Province House National Historic Site of Canada and Seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island

Province House national historic site of canada and seat of the legislative assembly of prince edward island

Management Plan

Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island

m ay 2 0 0 5

Province House national historic site of canada and seat of the legislative assembly of prince edward island Management Plan ii

© Her Majesty the Queen in right of Library and Archives Canada Canada, represented by the Chief Cataloguing in Publication Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2005. Parks Canada. Atlantic Service Centre

Cette publication est aussi disponible Province House National Historic Site en français. of Canada and Seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island: Management Plan For more information about the Site Management Plan or about Issued also in French under title: Lieu Province House: historique national du Canada Province House et siège de l’Assemblée Province House National Historic Site législative de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard : of Canada and Seat of the Legislative plan directeur. Assembly of Prince Edward Island 2 Palmers Lane ISBN 0-662-38597-7 Charlottetown, PE C1A 5V6 CAT. NO. R64-302/2004E

Tel: (902) 566-7050 1. Province House National Historic Site Fax: (902) 566-7226 (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – Management. [email protected] 2. National parks and reserves – Prince www.pc.gc.ca Edward Island – Management. 3. National parks – Canada – Management. 4. Historic sites – Canada – Management. I. Title.

FC2614.P76 2004 333.78’097175 C2004-980331-X

Front Cover Image Credits

Background: J. Butterill, 1995; top: National Archives of Canada Left: Parks Canada; centre: Parks Canada; right: J. Butterill, 1995 Province House iii Management Plan

Foreword

Canada’s national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas represent the soul of our country. They are a central part of who we are and what we are. They are places of beauty and wonder and heritage. Each tells its own story. Together, they con- nect Canadians to our roots, to our future and to each other. We see a future in which each of the national historic sites of Canada, whether federally owned or not, enjoys sound commemorative health, and in which our system of sites evolves as our country evolves. Our national historic sites will be places for all Canadians to experience and learn from. They will help our communities to be vibrant and creative, and contribute to our efforts to revitalize Canada’s cities. Together, we will hold these places in trust for this and future generations, while ensuring they contribute to Canada’s sustainable economy and environmental health. Our vision is also for each of Canada’s unique terrestrial and marine regions to be represented by at least one national park or national marine conservation area, for all national parks to be in sound ecological health, for all NMCAs to promote the ecologically sustainable use of our marine resources in a way that harmonizes conservation practices with human activities, and for both national parks and NMCAs to be places for all Canadians to experience and enjoy. These principles form the foundation of the new management plan for Province House National Historic Site of Canada and Seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. May I offer my appreciation to the vast range of thoughtful Canadians who helped develop this plan. I am especially grateful to our very dedicated team from Parks Canada and to all those local organizations and individuals who have demonstrated such good will, hard work, spirit of cooperation and extraordinary sense of stewardship. In that same spirit of partnership and responsibility, I am pleased to approve the Province House National Historic Site of Canada and Seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island Management Plan.

Stéphane Dion Minister of the Environment iv Province House Management Plan

A Message from the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island

Province House has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Prince Edward Island. For over 150 years, this grand edifice has had a central place in Charlottetown and on the Island, serving as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. It is there that elected Members, representing all Islanders, conduct the most formal of their responsibilities. Province House is also part of the family of thirteen provincial and territorial Legislative Assemblies. That Province House was the seat of the Legislative Assembly in 1864 led to its role in the story of the Confederation of Canada, and to its recognition today as a national historic site. For these reasons, Province House has been and continues to be part of the proud history and heritage of Charlottetown and of all of Prince Edward Island. The Province of Prince Edward Island is the proud owner of this cherished piece of Island history, and the responsibility for the building rests with the Office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Parks Canada’s long-term presence at the building has been and continues to be a welcome partnership, to ensure that the heritage character of the building is protected and that the reasons it is valued are communicated. This management plan provides an opportunity for both the Province of Prince Edward Island and Parks Canada to reaffirm shared values respecting Province House and to articulate sound management direction to ensure its future. It is with great pleasure that, on behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island, I offer support for this management plan for Province House.

The Honourable Gregory Deighan Speaker, Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island vi Province House vii Management Plan

Recommendations

Recommended by:

Alan Latourelle Chief Executive Officer Parks Canada

David Lipton Field Unit Superintendent Prince Edward Island Field Unit, Parks Canada viii Province House ix Management Plan

Executive Summary

This management plan provides long- term strategic direction to the managers of Province House National Historic Site of Canada and seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Province House is unique in Canada, serving as the active seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island while having an on-site Parks Canada presence associated with the national Province House National Historic Site of Canada and seat of the historic designation of the Site. Province Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Barrett and MacKay, 1997 House is considered of national historic significance for three reasons: as the site of the The management plan for Province House Charlottetown Conference of 1864, which led serves to realize a vision for the Site shared to Confederation in 1867; as a fine example by the Province of Prince Edward Island and of the neo-classical architectural style; and Parks Canada. Province House will con- as representative of the judicial institution tinue to serve as the seat of the Legislative of Prince Edward Island. Province House is Assembly of Prince Edward Island while valued provincially and locally for serving as functioning as a national historic site. At the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Province House, the national significance and Edward Island since 1847. the provincial and other values will be pro- The Province of Prince Edward Island tected and will be effectively communicated owns Province House and the building to visitors and other audiences. Province is the responsibility of the Speaker of the House will continue to develop and respond Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward to changing needs as the seat of Prince Island. A long-term arrangement for Parks Edward Island’s modern legislative assem- Canada to protect and present the national bly and as a functioning national historic significance of Province House on behalf of site. Province House will contribute to the the Province has led to an on-site presence. historic downtown of Charlottetown as an The development of this management plan integral part of Queen Square, which in turn is in response to the Parks Canada Agency Act. will provide an appropriate, accessible and The management plan has been prepared to inviting setting for Province House, achieved guide the management of those aspects of in cooperation with property owners and Province House that are the responsibility of interested stakeholders. Province House will Parks Canada and of shared interest to the echo with the pride, the respect, the sense of Province and to Parks Canada. However, community and accomplishment felt by those the scope of the management plan does not who built Canada. extend to those aspects of the management Currently, the successful working rela- of Province House in its role as the seat of tionship between the Province and Parks the Legislative Assembly for Prince Edward Canada allows for the smooth operation of Island, which are solely the domain of the Province House. Challenges the site manag- Province and the Speaker of the Legislative ers face include: effective communication Assembly. of all messages about Province House of Executive Summary

importance to Canada and to the Province; • Continue to support efforts of the City appropriate design and maintenance of the of Charlottetown to preserve the herit- grounds as an appropriate setting for both age character of the broader context of functions of the building; further develop- Province House ment of decision-making mechanisms at Province House, particularly for long-term Heritage Presentation conservation and maintenance. Security and • Strengthen on-site experiences that evoke safety of the cultural resources and occupants a sense of the authenticity of Province of Province House are generally satisfactory. House There are opportunities for enhanced col- • Cooperate to ensure that messages of laboration and partnerships with others to provincial and national importance are better position Province House among other communicated by developing new pro- heritage sites and attractions and to provide grams and media on currently underrep- additional visitor services and heritage pres- resented themes, updating and enhancing entation. the non-personal heritage presentation The following are highlights of the media considering new technologies and proposed management direction that Parks expanded use of grounds, and collaborate Canada and the Province will pursue to with others to offer personal program- address the identified challenges, and to ming and special events ensure the commemorative integrity of the Site and its provincial and local values: Outreach • Improve the educational content of and Heritage Protection continue to maintain up-to-date and • Cooperatively maintain the building accurate Web sites for Province House in to ensure that commemorative integ- its various functions, ensuring links with rity is not impaired, by ensuring timely other related sites and appropriate responses to identified • Ensure that relevant support materials maintenance and repair requirements of are available on demand, especially for the building, minimizing loss of historic educational purposes fabric in the design and implementation • Work with educators at the provincial, of future changes to the physical structure regional and national levels on the and examining ways to jointly provide for preparation of appropriate curriculum ongoing and timely recapitalization materials and programming to improve • Continue to strive to ensure the building school-aged children’s understanding of is a safe, secure and accessible place to Province House work and visit, with minimal impairment to cultural resources External Relations • Ensure that historic objects remain in • Continue to work with other agencies Province House; conduct an annual that promote and market Prince Edward assessment of the historic objects and Island, Charlottetown and Province ensure the safety and security of on-site House to ensure that the uniqueness of objects through restricted access and con- Province House is understood by those tinued monitoring agencies and that the appropriate mes- • Work together and with landowners of sages are conveyed about Province House Queen Square to protect and maintain an • Convey, where possible, information appropriate setting of Province House in about the positive and effective federal- keeping with its commemorative integ- provincial working relationship demon- rity, and encourage use of the Square for strated at Province House heritage presentation and visitor orienta- • Encourage visitation at Province House, tion, ceremonial purposes and appropri- targeting currently underrepresented ate access

Province House xi Management Plan

groups such as Islanders, educational Visitor Services groups and convention and business • Continue to offer an appropriate level of travelers visitor services at Province House, balanc- • Work with owners and administrators ing expectations while ensuring com- of other national historic sites in down- memorative integrity and meeting safety town Charlottetown to promote Province and security requirements House as part of a cluster of national • Continue to strive to meet the accessibil- historic sites with collective appeal as a ity needs of all visitors, while making a destination best effort to minimize impairment of the original fabric of the building Collaboration and Partnerships • Work to improve the visitor experience by • Continue to work with other organiza- managing visitor use patterns and consid- tions with an interest in preserving the ering extended orientation heritage and other values of Province House and in communicating key mes- Operations and Administration sages, through heritage presentation • Continue to identify the division of initiatives and special events responsibilities and costs at Province • Continue to work with agencies that House through the mechanism of the promote and market Prince Edward Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement; in Island and Charlottetown to ensure that the next review of the Agreement, seek to the uniqueness of Province House is offer mechanisms or methods for timely understood by those agencies and that the decision making particularly to respond appropriate messages are conveyed about to conservation and maintenance of the Province House building, and reexamine use of space and • Work with educators at the provincial, responsibilities to provide heritage pres- regional and national levels on the entation and visitor services preparation of appropriate curriculum materials and programming to improve school-aged children’s understanding of Province House • Explore opportunities to work with other legislative assemblies to develop material and/or undertake collaborative promotion for mutual benefit xii Province House xiii Management Plan

Table of Contents

Foreword ...... iii A Message from the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island ...... v Recommendations...... vii Executive Summary...... ix

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Heart of Island Political Life and Birthplace of Confederation ...... 1 1.2 Context ...... 2 1.3 The Rich History of a Prominent Public Building ...... 5 1.4 Federal-Provincial Agreement Concerning Province House ...... 6 1.5 The Role of Province House in the Family of National Historic Sites ...... 6

2.0 National and Provincial Significance: Heritage and Other Values 2.1 National Values: Ensuring Commemorative Integrity as Parks Canada’s Primary Responsibility ...... 9 2.2 Provincial and Local Values ...... 9 2.3 Values Provide a Framework for Management Planning ...... 10

3.0 Vision ...... 11

4.0 Collaborative Stewardship, Inspiring Through Experience: Management Direction 4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources ...... 13 A. The Building ...... 13 B. Historic Objects ...... 17 C. Setting ...... 19 4.2 Engaging Canadians ...... 20 A. On-site Heritage Presentation ...... 20 B. Off-site Heritage Presentation and Outreach ...... 26 C. External Relations ...... 26 D. Collaboration and Partnerships ...... 28 4.3 Visitation, Visitor Services ...... 30 4.4 Operations and Administration ...... 32

5.0 Impact Evaluation and Environmental Assessment ...... 35

6.0 Implementation ...... 37 xiv Table of Contents

List of Participants ...... 39

Appendix A Legislative and Policy Context for Management Planning of National Historic Sites ...... 41

Appendix B Inventory and Evaluation of Cultural Resources with National Historic Significance...... 43

Appendix C Locations of Plaques and Monuments ...... 45

Appendix D Summary of the Commemorative Integrity Statement ...... 47

Reference Maps Map 1 Regional Setting ...... 3 Map 2 Local Setting ...... 4 Map 3 Site Plan ...... 7 Map 4 Interior Plans ...... 14 Province House Management Plan

