Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada management plan 2018

Table of contents

• Foreword
• Recommendations
• Executive Summary
• 1.0 Introduction
• 2.0 Significance of Niagara National Historic Sites
• 3.0 Planning Context
• 4.0 Vision
• 5.0 Key Strategies
• 6.0 Management Areas
• 7.0 Summary of Strategic Environmental Assessment

Maps

• Map 1: Regional Setting
• Map 2: Niagara National Historic Sites Administered by Parks Canada in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Map 3: Lakeshore Properties and Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2018.

For more information about the management plan or about Niagara National Historic Sites:

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 plan for Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada supports this vision.

Management plans 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 Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada Management Plan.

Original signed by

Recommendations

Recommended and original signed by

Executive Summary

The Niagara National Historic Sites are a collection of seven sites located in the Niagara Region. Primarily reflecting the region’s nationally significant military heritage, the sites include: Fort George, Butler’s Barracks, Fort Mississauga, Queenston Heights, Navy Island, Mississauga Point Lighthouse and the Battlefield of Fort George.

These sites are located at the epicentre of the primary land battles of the War of 1812 and collectively represent the defence of Canada and the birth of the nation. The sites also include thousands of years of Indigenous heritage and are important markers of the contribution of local Indigenous communities to the defence of Canada during the War of 1812.

With the exception of Brock’s Monument (at Queenston) and Navy Island (upstream from Niagara Falls), the national historic sites administered by Parks Canada in the Niagara Region are located within the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, at the mouth of the Niagara River. Fort George National Historic Site is the primary visitor experience for Parks Canada sites, welcoming, on average, 73,000 visitors each year.

This management plan has been developed with input from Indigenous and public consultations and includes a new vision for Niagara National Historic Sites that will guide management over the next ten years. The following three key strategies and an area management approach frame the management direction for these sites:

Key strategy 1: Conserving Niagara’s Cultural Heritage

This strategy focuses on the maintenance and conservation of the heritage value of buildings, archaeological resources and the cultural landscape to ensure the long term sustainability of the sites. Cultural resource management will be integrated with experiences that not only captivate visitors, but contribute to the stewardship of the site’s cultural resources.

Key strategy 2: Empowering Indigenous Voices

This strategy will invite open dialogue with local and regional Indigenous communities to better understand their needs and interests in the Niagara National Historic Sites and how Indigenous culture can be shared with visitors and Canadians.

Key strategy 3: Niagara National Historic Sites: A Premier Canadian Heritage Destination

Two important themes make up this strategy. First is a focus on the promotion of a single destination -Niagara National Historic Sites- through strategic marketing and partnerships. Second, the portfolio of our seven sites will be used to connect visitors with nature and cultural heritage through creative, innovative and sustainable programs and events.

Management Area: Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site and Adjacent Properties
Through preliminary stakeholder and public consultation, five values and principles were developed to set the framework for continued dialogue with the community, partners and stakeholders, and guide Parks Canada’s decision-making with regard to these properties in the future. These values and principles are:

Connecting Canadians with our natural and cultural heritage;
Protecting and preserving our natural and cultural resources for future generations;
Commemorating the human history of the Niagara National Historic Sites;
Facilitating public access and balancing sustainability; and
Fostering community engagement and collaboration.

The three key strategies and area management approach set the stage for a revitalized collection of national historic sites that will serve as the foundation for unforgettable experiences and special events at Niagara National Historic Sites for years to come. Working with Indigenous peoples, partners and stakeholders in the region and local community will ensure the conservation and maintenance of cultural resources, and increase the profile and visitation for Niagara National Historic Sites.

 

 

1.0 Introduction

Parks Canada 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. Future-oriented, strategic management of each national park, national marine conservation area, heritage canal and those national historic sites administered by Parks Canada supports the Agency’s vision:

The Parks Canada Agency Act requires Parks Canada to prepare a management plan for national historic sites administered by the Agency. The Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada Management Plan, once approved by the Minister responsible for Parks Canada and tabled in Parliament, ensures Parks Canada’s accountability to Canadians, outlining how the management team of these historic sites will achieve measurable results in support of the Agency’s mandate.

