Halifax Defence Complex Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

by ahnationtalk on August 13, 2020459 Views

Plan contributes to preserving our nation’s heritage and connecting Canadians to history in Atlantic Canada

August 13, 2020 Halifax, NS Parks Canada Agency

The management plan for the national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex was tabled in Parliament on August 12. The Halifax Defence Complex consists of five national historic sites of Canada on or near the shores of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia: Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower and York Redoubt.

Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a requirement of the Parks Canada Agency Act and guide the management of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

Three key strategies have been developed to guide the management of the Halifax Defence Complex for the next ten years:

· Connecting diverse audiences through broadened perspectives;

· Evocative visitor experiences anchored by original cultural resources; and

· Valued as part of Halifax’s vibrant urban fabric.

National historic sites reflect the rich and diverse heritage of our nation. Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrate Indigenous peoples, their histories, and cultures, as well as their special relationship with the lands and waters. The Halifax Defence Complex Management Plan includes initiatives aimed at increasing and improving collaboration with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, on whose traditional territories these fortifications were first built, and integrating their perspectives in the overall site presentation and knowledge.

The management plan for the national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex was based on input from Indigenous communities of Mi’kma’ki, regional residents, partners, provincial and regional tourism organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as visitors past and present. Through this management plan, Parks Canada will protect an important example of Canada’s cultural heritage, engage and collaborate with Indigenous peoples, and provide an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover history in new and innovative ways.

The Halifax Defence Complex Management Plan is available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/info/planning/gestion-management-2020.

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Quotes

“Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. They represent the best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the management plan that will help shape the future of these treasured places. As the Member of Parliament for Halifax, I applaud this collaborative effort to ensure that Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the sites collectively referred to as the Halifax Defence Complex can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts

In 1965, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized the importance of Halifax as one of four principal overseas naval stations of the British Empire during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and that the Halifax Defence Complex represents a complete overview of shore defences from the 18th century to the Second World War.
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the flagship site of the Halifax Defence Complex, is an important landmark in downtown Halifax. The site receives more than 200,000 visitors annually within the fortifications and another 600,000 to the grounds, and is a popular destination for recreation and community events.
The Government of Canada celebrates families with free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under. Parks Canada’s national heritage places are a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.

Associated links

Contacts

Danielle Renault Hickey
Communications Officer
Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit, Parks Canada
902-488-4494
danielle.hickey@canada.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
1-855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca

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