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Heart of Island Political Life and Birthplace of Confederation Province House is owned by the Province of Prince Edward Island and serves as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, as it has done for more than 150 years. Province House has been the focal point of Prince Edward Island’s public life since construction was completed in 1847, based on a prize-winning design by Isaac Smith. Province House is also a national historic site, as recommended in 1966 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Province House is recognized as the site of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, which led to Confederation in 1867; as a fine example of the neo-classical architectural style; and as representative of the judicial institution of Prince Edward Island. While other legislative assembly buildings across Canada have also been designated national historic sites, Province House is notable for having an on-site Parks Canada presence to communicate its national historic significance while serving as the seat of The grand south-facing façade of Province House. J. Sylvester, 2002 the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Parks Canada’s presence and daily oped this first management plan for Province involvement in administration, operation and House. The management plan is a product of program delivery at a building that serves a process begun in July 2001, undertaken by as the active seat of a legislative assembly is a multi-disciplinary team with representa- unique in Canada. This successful federal- tives from Parks Canada and the Province of provincial collaboration was first proposed Prince Edward Island, and reflecting input by the Province of Prince Edward Island received during consultation with the public. in the 1960s, and formalized in 1974, when The management plan was developed to Parks Canada was invited by the Province to satisfy the legislative and policy requirements enter a 99-year agreement for the purpose of of Parks Canada; all national historic sites restoring, protecting and communicating the administered (whether or not owned) national significance of Province House. by Parks Canada must have a manage- Parks Canada and the Province of Prince ment plan prepared1. The Province of Prince Edward Island have cooperatively devel- Edward Island participated in this exercise,

1 See Appendix A for an overview of the legislative and policy context that has framed the development of this management plan. 1.1 Heart of Island Political Life and Birthplace of Confederation

reflecting the special interest of the Province Site Plan). Also within Queen Square is the as owners of this Site. The management plan Confederation Centre of the Arts, where arts has been prepared to guide the management and cultural events are hosted, and the Coles of those aspects of Province House that are Building, which houses provincial govern- the responsibility of Parks Canada, and of ment offices. The TransCanada highway shared interest to the Province and to Parks route into the city leads into the downtown Canada. Strategic, long-term management from the north, direct to Queen Square. direction is provided for the protection and Queen Square is bounded by Grafton, Queen, presentation of the heritage values of the Site, Richmond and Prince streets. Province House and to respond to the needs of visitors and serves as the focal point of Great George Street staff, to operational and maintenance needs Historic District nhsc, a historic streetscape and to opportunities to collaborate with leading from the waterfront and ending third parties. The management plan offers a at Province House. Within this streetscape framework within which more detailed plan- is located St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic ning and management may take place. The Cathedral/Basilica National Historic Site management plan does not address the man- of Canada. agement of those aspects of Province House Province House is the literal seat of the that are solely the domain of the Province or figurative “Birthplace of Confederation” of the Office of the Speaker. theme around which the City of This first management plan for Province Charlottetown’s marketing and promotional House recognizes management direction efforts have centred in recent years. Province that has been set out previously in Parks House, the actual site where the Fathers of Canada management documents, such as Confederation met in 1864 to begin discus- Province House Development Concept Plan sions that led to Confederation, has a tangible (1979), the Province House National Historic connection to the Confederation story. Other Site Service Plan (1992), Heritage Presentation attractions promoting this theme range from Plan, Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit (2001) and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, built to the Province House National Historic Site of celebrate the centenary of the Confederation Canada Commemorative Integrity Statement meetings, to Founders’ Hall, an interpretive (cis) approved in 2001. As well, the Cost- attraction that opened in 2001, which uses shared Maintenance Agreement, the agreement interactive multimedia to present the story that outlines the terms of shared occupation, of Confederation from its early beginnings use and administration of the building by the to the present day. Ardgowan is another federal and provincial governments, has been national historic site administered by Parks referred to throughout the process and will Canada in Charlottetown, commemorated as continue to serve as one means to realize the a home of an Island Father of Confederation, proposals in this management plan. William Henry Pope; the building was occupied by him at the time of the Charlottetown Conference. 1.2 Context Province House is also the long-stand- Province House is located in the City of ing seat of the Legislative Assembly of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Prince Edward Island, and continues to the city’s downtown heritage preservation play a vital role in the political life of Prince district (See Map 2: Local Setting). Province Edward Island. Islanders consider the local House is a prominent feature of Queen and regional significance of the building Square, a block that was reserved for govern- equal in importance to its national historic ment buildings, churches and a market in the significance. It was because Province House original plan for Charlottetown2 (See Map 3: was such a prominent public building in

2 The 1768 plan for “Charlotte town” (prepared by Charles Morris) reserved a central public square with room for a church and a courthouse; the 1771 plan, modified from the earlier plan by Walter Patterson and Thomas Wright, modified lot sizes and named the central square “Queen Square.” Province House Management Plan e g r o e G

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PROVINCE HOUSE Great George Street Historic District CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Local Setting 0 1 2 3 4 5 km Heritage Preservation District Province House Management Plan

Fathers of Confederation during the Charlottetown Conference, Fanningbank. National Archives of Canada

Charlottetown in 1864 that it was selected in the British colonies in the first half of the as the site of the Charlottetown Conference. nineteenth century. The ground floor housed Province House is the seat of one of a family offices for colonial administrators and, at of provincial and territorial legislative assem- the eastern end of the building, the Supreme blies across Canada, and as such is viewed Court. The major public rooms were located as a living symbol of democracy. Province on the second storey, with the legislative House serves as a gathering place for public council chamber and the legislative assembly celebrations as well as public demonstrations. at the building extremities and the legislative The care and administration of Province library in the middle. On January 26, 1847, House is the responsibility of the Speaker of the Island legislature met for the first time the Legislative Assembly, with certain respon- in its new home and in June of that year the sibilities ascribed to the Superintendent of Supreme Court moved into its ground-floor Parks Canada on Prince Edward Island under rooms. Locally designed, built and furnished, the conditions of the Lease Agreement. Province House represented the epitome of Island craftsmanship of the mid-nineteenth century, a time of prosperity and achievement. 1.3 The Rich History of a Prominent The overall layout of the Legislative Public Building Chamber is essentially unchanged from its Province House has been the focal point of early days, although unlike most legislatures Prince Edward Island’s public life since its in Canada the government members sit to completion in 1847. After years of meeting the left of the Speaker rather than to the in taverns and private homes, it was decided right. Much of the furniture in the Legislative in 1837 that a “colonial building” should be Chamber, including the members’ desks and built to safeguard the public records. This chairs and the Speaker’s chair and canopy, proposal soon expanded to accommodate formed part of the original furnishings of the legislature, supreme court and govern- the building. ment offices, and Queen Square, the central The Supreme Court continued to make square set aside in the original layout of its home in Province House until 1872, when Charlottetown for administrative and church the supreme and insolvency courts, protho buildings, was selected as the location. notary office and land registry moved to A design competition was held in 1839. another building, and later in 1876 to a new First prize went to Isaac Smith, a Yorkshire- court house east of Province House within born architect and builder who had con- Queen Square. The latter building served as structed other public buildings on the Island. the Island’s Supreme Court until 1976 when Smith’s design for a three-storey structure it was seriously damaged by fire. This former characterized the neo-classical style popular court house has since been rehabilitated. It 1.3 The Rich History of a Prominent Public Building

is known as the Coles Building and houses to elsewhere in this document as the artifact provincial government offices. collection under the Lease Agreement), to the Province House has its unrivaled place federal government for a period of 99 years. in Canadian history as the site of that first Parks Canada spearheaded and funded meeting of colonial delegates in September the restoration of the building. Completed in 1864. Twenty-three leading politicians from 1983, the restoration entailed cleaning and Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward restoring the exterior of the building to its Island and the Province of Canada (now original appearance. In the interior, the leg- Ontario and Quebec) met in the legislative islative council chamber (the “Confederation council chamber to discuss the union of Chamber”), library, hallways and a series the three Maritime colonies, which quickly of administrative offices were restored and turned to discussions of a federal union. At refurnished to the Confederation period. The the end of nine days, sufficient agreement Supreme Court chamber (altered over the had emerged on the principle of a federal years to accommodate offices) was restored union to justify continued discussions in to its original size and renovated as a thea- Quebec. More importantly, the broad outline tre for audio-visual presentations. Since the of Canada’s future constitution arose from restoration, Parks Canada has had an on-site the Charlottetown deliberations. The consti- staff presence to communicate the national tutional principles agreed upon at Province significance of Province House to visitors. House and formalized and refined at the A Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement subsequent Quebec and London Conferences outlines more specific terms of shared resulted in the British North America Act, occupation, use and administration and which created the Dominion of Canada in 1867. recapitalization and maintenance responsi- The importance of the Charlottetown bilities at Province House. This Cost-shared Conference was officially acknowledged by Maintenance Agreement is reviewed every ten the Canadian government in 1914 on the years, with some possibility of extension of fiftieth anniversary when a commemora- its terms. At any time between the review tive bronze plaque honouring the Fathers points this agreement can be reopened and of Confederation was placed in the legisla- renegotiated at the request of either party. tive council chamber. During the 1920s, the This management plan has been developed chamber was refurbished to reflect its historic with the expectation that recommendations importance. will inform future revisions to the Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement.

1.4 Federal-Provincial Agreement Concerning Province House 1.5 The Role of Province House in the The centenary of the Confederation of Family of National Historic Sites Canada raised awareness about Province Province House, in its function as a national House in its role in the creation of the nation. historic site, is part of a broad-ranging pro- In the 1960s the Province of Prince Edward gram of commemoration that includes national Island approached the federal government to historic sites and persons and events of discuss an arrangement for the restoration, national historic significance. Of the family of presentation, interpretation and administra- 912 national historic sites nation-wide, Parks tion of Province House as a national historic Canada administers 153 and has contributed to site; this led to the signing of a Memorandum many more through cost-sharing agreements. of Agreement Respecting Province House (also The stewardship of national historic sites, known as the Lease Agreement). Effective as including Province House, is shared, as these of 1974, the terms of the federal-provincial places are variously owned by federal, provin- Lease Agreement included the restoration of cial and municipal governments, by businesses Province House by the federal government and by private citizens. and the leasing of parts of Province House, Each national historic site has had a including the historic objects therein (referred nationally significant impact on Canadian Province House Management Plan

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history or illustrates a nationally important and other sites representative of the judi- aspect of the history of Canada. Collectively, cial function in each province and territory. national historic sites commemorate thou- National historic sites capture the spirit and sands of years of human history and a house the physical remains of our shared rich variety of themes, spanning political, past, serving as powerful symbols of our economic, intellectual, cultural and social identity, an inheritance of all Canadians. life. Other national historic sites that share These special places are recognized under commonalities with Province House include an act of Parliament. Ardgowan nhsc, Great George Street Historic District nhsc, Confederation Centre of the Arts nhsc (Confederation theme); Fanningbank nhsc and Province House nhsc (Halifax) (neo-classical architecture theme); Province House Management Plan

2.0 National and Provincial Significance: Heritage and Other Values

Province House is valued for its national Intent derived from the deliberations of historic significance and as a provin- the Historic Sites and Monuments Board cially important landmark that serves as of Canada: the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Province House was designated a national historic site in 1966. The reasons for the national significance of Province 2.1 National Values: Ensuring House National Historic Site of Canada are: Commemorative Integrity as Parks Canada’s • it is the site of the Charlottetown Primary Responsibility Conference of 1864, which led to The values associated with Province House as Confederation in 1867 a site of national historic significance, and the • it is a fine example of the neo-classical objectives for the assurance of these values, architectural style comprise the “commemorative integrity” of • it is representative of the judicial institu- Province House. Commemorative integrity tion of Prince Edward Island. is a concept employed by Parks Canada to describe the health or wholeness of a national The designated place (or the place desig- historic site. A national historic site possesses nated by the responsible minister as being commemorative integrity when: the resources of national historic significance) consists of directly related to the reasons for designation Province House delineated by its footprint. as a national historic site are not impaired Parks Canada’s primary responsibility at or under threat; the reasons for designation Province House is to ensure the commemora- as a national historic site are effectively tive integrity of the Site. communicated to the public; and the Site’s heritage values (including those not related to designation as a national historic site) are respected in all decisions or actions affecting the Site. An elaboration of what is meant by commemorative integrity for Province House (the Commemorative Integrity Statement) was developed and approved by Parks Canada in 2001; this was reviewed by the Province of Prince Edward Island. The Commemorative Integrity Statement provides a benchmark for Restored Confederation Chamber, where Conference planning, managing operations, reporting and delegates met. Parks Canada taking remedial action at Province House. A summary of the Commemorative Integrity 2.2 Provincial and Local Values Statement is found in Appendix D, and is Province House has values associated referenced throughout this management plan. with its other roles as a central part of The values of national significance of Island and local history. These values have Province House have been summarized in not been articulated in a form similar to the following Statement of Commemorative Parks Canada’s Commemorative Integrity 10 2.2 Provincial and Local Values

