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The section that follows describes Parks Canada's program activities and identifies the expected result, performance indicators and targets for each of them. It explains how Parks Canada plans on meeting the expected results and presents the financial and non-financial resources that are planned to be dedicated to each program activity.
This section also identifies activities contributing to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). The Parks Canada Agency is the federal lead on target 6.2 related to Park Protected Habitat of the FSDS. This target corresponds to one of Parks Canada's targets at the strategic outcome level and is identified in the Planning Summary in Section I of this plan. It reads as follows: maintain or improve the overall ecological integrity of all national parks from March 2008 to March 2013. Activities contributing to the achievement of this target are found under Program Activity 1 - Heritage Places Establishment; Program Activity 2 - Heritage Resources Conservation; Program Activity 3 - Public Appreciation and Understanding; and Program Activity 4 - Visitor Experience.
Progress made in achieving performance expectations for all program activities is reported annually in the Agency Performance Report. The report on the state of heritage places administered by Parks Canada can also be found in the Library section of the Parks Canada website at http://www.pc.gc.ca.
Performance Indicators: | Targets: |
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Number of represented terrestrial natural regions in the system of national parks Number of unrepresented regions with demonstrable progress in advancing through steps towards establishing national parks2 |
Increase the number of represented terrestrial natural regions from 28 in March 2007 to 29 of 39 by March 2013 Make demonstrable progress towards establishing national parks in three unrepresented regions3 |
Percentage of yearly commemorations for under-represented themes in Canada's history | 33% of yearly commemorations are for under-represented themes in Canada's history |
Number of represented marine regions in the system of national marine conservation areas Number of unrepresented regions with demonstrable progress in advancing through steps towards establishing national marine conservation areas4 |
Increase the number of represented marine regions from 3 in October 2007 to 5 of 29 by March 2013 Make demonstrable progress towards establishing national marine conservation areas in two unrepresented regions5 |
Programming in this area contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 22,751 | 21,588 | 21,588 | 21,588 | 21,592 |
FTEs | 92 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 |
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. Preservation of Canada's natural and cultural 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 cultural heritage.
To achieve the expected result, Parks Canada will:
Creating new national parks and national marine conservation areas, and expanding existing national parks, protects representative examples of Canada's distinct landscapes and seascapes. The designation of new places, persons and events of national historic significance builds on our system of national commemorations that reflects the breadth and diversity of Canadian history. Newly established heritage places contribute to regional economic development and the well-being of communities, and lead to new opportunities for visitor experience, education and long-term meaningful involvement in the place's planning and management. Canadians benefit from the positive relationships built with Aboriginal peoples, other governments and communities in the establishment of these special places and ensures that we can pass onto future generations the living legacy that we have inherited from generations past.
Performance Indicators: | Targets: |
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Number of national parks with at least one improved ecological integrity indicator | 20 national parks improve 1 ecological integrity indicator from March 2008 to March 2014 |
Percentage of the condition of cultural resources and management practices elements of commemorative integrity rated as poor are improved |
70% of the condition of cultural resources and management practices elements of commemorative integrity rated as poor are improved within five years |
Programming in this area contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 198,921 | 195,013 | 194,977 | 194,977 | 195,019 |
FTE | 1,272 | 1,272 | 1,272 | 1,272 | 1,272 |
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.
The assets managed under this program activity represent close to a quarter of Parks Canada's asset portfolio. Historic assets are core to Parks Canada's mandate, and once they are lost, they are lost forever. The size of the entire Agency portfolio and the age of the infrastructure represent a financial pressure for the Agency. Parks Canada has, therefore, identified asset management as one of its key corporate risks and as one of its corporate priorities. Additional information on the type of asset managed under this program activity is available in the Update to the Long-Term Capital Plan found in Section IV of this plan.
To achieve the expected result, Parks Canada will:
The conservation of national parks and national historic sites and the sustainable use of national marine conservation areas help ensure that important natural and cultural resources are protected for the environmental, social and economic benefit of Canadians. National parks and marine conservation areas are part of the protected areas system of Canada and are intended for the use, benefit and enjoyment of all Canadians. These areas are relevant to the Canadian society for the intrinsic benefits they provide, such as clean air, clean water and adaptation to climate change. Additionally, protected areas contribute to Canada's economy through the provision of tourism opportunities and enhance the physical and mental health of Canadians as spiritual places and recreational resources. National historic sites and other historic places are tangible manifestations of the breadth and diversity of Canadian history and their conservation connects Canadians to their past. They also play important contemporary roles in their communities as places of gathering, business, entertainment and tourism. These heritage places are intrinsic components of the Canadian identity. Together, Parks Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas provide meaningful opportunities for Canadians to appreciate and personally connect with nationally significant places and stories and to engage directly in the management of Canada's national treasures.
Performance Indicators: | Targets: |
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Percentage of Canadians that appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada | 60% of Canadians appreciate the significance of heritage places administered by Parks Canada by March 2014 |
Percentage of Canadians that support the protection and presentation of places administered by Parks Canada | 80% of Canadians support the protection and presentation of places administered by Parks Canada by March 2014 |
Programming in this area contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 34,155 | 31,610 | 26,954 | 26,449 | 25,602 |
FTEs | 294 | 293 | 293 | 291 | 290 |
This program activity aims to increase Canadians' understanding, appreciation, support and engagement with respect to the natural and historical heritage of Parks Canada administered places. This is accomplished by reaching Canadians at home, at leisure, at school and in their communities through relevant and effective communication and public outreach education initiatives as well as by engaging many stakeholders and partners in the development and implementation of the Agency's future direction.
