Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada Draft Management Plan, 2023

1.0 Introduction

Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and historic places in the world. The Agency’s mandate is to protect and present these places for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Future-oriented, strategic management of each national historic site, national park, national marine conservation area and heritage canal administered by Parks Canada supports the Agency’s vision:

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.

The Parks Canada Agency Act requires Parks Canada to prepare a management plan for national historic sites administered by Parks Canada. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan, once approved by the President & Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, ensures Parks Canada’s accountability to Canadians, outlining how historic site management will achieve measurable results in support of its mandate.

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) are important to the stewardship of this heritage place, with connections to the lands and waters since time immemorial. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society leads visitor operations and collaborates with Parks Canada on site management. Indigenous communities, partners, stakeholders and the public will be involved in the preparation of the management plan, helping to shape the future direction of the national historic site. The plan sets clear, strategic direction for the management and operation of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site by articulating a vision, key strategies, objectives and targets. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives and will review the plan every ten years, or sooner if required.

This plan is not an end in and of itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open dialogue on the implementation of the management plan, to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. The plan will serve as the focus for ongoing engagement and, where appropriate, consultation, on the management of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in the years to come.

2.0 Significance of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (NHS) sits on the traditional ancestral lands of Musqueam and is located in the lower mainland of British Columbia, on the South Arm of the Fraser River along the Strait of Georgia (Map 1). The site is situated on the traditional ancestral lands of Musqueam, in the village of Steveston which was built atop of the Musqueam seasonal village sites known as q’weya?xw (Garry Point) and qwle’yem (Driftwood place) (Map 2). The Fraser River estuary has been an important source for fishing, hunting, trapping, and gathering since well before European contact and colonial harvesting. Musqueam continue to practice their traditions and culture today. They have knowledge to share about their deep cultural connections to the lands, waters, resources, and activities. Therefore, it is important that the site presents the cultural and historic setting of the Steveston area, including the use and occupancy of the Fraser River estuary in the times before the development of a colonial industry and fishing canneries.

Map 1 – Regional setting

Map 1: Regional setting — Text version

A map showing the regional location of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in southwestern coastal British Columbia. The site is marked with a number 2 to the south of Vancouver, BC, where the Fraser River enters the Strait of Georgia. It shows the site in relation to four other national historic sites and national park reserves in Coastal British Columbia, including Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites (marked number 1, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island near Victoria, BC), Fort Langley National Historic Site (marked number 3, located in Fort Langley, west of Vancouver, BC), Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (located along the west coast of Vancouver Island, south of Tofino, BC), and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (located in the Salish Sea, between Victoria and Vancouver, BC). A complete list of the five Parks Canada locations is shown on the left side of the map under the heading “Coastal BC Field Unit”. The map shows a change in colour to delineate the border between Canada and the United States with the Salish Sea located in between.

Acknowledging the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples is a critical part of healing and a step toward reconciliation. Parks Canada’s priority is to support Indigenous peoples in sharing their history and experiences, and to welcome more narratives, perspectives and voices to be heard. Sharing these histories and interrelated themes at Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS are guided by Parks Canada’s Framework for History and Commemoration: National Historic Sites System Plan (2019). This framework highlights an inclusive, accessible and engaging approach to Canada’s history and will guide the interpretation plan that considers the site’s values and opportunities, in addition to acknowledging the reasons for designation as a national historic site.

Historical colonial prominence

Steveston rose to colonial prominence in the early 1870s as cannery and port facilities expanded along the Fraser River. Canneries were constructed in the Steveston area to take advantage of the Fraser River’s sockeye salmon runs, which through canning, could be preserved for sale to emerging global markets. The salmon fishery further expanded through to the 1890s as companies secured capital to build major canning and packinghouse facilities. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS was constructed in 1894 as part of this era of rapid growth for Canada’s colonial fishing industry. While the canning industry in British Columbia started with sockeye salmon from the Fraser River, it quickly spread up the central and north coast and on Vancouver Island. In the early 1900s, close to 100 canneries were operating in British Columbia, including 15 canneries in the Steveston area.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is one of the Pacific Coast’s few remaining salmon canneries from the 19th century. Other related national historic site designations in British Columbia include the North Pacific Cannery and Britannia Shipyards. The North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site, located on the province’s northwest coast at the mouth of the Skeena River, was also designated a national historic site because of its association with the West Coast fishing industry. Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, located in Steveston, commemorates the large complex of workshops and dwellings that served the shore-based salmon fishery and the diverse communities that lived and worked to support the West Coast fishing industry.