Statement, yet these values have been identi- 2.3 values Provide a Framework for Management fied by staff of the Office of the Clerk of the Planning Legislative Assembly, by Members of the This management plan aims to provide Legislative Assembly, by staff of the provin- direction for the management of Province cial Department of Community and Cultural House for the next ten to fifteen years, to Affairs, Culture, Heritage, Recreation and ensure the Site’s commemorative integrity, Sport Division, and by staff of the City of while respecting provincial and local values. Charlottetown. According to these agencies These values, and indicators that values and organizations, the role that Province are respected, serve as benchmarks for the House has played and continues to play management of Province House, providing as the seat of the provincial Legislative guidance about what should be protected Assembly has a value at least as important as and communicated. The defined values, the Site’s national significance. Parks Canada particularly those of national significance as acknowledges the value associated with this articulated in the Commemorative Integrity role, as well. Statement, and the Parks Canada Cultural Therefore, the provincial and local value Resource Management Policy with its principles of Province House may be stated as: of value, public benefit, integrity, respect and understanding of cultural resources, have • Province House is the continuing seat assisted in the development and selection of of the Legislative Assembly of Prince appropriate management direction. Edward Island, as it has been since 1847. The proposed management direction seeks to ensure that the cultural resources of Province House are not impaired or threat- ened and that messages about the national historic significance, provincial values and other values of Province House are conveyed. Activities that compromise the commemorative integrity of the Site, diminish other values of the Site and that do not adhere to cultural resource management principles are not permitted.

Legislative Chamber with historic furnishings, still in active use. J. Butterill, 1995 Province House 11 Management Plan

3.0 Vision

Management direction for Province House was developed with guidance from a “vision” for the Site. The vision describes the desired future for Province House, and captures the ideas and wishes of the Canadian public for the Site.

In future: Province House will continue to function as both the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island and as a national historic site commemorating the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 and other themes. The Province House attracts visitors who are interested in the site’s different Province of Prince Edward Island and Parks heritage values. J. Butterill, 1995 Canada will continue to jointly care for and administer the Site, exemplifying success- be communicated in a collaborative fashion. ful federal and provincial cooperation. Province House will have a level of services Province House will remain central to the and heritage presentation that is in keeping political, cultural and ceremonial life of with the significance of the Site and the gran- Prince Edward Island, as well as a member deur of the building. Visitors to the Site will of the family of national historic sites across have an informative and inspirational heri Canada. Province House will be a place that tage experience. Canadians and others will all Canadians learn about and are inspired to have opportunities to learn about Province visit at least once, for its role in the develop- House through various off-site means. ment of the nation and as an example of the Province House will continue to benefit democratic process in action. from collaborative efforts between the co- The Province of Prince Edward Island occupants and other parties. Queen Square and Parks Canada will be recognized for their will provide an appropriate, accessible and effective stewardship of Province House, inviting setting for Province House that maintaining Province House as the actual is achieved in cooperation with property site of meetings leading to Confederation. owners and interested stakeholders. Special Province House, its enduring physical ele- events that are associated with Province ments and associated artifacts will continue House or related in other ways will occur in to be protected. While respecting heritage collaboration with other heritage attractions. values, Province House will continue to Promotion of Province House will also be develop and respond to changing needs as collaborative and will convey accurate the seat of Prince Edward Island’s modern information and clear messages about the legislative assembly and as a functioning national, provincial and other heritage values national historic site. of the Site. Messages about the national significance Province House will echo with the pride, of Province House, as well as provincial and the respect and the sense of community other heritage values including its function and accomplishment felt by those who built as the seat of the Legislative Assembly, will this nation. It is a place for all Canadians to 12 3.0 Vision

believe in their country, to honour its past, In order to achieve this vision, manage- to participate in its present, and to have ment direction for Province House must be confidence in its future. The vitality of our provided to ensure that the Province and traditions, permanence of our institutions Parks Canada: and continuity of our life, both provincially • continue to jointly protect the valued and nationally, will be embodied in Province cultural resources, including the building House. in its context of Queen Square • renew the heritage presentation offer so that it satisfies the requirements of both the Province and Parks Canada, and satisfies site visitors as well as provides opportunities for understanding by other audiences • identify and recommend improvements to visitor services offered on-site • identify and recommend improvements to the operation and administration of the Site • continue to co-occupy and to co-opera- tively manage Province House Province House 13 Management Plan

4.0 Collaborative Stewardship, Inspiring Through Experience: Management Direction

4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources construction, throughout its history Province House has undergone repairs and recapitali- A. The Building zation. Modifications to the building have The physical structure of Province House is been made in response to wear and tear on considered the primary resource of national the building, evolving health and safety historic significance. It is both the primaryin concerns, for safety and security reasons, to situ resource and the designated place (that is, improve the accessibility of the building, and the building encompasses the entirety of the to accommodate new technology and the con- resources of value at Province House). The veniences required of a modern workplace. original and restored elements of Province Modifications are undertaken with reference House, the fabric of the building as well as to Parks Canada conservation manuals and the ambiance created by the restoration are guidance provided by the Federal Heritage the essential elements of national historic Buildings Review Office. significance at Province House. The three storeys and basement of Discussion: Province House encompass a total area of In general, Province House is well cared for approximately 1840 m2 , divided between and maintained with close consideration Parks Canada and Legislative Assembly given to the Site’s commemorative integrity. functions (see Map 4: Interior Plans). The Parks Canada’s State of the Parks 1997 Report Province uses the Legislative Chamber described the building as being in “fair” (where the Legislative Assembly of Prince condition. At the time, protection against Edward Island meets), as well as offices and fire was the primary concern. Although this storage space. Parks Canada uses restored concern has since been addressed, the condi- rooms including the Confederation Chamber tion of the building may still be characterized for heritage presentation purposes, and other as “fair”. Two issues have constituted notable areas for visitor services and for offices. Other challenges to the building’s integrity. The parts of the building are jointly used by the slate roof of the building, which had been Province and Parks Canada, such as wash- in a deteriorated state, was repaired in 2003. rooms, hallways and administrative areas. Moisture penetration of the stone foundation During the late 1970s and early 1980s, is recognized as requiring further investi- substantial work was undertaken at Province gation. Parks Canada will work with the House to restore its exterior appearance to the Province to determine the most appropriate original and to reinstate several of the interior method to investigate and resolve the issue. rooms to Confederation-period appearance. Efforts are made to ensure that maintenance The restoration work, part of the 1974 federal- needs are identified in a timely manner and provincial agreement, had as its aim to sta- addressed; however, there may be a need for bilize and refurbish the Site for its protection closer involvement of both the Province and and for interpretation purposes. Restoration Parks Canada in identifying, evaluating and was undertaken on rooms on the first and responding to such needs. second floors to period condition, and to the Modern use of the building has required exterior stonework and the slate roof. modifications for accessibility, health, safety While restoration was the most signifi- and comfort of occupants, that need to be cant intervention at the building since its accommodated as much as possible within 14 4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources

No rth

Sprinkler Room Maintenance Maintenance Former Housekeeper's Chambers Electrical Room

Storage Costume Tunnel to Confederation Storage Storage Storage Storage Storage Storage Centre of the Arts Storage

Tunnel to Coles Building

Basement

Ramp Elevator

Security Room Assistant Speaker's Offices Clerk's Office

Commissionaire's Desk

Audio Visual Theatre Parks Canada Gift Shop Guide Clerk's Offices Offices Station

Main entry

Main Floor

MAP 4 PROVINCE HOUSE CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Interior Plans 5 0 5 10m Province House 15 Management Plan

Restored President of Council Chamber Portico Elevator

Media Exhibit Rooms/ Opposition Caucus

Ante Chamber Restored Confederation Legislative Chamber Chamber Ante Chamber Restored Clerk's Former Legislative Library Restored Mail Room Room

Speaker's Gallery

Portico

2nd Floor

Elevator

Confederation Chamber Gallery Public Gallery Provincial Office

Provincial Government Caucus Room/ Media Office Parks Canada Meeting Room Room

3rd Floor 16 4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources

the original design of the building. When • the characteristics of the neo-classical such modifications are required to meet the style, both on the exterior and interior, evolving needs of occupants, efforts should are maintained continue to be made to minimize any com- • Parks Canada works with the Province of promise to the physical structure and design Prince Edward Island to ensure that the of the building. defining characteristics of the architectural style are maintained, including the Values: internal configuration of the building, in The building is the primary in situ cultural particular the three main rooms on the resource and is synonymous with the des- second storey and the architectural detail- ignated place. The following list includes ing of the interior. values held by the Province and those associated with the Site’s designation as a national historic site. Province House is valued because: • since 1847 it has been and continues to be the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island • it was the site of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 and it contains the Confederation Chamber where the delegates to the Conference held their meetings in September 1864 • it is a fine example of the neo-classical architectural style demonstrating many interdependent characteristics of the style, including: symmetrical design both on the exterior and interior, balanced elevations Neoclassical detail on portico column of Province House. J. Butterill, 1995 with central porticos with pediments, and decorative use of pilasters and columns Goal: employing antique (Ionic) orders To ensure that the historic fabric of Province • it is representative of the judicial institu- House continues to be protected and main- tion of Prince Edward Island, having tained with minimal impairment housed the supreme court and judicial offices for the province of Prince Edward Management Direction: Island from 1847 to 1872 • Parks Canada and the Province will • it forms one end of the Great George cooperatively maintain the building to Street Historic District and remains an ensure that commemorative integrity is important component of Queen Square. not impaired, by: • jointly ensuring timely and appro- The commemorative integrity of the building priate responses to identified main- is considered to be safeguarded when: tenance and repair requirements of • the cultural resources are protected and the building, through preparation of managed in accordance with the Parks conservation guidelines and a main- Canada Cultural Resource Management tenance plan, by conducting a joint Policy annual maintenance inspection, and • there is community awareness and under- through joint decision making on standing of Province House future alterations • adjacent development is sympathetic and • minimizing loss of historic fabric in does not detract from view planes to and the design and implementation of from the building future changes to the physical structure • the architectural characteristics of the • examining ways to jointly provide for Confederation Chamber are maintained ongoing and timely recapitalization Province House 17 Management Plan

artifacts that are part of the Lease Agreement between the federal and provincial governments that are unlikely to date to 1864 and antiques purchased by Parks Canada as part of the restoration efforts. Level II cultural resources include a wide variety of objects such as: • antique furniture, valued because it reflects the historical evolution of Province House, reflects the material culture of the Maritimes, or is Island-made Painting of the Charlottetown Conference ball, by Dusan Kadlec, on display at Province House. Parks Canada and rare, reflecting the material culture of Prince Edward Island • Parks Canada and the Province will con- • eight Historic Sites and Monuments tinue to strive to ensure the building is a Board of Canada plaques commemorat- safe, secure and accessible place to work ing Province House and the seven Island and visit, with minimal impairment to Fathers of Confederation and a large cultural resources bronze plaque donated to the Island government by the government of Canada to B. Historic Objects commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of The artifact collection that forms part of the the Charlottetown Conference3 Lease Agreement includes approximately 1500 • a painting by Dusan Kadlec of the objects owned by both Parks Canada and conference ball commissioned by the the Province of Prince Edward Island. Those Themadel Foundation objects that have been assessed for their association with the reasons for the national A catalogue of Level I and II historic objects significance of Province House are deemed to is maintained by a Parks Canada collections be “Level I”; those with other historic values manager. An inventory of catalogued objects are deemed to be “Level II”. (See Appendix located on-site is conducted every year by B for a description of Level I and Level II site staff. The provincial Heritage Foundation objects constituting the collection.) has a record of the inventory as well. Level I artifacts are those objects valued for Other objects located on-site have historic their direct association with Province House as significance, although they are not related the site of the Charlottetown Conference and to the reasons for national designation of that have been located in Province House since Province House and do not form part of the that time. Approximately fifty items, based collection under the Lease Agreement. These on visual appearance, documentary sources objects are owned by the Province but to date and tradition, are thought to have been in have not been catalogued or evaluated. These the building at the time of the Charlottetown objects notably include the desks and chairs Conference and have remained there since located in the Legislative Chamber that are that time (e.g., chairs and tables in the still in use as the furnishings of the modern Confederation Chamber). Level I artifacts Legislative Assembly. are owned by the Province. Level II artifacts are those objects not Discussion: associated with national historic significance The majority of the artifact collection is but which have local or regional associa- located at Province House. After some of tions, historic significance or whose aesthetic the restored rooms on the main floor were or environmental qualities are valued. returned to use as offices in1991 , the artifacts Approximately 1200 items are evaluated as located in those rooms that belong to the Level II in the artifact collection, including

