Feedback wanted on plan for historic sites
Parks Canada is proposing a plan for its Niagara National Historic Sites that includes new marketing strategies, more Indigenous voices and a focus on conserving cultural heritage.
The agency is asking for public feedback on the draft version of its management plan, which provides strategies and objectives for the next 10 years for seven Niagara sites related to the War of 1812.
They are Fort George, Butler’s Barracks, Fort Mississauga, Navy Island, Queenston Heights, Mississauga Point Lighthouse and the Battlefield of Fort George.
The plan will replace a 2007 management plan and includes three key strategies Parks Canada says are aimed at enhancing the sites.
The first focuses on establishing the Niagara National Historic Sites as the premier cultural heritage destination in the region by promoting the sites as a single destination through marketing and partnerships. Common signage for the seven sites, improving wayfinding and working to develop improved interpretive tools are part of the strategy.
Another goal is to empower Indigenous voices by collaborating with Indigenous communities to create or co-create programming. As well, Parks Canada would increase the presence of Indigenous culture and history at the sites.
The strategy also aims to maintain and protect the integrity of heritage buildings, archaeological resources and the cultural landscape.
Citizens can read the draft plan for themselves and share their ideas online at Parks Canada website until July 27.
There’s also a public drop-in presentation session this Wednesday July 18 at Navy Hall, 305 Ricardo Street in Niagara-onthe-Lake. Presentations followed by a question and answer period will be held on the hour, every hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.