Banff National Park planning

A management plan is a public document, prepared in consultation with Indigenous peoples and Canadians. It sets out a long-term vision for a national park, as well as strategic direction to guide decision-making about the park for a five to ten year period.

The management plan is the main public accountability document for a national park. It is the road map that guides Parks Canada’s work to protect natural and cultural resources while facilitating visitor experiences and learning opportunities. It also helps Parks Canada make sound decisions about where to invest financial and human resources.

• Management planning and implementation is a continuous cycle of engagement, decision-making, evaluating and reporting.
• State of the Park Assessments are a partial report card on the condition of a park. They are prepared two years before a new plan is due to set the stage for the management plan review.
• Parks Canada sets the scope of the plan review based on the State of the Park Assessment, evaluation of the current management plan, public feedback, Indigenous perspectives, the Agency’s strategic priorities and other factors.
• Parks Canada develops draft new management plan content, which is provided to Indigenous peoples and the public for feedback.
• The final plans are approved by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and tabled in Parliament.
• Each park reports annually on progress in implementing its management plan through public meetings or written reports.

As a member of the federal Crown, Parks Canada has a special relationship with Indigenous peoples. The management plan review is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. We will offer opportunities for Indigenous communities and organizations to engage directly with us during the management plan review.

Parks Canada welcomes the participation of Canadians in the management plan review. Public involvement ensures that park management plans reflect the perspectives of Canadians. Each park will offer a variety of ways to get involved—from workshops or public meetings to online forums.

1. Moving forward, not starting anew
   While the new plans will build on existing policy and plan direction, they will be rewritten and updated to better address emerging issues, new knowledge and the results of engagement processes. The new plans will provide more clarity; respond to government priorities and Parks Canada Agency strategic direction; and reaffirm ecological and commemorative integrity as the first priorities.
2. A platform for relationship building
   Parks Canada will use the plan review process to continue its work with the public, partners and Indigenous groups to help advance shared goals for conservation and enjoyment of the mountain national parks. Engagement on the development of the plans presents opportunities to incorporate principles and actions respecting the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.
3. Decision making that is guided by science and Indigenous traditional knowledge
   Parks Canada will use the plan review to reaffirm ecological integrity as its first priority in the management of national parks. To ensure it can respond to the challenges of climate change, impacts to ecological integrity, and development and commercial pressures, Parks Canada will advance and make the best use of conservation science and Indigenous traditional knowledge. This framework will safeguard these parks as treasured places for generations to come.
4. Openness and transparency
   The management plan review process provides an opportunity for increased public and Indigenous involvement and for Parks Canada to demonstrate transparency in its decision making.