3 See Appendix C for descriptions and locations of plaques 18 4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources

Province and/or have Level I values were • they reflect the continued use of Province incorporated into other rooms or elsewhere House as the seat of the Legislative in the building. The other objects that were in Assembly of Prince Edward Island these rooms are owned by Parks Canada and • the Dusan Kadlec painting of the confer- are in storage at a secure facility. ence ball reflects the interest of private Conservation of on-site and stored objects philanthropic organizations in commemo- is undertaken as required. The on-site artifact rating Canada’s history collection is well-monitored and maintained. • the Historic Sites and Monuments Board In the State of the Parks 1997 Report the of Canada plaques and the bronze fiftieth collection was described as 83% being in anniversary plaque reflect the federal “good” condition and 17% in “fair” condi- government’s efforts to recognize tion. Since that time, the artifacts in “fair” Canada’s history. condition have received conservation treat- ment to stabilize their condition. The security Historic objects are not impaired or under of the objects is ensured by barriers at the threat when they are managed in a way doorways of the refurbished rooms and by that ensures their protection and survival motion detectors; the public is not permitted and when Level I cultural resources that to handle the objects. have been traditionally located in the The historic objects that belong to the Confederation Chamber remain in that room. Province of Prince Edward Island that do not form part of the artifact collection under the Goal: Lease Agreement merit a higher level of care To manage the artifacts associated with the than received at present. Parks Canada may historic values of Province House in accord- assist the Province to identify, catalogue and ance with accepted standards of Parks monitor the non-collection artifacts, and to Canada and the Province of Prince Edward incorporate the monitoring of these artifacts Island, so as to ensure their protection and into the established processes for the moni- their sustainable and appropriate use toring of the on-site artifact collection. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Management Direction: Canada plaques and other monuments are • Parks Canada and the Province will grouped with other historic objects. They ensure that historic objects remain are located on the grounds of Queen Square, in Province House, and that Level I contributing to the setting of the building. resources specifically remain in their his- torically appropriate locations Values: • Parks Canada will continue to conduct an The historic objects of national significance annual assessment of the historic objects are valued because: in the artifact collection, and seek appro- • they are directly linked to the role priate intervention as required of Province House as the site of the • Parks Canada and the Province will ensure Charlottetown Conference, and research the safety and security of historic objects suggests that all of the artifacts evalu- on-site through use of restricted access ated as Level I cultural resources have and continued monitoring of objects been located within the Confederation • Parks Canada and the Province will Chamber since the Conference in 1864 make efforts to catalogue, assess and monitor historic objects that do not form Other historic objects are valued because: part of the artifact collection under the • they reflect the historical evolution of the Lease Agreement Site, the material culture of the Maritimes or the material culture of Prince Edward Island in particular Province House 19 Management Plan

C. Setting Province House is located in Queen Square, the space reserved for public buildings in the original plan for Charlottetown. Within Queen Square, Province House is flanked to the west by the Confederation Centre of the Arts nhsc. The Confederation Centre, a complex built as a memorial to honour the Fathers of Confederation, is a distin- guished example of “Brutalist” architecture in Canada, faced in the same Wallace sandstone as Province House. The neo-classical Coles Confederation Centre of the Arts occupies Queen Square next to Building is situated within Queen Square to Province House. Parks Canada, 2001 the east of Province House. Queen Square is owned by the Fathers of Confederation Basilica nhsc. Great George Street has been Trust and the Province, while the City of restored and beautified in keeping with its Charlottetown owns the land on which the national recognition as an historic district. War Memorial monument stands. During the summer, Victoria Row (the west The design of Queen Square has changed end of Richmond Street) becomes a pedestrian several times since Province House was first mall, a lively area with shops and cafés. constructed. Originally a bare market square with little or no vegetation when Province Discussion: House was built in 1847, the Square blos- Queen Square is not as effective or aestheti- somed in the 1880s under the direction of cally pleasing a setting for Province House as master gardener Arthur Newbery. In 1907, might be desired. Problems with accessibility the curvilinear paths established by Newbery of some parts of the grounds, deterioration were straightened and covered with concrete. of the walkways and the general austerity of In 1964, construction of the Confederation the Square have been identified as barriers Centre of the Arts complex overshadowed to public access, use and enjoyment. Parks Province House as the focal point of Queen Canada and the Province have been involved Square. During the restoration of Province in ongoing efforts to discuss the further rede- House in the 1980s, a largely concrete land- velopment of Queen Square with other stake- scape was created around Province House to holders. Further decisions still need to be link it with the Confederation Centre complex. made on the appropriate future redesign of Since that time, redesign efforts have tended three remaining quadrants of Queen Square toward reincorporating organic shapes. The to improve its function as a public space and 1995 redevelopment of the north quadrant as an appropriate setting for Province House. of Queen Square sought to create a greener, Restoration to the appearance during the more visitor-friendly space, with curved Charlottetown Conference is not intended. aggregate walks and a small circular fountain. Considerations such as aesthetic appeal, func- Province House in Queen Square is tionality, accessibility and ease of mainte- part of the City of Charlottetown’s heritage nance should be considered in the ongoing preservation district4, a demonstration of the redesign of Queen Square. Environmental City’s commitment to the preservation of the assessment that includes consideration of an downtown. Province House has a tree-framed impact on the commemorative integrity of view down historic Great George Street to Province House should be conducted as part Charlottetown Harbour, a view that includes of a redesign or prior to redevelopment of St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Cathedral/ Queen Square.

4 The heritage preservation district encompasses an area south of Grafton Street to the harbour, including those buildings facing Queen and Prince streets. This area is governed by the City’s heritage by-laws, and properties within this area are eligible for financial support under the municipalHeritage Incentive Program. 20 4.1 Protection of Cultural Resources

An area well beyond Queen Square is from Province House to the waterfront and integral to ensuring the commemorative viewplanes between Province House and sur- integrity of Province House. The commemo rounding streetscapes should be maintained. rative integrity of Province House depends in part on developments in adjacent areas Goal: remaining sympathetic in location, scale and To work to ensure a setting for Province architectural style to Province House, and on House that is appropriate for the build- maintaining viewplanes the length of Great ing as a national historic site and as the George Street from Province House to the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince waterfront and viewplanes between Province Edward Island House and surrounding streetscapes. The City of Charlottetown’s efforts to preserve the Management Direction: heritage character of the downtown contrib- • Parks Canada and the Province will ute to an appropriate extended setting for work together and with landowners of Province House. It is important for managers Queen Square to protect and maintain an of Province House to encourage these efforts appropriate setting for Province House in and to stay informed about proposed nearby keeping with its commemorative integrity development and changing land use through • In the event that Queen Square redesign maintaining good communication with the is initiated by landowners, Parks Canada responsible municipal and provincial officials. and the Province will encourage the redesign to address heritage presentation and visitor orientation, ceremonial purposes and appropriate access for motorcoaches, visitors with disabilities and emergency vehicles • Parks Canada and the Province will continue to support efforts of the City of Charlottetown to preserve the heritage character of the area forming the broader context of Province House, including Great George Street Historic District • Parks Canada and the Province will remain informed about upcoming development with a possible effect on Province House and/or its viewplanes, and will work with adjacent property owners and other interested parties to maintain viewplanes of and from Province House

4.2 Engaging Canadians

Ceremonial Drive and view of Great George Street. J. Butterill, 1995 A. On-site Heritage Presentation There is a tradition of interpreting Province Values: House to visitors. Prior to its designation as The context and setting of Province House a national historic site and its restoration, is considered important to ensuring the visitors were provided information about integrity of the designated place of Province the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward House. Development in adjacent areas should Island. The building restoration undertaken remain sympathetic to Province House in the early 1980s aimed in part to provide in location, scale and architectural style. visitors with the historical ambiance of Viewplanes up and down Great George Street Province House. Since the restoration, Parks Province House 21 Management Plan

Canada has been the primary provider of • the messages about the national signifi- interpretive services at Province House for cance of the building are clearly distin- its function as a national historic site, as was guished from other messages envisaged under the original Lease Agreement. • cultural resources of national significance The Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement are incorporated within the presentation provides the opportunity for the Province to of the messages become involved in heritage presentation and • the effectiveness of communicating these interpretive activities, particularly to interpret messages is measured and monitored the provincial and local values of the Site. Parks Canada and the Province each seek From the Province’s perspective, communica- to communicate to visitors those messages tion is successful if: of importance to their function. The mes- • visitors gain an understanding of the his- sages are not incompatible; Province House toric and modern function of the building was selected as the site of the Charlottetown as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Conference because of its function as the Prince Edward Island and of the demo- seat of the Legislative Assembly of the day. cratic process Nonetheless, Parks Canada places priority on • visitors, particularly Islanders, feel that communicating Parks Canada national mes- the building is their own sages, and the three reasons for designation At present, a number of means are used to of Province House: communicate these messages, including Province House was the site of the guide services, a video presentation, restored Charlottetown Conference of 1864, the first rooms, exhibits and printed matter. meeting that led to Canadian Confederation in 1867.

Province House is a fine example of the neo- classical architectural style.

Province House is representative of the judicial institution of Prince Edward Island.

Other historic values of Province House have been identified and should be communicated as well5. Among these is the message that the Province considers of prime importance: Province House has been and continues to be the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island and serves as the centre of political and ceremonial life on the Island.

From the Parks Canada perspective, communication of these messages is considered successful if: • as many Canadians as possible under- Guided tour in Confederation Chamber. Parks Canada stand the reasons for the national significance, provincial values and other values Personal Programming of Province House Year-round, Parks Canada guides are on-site and fill most of the personal interpretation function. A small complement of winter

5 See Appendix D: Summary of the Commemorative Integrity Statement, section on messages not related to the reasons for national historic significance 22 4.2 Engaging Canadians

the story of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 and how this led to the Confederation of Canada. As well, the video interprets the neo-classical architecture of the building and mentions the ongoing use of Province House as the seat of the Legislative Assembly. During the staff introduction of the video, it is mentioned that the theatre space once served as the provincial Supreme Court. Restored Rooms – The Confederation Chamber, the former President of Council room, the former Clerk’s room and the library are restored and on view on the second floor of Province House. Visitors may not circulate through these rooms but may view them from the doorways. The Legislative Chamber on the second floor is open for viewing at that level year round; the public gallery on the Confederation Players enliven the grounds of Province House third floor is open only when the legislature in the summer. J. Butterill, 1995 is in session. Although there are no panels or staff increases during the summer season. didactic displays at the doorways, during the Staff duties include greeting, orienting and summer guides are stationed at some of the informing visitors. During the orientation, rooms to provide interpretation. staff communicate the Confederation and Exhibits – Two small rooms on the second judicial function messages, as well as the floor house exhibits on the restoration of the fact that the building is a working provincial building, with reference to the neo-classical legislature. Guided tours of the building architecture of the building, and on social are offered in English and French to groups aspects of the Charlottetown Conference. (e.g., motorcoach, cruise, school groups). For A commissioned painting by Dusan Kadlec this enhanced service, commercial groups of the grand ball that occurred during the are charged a small per-person fee. In recent Conference is on display. Visitors may enter years, the Province has hired additional these exhibit rooms when the legislature is staff to convey messages specifically about Province House as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Animated programming helps bring the stories of Province House to life. The Confederation Players, a group of costumed animators sponsored by the Capital Commission of Prince Edward Island, enact historical vignettes throughout Charlottetown during the summer, including in Queen Square on the front steps of Province House. Parks Canada has developed a costumed animation program to explain the neo-classical architecture of the building.