In its prime, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery was known as the Monster Cannery, being the largest building of its kind and the leading producer of canned salmon. Between 1894 and 1979, it operated as a salmon cannery, a raw fish depot, and a net loft and repair facility for the Canadian Fishing Company. In its later years it was a herring cannery and reduction plant (where fish or fish parts were “reduced” to produce fish oils and fishmeal used in vitamin supplements for humans and in feed for animals). For long-time residents of Steveston, the smell of the herring reduction process has a strong association with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS.

Reasons for designation

Fishing is vitally important to people on Canada’s west coast. Since time immemorial, First Nations on the west coast have relied on fishing as integral to their cultures and the well-being of their communities. Due to its cultural traditions, economic significance, international reach, and the involvement of people from many origins, the West Coast fishing industry from the 1870s to the modern era was recognised in 1976 as a national historic event by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Along with the national historic event designation, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery was recognised as an appropriate place to commemorate the West Coast fishing industry. A group of concerned heritage-conscious citizens were instrumental in galvanising support for the designation of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery as a national historic site because they saw the need to save a piece of their local history. This group helped form the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society in 1986 to help conserve and present the cannery.

Constructed on timber pilings over the south arm of the Fraser River, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is recognised for its historical, architectural, and environmental values and is designated a Classified heritage building by the Federal Heritage Building Review Office, who assists federal government departments and agencies in the protection of heritage buildings.

In addition to these reasons for designation, there are several complementary elements that are integral to helping Canadians understand the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s significance including:

• its location on the water in Steveston, since time immemorial, as one of the most important fishing harbours on the west coast
• the evolution of fishing methods and processing technologies in the development of the industry, and the buildings and equipment that reflect the industry’s development and innovation
• the contributions made by people of many origins to the industry, including:
• the role of First Nations in the pre-industrial era, in fishing for industrial canneries and in working in canneries
• the role of Chinese workers in processing plants
• the role of Japanese people as boat builders, and in fishing and processing
• the role of persons of European origin in the fishing industry
• the role of women from various cultural communities in the fishing industry, including to replace male workers during the two world wars

In the 1830s, the overseas export of salted salmon in barrels began. The connection between the West Coast fishing industry and global commerce is also presented through interconnected stories at Fort Langley National Historic Site, located approximately 50 kilometres upriver from Steveston.

While visitors to Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS are immersed specifically in the post-1870s era of the industry as well as the development and evolution of canning operations, the deep historical and cultural connections that First Nations have with west coast fisheries and canneries are also a significant part of Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s story. The Fraser River is designated as a Canadian Heritage River, which flows from the Rocky Mountains near Jasper National Park to the Pacific Ocean running right past and underneath the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS.

3.0 Planning context

Situated on the traditional ancestral lands and waters of Musqueam, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is located in the village of Steveston in the city of Richmond within Metro Vancouver (Map 2). The site is located less than an hour away from most locations in Metro Vancouver. The site is accessible by road and public transportation while water access is restricted to commercial and working vessels.

Map 2: Location of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Metro Vancouver

Map 2: Location of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Metro Vancouver — Text version

A map showing the location of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site within the metro Vancouver region in the province of British Columbia (BC). The map shows the metro Vancouver region from downtown Vancouver and Burrard Inlet south to the city of Delta and Boundary Bay, bordered by the Strait of Georgia to the west and the cities of Burnaby and Surrey to the east. South of the city of Delta a change in colour and a line delineates the border between Canada and the United States. Major highways are shown, as are an airport and ferry terminal. The site is marked with a red dot in the village of Steveston off Highway 99 within the City of Richmond, BC, on the north shore of an arm of the Fraser River where the river enters the Strait of Georgia. The locations of Musqueam seasonal village sites known as q’weya?xw (Garry Point) and qwle’yem (Driftwood Place) are marked on either side of the red dot showing the site’s location.

