far north with an already acceptable ecological integrity status, 80% of national parks have at least one improved ecological integrity indicator from March 2008 to March 2013.³	Through active management and restoration initiatives, the Agency will continue to address conservation challenges in Canada’s national parks. Strategic initiatives to demonstrate improvements in key indicators of ecological integrity will be devised and implemented. Priority management strategies and actions will be identified in park management plans and ecological integrity conditions and trends will be reported in state of park reports. Examples of active management projects planned for 2009-10 include: • implementing a multi-year, regional ecosystem restoration program in Kootenay National Park of Canada to restore traditional winter habitat for bighorn sheep through the re-establishment of fire-maintained open forest and grasslands. • restoring salmon-bearing stream and coastal dune ecosystems with their associated species at risk in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada. •restoring the hydrological function and populations of genetically-unique, indigenous brook trout in La Mauricie National Park of Canada.
4. Federal SD goal: Sustainable communities — communities enjoy a prosperous economy, a vibrant and equitable society, and a healthy environment for current and future generations
SDS Agency Commitment 2007-2009	Performance measure from current SDS	Agency’s Planning Highlights for 2009-10
Designate and commemorate places, persons and events of national historic significance, particularly in under-represented priority areas.	33% of yearly recommended designations are for under-represented themes in Canada’s history.³	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 that represent the breadth and diversity of Canadian history. Through the New Commemorations Initiative, Parks Canada will undertake consultations with Aboriginal and ethnocultural communities as well as women's groups in order to encourage new nominations of places, persons and events of national historic significance in these under-represented themes.
Parks Canada will work with local and Aboriginal communities to develop experience opportunities for current and potential visitors.	Increase the percentage of visitors at all surveyed locations that consider the place is meaningful to them by March 2014.⁵	Visitor experience opportunities will be further enhanced by fostering economic and tourism opportunities related to authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences.
In collaboration with ethnocultural organizations and stakeholders, provide learning experiences for these new audiences.	Increase the percentage of targeted Canadians that appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada by 2014.⁵	Canadians in large metropolitan areas like Montreal, around Lachine Canal National Historic Site of Canada, and Vancouver with the 2010 Olympics will be more aware, understand and appreciate Parks Canada heritage places, as these places promote their role and relevance as community resources and places of pride. Urban Canadians will have opportunities to learn and develop a sense of connection to these heritage places through collaborations with heritage and environmental organizations, the arts and culture community, and other stakeholders. Ethnocultural communities, Aboriginal and women’s groups and stakeholders will be involved in new designations and commemorations of national historic places, persons or events.
5. Federal SD goal: Sustainable development and use of natural resources
SDS Agency Commitment 2007-2009	Performance measure from current SDS	Agency’s Planning Highlights for 2009-10
Parks Canada will provide meaningful opportunities by facilitating experiential connections with Canada’s protected heritage areas.	Increase the percentage of visitors at all surveyed locations that consider the place is meaningful to them by March 2014.⁵ 85% of visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied, and 50% are very satisfied, with their visit.⁵	Canadians and international travelers’ desires, expectations, needs and social values will be reflected in the opportunities for visitor experience facilitated by Parks Canada at its heritage places. This will be achieved through applying a market based approach to: identify and understand target markets; develop products, programs, events, facilities and services; and promote and deliver those meaningful opportunities. In collaboration with a broad range of partners, an increased number of visitors will be attracted through the enhancement of existing and the development of new visitor experience opportunities, including improved and diversified accommodation offers, front country trail systems, and an expanded number of interpretive products. Strategies will be identified in management plans and results will be reported in state of park and site reports.
6. Federal SD goal: Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development
SDS Agency Commitment 2007-2009	Performance measure from current SDS	Agency’s Planning Highlights for 2009-10
Parks Canada will develop legislative proposals to better protect national historic sites, federal heritage buildings, and archaeological resources under federal jurisdiction.	Not applicable	The Agency will prepare for the implementation of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act in May 2010 by developing criteria for designation and processes related to the receipt of petitions and their evaluation. This information will be publicly accessible. Parks Canada will continue working on the development and implementation of a concept related to the creation of a National Trust for Canada as announced in Budget 2007. The intention is that the Trust would be at arm's-length from government and support heritage in Canada.