Non-personal Programming Video – A short video, “A Great Dream,” is presented year-round in English and French. Narrated by renowned historian Laurier Detail of exhibit on social aspects of Charlottetown Conference. LaPierre, the video uses dramatization to tell Parks Canada Province House 23 Management Plan

not in session; at other times, the rooms are that Province House is the second-oldest used as the Opposition Caucus Room and as active legislative building in Canada. Even a small kitchen. so, while the reasons for the national historic Printed matter – A self-guiding brochure significance of Province House are present in provides modest information to visitors some of the interpretive media and program- about the second floor of Province House, ming at the Site, some of the themes may not allowing visitors to explore on their own. The be presented as thoroughly as they could be. brochure refers to the judicial function of the Visitors, particularly those who visit Province building and its neo-classical architecture, as House when the Legislature is in session well as the Confederation theme. Children in the fall and spring, expect to learn about may make use of a scavenger hunt/ques- the building as the seat of the Legislative tion sheet designed to help them explore and Assembly of Prince Edward Island and about learn about Province House. the democratic process as they would at other Legislative Assemblies across Canada. Visitors expect guides to be equally knowledgeable about both functions of Province House and to be able to answer a variety of questions. Six rooms in the west end of the main floor were restored with the rest of the building in the early 1980s. A need for more officespace in 1991 led to the reversion of these rooms back to use as offices for both the Province and Parks Canada. Objects that furnished these rooms have been incorporated into other restored rooms or are in storage. Because of the current need for office space at Province House, there is no intention to reincorporate the restored rooms at the west One of the restored rooms on display, the Library. J. Butterill, 1995 end of the main floor in the heritage presentation program during the life of this manage- Discussion: ment plan. The often large number of visitors during the The Visitor Satisfaction Survey indicated summer can present communication chal- that Province House meets visitors’ expec- lenges at Province House. Crowding may tations of facilities and services offered, prevent visitors from experiencing the “sense although the grounds were rated less highly of place” or ambiance of the building. Guide than guide talks and personal and non- staff may have difficulty providing orienta- personal services. Of those who viewed the tion, information and communicating the key video, 80% considered it very enjoyable, messages when many visitors arrive at the with an even higher percentage viewing it same time. as a “very good” explanation of the national Because Parks Canada has been largely historic significance of the Site and of why responsible for interpretive services, the the Charlottetown Conference was important. messages of priority to Parks Canada (i.e., Response was favourable to the suggestion the national historic significance of Province of other interpretive programs, such as a House) have shaped much of the past inter- grounds tour and interactive exhibits and pretation at the Site. This was reflected in a events for children. Parks Canada-administered Visitor Satisfaction Parks Canada commissioned a review Survey (1999), which revealed the Site has of all its heritage presentation efforts at all success in communicating messages about national historic sites and the national park the national significance of Province House on Prince Edward Island. The resulting study, but less success in communicating the fact Heritage Presentation Plan, Parks Canada, PEI 24 4.2 Engaging Canadians

Field Unit (2001) (or Heritage Presentation Plan), relevant, guided experience, and may seek offered a succinct analysis of the current pre- and post-visit information. There is a heritage presentation offer at Province House. significant opportunity to reach educational Briefly, the video, the restoration and the his- groups across Canada with educational torical vignettes by the Confederation Players outreach materials and programs about were considered successful in orienting and Province House. engaging visitors. However, the Heritage Presentation Plan observed that orientation on Island and local residents: arrival can be confusing to visitors, that there Residents of Charlottetown and from other was a need for some material renewal (e.g., parts of Prince Edward Island visit Province exhibits are out of date, the brochure needs House when the legislature is in session, to be improved), and that the Legislative primarily to see their elected representatives Chamber was not adequately interpreted. As in action and the workings of government. well, the Heritage Presentation Plan observed Some Islanders also visit to learn more about a possible shortcoming with guided tours the historic importance of Province House, being available only to organized groups its role as the enduring seat of the Legislative and reliance on the video as the main form of Assembly of Prince Edward Island and its interpretation for other visitors. role in Confederation. This group seeks In general, the Heritage Presentation Plan access to the Legislative Chamber gallery, recommended use of better methods for personal interpretation and information interpretation in the building, use of the about special events. This group should be grounds for orientation and interpretive encouraged to visit Province House more, functions, exploration of means to improve especially during the non-summer months national outreach efforts and efforts to pro- and particularly during sessions of the mote the authenticity of the Site. The heritage Legislative Assembly. presentation offer at Province House needs to be reviewed in light of what is offered at Independent adult travellers: other sites and attractions communicating Canadians visit Province House primarily similar stories, as well as the observations of for its national historic significance as the the Heritage Presentation Plan. Any use of the Birthplace of Confederation, coming as grounds for heritage presentation should be pilgrims discovering their country’s roots. preceded by environmental assessment. They may also visit Province House as the Target audiences for heritage presentation seat of Prince Edward Island’s Legislative programming include: Assembly, having a keen interest in each province or territory’s Legislative Assembly Educational groups: and being attuned to the subtle differences of Educational groups are primarily from Prince each. Typically adult travellers, these visitors Edward Island schools who visit Province are knowledgeable and expect well-informed House during the fall and spring. Educational staff who can answer a variety of questions. groups attend sessions of the Legislative They appreciate an authentic, informal, open- Assembly to learn about the role of Province ended experience and may visit throughout House as the seat of the Legislative Assembly the year. Special effort should be made to of Prince Edward Island and more gener- encourage visitation by Francophones. ally to learn about the democratic process. Educational groups also come to learn about Family groups: the national historic significance of Province In the summer, family groups, composed of House and the Confederation story, often in adults and school-aged children, often choose association with a visit to Founders’ Hall or to visit Province House during inclement other thematically related attractions. These weather, seeking entertaining and educa- groups are typically intermediate- and sec- tional activities indoors. Children may inspire ondary-school-aged children accompanied by family visits, having learned about Province a teacher, who expect an enjoyable, hands-on, House in school. Families seek stimulating Province House 25 Management Plan

experiences, information geared to all ages in people seeking pre-trip information. These the family and enjoyable activities for children. groups seek information that is clear, well- organized, aimed at their level of under- Motor coach, cruise and other standing. Often these groups make use of the organized groups: Internet, and expect accessible, updated and Touring groups constitute a significant pro- timely information with links to associated portion of visitors to Province House during Web sites of interest. the summer months, and organized tour groups constitute the large majority of visi- Goal: tors during the fall season. Typically escorted To ensure that the messages about the and often composed of older visitors, such national significance and the provincial and groups expect a guided experience tailored other values of Province House are effectively to their group interests and to the time they communicated to on-site audiences in a col- have available. Convention and business laborative manner travellers may also be included in this audience, visiting Province House while exploring Management Direction: downtown Charlottetown, either with their • Parks Canada and the Province will colleagues as part of an organized tour or strengthen on-site experiences that evoke independently. Groups expect familiarity and a sense of the authenticity of Province comfort and accessible services. Groups typi- House cally pre-arrange guided service, for which • Parks Canada and the Province will a fee is charged. It has been noted that orient- review the recommendations of the ing and dealing with these groups could Heritage Presentation Plan (2001) and be improved. together set priorities for implementation of its recommendations to renew heritage Visiting dignitaries: presentation at Province House Province House is often included on the itin- • Parks Canada and the Province will eraries of dignitaries visiting Charlottetown. cooperate to ensure that messages of Dignitaries include national and international provincial and national importance are politicians, royalty, celebrities and persons communicated at an appropriate level to who have been otherwise recognized for the visiting public, by: special achievements. During a short tour of • ensuring that an adequate level of the building and grounds, special efforts are personal service will be available to made to inform visiting dignitaries about the visitors year-round functions of Province House and its national, • developing new programs and provincial and other values. media on currently underrepresented themes, such as the democratic proc- Other audiences: ess and the judicial function Other audiences include those who seek • cooperatively developing printed information about Province House through support materials traditional (e.g., printed matter) or alterna- • updating and enhancing the non-per- tive (e.g., Internet) media. This audience sonal heritage presentation media, includes students and educators seeking considering new technologies national-level information about Province • considering and testing mechanisms House (i.e., role in the story of Confederation for use of the grounds for orientation and as the seat of one of the provincial or and heritage presentation purposes territorial Legislative Assemblies) or provin- • considering possibilities for innova- cial- and local-level information (i.e., specific tive children’s programming information about the workings of the Prince • collaborating with other groups and Edward Island government or about the seat agencies in the offering of personal of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward programming and special events Island). As well, other audiences may include 26 4.2 Engaging Canadians

B. Off-site Heritage Presentation and Outreach particularly effective to reach more school- Each year, there are numerous requests aged Islanders, for whom Province House especially from students for printed matter has both a national significance and sig- and information about Province House as nificance in relation to Island history and a national historic site and as the seat of modern government. the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. These requests are filled as well as Goal: possible by sending out material and direct- To ensure that the national significance ing people to the relevant Parks Canada, and provincial and other values of Province provincial and Legislative Assembly Web House are communicated effectively to sites6. The Internet is a vital resource for the off-site audiences non-visiting public to learn more about the functions and history of Province House. The Management Direction: Web sites are interlinked and are continu- • Parks Canada and the Province will ally improving. The video “A Great Dream” improve the educational content of and is an important outreach tool on the national continue to maintain up-to-date and significance of Province House. The video accurate Web sites for Province House in is widely distributed along with a teachers’ its various functions, ensuring links with guide, and has been recommended as part other related sites of others’ teaching resources. The Speaker of • Parks Canada and the Province will the Legislative Assembly has given presenta- ensure that relevant support materials tions in schools; Parks Canada is developing are available on demand, especially for and testing a program on Province House educational purposes and for pre- and and Confederation for the grade eight level. post-visit information • Parks Canada and the Province will Discussion: work with educators at the provincial, Outreach and off-site heritage presenta- regional and national levels on the tion efforts provide Canadians who cannot preparation of appropriate curriculum visit Province House with a ready means to materials and programming to improve “see” and “explore” the Site through virtual school-aged children’s understanding and other means. Although not everyone of Province House may be able to travel to Province House, all Canadians should be provided with opportu- C. External Relations nities to learn about the national significance, Each year, Province House receives about provincial values and other values of the Site. 135 000 visitors, who come for both the Site’s New media offer innovative opportunities national historic significance and its function to communicate key messages, and the Web as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of sites maintained by the Legislative Assembly Prince Edward Island. This is a higher level of of Prince Edward Island, by the Province of visitation than is received at other legislative Prince Edward Island and by Parks Canada assemblies and many other national historic will provide the best opportunity to reach sites in Atlantic Canada. A Parks Canada- all Canadians. administered Visitor Satisfaction Survey (1999) Educational programming, designed in indicated that for most respondents their visit cooperation with educators at the provincial, was a first, and for one-third of visitors an regional and national levels, will provide unplanned stop on their trip. Most visitors another means to ensure that the key mes- relied on traditional tourism information sages about Province House and its various sources to learn about Province House, most functions are understood. This will be

