3.0 Strategic Direction for Commemorative Integrity, 
Stewardship & Visitor Services ~

3.2 Guiding Direction

Parks Canada's Business Plan

Parks Canada's National Business Plan reflects a commitment to maintain, protect and present Canada's current system of national parks and national historic sites, and to expand the system to meet government direction. The plan essentially positions Parks Canada to accomplish this in a continuing environment of government restraint and declining appropriations.

The plan is based on an entrepreneurial approach to manage all revenues and costs wisely and efficiently. The essential objective of the plan is to achieve a sound financial basis for Parks Canada so that it can meet its three basic accountabilities:

• ensuring ecological and commemorative integrity

• providing services to clients

• expending public funds wisely and efficiently

Cultural Resource Management Principles

The management and operation of Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada are guided by Parks Canada's Cultural Resource Management Policy. Five principles have been established to provide a framework within which decision-making occurs:

• principles of value

• principles of public benefit

• principles of understanding

• principles of respect

• principles of integrity

Cultural resource management is an integrated and holistic approach to the management of cultural resources. It applies to all activities that impact on cultural resources whether they relate to protection, maintenance, appreciation or use. These principles are not exclusive, rather they share common elements and work most effectively when considered together. They are applied on a case by-case basis when considering individual or assemblages of cultural resources, as well as at the level of the overall management of the national historic site. Their application is the foundation for good cultural resource management because the principles are the means for evaluating the appropriateness of actions. They are integral to the successful management of the Site, and for Parks Canada staff and partners in all cooperative or shared management activities. 

Working Together - Toward Shared Management

One of Parks Canada's guiding principles establishes the need to cooperate with a broad range of government agencies, nonprofit groups, individuals and the private sector. This approach is reflected in Parks Canada's Business Plan which sets out a vision of shared responsibility and stewardship for Canada's heritage places. These relationships support regional integration, partnerships and all kinds of formal and informal arrangements for protection, presentation, programs and services. This trend will continue and be strengthened because of the recognition of the role these relationships can bring the Site. The shift here is one from a tradition of ownership to one based on leadership, facilitation and stewardship, essentially a sharing of responsibilities with others in decision-making and program delivery.

Fortress of Louisbourg staff will assess opportunities for partnerships to achieve common objectives in the areas of commemorative integrity, natural resource protection and presentation, in the delivery of services to visitors, and in marketing the Site as a major destination and attraction. There is a need to integrate the planning, management and operation of the Site with that of the surrounding communities so as to have a positive impact on the region.

Revenue Generation Framework

A new approach to revenue-cost management has been developed for Parks Canada. Treasury Board policy provides guidance in the area of cost recovery and user fees. The basic concept is to have individuals pay for services and benefits that they receive. Where all Canadians benefit, these services and benefits are financed through appropriations. In line with this concept, Parks Canada charges a nominal fee for entry to the site and some basic services. All services that go beyond the basic level have a higher fee in line with the personal benefit received. In future, revenue generated at the Site will remain at the Site to help pay for the services offered. 

Staff will undertake a business analysis of current and future services and will review and update fees to ensure they are fair, appropriate and in line with the value of the service offered. This will be accomplished in consultation with partners and the public.

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