4.0 Site Administration and Operations

 4.1 PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety at Fortress of Louisbourg presents many challenges. The priority is on accident prevention and quick response to environmental and emergency situations. Parks Canada has a policy that emphasizes that both Site staff and the visitor have a role to play in ensuring safety. To support this, all current and new programs and activities undergo a risk assessment and are included in a public safety plan.

First there is the reconstructed townsite, where 18th century accuracy and design have created some risks for visitors, including high unprotected walls and ramparts, uneven steps and stairs, narrow, dimly lit stairwells and halls. All contribute immensely to the 18th century atmosphere, but create risks for visitors.

Structural fire within the reconstructed townsite is a concern for the risk it poses to visitors and the buildings. Building materials vary from stone to wood so hazard conditions vary as a result. The close proximity of buildings to each other, and the direction of the prevailing winds are contributing factors increasing the risk as are the adequacy of fire protection and suppression measures.

Second, there is the remainder of the National Historic Site, covering some 6,000 hectares. Here, the variety of activities, the ruggedness of the terrain and coastline, the rip tides and currents and weather all contribute to safety concerns. Activities include hiking, biking and driving along trails and roads, swimming at Kennington Cove, diving in the harbour, cross-country skiing, and fishing in the lakes and streams.

The Site's facilities are monitored regularly to ensure that activities are carried out as safely as possible. Patrols are undertaken throughout the Site. Various emergency plans are in place to deal with problems that may occur. Visitors are made aware of risks and hazards through information brochures, signs and personal contact with staff. Training of staff is an integral part of planning and delivering public safety programs. The Warden Service is trained to handle many situations and a number of arrangements are in place for additional assistance with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Coast Guard, Emergency Measures Organization, etc.

Strategic Actions

• Public safety programs, including training, signs and other forms of safety information, will be maintained and developed so that visitors are aware of and informed about risks. The focus will be on accident prevention and programming, and emergency and environmental planning.

• Visitors will be encouraged to learn about the risks inherent in the activities in which they participate so that they will become more self-reliant and assume some responsibility for their safety.

• Site staff will continue to cooperate with other agencies to plan, develop and implement public, emergency and environmental safety programs. Where relevant, agreements will be used to identify cooperative responsibilities.

• Surf guard service will be maintained at Kennington Cove, but will be evaluated for its on-going effectiveness regarding public safety. Other safety measures for Kennington Cove will be considered and implemented if necessary.

• The effectiveness of fire protection and suppression measures within the reconstructed townsite will continue to be monitored to ensure risks are minimized.

• Road conditions and traffic volumes will be monitored to identify hazards to visitors.

The extensive and diverse nature of the Site's cultural and natural resources, its contemporary assets and its infrastructure all require protection and proper maintenance. Actions are required to ensure the Site's cultural and natural resources are protected from such risks as fire, theft and vandalism, and that the reconstructed townsite, the visitor centre, and the administration/ maintenance compound, containing 18 buildings, are also cared for properly.

Fire Protection

Since 1961, there have been a number of small forest fires along the Site's boundary, all originating on provincial land. In addition, there have been a number of minor fires within the reconstructed townsite. In 1974, however, a fire in the King's Bastion caused extensive damage to the Chapel.

One problem in protecting the reconstructed townsite from fire is the reliability of the water supply. Water is supplied to the townsite by means of a branch line from the municipal system originating at Kelly's Lake, just outside the Site's northern boundary. General use storage and fire-fighting reserve is supplied through an elevated tank located near the administration/ maintenance compound. The distribution system within the reconstructed townsite consists of a loop of pipes of various sizes, and hydrants.

The system was developed in the late 1960s. Breaks in the water line began in the late 1970s and have occurred sporadically since then. The system has been evaluated and recommendations have been made to address the system's reliability to provide required flows under fire conditions, including identification of alternative water sources.

Replacement of the waterline and installation of sprinklers in critical structures has begun. Completion of the waterline will be phased over the next few years, while sprinklers will be installed as buildings are recapitalized.