6 Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, url: www.assembly.pe.ca Province of Prince Edward Island, url: www.gov.pe.ca Parks Canada, url: www.pc.gc.ca, follow the links to Province House nhsc Province House 27 Management Plan

often citing travel guides or brochures, tourist about Confederation by the time they arrive information centres and friends and relatives. at Province House. Parks Canada and the Promotion and marketing can play a role Province need to work with other heritage in developing expectations and managing and tourism organizations to ensure that visitation at Province House. Promotion and the unique and authentic role that Province marketing of Province House to visitors has House plays in the Confederation story is been undertaken primarily by Parks Canada. understood, in order that these organizations Parks Canada has a limited budget to inde- can in turn assist visitors to better understand pendently promote or advertise the heritage the role of Province House in the story. attractions it administers in Prince Edward Parks Canada and the Province need Island, including Province House. Bilingual to position Province House as a “must print and electronic media (e.g., Parks see” destination for those interested in the Canada Web site, Parks Canada Vacation Confederation of Canada and for those inter- Planners) are used to promote awareness of ested in the democratic process in Canada. the Province’s culture and heritage. Visitors should be encouraged during the Others’ promotional efforts have indirectly non-summer season, particularly when the benefited Province House. Although Tourism Legislature is in session. External relations pei (the provincial department of tourism) efforts should particularly be targeted to does not specifically market and promote increase visitation by currently underrepre- Province House, the image of Province sented groups such as Islanders, educational House is widely used by the department groups and convention and business travelers. and by other agencies, sites and attractions Parks Canada also needs to better posi- in efforts to promote Prince Edward Island tion Province House among the cluster of and Charlottetown as the “Birthplace of national historic sites found in close prox- Confederation.” Publications include the imity to one another in historic downtown provincial visitor guide, the weekly tourism Charlottetown (i.e., St. Dunstan’s Roman publications for the Province and the City Catholic Cathedral/Basilica nhsc, Great of Charlottetown, the Capital Commission George Street Historic District nhsc and of Prince Edward Island and Festival of the Confederation Centre of the Arts nhsc). Fathers, the National Travel Trade Directory and Visitors with an interest in the national Media Marketplace. The Province and others historic significance of Province House may promoting the Confederation theme have have an interest in other nationally significant invited Parks Canada to review promotional sites, and consider them collectively as an materials, to ensure accuracy of information appealing destination. Parks Canada should and messages. work with other site owners, administrators and interested parties to ensure consistent Discussion: and collaborative promotion of these national Province House is well positioned to take historic sites for mutual benefit. advantage of the widely adopted promotional theme of “Birthplace of Confederation” Goal: by being the actual location of meetings To promote Province House to prospective of the Fathers of Confederation. However, visitors to develop appropriate expectations while there are benefits to other agencies’ and of their visit and to accurately convey the sites’ use of the image of Province House to role of Province House in the story of the promote the “Birthplace of Confederation” “Birthplace of Confederation” and in the theme, Parks Canada and the Offices of the broader system of national historic sites, Clerk and of the Speaker of the Legislative and its enduring function as the seat of the Assembly have little control over the final Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island messages or information conveyed about the Site. The unique offer of Province House may Management Direction: be overlooked or people may be confused by • Parks Canada and the Province will and saturated with information and stories continue to work with other agencies 28 4.2 Engaging Canadians

that promote and market Prince Edward the most notable relationships has been with Island, Charlottetown and Province House Parks & People Association Inc., a regis- to ensure that the uniqueness of Province tered, non-profit cooperating organization House is understood by those agencies that assists Parks Canada in the protection, and that the appropriate messages are presentation and promotion of the national conveyed about Province House park and national historic sites in Prince • Parks Canada and the Province will Edward Island. At Province House, Parks & improve the educational content of and People Association Inc. operates a gift shop continue to maintain up-to-date and during the summer months within the space accurate Web sites for Province House in allotted on-site to Parks Canada. Another its various functions, ensuring links with relationship is with the Capital Commission other related Web sites of Prince Edward Island, which sponsors the • Parks Canada and the Province will Confederation Players, a troupe of costumed convey, where possible, information about animators that provides additional and col- the positive and effective federal-provin- ourful personal programming on the grounds cial working relationship demonstrated at of Province House. Province House Relationships have been formed with • Parks Canada and the Province will other organizations involved in urban encourage visitation at Province House, planning, heritage conservation and herit- targeting currently underrepresented age attraction development in downtown groups such as Islanders, educational groups and convention and business travelers • Parks Canada will work with owners and administrators of other national historic sites in downtown Charlottetown to promote Province House as part of a cluster of national historic sites with collective appeal as a destination

D. Collaboration and Partnerships The protection and presentation of Province House is possible through the well-developed cooperative efforts of the Province and Parks Canada. The Province owns Province House, which continues to serve as the active seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Parks Canada has a formalized long- term arrangement to protect and present the Parks & People Association Inc. runs a gift shop at Province House. national significance of Province House on Parks Canada, 2001 behalf of the Province7, and to this end has an on-site presence. The Province and Parks Charlottetown. Province House serves as the Canada share a vision for the Site. This rela- focal point of community celebration and tionship can be considered the collaboration other events, and is a visible landmark within of primary importance at Province House. the historic downtown. As such, Province The heritage presentation and service House has been implicated in efforts to renew offer at Province House has benefited from and plan for the downtown area. Province further collaboration with other organiza- House staff have maintained an awareness of tions and groups. For Parks Canada, one of initiatives in historic downtown Charlottetown

7 See section 1.4 for details about the Lease Agreement and the Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement Province House 29 Management Plan

with the potential to affect Province House. In that accurate information is conveyed and turn, Parks Canada staff have been consulted that efforts to inform visitors are consistent on questions of historical accuracy in the devel- and mutually beneficial. opment of other Confederation-themed attrac- Other relationships could be enhanced. tions, such as advising in the development of Because Province House is a destination Founders’ Hall. for many school groups, educators in Province House as the seat of the Charlottetown and throughout the Island Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward and the provincial Department of Education Island has strong links with the family of may be considered prospective partners in Canadian legislative buildings. Staff from the development of programming that meets the Offices of the Clerk and of the Speaker educational curriculum needs. There may be of the Legislative Assembly have functional opportunities to strengthen ties to Province connections with staff at the other provincial House with the other legislative assemblies and territorial legislatures. Parks Canada staff in Atlantic Canada, particularly in the have attended national meetings of service development of coordinated interpretive or providers and interpreters of the legislative promotional material for collective use. assemblies. Goal: Discussion: To continue to work in collaboration with The positive federal-provincial working groups and individuals and to develop new relationship between the Province and Parks relationships that benefit the protection, pres- Canada needs to be better presented to those entation and promotion of Province House, who may not understand the agreed-upon both in its function as a national historic site relationship. The nature of and reasons for and as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of the long-term arrangement at Province House Prince Edward Island need to be communicated when appropriate opportunities arise. Management Direction: New or renewed heritage presentation • Parks Canada and the Province will efforts would be complemented by further continue to demonstrate a positive and collaboration with other organizations or effective federal-provincial working rela- agencies. Opportunities for special events in tionship, serving as the primary collabo- the building or on the grounds, and alterna- rators in the protection, presentation and tive modes of conveying messages through promotion of Province House programming, particularly on the grounds of • Parks Canada and the Province will Province House need to be explored. Models continue to work with other organizations are offered by other legislative assemblies with an interest in preserving the heritage (e.g., Victoria Tea and Tour and specialized and other values of Province House and tours and evening events at the Legislative in communicating key messages Assembly of Ontario) and other national • Parks Canada and the Province will col- historic sites (e.g., Tea ceremony at Artillery laborate with other groups and agencies Park Heritage Site, Quebec City). Any new in offering heritage presentation initia- or enhanced use of the building or grounds tives and special events for special events or interpretive purposes • Parks Canada and the Province will con- should be assessed for potential environmen- tinue to work with agencies that promote tal impact. and market Prince Edward Island and Parks Canada and the Province need to Charlottetown to ensure that the unique- continue to work with other heritage and ness of Province House is understood by tourism organizations promoting the theme those agencies and that the appropriate of the “Birthplace of Confederation” to ensure messages are conveyed about Province that all parties understand the unique role House played by Province House as the actual site • Parks Canada and the Province will work of the Confederation meetings and to ensure with educators at the provincial, regional 30 4.2 Engaging Canadians

and national levels on the preparation ing group often seeks particular services, of appropriate curriculum materials and such as a tour tailored to its members’ spe- programming to improve school-aged cific interests. For the past ten years, Province children’s understanding of Province House has received an annual average of 630 House in its various functions groups of visitors, mostly during July and • Parks Canada and the Province will August and numerous even in September. Of explore opportunities to work with other the total 497 groups in 2003, 123 were school legislative assemblies to develop material groups totaling 3285 students, and 350 were and/or undertake collaborative promo- motorcoaches with 15 150 passengers. tion for mutual benefit Visitor Services Aside from heritage presentation and infor- 4.3 Visitation, Visitor Services mation, visitors find a gift shop and washrooms among the services offered at Province Visitation House. From May to October, Parks & People Visitation throughout Prince Edward Association Inc. manages a small gift shop on Island has increased following the open- the main floor within the space provision for ing of the Confederation Bridge in 1997. Parks Canada. The revenues generated from Over the past ten years, annual visitation at the gift shop fund programs in support of Province House has averaged about 135,000 Parks Canada throughout the Island, under people, with a high of 170,000 visitors in direction of the Parks & People Association 1999. Approximately 88 309 people vis- Inc. Board of Directors. Refreshments are not ited Province House in 2003. As might be sold at the gift shop or elsewhere on site, but expected, visitation is highest during the visitors can find drinking water in the wash- summer months, with some 39 000 visitors rooms and refreshments in nearby stores and each month during July and August. The restaurants. Public washrooms are located motorcoach industry and cruise ships bring on each floor. Indoor seating is limited to the in most of the visitors during the fall and theatre and benches on the main level. spring. Winter visitors are predominantly Seating, access and orientation are service school groups, people in town for conventions considerations for the grounds of Province and those attending the Legislative Assembly. House. Outdoor benches are located through- Independent travelers and non-commercial out Queen Square. Visitors cannot park groups are not charged an entry fee. This is in on-site, although on-street and commercial keeping with the fact that no other Legislative parking is located nearby. Buses may park Assembly buildings in Canada charge visitors on Richmond Street near the south entrance to enter, although visitors at other national to the building. Visitors with disabilities may historic sites administered by Parks Canada call ahead to request use of the ceremonial are typically charged a fee. Commercial drive approach. Permanent exterior signs at groups are charged a per-person fee for the Grafton Street and at Richmond Street iden- enhanced service offer received. tify Province House and briefly explain the Detailed information about all visitors building’s significance. Newer signs placed is not collected, but the demographics of on the steps of both entrances offer more respondents to the Visitor Satisfaction Survey information on the hours of operation and (1999) may be considered somewhat rep- the services offered. During the summer, a resentative. About three-quarters of the sandwich board is placed on the grounds on respondents were from Canada, while the the Grafton Street side to encourage visitors majority of other visitors were from the to enter the building. United States. More than half the respondents Most areas of the building are accessible were in adult-only parties, while one-third to visitors and staff with disabilities, although were in parties with children under sixteen. the design of the building poses some chal- Province House attracts many visitors lenges. An elevator provides access to the who come as part of a touring group. A visit- first, second and third floors, but the lift Province House 31 Management Plan

hydraulics do not permit extension of elevator service to the basement. A ramp was integrated into the design of the stone steps on the north side of the building. Adjustments have been made where possible to accommodate wheelchairs, and a manual wheelchair is kept on-site.

Discussion: In general, the services offered to visitors are appropriate to provide the intended visitor experience for the level of visitation that HSMBC plaques for Fathers of Confederation on grounds of Province House receives. The strengths and Queen Square. Parks Canada, 2001 shortcomings of Province House visitor services were previously identified through serv- of the building. During the Site orientation, ice reviews and visitor surveys. Most recently, visitors should be prepared for what to expect in the Visitor Satisfaction Survey (1999), visitors during their visit and informed of the mes- rated the on-site services of directional signage sages of importance to each function. During and the gift shop lower than other services their visit, visitors should have adequate time, (such as interpretive or information services). space and information to be inspired by the In general, visitors rated their visit as educa- Site, and should form strong impressions that tional, but weak as an experience for children. will remain as memories. Visitors should have In addition to these points, staff has identified the opportunity to leave with tangible souve- the location of dedicated bus parking on one- nirs of Province House, if desired. way Richmond Street as problematic, requir- Visitation is concentrated during the ing visitors to disembark into the street rather summer months at Province House. During than on the sidewalk. the summer, the level of visitation at Province Visitors need to be better oriented to the House can overwhelm staff and may keep building and grounds of Province House visitors from experiencing the sense of place early in their visit. The permanent signs on of the Site. The rest of the year, particu- site are colourless, outdated, and in disrepair; larly during winter and spring, visitation visitors are not well directed to the entrances is low. These periods, especially when the Legislative Assembly is in session, have been identified as times when the Site could accommodate more visitors. Visitor use patterns should be monitored to minimize impairment of the cultural resources of Province House, and use of the grounds for extended orientation should be assessed for possible environmental impact. Under-represented groups, such as Islanders, educational groups and convention and business travelers, could be encouraged to visit during these periods.