Steveston is an important representation of British Columbia’s fishing industry and much of the waterfront remains devoted to fishing and related activities. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS forms part of a heritage area recognised by the City of Richmond, which includes the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. School groups can visit both national historic sites, experiencing the work-related history at Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS and the home lives of workers at Britannia Shipyards. Visitors often spend time along Steveston Harbour, visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf, shops or local restaurants. A visit to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS ties the experiences together.

Relationships with First Nations

Parks Canada places a high priority on building effective relationships with local communities, particularly with Musqueam, as the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is on the traditional territory of Musqueam people. Community members are represented by Musqueam First Nation and their leadership has expressed interest in working more closely with Parks Canada on areas of mutual interest. Musqueam First Nation and Parks Canada indicated a desire to work together on the site and discussions will continue on how best to collaborate in the future.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society (the Society), a non-profit organisation incorporated in 1986, is dedicated to working in collaboration with Parks Canada to conserve the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS and to manage the day-to-day operations and revenues. The relationship between Parks Canada and the Society, supported through a series of collaborative and financial agreements, has been in place since 1996 and continues to reflect the high level of community support that led to the initial heritage designations and first management plan. This is a unique relationship within the framework of park and site operations at Parks Canada locations as the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is one of only a few Parks Canada sites that are operated by a non-profit organisation.

The Society has been the full-time operator of the site since 2000 with responsibility for the day-to-day aspects of site operations such as visitor services and programs. Parks Canada retains responsibility for conservation efforts such as major capital repairs and renovations.

The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who meet on a regular basis. Board members chair a variety of operational committees. The Society and its Board members host annual fundraisers, with proceeds supporting Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS operations. The Society continues to maintain strong relationships with community partners, such as the Steveston Harbour Authority, the City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond, the Steveston Merchants Association, and the Steveston Historical Society, as well as with elected officials at all levels of government.

This management plan outlines the objectives and direction set for Parks Canada, which are informed by Musqueam First Nation and the Society and are advanced within respective roles and responsibilities agreed-upon together.

Japanese Canadian and Chinese Canadian Communities

Japanese Canadian and Chinese Canadian cultural groups, including families with direct connections to local canneries, maintain a passionate interest in the history of Steveston’s fishing industry. Driven by their personal connections, many members of Japanese Canadian and Chinese Canadian communities were and continue to be generous with their support of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS, sharing knowledge, photographs and other records. These cultural groups play a key role in continuing to improve the stories shared at the site. The Society works to maintain strong relationships with related community and academic institutions and collaborates with organisations such as the National Nikkei Museum, the Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, and the Chinese Canadian Museum.

Buildings and exhibits

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is a complex of wood frame buildings and heavy timber construction, supported, for the most part, by wooden pilings. The scale of the buildings, tank deck and wharf make the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS a significant presence in the community, and an excellent representation of the West Coast fishing industry. The assembly of wooden buildings represents a range of functional structures, utilitarian design and special purpose equipment that define the character of the national historic site and contribute to its commemorative integrity.

While the original cannery buildings were constructed in 1894, the associated buildings changed over time. As the industry evolved, adaptations and additions were required, and considerable changes were made up to 1964, including those needed to support the shift from canning fish to producing oils. The history of these buildings and processes is presented as visitors tour the site to explore the canning line, reduction plant and other exhibits. The intriguing names of these spaces alone evoke the noisy and bustling environment of fish processing: Boiler House, Ice House, vitamin oil shed, sliming table, iron butcher, gang knives, cookers, separators, evaporators and the “Stinkeroo” (odour control) (Map 3). In addition, because the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is a massive, old industrial building, the exhibit space is unheated, and while the cold adds an authentic feel in terms of appreciating the experiences of cannery workers, it is limiting for some visitors and the cool interior environment limits year-round use of the space for events.

Map 3: Site Map of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Map 3: Site Map of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site — Text version

A detailed map of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site showing a 300 metre by 200 metre area within the village of Steveston, BC. The map is orientated with west at the top of the map. The Fraser River borders the site to the south and west (left side of the map), Third Avenue to the east (bottom of the map), and Chatham Street borders the site to the north (right side). The map features the main structures of the site labelled A through O, including the Main Cannery Building, East Wing (Gift Shop), South Dock, Ice House, Dryer Shed, Tank Farm Deck, Vitamin Oil Shed, Grinding Shed, Stinkeroo, Oil Drum Shed, Oil Drum Cradles, Watchman’s Shed, and Lead Foundry. The map identifies the location of the Main Entrance or Public Entrance with a red arrow and shows additional features, including the Administration Building and Parking Lots, as well as green spaces, Fisherman’s Park, and a path to a Wharf. Moncton Street and Fourth Avenue are also shown. Other properties that are not Parks Canada properties are also identified.

