Fort Wellington National Historic Site

Transcription

1 Fort Wellington National Historic Site DECEMBER 2015 PUBLIC CONSULTATION DOCUMENT Invitation to participate Fort Wellington National Historic Site has begun the process of reviewing its management plan. To this end, I invite you to participate in this reflection by sharing your viewpoint and your suggestions as part of the public consultation period to be held from December 3 to December 18, The purpose of this consultation is to allow the municipality, partners, community stakeholders, residents and Canadians to be involved in decision-making regarding the management of the national historic site. The management plan is the official document that will guide management of the historic site for the next ten years ( ). It provides direction for protecting cultural and natural resources, visitor experiences, outreach, promotional opportunities and public education. This document proposes three key strategies, objectives and targets get specific to the site, as well as elements to consider in updating the vision. Join the Parks Canada team in developing a common vision and continuing to protect this national historic site, while promoting the discovery of this unique site. Katherine Patterson Field Unit Superintendent Georgian Bay and Ontario East Mandate of Parks Canada On behalf ot the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

2 Fort Wellington National Historic Site Fort Wellington was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1925 due to its historical significance: It was the main post for the defence of the communication line between Montreal and Kingston during the War of 1812; At this place troops assembled for the attack on and the defeat of the forces at Ogdensburg, New York; When rebellion threatened Upper Canada, the fort again assumed an important defensive role; and It was the assembly point for the troops that repelled the invasion at Windmill Point, November Fort Wellington is located in Prescott, Ontario, a town of 4,200 situated along the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Kingston. Fort Wellington includes two distinct parcels of land: a 5.1 hectare parcel upon which the fort sits surrounded by residential, open space and recreational lands north of County Road 2, and to the south 11.3 hectares of open space between County Road 2 and the St. Lawrence River. In short... Fort Wellington is located in the heart of Prescott and is very important to the local tourism economy. Its proximity to Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa is ideal as a tourism destination. The site is open to the public from Victoria Day (mid May) weekend to Thanksgiving (mid October). Visitors can learn about the history of the site and the reasons for its commemoration by visiting exhibits in the visitor reception centre, as well as personalized interpretive programing. The site staff has good relations with the local First Nations. According to a Visitor Information Survey conducted in 2012, 90% of visitors rated enjoyment, satisfaction and learning opportunities as a very positive experience. There are new enhanced and innovative programs that have been developed and implemented such as Fire the Cannon, high profile events that commemorate significant Canadian anniversaries, Fort Kids, Guided Tours and new self-discovery options. 2

3 Main achievements since the adoption of the 2001 management plan Fort Wellington has a new Visitor Reception Centre that features the remains of a War of 1812 gunboat and orientation exhibits. In co-operation with the Town of Prescott and other organizations, a waterfront trail was established to provide public access to the property along the river. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #97 in Prescott, in cooperation with Fort Wellington relocated the Town s Cenotaph to the fort property, an appropriate location to commemorate veterans. The fort s authentic heritage character and dynamic programming make it a key heritage attraction in the St. Lawrence River corridor, drawing visitors of all ages from local communities, across Canada, and around the world. Fort Wellington is recognized as a symbol of local pride, a contributor to the local economy and a treasured community gathering place. The public, stakeholders and key partners actively support the conservation and stewardship of this national historic site. What is a management plan? A management plan is a forward-looking document that provides a vision for a national park or national historic site at its future best and the strategies for getting there. The new management plan for the Fort Wellington National Historic Site will guide decisions and actions inprotecting, presenting and operating the site. Key issues The management planning process for Fort Wellington National Historic Site began with an assessment of the condition of the site which identified key issues to be addressed, which are: The built heritage, landscape features and cultural resources of the site require infrastructure investments to improve and protect this cultural asset, including the vulnerable condition of the wooden fortification elements. Site visitation has remained constant at 10,000 visitors per year for the last several years. A strategic marketing plan needs to be developed to increase the visitation numbers over the next five years, featuring the site s varied visitor experience offers. Several realty issues need to be discussed with the Town of Prescott, resulting in long term sustainable solutions for all parties involved. 3