Indigenous peoples and Canadians were involved in the preparation of the management plan, helping to shape the future direction of the Niagara National Historic Sites. The plan sets clear, strategic direction for the management and operation of the Niagara National Historic Sites by articulating a vision, key strategies and objectives. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives.

This plan is not an end in itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open dialogue on the implementation of the management plan to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives and will review the plan every ten years or sooner if required. The plan will serve as the focus for ongoing engagement on the management of Niagara National Historic Sites in years to come.

2.0 Significance of Niagara National Historic Sites

The Niagara National Historic Sites are a collection of seven sites located in the Niagara Region. Primarily reflecting the region’s nationally significant military heritage, the sites are briefly described below and shown on Map 1.

Fort George National Historic Site:

Designated in 1921, Fort George is of national historic significance because it served as the principal fortification on the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812, and, as Headquarters of the Centre Division of the British Army, the site played a key role in the defence of Upper Canada. Fort George is the signature element of visitor experience among the seven national historic sites, providing a glimpse into one of the most important chapters of Canadian history. Attacked and destroyed by American soldiers during the War of 1812, the sprawling complex has been faithfully reconstructed, with rebuilt officers’ quarters, barracks and other buildings joining an original 1796 stone powder magazine that survived the Battle of Fort George.

Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site:

Butler’s Barracks is of national historic significance because the four remaining 19th century military buildings are essential and integral elements in the complex of military structures at the mouth of the Niagara River; and because of their role in the military history of the area. In addition, the Indian Council House on the Common adjacent to Butler’s Barracks played an important role in consultations between the British Indian Department and their Indigenous allies. Butler’s Barracks was designated a national historic site in 1963.

Fort Mississauga National Historic Site:

An important example of military construction within a military complex of national historic importance, Fort Mississauga was designated as a national historic site in 1960. Completed after the War of 1812, the fort and its central tower were strategically located at the mouth of the Niagara River to protect the British/Canadian side of the Niagara frontier and to serve as a counter to Fort Niagara.

Navy Island National Historic Site:

Navy Island is of national historic significance because of its role as the first British shipyard serving the upper Great Lakes, and for its role in the Mackenzie Rebellion. Navy Island was designated as a national historic site in 1921.

Queenston Heights National Historic Site:

Queenston Heights is of national historic significance because of the important battle fought here, when an attempted invasion by American troops was repulsed by British, Canadian and Indigenous forces early in the War of 1812. Brock’s Monument, located at Queenston Heights, was transferred to Parks Canada from the Niagara Parks Commission in 2003.

Map 1 Regional Setting - Niagara National Historic Sites

Mississauga Point Lighthouse National Historic Site:

Built in 1804, Mississauga Point Lighthouse was commemorated by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board in 1937 as the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was damaged during the Battle of Fort George in 1813, and demolished by the British a year later in order to construct Fort Mississauga on the same site. The precise location of the lighthouse is unknown.

Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site:

The Battlefield of Fort George was designated as a site of national significance in 1921. Fought in May 1813, the battle of Fort George gave the American army temporary control over the entrance to the Niagara River and blocked vital British supply lines to the western posts.

3.0 Planning Context

The Town of Niagara was captured and occupied for seven months in 1813 by American troops and Canadian sympathizers, who burned it to the ground during their retreat that December. Today, the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its 19^th century character and charm, is built upon the foundations of the earlier town. The historic core of the town is a National Historic Site.

With the exception of Brock’s Monument (at Queenston) and Navy Island (upstream from Niagara Falls), the national historic sites administered by Parks Canada in the Niagara Region are located within the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, at the mouth of the Niagara River (see Map 2). Fort George National Historic Site is the primary visitor experience for Parks Canada’s sites in this area, welcoming, on average, 73,000 visitors each year. In 2016, over 60% of visitors to Fort George National Historic Site were international visitors, mostly from the north eastern United States.