Maintenance of these historic buildings and mechanical exhibits is an ongoing requirement in the management priorities at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. In the 12 years since the last management plan (2011), the Government of Canada invested over $10 million in the rehabilitation of Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS infrastructure. Investments included over $5 million for a fire suppression system and $2.5 million on upgrades to the building envelope, dramatically improving the condition and the long-term security of the buildings. Recent upgrades at the site also addressed energy efficiency and seismic upgrades and included a new sanitation system. Since the State of the Site Assessment (2018) was completed the condition rating of the site’s buildings improved from “fair” to “good”.

Impacts of climate change on the buildings and cultural resources are a concern at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. Coastal erosion, rising sea levels and intensified weather events have started to have an impact on the site. Climate change impacts are expected to cause cumulative effects such as damage to infrastructure leading to higher maintenance costs or loss of cultural resources. Climate change risks to and impacts on places administered by Parks Canada are complex and affect all Parks Canada program areas and responsibilities. Parks Canada will need to work with management partners to consider both preventative and restorative measures and make informed decisions about the asset sustainability and cultural resources at the site.

The machines, models, photographs, recordings, interactive displays, and other interpretive media on site invite visitors to learn about fish, the journey of a fish from net to can to plate, the workings of the canning line and reduction plant, as well as the diversity of people who worked in the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. Visitors are immersed in the sights and sounds of the West Coast fishing industry. Popular features include 3-D models of local fish species on “the fish wall”, a wooden skiff and wheelhouse model that introduce visitors to fishing on the west coast, as well as the more industrial elements of the canning line and reduction plant.

The Society offers activities and programs for school and youth groups. Guided programs, specialised tours and live machine demonstrations are key elements of the experience of touring the site. The permanent exhibits are complemented by a children’s area and a gallery used for feature exhibits and changing displays. While visitor satisfaction remains high, the permanent exhibits at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS are over 20 years old and will need replacement.

The Society operates a gift shop that is open year-round and sells unique, local souvenirs and gifts on-site and online. The Cannery Store is well-supported by the community and the sales form an important part of the Society’s revenue.

Visitors and events

At the time of developing this management plan, Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS welcomes an average of 44,550 visitors via general admissions per year and 6,500 visitors through promotional events at no cost. Each year the Society continues to evaluate, develop and introduce new community events intended to support Parks Canada’s mandate and create renewed interest in visiting the site. Current community events, such as Welcoming the Sun event, continue to be popular and support increased connections to multi-cultural interests, including tie-ins with seafood. Prior to 2020, community events accounted for approximately half of the site’s overall visitation and in recent years partner-led events helped attract people to the site and strengthened the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s place in the community.

The Society maintains its own website which includes online resources to make stories about the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS, its collections, and the West Coast fishing industry available for global access. The website highlights personal stories about specific jobs, the roles of women, the involvement of various cultural groups, and the influence of the fishing industry on their lives, families and communities.

Key Considerations

This is the fourth management plan for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. This plan builds on the successes and lessons learned from the 2011 management plan. Based on the implementation of the previous plan and on emerging directions during the development of this management plan, including through the State of the Site Assessment (2018) and key planning considerations, management priorities include:

Working with Musqueam

Musqueam First Nation and Parks Canada has indicated an interest in working together to advance shared objectives in the years to come and discussions will continue to decide how best to undertake this work in the future.

Collaborative site management efforts

The site is largely known as a Society-run attraction and sometimes visitors are unaware of its status as a national historic site administered by Parks Canada. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery's profile as a national historic site of Canada and awareness of its connection to the greater network of Parks Canada parks and sites could be elevated.

Conserving assets and adapting to the impacts of climate change

Heritage buildings and other assets require regular inspection, maintenance, and reinvestment in order to maintain their integrity. In addition, climate change impacts are expected to cause cumulative effects on assets and cultural resources. Working with partners and stakeholders is important to provide a better understanding of climate change impacts and helps inform future conservation responses and site management decisions on asset sustainability.