Detection of fires is another issue. The existing detection system does not encompass all major buildings at the reconstructed townsite or at the administration/ maintenance compound. Central monitoring for the system is carried out by staff from the Fire Hall within the reconstructed townsite. Parks Canada is also able to call on the Louisbourg Volunteer Fire Department for assistance in fighting fires, but the volunteer nature of the force means that its availability at certain times is a concern. In the forested areas of the Site a severe infestation of spruce budworm in the late 1970s and early 1980s killed most of the balsam fir. Dead trees and windfalls are abundant, creating an increased fuel load. Parks Canada has an agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, which operates a fire lookout tower at MacLeod's Lake, north of the Site, to report any smoke detected and provide fire suppression assistance as required. 

Security

A variety of protective measures have been put in place for the security of buildings and their contents from theft and vandalism. These include guards, perimeter fencing, external lighting, intrusion alarms, electronic surveillance, and restricted areas. Buildings protected have included the reconstructed townsite, visitor centre, and administration/maintenance compound.

Although there have not been many significant security problems, security measures are necessary because of the value of the Site's buildings and contents, particularly the vast collections. Until 1993 the Corps of Commissionaires was largely responsible for security service outside the reconstructed townsite. This service was reduced then, and other measures, such as intrusion alarm systems, became increasingly important. Today, a combination of wardens, security/fire staff, commissionaires, and electronic systems provide security.

Enforcement and Regulations

Enforcement at Fortress of Louisbourg relies on a variety of federal and provincial statutes to prevent illegal activities and provide the necessary authorities to fulfill Parks Canada's protection mandate. This is required because the existing National Historic Park Regulations are not comprehensive enough to address all the enforcement issues that arise in the management and operation of the Site with its range of cultural and natural resources, and visitor activities. For example, the Provincial Game Sanctuary Regulations still apply in Lot 3 and in the rest of the Site in certain circumstances.

Current law enforcement concerns include theft, vandalism, poaching, use of liquor and metal detectors. Arrangements are in place for RCMP assistance when necessary. Nevertheless, some of the more minor enforcement requirements are not priorities for the RCMP, who are 45 kilometres away.

Good law enforcement includes providing accurate information about rules and regulations, identifying and correcting potential problem situations, and requesting compliance. However, when enforcement is required, the myriad of federal and provincial statutes and regulations is confusing to staff, the public, and other enforcement personnel. This issue is applicable to other national historic sites across Canada and should be considered from a national perspective.

Strategic Actions

• The need for a reliable water supply to the maintenance compound and reconstructed townsite that satisfies requirements for fire-fighting and sanitary purposes will be addressed when resources permit.

• The Site's fire fighting capability for structural fires will continue to be evaluated to ensure appropriate coverage is in place and is cost-effective.

• Fire alarm and detection systems will be extended to include the remaining major buildings at the administration/maintenance compound as required.

• The sprinkler system at the reconstructed townsite will be extended to cover all areas of the King's Bastion, Bigot House and other identified areas as recommended by the Dominion Fire Commissioner.

• An agreement with the Louisbourg Volunteer Fire Department for assistance in fighting fires will be pursued by Parks Canada.

• Security systems will be expanded to provide better protection for buildings and their contents.

• Training in security awareness and procedures will be provided for all staff.

• Site staff will participate in any forum organized to assess regulations and enforcement in national historic sites.

Revenue generation is an important component of the Site's business plan. Parks Canada will continue to charge an entrance fee to the reconstructed townsite that will reflect revenue policy, the service provided and market conditions. Parks Canada will continue to negotiate satisfactory financial arrangements with the Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers for the services they provide to visitors.

In future, staff will entertain proposals from others for a variety of services and programs. Revenue generation will be enhanced through such avenues as concessions, rental fees, royalties, special events, corporate sponsorships, etc. All will play a role as staff strengthen their cooperative working relationships and partnership approach.

Revenue generating opportunities will be evaluated in the context of achieving commemorative integrity and in ensuring their sustainability. The underlying objectives for considering these ideas are to increase revenues, sustain/enhance services and programs, and support employment opportunities in an area that has been hit hard by the downturn in the fishery.
  

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