Well known for its wineries and locavore culture, the Niagara Region hosts a number of major tourist destinations that draw millions of visitors each year. Nearby Niagara Falls is one of North America’s largest tourism attractions, drawing over 12 million visitors yearly, and is less than a 20 minute drive from the Niagara National Historic Sites. Niagara-on-the-Lake draws more than 2.5 million visitors a year, who enjoy the wineries, fine restaurants, the Shaw Festival Theatre, the ambiance of the town, and the many historic sites. The town is also easily accessible from both Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe (including the Greater Toronto Area) and the population centres of western New York State such as Buffalo.

Parks Canada’s national historic sites in the Niagara Region share a common theme of military activity. They are part of a larger collection of historic places in the Peninsula, ranging from other national historic sites associated with the War of 1812, such as the Battlefields of Lundy’s Lane and Chippewa, to the Willowbank Estate and the early 19th century Niagara Apothecary.

This management plan replaces the 2007 Management Plan for Fort George, Butler’s Barracks, Fort Mississauga, Navy Island, Queenston Heights, Mississauga Point Lighthouse and Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Sites which provided management direction for many improvements to commemorative integrity, visitor experience and external relations. Since 2007, the sites have advanced relations with the broader community in all aspects. The sites are more integrated into local tourism infrastructure, relations with Indigenous communities have advanced in demonstrable ways and community organizations are closely connected with Parks Canada's operations.

With respect to cultural integrity, conservation work has progressed on several of the sites and planning is in place for others. A 2015 State of Sites Assessment identified a number of opportunities and challenges that were considered during the review and development of this plan. They include the need to:

The three key strategies and area management approach detailed in this plan address these opportunities and challenges and move the site towards a long term vision. The objectives and targets presented herein are meant to be achievable within the available resources of Parks Canada.

Map 2 National Historic Sites Administered by Parks Canada in Niagara-on-the-Lake

4.0 Vision

5.0 Key Strategies

Three key strategies frame the management direction for Niagara National Historic Sites for the next 10 years. The strategies and corresponding objectives and targets focus
on achieving the vision for the sites through an integrated approach to the protection and presentation of cultural resources. Unless otherwise specified, all objectives and targets apply to all seven individual sites that make up Niagara National Historic Sites.

Key strategy 1:

Conserving Niagara’s Cultural Heritage

Cultural resources provide the foundation for unforgettable experiences at the Niagara National Historic Sites. The heritage value of the buildings, archaeological resources and the cultural landscape will be the focus of maintenance and conservation to ensure the long term sustainability of the sites. Cultural resource management will be integrated with experiences that not only captivate visitors, but contribute to the stewardship of the site’s cultural resources.

Key strategy 2:

Empowering Indigenous Voices

Open dialogue will be invited with local and regional Indigenous communities to better understand their needs and interests in the Niagara National Historic Sites  and how Indigenous culture can be shared with visitors and Canadians. Strengthening and celebrating the connection between the Niagara National Historic Sites and Indigenous peoples will be achieved in a spirit of reconciliation by offering an inclusive environment where Indigenous partners are empowered and encouraged to share their culture and history.

Key strategy 3:

Niagara National Historic Sites: A Premier Canadian Heritage Destination

Niagara National Historic Sites will be recognized as the premier cultural heritage destination and leading provider of heritage experiences in the Niagara Region, where visitors can experience and learn about stories that lead to the formation of Canada. This strategy has two important themes. First is a focus on the promotion of a single destination -Niagara National Historic Sites- through strategic marketing and partnerships. Secondly, the portfolio of our seven sites will connect visitors with nature and cultural heritage through creative, innovative and sustainable programs and events.