Managing collections

In the State of the Site Assessment (2018), the condition of the collections—over 7,500 archival, artifacts and library collections of Parks Canada and the Society—were not rated. Inventories and condition assessments need to be completed in order to rate these collections.

Relevance to the community

It is important to continue to remain relevant. First Nations and other Indigenous communities may continue to have interests in storytelling at the site. As ongoing development continues in Steveston, there is some concern that urban revitalisation could result in a loss of the village’s heritage charm. A loss of character could weaken the connection between the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS and its key significance to the history of Steveston, as well as its status as a major attraction in the community. The permanent exhibits at the site are aging and have lost relevance to a 21st century audience. Parks Canada, the Society and First Nations will have ongoing dialogue on the refresh of exhibits to enhance visitor experience.

4.0 Development of the management plan

As part of all national historic site planning programs, completion of a state of the site assessment was one of the first steps in planning. Consideration of many other topics and opportunities shaped the draft plan, including site research, supporting plans that guide site management (for example, visitor experience strategy), Parks Canada Agency corporate priorities, Society priorities and comments from consultation.

An introductory phase of consultation was conducted in preparation of this draft management plan, to help shape the direction for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. In March 2020, in consideration of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Parks Canada temporarily suspended consultations related to management planning. Consultation resumed the following summer with letters of notification and invitations to participate sent to First Nations, key partners and stakeholder groups. The purpose of the first phase of consultation was threefold:

1. introduce the planning program
2. identify opportunities to be involved in shaping the management plan
3. begin discussing topics of mutual interest that might help shape the draft plan. All comments were considered as this draft plan was developed

Representatives from partner and stakeholder groups participated in virtual meetings and discussions, and Musqueam First Nation provided written feedback. The focus of discussions was the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s physical presence, the human connections to the site, the untold stories, visitor experiences, climate change and site management. Feedback from Musqueam First Nation focused on the framing and context of their traditional ancestral lands and waters in relation to the site.

5.0 Vision

The vision expresses the desired state of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS in 15 to 20 years.

Together, Parks Canada, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, Musqueam First Nation, partners, collaborators and community members work to protect, present, and promote the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and the stories of the West Coast fishing industry.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is known for its supportive community, including connections with a range of multicultural groups and strong relationships with local and regional tourism organisations. With its welcoming team and knowledgeable volunteers, impressive industrial buildings, engaging exhibits, and lively programs and events, the site offers a vibrant visitor experience. Renowned for its attractive waterfront setting in the active harbour of Steveston, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is an important cultural destination in Metro Vancouver.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site presents layers of overlapping and evolving histories connected by the West Coast fishing industry. The site offers dynamic and immersive experiences and includes a range of voices who represent a diversity of people from different cultures and circumstances. The site helps people reflect on their relationship with the natural world and with each other.

The stories of the site continue to draw people from near and far who are inspired by the legacy of this place and how it connected people. The site continues to thrive, bringing energy, opportunity, and pride to Steveston village, just as canneries did during the boom of British Columbia’s salmon-canning industry over a century ago.

6.0 Key strategies

As a long-term strategic plan, consistent with the Government of Canada’s approach to results-based planning, the management plan focuses on the results that Parks Canada wants to achieve. The purpose of the management plan is not to identify ten years’ worth of specific actions, but instead to provide decision-makers with the priorities that will guide decisions.

The components of results-based planning work together as follows:

• vision — describes the desired future, setting the management direction
• key strategies — present major themes, introducing management approaches and commitments
• objectives — identify management outcomes, indicating desired results
• targets — tie directly to the objectives, defining the amount of change expected
• annual reporting — publicly communicates ongoing implementation, connecting actions to the direction set in the management plan

Primarily working with Musqueam First Nation and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, Parks Canada will make decisions to meet the targets identified in this plan. Over the ten-year time frame, this approach allows flexibility, based on available resources, evolving priorities and emerging opportunities. Indigenous peoples, partners, stakeholders and the public are updated about how ongoing decisions, actions or projects fit with the management plan through annual implementation updates and other communications.