¹ Due to the increasing complexity of the national park and NMCA establishment process, the deadline for achieving the target was updated from March 2008 to March 2010.
² Deadline extended from March 2009 to March 2013 due to a change in the scope of the work.
³ Performance measure updated to reflect current targets of the Agency.
⁴ Performance measure updated to reflect the next phase of work to be undertaken.
⁵ Performance measure updated to better align with the expected result.

Planned Internal Audits for 2009-2010

Name of Internal Audit	Internal Audit Type	Status	Expected Completion Date	Electronic Link to Report
Financial and Administrative Audit Office of DG Eastern Canada	Assurance	Complete	June 2008	http://pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rve-par/index_e.asp
Financial and Administrative Audit Office of DG Western/Northern Canada	Assurance	Complete	June 2008	http://pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rve-par/index_e.asp
Financial and Administrative Audit National Parks Directorate	Assurance	Complete	September 2008	http://pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rve-par/index_e.asp
Audit of Values and Ethics Regime	Assurance	In progress	December 2008
Audit of Vehicle/Vessel Management	Assurance	In progress	January 2009
Audit of Revenue Management (entry fees, campground)	Assurance	In progress	February 2009
Audit of Fire Management Emergency Funds	Assurance	In progress	January 2009
Follow-up Financial and Administrative Audit Western Quebec Field Unit	Assurance	In progress	December 2008
Audit Framework Collaborative Arrangements and Managing With Others	Description of Audit Entity and Controls	Planned	June 2009
Overtime Process	Description of Audit Entity and Controls	Complete	June 2008	N/A
Sustainable HR Policies and HR Planning	Description of Audit Entity and Controls	Planned	June 2009
Information Management and Privacy	Assurance	Planned	July 2009
Information Technology and Systems	Description of Audit Entity and Controls	In progress	January 2009
National Level Finance and Administrative Management Control Framework	Description of Audit Entity and Controls	In progress	January 2009
Financial and Administrative Audit External Relations and Visitor Experience Directorate	Assurance	Planned	October 2009
Financial and Administrative Audit Strategy and Plans Directorate	Assurance	Planned	October 2009
Financial and Administrative Audit (sites to be determined)	Assurance	Planned	March 2010
Follow up of Pay and Benefit Audit (including overtime)	Assurance	Planned	March 2010
Audit of Revenues Management (Others)	Assurance	Planned	March 2010
Espace 400^e Quebec City	Assurance	Planned	December 2009
IT- Campground Reservation System and Point of Sale System	Assurance	Planned	March 2010
6. Electronic link to internal audit plan: http://pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rve-par/48/index_e.asp

Planned Evaluations for 2009-2010

Name of Evaluation	Program Type	Status	Expected Completion Date
Through Highways Management	Program Sub Activity	Planning	March 2010
Visitor Experience: Visitor Activities and Services	Program Sub Activity	Planning	June 2010
National Parks Conservation (includes Species at Risk)	Program Sub Activity	Work has not started	June 2011
National Park Establishment and Expansion	Program Sub Activity	Work has not started	March 2012
National Historic Sites of Canada Cost Sharing Program	Contribution Program	Work has not started	March 2012
National Historic Sites Conservation	Program Sub Activity	Work has not started	March 2013
Visitor Experience: Interpretation Programming	Program Sub Activity	Work has not started	March 2013
5. Electronic link to evaluation plan: http://pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rve-par/48/index_e.asp

Sources of Respendable Revenue
(in thousands of dollars)

	Forecast Revenue 2008-09	Planned Revenue 2009-10	Planned Revenue 2010-11	Planned Revenue 2011-12	Planned Revenue 2012-13	Planned Revenue 2013-14
Public Appreciation and Understanding
Heritage Presentation Programs	935	935	935	935	935	935
	935	935	935	935	935	935
Visitor Experience
Entrance Fees	54,761	54,761	54,761	54,761	54,761	54,761
Camping Fees	15,750	15,750	15,750	15,750	15,750	15,750
Lockage and Mooring Fees	3,048	3,048	3,048	3,048	3,048	3,048
Pools	3,603	3,603	3,603	3,603	3,603	3,603
Other Recreational Fees	4,261	4,261	4,261	4,261	4,261	4,261
	81,423	81,423	81,423	81,423	81,423	81,423
Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure
Municipal Service Fees	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676
	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676	2,676
Other Revenue
Real Property and Business Fees	17,614	17,614	17,614	17,614	17,614	17,614
Miscellaneous	8,352	8,352	8,352	8,352	8,352	8,352
	25,966	25,966	25,966	25,966	25,966	25,966

