Management statement

Foreword

Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians and offer truly Canadian experiences.

These special places make up one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.

The Government is committed to preserving our natural and cultural heritage, expanding the system of protected places and contributing to the recovery of species-at-risk. At the same time, we must continue to offer new and innovative visitor and outreach programs and activities so that more Canadians can experience Parks Canada places and learn about our environment, history and culture.

This new management statement for Castle Hill National Historic Site of Canada supports this vision.

Management statements are developed through extensive consultation and input from various people and organizations, including Indigenous peoples, local and regional residents, visitors and the dedicated team at Parks Canada.

National parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas are a priority for the Government of Canada. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this plan for their commitment and spirit of co-operation.

As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort and I am pleased to approve the Castle Hill National Historic Site of Canada Management Statement.

Original signed by

Recommendations

Recommended and original signed by

Introduction

The Parks Canada Agency manages 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. This management statement outlines Parks Canada's management approach and objectives for Castle Hill National Historic Site.

Management Approach

Parks Canada is responsible for all cultural resources, natural features, and contemporary assets within the administered area for Castle Hill National Historic Site. A self-guided site, Castle Hill is open daily from early June to Labour Day and also hosts special events, such as Learn to Camp, and off-season activities whenever possible. Parks Canada will continue to engage Indigenous partners, key stakeholders, including from the francophone community, the public, and regional partners to ensure that Castle Hill National Historic Site remains a cultural and tourism focal point for the Placentia region.

Management Objective

• Building Relationships with Indigenous Partners:Fostering positive relationships with Indigenous peoples, in the spirit of reconciliation and healing, is a high priority for Parks Canada. Parks Canada will work closely with Indigenous partners to explore aspects of Castle Hill National Historic Site's historical and cultural significance and pursue opportunities to feature Indigenous stories and activities at the site, including opportunities for Indigenous partners to tell their own stories.
• Resource Conservation: At Castle Hill National Historic Site, the focus is on adding to the archaeological and historical research records, undertaking vegetation control to mitigate risks to historic resources and view planes, implementing preventive conseivation and maintenance measures for cultural resources, and monitoring for species at risk that may occur within the site. In addition, Parks Canada will work with others to ensure the protection and understanding of the site's cultural resources as well as associated sites that lie outside the boundaries of Castle Hill National Historic Site.
• Visitor Experience: Parks Canada will continue to offer high quality, primarily self-guided visitor experience opportunities focused on the cultural and natural treasures at Castle Hill National Historic Site. Parks Canada will also engage partner and stakeholder organizations to pursue opportunities for special events, programs, and visitor seivices. Visitor experience facilities, signage, and exhibits will be maintained according to Parks Canada standards and policies. Parks Canada will continue to monitor visitor use, identify hazards, and mitigate risks to ensure visitors to Castle Hill National Historic Site have safe and memorable experiences.
• Public Awareness and Appreciation:Parks Canada provides information about Castle Hill National Historic Site on the Parks Canada website and social media channels as well as the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Through collaborating with thematically-linked heritage places, such as Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and with regional tourism and cultural stakeholders, Parks Canada will pursue promotional, public outreach and media opportunities to increase public awareness and appreciation of Castle Hill National Historic Site.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

In accordance with The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010), a strategic environmental assessment is conducted on all management statements tabled in Parliament. The strategic environmental assessment for the Castle Hill National Historic Site assessed the potential effects on natural and cultural resources and visitor experience. The strategic environmental assessment concluded that the proposed management statement for Castle Hill National Historic Site would have positive effects on cultural resources and visitor experience. Potential environmental effects on vegetation and migratory birds were identified but the effects can be mitigated through project-level impact assessments when necessary. The Plan supports the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of Connecting Canadians with Nature. There are no important negative environmental effects anticipated from management statement implementation.