Each key strategy contains objectives and targets to guide site management and decision making over the next ten years. The objectives describe desired outcomes following implementation of program activities. The measurement of targets in this plan is generally in comparison to 2023 levels as referenced (benchmarks) from assessments that helped guide the development of this plan. Wherever possible, targets are based on measurable data that are monitored by Parks Canada through Agency-wide programs. Other benchmarks and targets may need to be established and measured locally at the site. The Agency’s programs and tools that are common sources of measurable targets include:

• Parks Canada monitoring programs (state of site assessments)
• visitor surveys
• attendance records
• permits
• media tracking
• partnering arrangements

Specific time frames for reaching targets are provided where possible; where no timeframe is referenced, the target will be achieved during the ten-year plan period.

The key strategies are not in any order of priority and are interconnected. Collectively, they aim to achieve the vision of the site and fulfill Parks Canada’s mandate. In many cases, direction for site management activities is integrated into several different key strategies. For the duration of this management plan, three key strategies were developed to guide the management direction for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS.

Key strategy 1: Working with the community

This strategy focuses on the importance of collaboration and relationships that support the success of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. Strengthening relationships with all Indigenous communities is a priority for Parks Canada. Parks Canada and the Society will focus their efforts on developing meaningful connections with Musqueam First Nation to better understand how they would like to be involved with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS this will help to determine how to move forward. The stories of First Nations, shared in their own voices will be prioritised.

Japanese Canadian and Chinese Canadian communities who played pivotal roles in Steveston’s canneries and the West Coast fishing industry will continue to be involved with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS.

Parks Canada supports the Society’s continued efforts to identify and work with other funders that will lead to enhanced visitor experiences at the site and Steveston village. This will help to ensure they can leverage opportunities that enhance the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS. It will also allow work with local businesses to cross-promote experiences available to visitors at the site, hence supporting community-based stewardship. Parks Canada and the Society continue to value cooperation and support of volunteers, local partners, cultural organisations and other stakeholders to achieve the vision for the site.

Increased exposure for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS will raise awareness about the history of the site and the stories associated with the West Coast fishing industry.

Objective 1.1

Parks Canada’s relationship with Musqueam First Nation is strengthened.

Targets

• Within five years, the level of collaboration with Musqueam increases, with more days when Musqueam and Indigenous communities are on-site to co-deliver activities, events and programs, from 2023 levels
• An agreement between Musqueam and Parks Canada related to the management of Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is established and evaluated regularly

Objective 1.2

Parks Canada’s relationship with the Society continues to be effective and mutually beneficial.

Targets

• The number of shared tools and resources between Parks Canada and the Society increases from 2023 levels
• Parks Canada and the Society evaluate collaboration efforts and results annually

Objective 1.3

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s status as a focal point of tourism and cultural activities in Steveston is maintained.

Targets

• In collaboration with the Society, the number of cross-promotional activities between the City of Richmond and Tourism Richmond to promote the site along with other offers in Steveston increases from 2023 levels

Key strategy 2: Conserving cultural heritage

This strategy focuses on conservation of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s cultural resources—built heritage (buildings), equipment, collections and artifacts—for the benefit of current and future generations, as part of the network of protected heritage places in Canada.

Parks Canada and the Society will continue to work together to manage and monitor heritage buildings, historic objects and collections and utilise Parks Canada’s long-term capital planning cycle to make strategic investments. The deterioration of assets and impact related to climate change and related emergencies (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, king tides and extreme weather) and extreme weather) is an important consideration in this management plan. Parks Canada, the Society and other partners and stakeholders will continue working with national, regional and local experts to better understand the range of options and mitigations in response to environmental threats that may have an impact at the site. This understanding will help to support informed site management decisions and how to plan and adapt to the impacts of climate change on asset sustainability, especially as the impact pose higher risks to coastal communities.

To support this, the existing fire plan will be expanded to become a comprehensive emergency response plan and will be supported by local and regional plans and strategies.

Parks Canada’s extensive object collection will be assessed and refined, through maintenance, management and documentation, this includes deaccessioning and repatriating objects as appropriate. The objects that are in appropriate condition for exhibit that best represent the commemorative themes of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS and the West Coast fishing industry will be displayed at the site and included in the site’s programming.

Objective 2.1

The condition of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS’s built heritage assets is maintained according to the 2010 Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.