Total Respendable Revenue	111,000	111,000	111,000	111,000	111,000	111,000

Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown

Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity
(in thousands of dollars)

	Forecast Spending 2008-09	Planned Spending 2009-10	Planned Spending 2010-11	Planned Spending 2011-12	Planned Spending 2012-13	Planned Spending 2013-14
Program Activity 1: Heritage Places Establishment	790	675	675	675	675	675
Program Activity 2: Heritage Resources Conservation	27,512	30,412	30,412	30,412	30,412	30,412
Program Activity 3: Public Appreciation and Understanding	3,353	4,717	4,596	4,846	4,206	4,086
Program Activity 4: Visitor Experience	60,744	64,554	64,383	64,383	64,383	64,349
Program Activity 5: Townsite and Throughway Infrastructure	46,265	69,030	59,024	54,018	34,258	29,360
Internal Services		3,290	3,290	3,290	3,290	3,290
Total	138,664	172,678	162,380	157,624	137,224	132,172

Note: Figures do not include new Budget 2009 funding.

Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown

Planned User Fee Activities for New or Amended Fees

Name of User Fee	Fee Type	Fee Setting Authority¹	Reason for Planned Fee Introduction of or Amendment to Fee	Effective date of planned change	Completed / Planned Consultation and Review Process
National Park and National Historic Site Entry Fees for commercial operators– Approved (AMENDED). Gros Morne National Park e.g. $7.30 to $8.30	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	Rebuild or replace deteriorated visitor facilities using new revenues from fee increases.	2009/10	This increase was approved as part of a multiple year strategy approved in June 2005. Commercial tour rates were approved for one additional year due to Parks Canada’s commitment to tourism industry to provide 18 months advance notice on all fee increases. Prior to being approved, this strategy was subject to consultations carried out between November 2003 and February 2004, and was tabled in Parliament as required by the User Fees Act.
National Park and National Historic Site Entry Fees – Proposed (AMENDED)	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	2010/11: adjustments to local pricing 2011/12 and 2012/13: adjustments to national pricing to keep pace with inflationary pressures on costs	2010/11 2011/12 2012/13	Parks Canada will consult locally with the public and stakeholders through meetings with advisory and client groups and through direct mailings. Elected officials will be informed through meetings and letters. Parks Canada will also hold meetings with commercial group tour operators at travel trade shows, consult directly with national stakeholders and interest groups and conduct a national public opinion poll and focus group sessions. Notice will be provided on the Parks Canada website on proposals for price increases. A comparison of Parks Canada’s proposed fees with those charged by parks organizations in Canada and other countries will be conducted. Pursuant to the User Fees Act, the local fees adjustment proposal will be tabled in Parliament in January 2010 and a national fees proposal for inflation in January 2011 prior to being submitted to the Minister responsible for Parks Canada for enactment.
National Park Camping Fees – Proposed (AMENDED)	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	As above	2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
Historic Canal Lockage Fees – Proposed (AMENDED)	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	As above	2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
National Park and National Historic Site Recreation Fees Proposed (AMENDED)	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	As above	2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
Fishing License Fees – Proposed (AMENDED)	Rights and Privileges	Parks Canada Agency Act	To earn a fair return for the use of publicly owned resources and use the associated revenue to rebuild visitor facilities.	2011/12 2012/13
Hot Pool Fees – Proposed (AMENDED)	Service	Parks Canada Agency Act	Maintain current level of service using new revenues from fee increases.	2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
Business Licenses – Proposed (AMENDED)	Rights and Privileges	Parks Canada Agency Act	To earn a fair return for the commercial use of publicly owned resources.	2011/12	Parks Canada will consult on a business license fees proposal with business operators, business associations, chambers of commerce, elected officials, provincial parks and tourism ministries, national tourism organizations, park stakeholder groups and Canadians generally in 2009. To respect our commitment to provide 18 months advance notice, implementation of the proposed new business fees will be 2011/12. Pursuant to the User Fees Act, this proposal will be tabled in Parliament in January 2010 prior to being submitted to the Minister responsible for Parks Canada for approval.

1 According to Sections 23 and 24 of the Parks Canada Agency Act, the Minister sets all fees and charges for rights and privileges

ARCHIVED - Parks Canada

Archived Content

2009-10 Report on Plans and Priorities

Parks Canada

Table of Contents

Details of Transfer Payment Programs (in thousands of dollars)