Parks Canada's website is a fundamental communication medium and its use can be leveraged to engage Canadians and to provide a means to present and foster learning of the natural and cultural heritage of Parks Canada administered places. The information technology infrastructure required to support the Parks Canada website and corresponding tools for Canadians are aging and require renewed investment in order to ensure that they remain current and relevant.
To achieve the expected result, Parks Canada will:
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 Parks Canada heritage places. In turn, Canadians will increasingly take pride in these places, knowing that they have an opportunity to influence decisions and actions undertaken on their behalf.
Performance Indicators: | Targets: |
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Percentage of visitors that consider the place is meaningful to them | On average, 85% of visitors at surveyed locations consider the place meaningful |
Percentage of visitors that are satisfied, and percentage that are very satisfied, with their visit |
On average, 90% of visitors at surveyed locations are satisfied, and, on average, 50% at surveyed locations are very satisfied, with their visit |
Programming in this area contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 235,521 | 235,368 | 235,296 | 235,296 | 235,163 |
FTEs | 1,951 | 1,951 | 1,951 | 1,951 | 1,951 |
This program supports the opportunities provided for the more than 20 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 the protected heritage place that helps them create meaning and establish connection with the place. The experience begins with awareness of the site, followed by planning the visit, travelling to and welcoming and orientation upon arrival. During the visitor's time on site, it includes participation in recreational and interpretive activities and the use of accommodation, trails, facilities, services and supporting infrastructure. This is followed by departure and the post-visit relationship. Investments in the different stages of the visitor experience cycle facilitate opportunities for enjoyment and learning, leading to a sense of personal connection and the continued relevance of Canada's protected heritage places for Canadians.
The assets managed under this program activity represent over 40% of Parks Canada's asset portfolio. Visitor facilities provide opportunities for Canadians to have meaningful experiences and personally connect to Canada's heritage places. The size of the entire Agency portfolio and the age of the infrastructure represent a financial pressure for the Agency. Parks Canada has, therefore, identified asset management as one of its key corporate risks and as one of its corporate priorities. Additional information on the type of asset managed under this program activity is available in the Update to the Long-Term Capital Plan found in Section IV of this plan.
To achieve the expected result, Parks Canada will:
National parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas provide Canadians with visitor experience opportunities for enjoyment and learning. In turn, this leads to a sense of personal connection and the continued relevance of Canada's protected heritage places to Canadians. By providing opportunities for authentic Aboriginal cultural activities, the Agency also contributes to the understanding of Aboriginal cultures and their historical connection with Parks Canada's heritage places.
Performance Indicators: | Targets: |
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Percentage of townsite contemporary assets that are maintained and percentage of townsite contemporary assets rated as poor or fair that are improved |
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 |
Percentage of waterway contemporary assets that are maintained and percentage of waterway contemporary assets rated as poor or fair that are improved |
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 |
Number of days of closure of through highways due to asset condition | Zero (0) days of closure of through highways due to asset condition |
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 122,625 | 77,608 | 62,610 | 57,610 | 57,622 |
FTEs | 325 | 323 | 323 | 322 | 322 |
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. Waterways, which support commercial and recreational boating as well as other recreational activities, include the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Rideau and Sault Ste. Marie canals in Ontario; the Carillon, Chambly, Lachine, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Saint-Ours canals in Quebec; and the St. Peters canal in Nova Scotia.
The assets managed under this program activity represent more than a quarter of Parks Canada's asset portfolio. The size and diversity of this portfolio and the age of the infrastructure represent a financial pressure for the Agency. Parks Canada has, therefore, identified asset management as one of its key corporate risks and as one of its corporate priorities. Additional information on the type of asset managed under this program activity is available in the Update to the Long-Term Capital Plan found in Section IV of this plan.
To achieve the expected result, Parks Canada will:
Parks Canada is the proud steward of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites, which include historic canals. In addition to its core mandated responsibilities, Parks Canada manages townsite and throughway infrastructure. Five of Canada's national parks provide a haven for vibrant townsite communities, to which Parks Canada renders a variety of municipal or other services. The Agency also manages and maintains the provincial and inter-provincial highways and waterways that are an integral part of Canada's transportation system and pass through national parks and national historic sites. Parks Canada manages a network of waterways which supports commercial and recreational boating, as well as other recreational activities. Dams that form part of waterway infrastructure regulate water levels, supplying water for navigation, consumption, fire protection and hydro power generation.
Planned Spending ($ Thousands) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | |
Planned Spending | 81,562 | 81,521 | 81,521 | 81,521 | 81,457 |
FTEs | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 487 |
Programming in this area contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and Oversight Services (i.e., Investment Planning, Project Management, Risk Management, Planning and Reporting, Internal Audit and Evaluation); Communications Services; Legal Services; Human
Resource Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services;
Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.
With regard to its Internal Services, Parks Canada will: