What We Heard: Summary of public comment

Participants highlighted that the heritage of Indigenous peoples in the region should be better reflected and more visible in both personal and non-personal interpretation, including panels and signs, an interpretive area with hands-on activities, and Indigenous story telling.

We heard that Parks Canada needs to tell a more holistic story of the history of Bar U Ranch and of Indigenous peoples in the area; from before the ranch was founded in 1882, throughout the inception of the ranch, right up to present day. These stories should be told by Indigenous people themselves to ensure partnership, involvement and historical accuracy, and can be shared through Indigenous on-site employment, co-developed interpretive programs and special events or staff interpretive training from members of local First Nations.

It was identified that Parks Canada should continue to seek meaningful partnerships and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples and organizations.

We heard that respondents would like Bar U Ranch to be a top attraction in Southern Alberta. Participants recommended that Parks Canada improves their advertising and promotional activities, including an added social media presence, more curbside appeal and the creation of a new marketing, promotions and outreach plan. It was recommended that Parks Canada encourages increased visitation while ensuring the sustainability of the sites artifacts, infrastructure and natural landscape.

Parks Canada was advised to grow their on- and off-season outreach programs in local communities, schools and at regional festivals and events. There was a strong desire to pursue new, and strengthen current, partnerships to open new markets, protect cultural and natural resources and improve visitor experiences.

The majority of respondents want Bar U Ranch to stay “true to their roots” by maintaining the authentic ranching culture and character of the site. They emphasized that Southern Alberta’s ranching history should be valued and presented. We heard that the site should tell stories of Indigenous peoples, ranching across Canada, environmental stewardship and the ranch’s inspiring pioneers and Percherons.

There was interest in growing and improving interpretive experiences at the Bar U Ranch with a focus on interactive activities and displays. For some, this came in the form of ranching demonstrations and a diverse and dynamic range of special events. For others, this meant simulation technologies, audio tours and hands-on activities such as crafting or cooking workshops.

Some were concerned that visitors are currently unable to fluidly move through the site. They made suggestions to improve trail systems and bridges to allow visitors to move from building to building in an efficient and more accessible manner. Others noted an interest in more hiking trails and campsites for outdoor recreational opportunities.

Participants highlighted the importance of preserving historical and archaeological artifacts and objects. Some suggested improvements to storage, including more storage space, enhanced climate control and ensuring artifacts and objects stay on site. Maintaining an updated inventory system of the artifacts and objects to improve organization and monitoring was also suggested. Others want to see artifacts and objects displayed in exhibits and historical buildings to showcase their importance to ranching and present Bar U Ranch’s story.

Many people commented on the need to maintain and conserve historical buildings while leaving them as spaces that visitors can explore and learn. Some respondents were interested in the reconstruction of buildings such as the Percheron show barn and bunk house, while others were interested in better utilizing existing buildings to enhance story telling and artifact display.

Respondents identified interest in preserving Bar U Ranch’s landscape and environment. Some were concerned with the risk of more frequent and severe flooding and the impacts on the natural landscape. We heard that there is a need to mitigate the risks of extreme natural events and adapt to changing patterns of weather.

Understanding the ecological value and environmental history of the site was also noted as an opportunity to learn, share and improve the ranch’s ongoing relationship with the environment. Parks Canada should foster an ethos of stewardship and a commitment to conservation.