Targets

• Through monitoring and strategic investment, the built heritage assets at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS remain in “fair” to “good” condition in the next ‘state of’ site assessment

Objective 2.2

Through assessment, management of Parks Canada’s collection of significant historic objects is improved at Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS.

Targets

• The condition of the historic and archeological objects of national significance is rated in the next state of site assessment

Key strategy 3: A place that reflects Canada and the world

This strategy focuses on reaching the local community, Canadians and international visitors through new and meaningful visitor experiences, outreach activities and community events.

Responding to the needs and interests of target audiences, the programming that visitors experience at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS will foster deep connections to the site’s history, those who worked here, and the evolution of the fishing industry. An interpretation plan will be advanced through engagement with Musqueam First Nation and other Indigenous communities to reflect the vital importance of fishing on the west coast and will inform exhibit renewal and potential future exhibits. The objectives and targets under this key strategy are supported by the completion and implementation of an interpretation plan that aligns with Parks Canada’s Framework for History and Commemoration: National Historic Sites System Plan (2019).

These initiatives build upon and complement the Society’s existing offer, and will provide additional focus on experiential learning, new and innovative programming, outreach, and marketing. To advance the management plan vision over the next ten years, Parks Canada and the Society will launch new and/or renewed, unique and innovative programs and exhibits in collaboration with others, to highlight the past, present and future of the West Coast fishing industry. Further, Parks Canada and the Society will increase their cross-promotion and cross-collaboration efforts to help build a better public understanding of the links between Parks Canada, the Society and other partners and stakeholders.

Parks Canada and the Society will work together to better connect the site and the stories to more people. A variety of approaches will be used to inspire an array of visitors, representing a variety of backgrounds, identities, abilities and interests, to share their learning and excitement with others. To support this strategy, the site will be guided by the principles of accessibility and inclusion.

Objective 3.1

Guided by the completion and implementation of an interpretation plan for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS, visitor experiences are improved.

Targets

• The number of interpretive media that share multiple stories and perspectives (highlighting those of First Nations, Japanese Canadians and Chinese Canadians) at the site increases from 2023 levels •
• Barrier-free, inclusive experiences and services for visitors with a wide range of abilities, identities and interests improve from 2023 levels

Objective 3.2

As a result of high-quality visitor experiences and effective promotion, visitation at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS is increased.

Targets

• The number of new and repeat visits increases from 2023 levels
• Annual general admissions (paid) to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS increase by 10% from 2023 levels
• 90% of visitors are satisfied with their visit to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS

Objective 3.3

Cross promotion between Parks Canada and Society-led activities and programs has increased.

Targets

• Parks Canada’s efforts to promote the Society’s site-specific activities increase from 2023 levels
• The dual entry pass usage/numbers between Gulf Georgia Cannery NHS and Fort Langley NHS increases from 2023 levels

Objective 3.4

The site’s identity as a community hub is maintained by prioritising Parks Canada’s mandate and the site’s commemorative intent through continued use of the site as a venue for hosting events and activities.

Targets

• Public events hosted by third parties increase from 2023 levels

7.0 Summary of strategic environmental assessment

The purpose of a strategic environmental assessment is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans and program proposals, to support environmentally sound decision-making. In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010), a strategic environmental assessment was conducted for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan.

Many positive outcomes are expected as a result of implementing the management plan, such as: the conservation of the cultural resources that contribute to the commemorative integrity of the site; enhanced visitor experience offerings founded on the principles of accessibility and inclusion; enhanced relationships with partners and stakeholders; the development of new and innovative programming; and strengthened relationships with Musqueam, who have connections to the lands and waters where the site is located. Operations at the site are required to mitigate impacts on climate according to the Greening Government Strategy and the management plan is anticipated to modestly contribute to the relevant goals of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

There are no important negative environmental effects anticipated from the implementation of the management plan. Potential negative effects can be minimised by adhering to appropriate standards and guidelines, applicable legislation, relevant policy instruments, and collaboration with the Parks Canada Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate. Any individual projects proposed at the national historic site will be evaluated separately under the Impact Assessment Act 2019 or successor legislation.

Comments and feedback from Indigenous communities, partners, stakeholders and the public on the draft management plan will be considered in developing the final Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan and the supporting strategic environmental assessment.