Goal: To offer an appropriate level of visitor service and to manage visitor numbers to ensure an educational, enjoyable and inspirational experience for all visitors year-round at Province House Foyer of Province House during the visitor season. Parks Canada, 2001 32 4.3 Visitation, Visitor Services

Management Direction: (e.g., Legislative Chamber, offices), areas • Parks Canada and the Province will exclusively used for the national historic continue to offer a level of visitor services site function (e.g., theatre, Confederation at Province House balancing expectations Chamber) and those areas shared by both while ensuring commemorative integrity (e.g., hallways, washrooms, meeting and meeting safety and security rooms). The division of space is specified requirements in floor plans appended to theCost-shared • In the event that Queen Square redesign Maintenance Agreement. is initiated by landowners, Parks Canada Most areas of Province House are in and the Province will encourage the active use by one or both functions. Offices redesign to address heritage presenta- are fully occupied and there is no flexibility in tion and visitor orientation, ceremonial reconsidering the use of these spaces during purposes and appropriate access for the life of this management plan. However, motorcoaches, visitors with disabilities the use of some non-office space areas may and emergency vehicles. merit reexamination as part of the review • Parks Canada and the Province will of the Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement, to encourage visitation at Province House, ensure the best possible arrangement for use targeting currently underrepresented of the limited space at Province House. Areas groups such as Islanders, educational that may merit attention are the basement, groups and convention and business the theatre and guide station on the main travelers level, the exhibit rooms/Opposition Caucus • Parks Canada and the Province will space on the second level, and the media continue to strive to meet the accessibil- room on the third level. ity needs of all visitors, while making a Grounds – The Cost-shared Maintenance best effort to minimize impairment of the Agreement indicates that, among “other serv- original fabric of the building ices,” grounds maintenance (e.g., planting, • Parks Canada and the Province will work lawn cutting) is the responsibility of Parks to improve the visitor experience by man- Canada. Maintenance of Queen Square is cur- aging visitor use patterns and considering rently shared between Parks Canada and the extended orientation Confederation Centre of the Arts. No formal • Parks Canada and the Province will agreement between the parties describes in consider possibilities for innovative chil- detail the responsibilities for maintenance dren’s programming of Queen Square. Open communication and cooperation between the parties has resulted 4.4 Operations and Administration in a well-maintained property. The relationship between Parks Canada and Security – Security measures at the Province in the operation and admin- Province House meet the high level of istration of Province House is described in security required for a legislative assembly the Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement. This (particularly after the bombing of Province Agreement identifies the areas occupied by House in 1995), and are more stringent than each party or in common use, describes the those required for other national historic responsibilities of the respective parties and sites. Security measures at Province House the costs for which each party is responsible, include security cameras around the exterior which are proportionate to the area occupied of the building, security cameras and motion by each party. Modifications to the use and detectors inside the building, and visitor occupancy of space at Province House or registration and bag inspections when the changes in division of responsibilities are legislature is in session. The scope of security captured during the periodic review of the includes: Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement. • ensuring the personal safety and security Space utilization – The area of Province of Members of the Legislative Assembly, House is divided between areas exclusively staff and visitors used for the legislative assembly function Province House 33 Management Plan

• maintaining updated emergency response Goal: and evacuation plans and procedures To ensure the continued cooperative, effective • ensuring the protection of the building’s and efficient operation and administration of interior and exterior, and of the historic Province House and its grounds objects within it Management Direction: Discussion: • Parks Canada and the Province will con- In general, operations and administration at tinue to identify the division of respon- Province House are well organized and well sibilities and costs at Province House managed. Safety and security at Province through the mechanism of the Cost-shared House are considered and provided for. Maintenance Agreement. The Cost-shared However, some areas of operations and Maintenance Agreement will be revised to administration could benefit from a more the satisfaction of both parties in a timely formal arrangement. fashion to reflect the changes identified in The Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement this management plan, including but not will continue to be the mechanism through limited to: which Parks Canada and the Province articu- • mechanisms or methods for timely late the arrangement for co-occupation of the decision making building and division of responsibilities and • mechanisms for jointly ensuring costs. The Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement timely and appropriate responses to could more clearly describe appropriate identified maintenance and repair mechanisms for shared decision-making requirements of the building processes at Province House and the means • roles, responsibilities and division of to implement the recommendations of this cost responsibilities for recapitaliza- management plan. Providing for long-term tion projects mechanisms for collaborative action would • use of space appropriately be included in future revisions • roles, responsibilities and division of of this Agreement. cost responsibilities for heritage pres- Responsibility for recapitalization and entation and visitor services redesign of Queen Square, and for main- • Parks Canada and the Province will work tenance and subsequently for any liability, with landowners of Queen Square to has not been clearly defined. This is due define and formalize responsibilities and to the various landowners and overlap- roles at Queen Square for such things ping use by and proximity of occupants in as repair and maintenance, liability, and Queen Square. Landowners and occupants recapitalization and redesign. In the event of Queen Square would benefit from a that Queen Square redesign is initiated more formal arrangement of the division of by landowners, Parks Canada and the responsibilities and costs for maintenance Province will encourage the redesign to and recapitalization including redesign of address heritage presentation and visitor the Square. Parks Canada should participate orientation, ceremonial purposes and in developing such an arrangement at the appropriate access for motorcoaches, invitation of landowners. Any involvement visitors with disabilities and emergency of Parks Canada and the Province in grounds vehicles. and other maintenance and recapitalization • Parks Canada and the Province will should be described in a Queen Square-wide continue to update the safety and security management mechanism that involves all plan and safety and security measures landowners. Environmental impact assess- as required ment should precede efforts to redesign or redevelop Queen Square, or maintenance arrangements. 34 Province House 35 Management Plan

5.0 Impact Evaluation and Environmental Assessment

This management plan for Province House The section of the environmental assess- has been evaluated considering the impact ment that assesses the potential “stress” of the proposed strategies and actions on and negative or positive impact caused by the commemorative integrity of the Site and the proposed actions found that none of the on the natural environment of its associated proposed initiatives will impose a stress on context. (For the full text, see “Environmental the Site, and that in fact many initiatives will Assessment of Province House National contribute to ensuring the commemorative Historic Site of Canada and Seat of the integrity of Province House and benefit its Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island physical setting, Queen Square. Management Plan - Final Report” 2003). The While the actions proposed in this man- environmental assessment was conducted agement plan do not necessitate any specific according to direction in the Parks Canada mitigative measures, the assessment empha- Management Directive 2.4.2–Impact Assessment sizes that: (1998), Draft Guidelines for Assessing Parks • any activities that involve Parks Canada Canada Management Plans (1998), Environmental staff participation or that receive funding Assessment Process for Policy and Programs from the Parks Canada Agency will have (Federal Environmental Assessment Review to undergo project-specific environmental Office,1993 ), and Procedures of the Department assessment. This may include cost-shared of Canadian Heritage for Complying with the services, redesign of the grounds of CEAA (Parks Canada, 1996). Field Unit staff Queen Square and any new use of the conducted an environmental screening of the grounds for orientation and interpretation proposed management guidelines prior to (both putting new services in place and their presentation to the public. A final envi- increased use of the grounds by visitors ronmental assessment of the management as a result) guidelines was conducted in the final stage of • particular attention needs to be paid to drafting the management plan, to allow for how redesign or increased reliance for incorporation of necessary changes into the orientation or other service provision may final document. impact the grounds of Queen Square, The environmental assessment found that particularly in the absence of good knowl- none of the proposed actions in this manage- edge of visitor numbers or use patterns. ment plan will result in a negative impact on the natural environment of grounds surround- In future, should any physical work proceed, a ing Province House, or detract from the com- project-specific environmental assessment will memorative integrity of the Site. be undertaken, as required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

36 Province House 37 Management Plan

6.0 Implementation

Envisioned as a strategic guide for managers, Web sites and other improvements to the this management plan for Province House heritage presentation offer will be explored. has a lifespan of ten to fifteen years (to be As well, cooperative initiatives with part- reviewed every five years). The proposed ners will be sought to identify, evaluate and management direction will be implemented pursue appropriate special events and herit- through annual work plans and annual budg- age presentation programming activities. eting. The implementation of the manage- Priority actions are identified in the chart ment plan will be the responsibility of the below. Emphasis has been placed on those Superintendent of the Prince Edward Island activities expected to occur during the first Field Unit of Parks Canada with appropri- three years following management plan ate participation of the Province of Prince approval but other activities to be pursued Edward Island. during the life of this management plan Implementation of the actions proposed have been identified as well. No priority has for Province House in this management plan, been assigned to activities beyond identify- once approved, depends on the availability ing broadly the period in which they will of financial resources. In the case of Province occur. The need for further prioritizing will House, no radical change is proposed to be determined during more detailed action current heritage protection and presentation planning. practices, visitor facilities and the service Progress on the management plan offer nor to the overall operation and man- implementation will be communicated to agement of the Site. Proposed management the public through Parks Canada’s annual direction includes formalizing decision reporting on business plan performance making on priority maintenance and recapi- and through the Parks Canada State of the talization of the building itself, and improved Protected Heritage Areas report, and other decision making on the maintenance and mechanisms adopted by the Province. recapitalization of the grounds. Orientation The management plan will also be subject and use of the grounds for heritage presenta- to periodic review, and can be amended to tion, collaboration with educators to develop reflect changing circumstances. The public educational curriculum materials, improved will be consulted about major changes. 38 6.0 Implementation

Management Priorities Future-year Direction during the first priorities 3-year period

Prepare conservation guidelines and a maintenance plan n

Examine ways to jointly provide for ongoing and timely recapitalization n

Catalogue, assess and monitor historic objects that do not form part of the artifact n collection under the Lease Agreement

Encourage the redesign of Queen Square to address heritage presentation and n visitor orientation, ceremonial purposes and appropriate access for motorcoaches, visitors with disabilities and emergency vehicles

Review the recommendations of the Heritage Presentation Plan (2001) n and together with the province set priorities for implementation of its recommendations to renew heritage presentation at Province House

Strengthen on-site experiences that evoke a sense of the authenticity of n Province House

Develop new programs and media on currently underrepresented themes, n such as the democratic process and the judicial function

Cooperatively with the province develop printed support materials n

Update and enhance the non-personal heritage presentation media, n considering new technologies

Consider and test mechanisms for use of the grounds for orientation and for n heritage presentation purposes

Consider possibilities for innovative children’s programming n

Collaborate with other groups and agencies in the offering of personal n programming and special events

Improve the educational content of and continue to maintain up-to-date and n accurate Web sites for Province House in its various functions, ensuring links with other related sites

Work with educators at the provincial, regional and national levels on the n preparation of appropriate curriculum materials and programming to improve school-aged children’s understanding of Province House

Work with other agencies that promote and market Prince Edward Island, n Charlottetown and Province House to ensure that the uniqueness of Province House is understood by those agencies and that the appropriate messages are conveyed about Province House

Encourage visitation at Province House, targeting currently underrepresented groups n such as Islanders, educational groups and convention and business travelers

Work with owners and administrators of other national historic sites in downtown n Charlottetown to promote Province House as part of a cluster of national historic sites with collective appeal as a destination

Work with others with an interest in preserving the heritage and other values of n Province House and in communicating key messages, collaborating with other groups and agencies in offering heritage presentation initiatives and special events

Explore opportunities to work with other legislative assemblies to develop material n and/or undertake collaborative promotion for mutual benefit

Improve the visitor experience by managing visitor use patterns and considering n extended orientation

Revise the Cost-shared Maintenance Agreement; consider opportunities to include in n this revision formalized methods for timely decision making, and responsibilities and roles in recapitalization projects, heritage presentation and visitor services Province House 39 Management Plan