4 A New Vision The vision is a future projection of what the historic site should be. It describes, over a fifteen-year period, the desired status of the cultural resources and elements related to visitor experience, external relations, and cooperation with stakeholders and local officials. Vision of Parks Canada Canada s treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada. Vision Some proposals Fort Wellington is a place that connects and resonates with people, deepening their understanding of the significance and relevance of the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion of This compelling site conveys stories of war and peace, rebellion and cooperation, as seen from the perspectives of First Nations, Canadians, and Americans who lived and traded along the river. The Fort s authentic heritage character and dynamic programming make it a key heritage attraction in the St. Lawrence River corridor, drawing visitors of all ages from local communities, across Canada, and around the world. Fort Wellington is recognized as a symbol of local pride, a contributor to the local economy and a treasured community gathering place. The public, stakeholders and key partners actively support the conservation and stewardship of this national historic site. 4

5 The proposed management approach The management plan proposes a management approach that aims to integrate the three elements of Parks Canada s mandate, i.e. resource protection, public education and visitor experience, in order to contribute to Parks Canada s efforts to carry out its vision and achieve its objectives. Management plans are reviewed every 10 years and take into account comments and participation from First Nations, partners, stakeholders and the public, to ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective. The planning program for the Fort Wellington National Historic Site began with an assessment of the condition of the site, which identified key issues to be addressed when developing the new plan. The Fort Wellington plan will be submitted to the Minister of the Environment for approval. The approved plan will be available on the historic site s website. Key Strategy 1 Strengthening the understanding of the connection of Fort Wellington to the river Desired results: Exhibits, programming and visitor experience opportunities resonate with key target markets. Visitors gain an appreciation of the significance of Fort Wellington. In exploring Fort Wellington an understanding of the connections between the St. Lawrence River and the War of 1812, the Rebellions of Upper Canada, the Fenian Raids, the First World War, and The Road to 2017 is increased through visitor experiences. Fort Wellington is recognized as a key destination and an anchor attraction in the eastern Ontario tourism region. Measures: There is a 20 percent increase in visitation by 2020 and core messages regarding the River and the War of 1812 are communicated. Key Strategy 2 Protecting the protector Desired results: Cultural resources and heritage assets are conserved and significant viewscapes are protected. Conservation activities create opportunities for visitor experience and public appreciation and understanding. Measures: Cultural resources and heritage assets are rated as good in the next State of the Site assessment. Key Strategy 3 Gathering the community Desired results: Parks Canada field unit staff maintain relationships with First Nations in order to reflect First Nations perspectives at the Fort. The Fort is a treasured community gathering place and contributor to the local economy. Land use planning surrounding the fort have been resolved in cooperation with the Town of Prescott. Measures: First Nations report having meaningful engagement with Parks Canada staff at the Fort. Opportunities regarding land use planning concerns are realized with cooperation and positive outcomes for the Town of Prescott and Parks Canada. 5

6 What do you think? This document summarizes and presents the site, its issues, a management approach, key strategies, objectives and measurable targets. We now want to hear from you! This is an opportunity to contribute to the vision and develop the new management plan together for the Fort Wellington National Historic Site. Your knowledge of the area, your experiences at the historic site, and how you see its future are important to us. How to participate: You can share your opinion in three ways: By participating in person at the public meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Fort Wellington National Historic Site Or By ing your comments to: kevin.fox@pc.gc.ca Or By mail: Public Consultations Fort Wellington NHS 370 Vankoughnet St. P.O. Box 479 Prescott, ON, K0E 1T0 Tel: If you have any questions or if you would like more information on the public consultation, please contact us. Visit the Parks Canada website at You have until December 18, 2015 to share your opinion, comments, or ideas, or to submit a presentation. Thank you for your important cooperation! 6

7 Fort Wellington National Historic Site Prince St. ARENA Duke St. VISITOR RECEPTION CENTRE AND PARKING Dibble St. East St. OFFICERS QUARTERS MAINTENANCE BUILDING AND YARD Vankoughnet St. ASSESS THE DETERIORATION OF THE FRAISE AND DEVELOP MITIGATION MEASURES WELL Russell St. LATRINE Hwy #2 CAPONNIÈRE BLOCKHOUSE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER 7

8 Fort Wellington National Historic Site LOCATION To Ottawa To Montreal Fort Wellington Smiths Falls 2 To Toronto St. Lawrence River 43 Prescott Brockville Ogdensburg Cornwall Massena N.Y. 8