Public consultation report September 2017

The people, in particular those who participated in the guided tour, expressed that they were very curious about the work that Parks Canada does for the conservation and restoration of the fortifications. Several subjects on the precise nature of the work, restoration processes and origin of the material generated interest. In their eyes, it is important and necessary to pursue the conservation work, allocating budgets in the medium- and long-term, ensuring the durability and presentation of the defensive structures. It is considered that the site’s heritage character should be retained with as much integrity as possible in order to preserve this “inalienable heritage at the heart of the history of Québec City, of the aboriginal people [and of] Canada as a whole.” Some specified that the equipment maintenance budgets (fences, paint, benches, etc.), which are deemed secondary, should also be retained.

It was proposed that Parks Canada undertake a new phase of archaeological excavations at the Montmorency Park National Historic Site, which would provide the opportunity to present the site’s parliamentary history. It was even expressed that a permanent exhibit resembling the archaeological crypt of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site be considered.

It was criticized that some elements of the historic sites appear to have been forgotten in the statement of strategies, such as the Governors’ Garden and the New Barracks sector.

The lack of positioning with regards to the Palace Gate was pointed out. The gate’s disappearance from the landscape created a gap in the northeast section of the fortification wall. Hope that it would be permanently rebuilt was expressed, enabling the completion of the enceinte formed by the fortification walls.

Furthermore, it was pointed out that the management plan is essentially based on real property and that there is little reference to the archaeological and ethnological collections or to the intangible heritage.

Finally, the importance of the archaeological collections for the knowledge and presentation of the heritage of Québec City, including Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was highlighted. Moreover, it is deemed that these collections should be stored, presented and managed in situ, preferable in partnership.

The condition of the cultural landscapes of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site is a concern. The growth of the vegetation has gradually obstructed some of the significant views that constitute the characteristic features of these landscapes. The preservation of these views is a desire shared by most of the people consulted. However, the importance of maintaining and increasing the canopy index in Old Québec is not forgotten. It was said to work together with the actors, mainly at the municipal level, for there to be consistency in the actions undertaken.

Within a few years, the vast majority of ash trees at the historic sites will have to be cut down because of the emerald ash borer, recently detected in Québec City. One person wishes to know which actions Parks Canada intends to take to promote the renewal of these trees.

Many consider that “the stones and artifacts” are a treasure to be preserved and made know to both today’s and future generations. The fortifications are the hallmark of the city and make it possible to learn more about the various characters that helped shape history and about the social context during that period.

Some people observed that some of the presentation techniques are outdated. Consequently, it was asked on several occasions if new museological or presentation projects were being planned for the coming years, such as a lighting plan, an archaeological presentation, the rebuilding of a gate, the development of other themes (role of some of the sites and characters, for example), and the enhancement of the posterns’ value.

Some of the cultural partners would like to be informed of the fortifications’ ensuing interpretative development plan in order to fuel reflection and draw inspiration from it in their own historic development. These exchanges can thus offer additional products to visitors.

It was mentioned that the widest possible range of experiences and activities should continue to be offered, even if they are only proposed on an occasional basis. Some expressed the desire to present a greater variety of themes.

One person even proposed that a portion of the funds invested in the restoration and conservation of the built assets be allocated to “initiatives for the presentation, education and promotion of the historic sites managed by Parks Canada in the Québec City area.” It was specified that for the better understanding the country’s history it is not enough to simply have historic structures in good condition; explanation is also required. The vital role of Parks Canada’s historic sites in educating the public about the essence of Canadian history was often recalled.

The issue concerning the recognition of the fortifications as an important factor in the designation of the Historic District of Old Québec as a World Heritage Site gave rise to different points of view according to each individual’s perspective, be it as a resident, a partner in the museum industry or an event organizer.

Some believe that it is necessary to inform Québec City’s Bureau des grands événements, event organizers and the Société de développement commercial du Vieux-Québec of the values associated with heritage. Along the same lines, it was suggested to promote synergy with other tourism authorities with objectives that are complementary to those of Parks Canada, thus supporting this recognition (for example, l’îlot des Palais, the Place-Royale and the Royal Battery). It was proposed to encourage regular meetings to align Parks Canada’s directions with those of event organizers.

The residents stressed that it is important that Old Québec does not simply become a “post card” that only attracts tourists. In this regard, it is important to support residential life in the neighbourhood while preserving its history.

Finally, it appears that the statement of strategy No. 3 requires clarification. “Promoting cooperation among the various stakeholders and raising their awareness in order to ensure that the new initiatives at the heart of the Historic District of Québec City will not compromise the commemorative integrity of the fortifications and consequently its outstanding universal value,” is an important intention of Parks Canada that is shared by many, but interpreted differently depending on the groups and organizations heard. One of the objectives of this management plan is that the outstanding universal value of the Historic District of Old Québec as defined by UNESCO is taken into consideration in the planning of all urban development projects by third parties, particularly in the vicinity of the fortifications.

Some people have interpreted that the Agency wishes to put in place corrective measures related to the laws and regulations that would have a negative impact on the partners that would like to develop the sites that are adjacent to those of Parks Canada. It was mentioned that it would be interesting if Parks Canada could take action prior to planning joint projects with Québec City. It was also suggested that Parks Canada take on the role of raising awareness among the federal agencies present in Old Québec of this world heritage. Finally, it was desired that Parks Canada continue playing an active role as advisor in the conduct of heritage impact studies.

From a tourism point of view, it is desired that Parks Canada play a leadership role in the use and promotion of the “UNESCO label”, which could be further exploited and better known to emphasize the outstanding universal value of the Historic District of Old Québec. In this perspective, Parks Canada should encourage joint collaboration around the “UNESCO product” and its heritage that is to be protected and promoted.

Tourists are drawn to Québec City for its history and heritage. The fortifications of Québec contribute significantly to this cultural wealth. One of Parks Canada’s objectives is to ensure that the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site be known and recognized by visitors and key stakeholders alike.

It was suggested that the Québec City Field Unit promote the national historic sites with a greater collaboration with the Québec City region’s tourism industry. This joint effort would enable an increase of the promotion of religious and military tourism over the next few years.

The tourism industry relies on the events held in Québec City, which can serve as triggers giving rise to increased visitation and become urban outreach tools. It was also expressed that research in tourism carried out by Québec City, by the tourism industry and by Parks Canada should be shared in view of promoting work collaboration and sharing.

It was also desired that Parks Canada continue to invest in the school clientele and show interest in emerging clienteles.

To compensate for the lack of visibility of the national historic sites managed by Parks Canada, some proposed installing booths near the gates of the fortified city and on Dufferin Terrace, thus encouraging people to come visit the sites and follow the Parks Canada guides. Others suggested increasing publicity on television and in newspapers.