Promoting the Destination

Facilitating Epic Visitor Experiences

6.0 Management Areas

Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site and adjacent properties

Parks Canada owns 110.9 hectares of land along the South shore of Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known locally as the Lakeshore Road properties. The Lakeshore Road properties contain a mix of land uses and reflect centuries of human history including Indigenous peoples, agricultural development, military training and waste management. Despite the long period of military and municipal use, much of the property remains in a natural state including remnants of Carolinian forest, home to a number of native species including Species at Risk.

The key segments of the property include:

Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site

The boundaries of the Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site include land that Parks Canada owns and land within the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The portion of the land that Parks Canada owns  has been leased to the Department of National Defense and used as a Rifle Range for several decades. In 2015, Parks Canada entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment Foundation to set aside a parcel of this land near Lakeshore Road for the establishment of a new Niagara Military Heritage Centre.

Niagara Region Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated sewage lagoons

This property is leased to the Niagara Region. Since the former plant is almost at capacity, Parks Canada entered into a new land lease agreement with the Niagara Region and construction has begun on a new, more efficient plant with a significantly smaller footprint.

Map 3 Lakeshore Properties and Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site

Niagara Shores Park

This section of the property is owned and maintained by Parks Canada. The natural heritage features on the property include a variety of species as well as a diverse woodlot which includes Carolinian Forest species. Due to vandalism and repeated damage to the grounds, vehicular access to the park is now restricted while foot and bike access are encouraged.

Future Land Use

There is significant interest from the local community and stakeholders in the future use of the Battlefield of Fort George and adjacent properties (i.e. the former sewage lagoons and water treatment plan, and Niagara Shores Park). Through preliminary stakeholder and public consultation, the following values and principles were developed. They set the framework for continued dialogue with the community, partners and stakeholders, and guide Parks Canada’s decision-making with regard to these properties in the future:

• Connecting Canadians with our natural and cultural heritage;
• Protecting and preserving our natural and cultural resources for future generations;
• Commemorating the human history of the Niagara National Historic Sites;
• Facilitating public access and balancing sustainability; and
• Fostering community engagement and collaboration.

The shared values and principles are reflected in the initial objectives and targets for the Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site and adjacent properties. Once the Department of National Defence has remediated contaminants, removed unexploded ordnance, and returned the land to Parks Canada in an acceptable state, Parks Canada will initiate Indigenous and public engagement to determine future land use and ensure that the values and principles are respected.

7.0 Summary of Strategic Environmental Assessment

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was conducted for the Niagara National Historic Sites Management Plan pursuant to the 2010 “Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals” (CEA Agency/Privy Council Office 2010). Strategic Environmental Assessment provides an opportunity to identify broad and unintended impacts of proposed management actions resulting from a proposed policy, plan or program, including the cumulative environmental impacts of multiple activities. Strategic environmental assessment also informs the subsequent assessment of related projects.

The spatial scope of the SEA included areas within the boundaries of the seven Niagara National Historic Sites, and the temporal scope was a period of ten years from the date of plan approval, at which time the plan will be reviewed. In addition to the cultural resources, valued ecological components of note at the sites are Species at Risk and the shoreline components, mainly at Lakeshore Properties.

The most significant positive effect of the management plan will be to expose the Niagara National Historic Sites to many more visitors, improving awareness and appreciation of the historic value of the sites. Enhanced stability and conservation of the cultural and natural resources at these sites will contribute to the overall quality of the visitor experience. Any potential negative environmental effects from increased visitation or third party use of historic buildings can be mitigated through the use of existing policies and instruments. Project level impact assessment will be able to mitigate any potential adverse impacts from individual projects resulting from this plan.

The management plan supports the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) goal “Connecting Canadians with Nature”, and opportunities to address other FSDS goals such as the use of energy and water and reduction of waste can be considered during project development or in day-to-day operations.

If the appropriate mitigation measures are applied, there are no important adverse environmental effects anticipated from implementation of the management plan. The overall environmental effect of the objectives and targets of the plan are expected to be positive.