Policies and programmes related to the presentation and promotion of the property

5. Protection and Management of the Property

1. Ownership
2. Protective designation
3. Means of implementing protective measures
4. Existing plans related to municipality and region in which the proposed property is located
5. Property Management Plan
6. Sources and levels of finance
7. Sources of expertise and training in conservation and management techniques
8. Visitor facilities and statistics
9. Policies and programmes related to the presentation and promotion of the property
10. Staffing levels

I. Policies and programs related to the presentation and promotion of the property

As part of its legislated mandate, the Parks Canada Agency is required to present to the public the reasons for the commemoration of the canal and the Kingston fortifications as national historic sites of Canada. The principles for the presentation of the nominated property are stated in the Parks Canada Agency’s Cultural Resource Management Policy . Active presentation and promotion programs are in place, using a variety of interpretive programming and media to tell the story of the nominated property.

Heritage Programming Undertaken by the Parks Canada Agency

The main elements of the presentation programs undertaken by the Parks Canada Agency for the nominated property are:

• A canal builders' exhibit in the Commissariat building at Ottawa locks;
• Interpretive panels at all lockstations explaining the canal and local history;
• Costumed interpreters at Jones Falls and Kingston Mills;
• Information provided by operations staff;
• An animated blacksmith’s forge;
• Additional interpretive panels for special features at Ottawa, Hogs Back, Burritts Rapids, Nicholsons, Smiths Falls Combined, Newboro, along the canal promenade in Ottawa and at the canal turning basin in Perth;
• The Rideau Canal Edukit for school groups;
• Publications, including a main brochure, and Jones Falls and Ottawa lockstations walking tour brochures;
• Canal history videos shown at Ottawa, Kingston Mills and Jones Falls lockstations;
• A Rideau Canal website, including a canal construction game, the construction history of each lockstation and a virtual 3-D model, which explains canal technology;
• Group tours available at five lockstations: Ottawa, Merrickville, Smiths Falls, Jones Falls, and Kingston Mills;
• Learning travel and other outreach programs;
• The ‘Spirits Rising’ theatrical presentation program.

To promote and market the canal, the Parks Canada Agency participates in a number of boat shows in Canada and the United States of America. In addition, the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association, a group of approximately twenty tourism partners, promotes the Rideau Canal Corridor as a cultural heritage tourism experience. Active marketing programs communicate tourism and learning opportunities to markets in Canada, North America and the world.

Heritage Programming Undertaken by Partner Organizations

Fort Henry is operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, under an agreement with the Parks Canada Agency. Fort Henry features a military museum, education programs, and costumed performers/interpreters, including the renowned Fort Henry Guard. A school program provides students with a variety of programs related to the history of the fort and the canal. The weekly Sunset Ceremony is a popular event, with the Fort Henry Guard performing century-old bayonet drills and field manoeuvres.

Fort Frederick is operated as the museum of the Royal Military College of Canada. The main

collection relates to the history of the college and the accomplishments of its graduates. The museum also holds a small collection of material related to the Point Frederick Dockyard and the Royal Navy.

Murney Tower is operated by the Kingston Historical Society under an agreement with the

Parks Canada Agency. The three floors of the tower house a collection of social and military artifacts of 19th century Kingston, which tell the story of the soldiers and families who lived there. The society also offers educational programs and special events.

The Rideau Canal Museum is located in the Woods Mill Complex in Smiths Falls. Through artefacts, models, interactive media and displays, the museum presents the construction of the canal, its role through history and the lifestyles and folklore associated with the canal.

The Friends of the Rideau , a cooperating association, has published or reprinted a number of books on the history of the canal.

The Bytown Museum is located in the Commissariat building at the Ottawa locks and is operated by an historical society. The museum presents the history of Ottawa and the building of the Rideau Canal. The museum has an active school and outreach program and special events during the summer season.

The Merrickville Blockhouse Museum is operated by the Merrickville and District Historical Society. The museum contains a collection of artefacts and archival material related to the settlement history of the Merrickville area.

The Lockmaster’s House Museum is located in the former lockmaster’s house at Chaffeys Lock, and is operated by the Chaffeys Lock and Area Heritage Society. The museum has a collection of canal and area-related artefacts and presents the history of the area.

These partner organizations undertake a range of promotional and marketing programs commensurate with the scale of their interpretive programs and budgets. The Parks Canada Agency often participates in joint programs, or provides supporting resources to these partner organizations.