List of Participants

The development of this management plan for Province House benefited from the participation of a number of individuals:

Marc Ampleman, Client Services Manager, Tammy Poole, Grounds Coordinator, National Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island Historic Sites, Parks Canada, Prince Field Unit Edward Island Field Unit

Joe Driscoll, Technical Resource, Soonya Quon, Management Planner, Parks Department of Transportation and Public Canada, Atlantic Service Centre Works, Prince Edward Island Greg Shaw, Technical Officer, Parks Canada, Doug Heaney, Cultural Heritage Presentation Prince Edward Island Field Unit Coordinator, Parks Canada, Prince Edward Kent Smith, Manager, Building Maintenance Island Field Unit and Accommodations, Department of JoAnne Holden, External Relations Manager, Transportation and Public Works, Prince Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island Edward Island Field Unit Judith Tulloch, Historian, Parks Canada, Marian Johnston, Clerk Assistant and Clerk Atlantic Service Centre of Committees, Legislative Assembly of

Prince Edward Island With additional thanks to: Sharon Larter, Manager of National Historic Sites, Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island Review and coordinating staff at the Field Unit National Historic Sites Directorate, Parks Canada; Lindsay Croken, Tim Daly, Brian Barb MacDonald, Heritage Presentation Gallant, Tom Gribbin, Bill Hockey, Joanne Media Coordinator, Parks Canada, Prince Jay, Guy LeBlanc, Phil McCabe, Jason Edward Island Field Unit McInnis, Lisa O’Toole, Joe Trainor, Judy Charles MacKay, Clerk, Legislative Trainor, Jennifer Westhaver Assembly of Prince Edward Island

Wayne Peters, Manager, Building Maintenance and Accommodations, Department of Transportation and Public Works, Prince Edward Island (retired) 40 Province House 41 Management Plan

APPENDIX A Legislative and Policy Context for Management Planning of National Historic Sites

A management plan must be prepared for all National Historic Sites Policy national historic sites owned or administered Canada’s system of national historic sites by Parks Canada, in accordance with federal preserves and presents tangible and symbolic legislation and Parks Canada policy. The leg- aspects of our nation’s cultural heritage. The islation that pertains to Province House is the National Historic Sites Policy outlines the Historic Sites and Monuments Act and the Parks objectives of a national program of histori- Canada Agency Act. cal commemoration, provides guidelines for the evaluation of the program including the Historic Sites and Monuments Act concept of commemorative integrity, and The Historic Sites and Monuments Act provides outlines the roles and responsibilities for the the minister responsible with the legislated recognition, designation and commemora- mandate to designate “historic places,” or tion of sites, persons and events of national to bring them into being. Such designations significance. are usually made on the recommendation of The Government of Canada’s objectives the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of for national historic sites are: Canada, a statutory advisory body composed • to foster knowledge and appreciation of of members representing all provinces Canada’s past through a national pro- and territories. gram of historical commemoration • to ensure the commemorative integrity Parks Canada Agency Act of national historic sites administered by Under the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998), Parks Canada by protecting and present- Parks Canada has a mandated responsibility ing them for the benefit, education and for ensuring the commemorative integrity of enjoyment of this and future generations, national historic sites. In accordance with this in a manner that respects the significant Act, every national historic site administered and irreplaceable legacy represented by by the Agency prepares a management plan these places and their associated resources to be tabled in Parliament once every five • to encourage and support the protection years, which is reviewed every five years. and presentation by others of places of The management plan is prepared with national historic significance that are not guidance from the Parks Canada Guide to administered by Parks Canada. Management Planning (2000), and in accordance with Parks Canada’s current policy, Cultural Resource Management Policy described in Parks Canada Guiding Principles To ensure that national historic sites and and Operational Policies (1994). Two sets of fed- their associated resources and values are eral policy must be considered in the devel- protected and presented appropriately, Parks opment of a management plan for Province Canada has developed a Cultural Resource House: the National Historic Sites Policy and Management Policy. Cultural resource the Cultural Resource Management Policy. management is an integrated and holistic approach to the management of cultural resources8. The policy applies to all activities

8 A cultural resource is a human work, or a place that gives evidence of human activity or has spiritual or cultural meaning, and that has been determined to be of historic value (Parks Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies 1994) 42 APPENDIX A Legislative and Policy Context for Management Planning of National Historic Sites

that may have an impact on cultural resources cultural resource management are integral whether they relate to protection, mainte- to the successful management of a national nance, appreciation or use of the resources. historic site by Parks Canada and partners in The five principles of cultural resource man- co-operative or shared-management activities. agement (value, public benefit, understand- The Cultural Resource Management Policy ing, respect and integrity) are not mutually also provides guidance on activities such as exclusive; rather they work most effectively corporate direction, planning, research, con- when considered together. The practices of servation and presentation. Province House 43 Management Plan

APPENDIX B Inventory and Evaluation of Cultural Resources with National Historic Significance

In situ Resources

Province House Level I

Historic Objects 1500 artifacts generally falling into the following four categories:

• artifacts leased from the Province of Prince Edward Island and assumed, Level I on the basis of style and tradition, to date to 1864 or before (approx. 50)

• artifacts leased from the Province of Prince Edward Island and assumed, Level II on the basis of style and tradition, to date from after 1864 (approx. 150)

• antiques bought by Parks Canada as part of the restoration process Level II (approx. 1050)

• reproductions acquired for restoration (approx. 250) Other

Plaques and Monuments

Eight Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaques Level II commemorating Province House NHSC and the seven Island Fathers of Confederation

Bronze plaque given to the Province of Prince Edward Island by the Level II Government of Canada on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference 44 Province House 45 Management Plan

APPENDIX C Locations of Plaques and Monuments

Plaques

Province House HSMBC, southwest of Province House, mounted on concrete cairn

Fathers of Confederation HSMBC, northeast of Province House, mounted on concrete (seven) cairn

Twenty-fifth Premiers’ southwest of Province House, mounted on concrete cairn Conference in 1984

Francis Bain, naturalist southeast corner of Coles Building lawn, mounted on granite rock

Arthur Newbery northwest Province House lawn, mounted on PEI sandstone

Women who served in the northeast Province House lawn, mounted on concrete cairn Armed Forces

Monuments

War Monument centre, north side of Province House (three soldiers)

Boer War Monument southeast of Province House 46 Province House 47 Management Plan

APPENDIX D Summary of the Commemorative Integrity Statement

The values associated with Province House as Further discussions by the Historic Sites a site of national historic significance, and the and Monuments Board of Canada led to the objectives for the assurance of these values, development of plaque text, and the addition collectively comprise the “commemorative in 1980 of the judicial function message to integrity” of Province House, articulated in a the other messages of national significance Commemorative Integrity Statement for the to be interpreted at the Site. The Statement Site. A concept employed by Parks Canada, of Commemorative Intent, derived primarily commemorative integrity refers to the condi- from the Board minutes of October 1966 and tion or state of a national historic site when June 1980, is as follows: the site is healthy and whole. A national his- Province House National Historic Site of toric site possesses commemorative integrity Canada was designated a national historic when the resources directly related to the site in 1966. The reasons for national signifi- reasons for the site’s designation as a national cance are: historic site are not impaired or under threat; • it is the site of the Charlottetown the reasons for the site’s national historic sig- Conference of 1864, which led to nificance are effectively communicated to the Confederation in 1867; public; and the site’s heritage values (includ- • it is a fine example of the neo-classical ing those not related to national significance) architectural style; are respected by all whose decisions or • it is representative of the judicial institu- actions affect the site. tion of Prince Edward Island. A site’s national historic significance is concisely described in a Statement of Key Values of Province House as a Commemorative Intent. The rationale for the National Historic Site statement is contained in recommendations The following describes the Site’s key cultural by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board resources, including the designated place, of Canada to the minister responsible or is in situ resources and historic objects, as well gleaned from minutes of Board meetings. as the key messages conveying the national In the case of Province House, the Historic historic significance of the Site and other mes- Sites and Monuments Board of Canada sages describing other Site values. discussed the possibility of commemorating Province House as a national historic site on Cultural Resources a number of occasions from 1960 to 1966, the Ensuring the commemorative integrity of latter date being when the Historic Sites and Province House requires the protection of Monuments Board of Canada passed the fol- those cultural resources that were instru- lowing resolution: mental in or integral to the designation of “The Board is satisfied that the Province Province House as a site of national historic Building is of national historic significance significance; these are “Level I” resources. but it cannot recommend that the Federal Cultural resources may be considered col- Government aid in its preservation and lectively in context (designated place, in situ maintenance under the terms of the letter of resources), as well as individually or taken April 21, 1966 which the Premier of Prince out of context (historic objects). Edward Island has sent to the Chairman of The designated place of a national historic the Board.” site refers to the place designated as being of 48 APPENDIX D Summary of the Commemorative Integrity Statement

national historic significance by the respon- through heritage presentation activities. The sible minister on the recommendation of reasons for a site’s national historic signifi- the Historic Sites and Monuments Board cance must be effectively communicated to of Canada. It is a geographically definable both on-site visitors and the broader public. location circumscribed by boundaries. At There are three reasons why Province House Province House, the designated place consists is considered of national historic significance: of Province House delineated by its footprint. As the designated place, Province House as Province House was the site of the Charlottetown a whole is valued because: it is the site of Conference of 1864, the first meeting that led to the Charlottetown Conference of 1864; it is Canadian Confederation in 1867. In September a fine example of the neo-classical architec- 1864, a group of influential politicians from tural style; it is representative of the judicial the colonies of Prince Edward Island, Nova institution of Prince Edward Island; it forms Scotia, New Brunswick and Canada met one end of the Great George Street Historic at Province House to begin discussions District and remains an important compo- on a union of the British colonies in North nent of Queen Square. The in situ resources America. By the end of the conference, they consist of Province House, the building itself. had reached general agreement on the prin- As the in situ resource, Province House is ciples of Confederation. Detailed terms were valued because: it contains the Confederation later hammered out at conferences in Quebec Chamber where the delegates to the City and London and became law as the Charlottetown Conference held their meet- British North America Act, which created the ings in September 1864; it is a fine example of Dominion of Canada in 1867. the neo-classical architectural style demonstrating many interdependent characteristics Province House is a fine example of the neo-clas- of the style, including symmetrical design sical architectural style. Based on study of the both on the exterior and interior, balanced architectural forms and motifs of ancient elevations with central porticos with pedi- Greece and Rome, the neo-classical style ments, and decorative use of pilasters and was commonly employed for public build- columns employing antique (Ionic) orders; ings in the British North American colonies and from 1847 to 1872, it housed the supreme between 1820 and 1860. Designed by the court and judicial offices for the Province of premier Island architect/builder of his day, Prince Edward Island. Isaac Smith, Province House exhibits many The artifact collection at Province House of the characteristics of the style, including consists of approximately 1500 items. symmetrical design both on the exterior and Approximately 50 of these items, based on interior, balanced elevations with central visual appearance, documentary sources porticos with pediments, and decorative use and tradition, are thought to have been in of pilasters and columns employing antique the building at the time of the Charlottetown (Ionic) orders. Conference and have remained there since that time; accordingly, these 50 items are Province House is representative of the judicial considered “Level I” resources. These objects institution of Prince Edward Island. The archi- have value because they can be directly tectural design for Province House included linked to the role of Province House as the space on the ground floor for the supreme site of the Charlottetown Conference, and court room and offices for court officials. have been located within Province House The Supreme Court continued to make its since that time. home in Province House until 1872 when the supreme and insolvency courts, prothonotary Messages office and land registry moved to the newly The commemorative integrity of Province constructed court house and post office, House is ensured in part by facilitating public located on Queen Square west of Province understanding of the reasons for the national House. Following the transfer of this build- historic significance of Province House ing to the Government of Canada after Prince Province House 49 Management Plan

Edward Island entered Confederation in Board of Canada plaques and, as a major 1873, the province built a new court house stakeholder in the administration of the area, east of Province House. undertakes financial commitments to its overall maintenance. A large bronze plaque, Other Heritage Values donated to the Island government by the Province House contains other cultural Government of Canada to commemorate resources that have historic significance while the fiftieth anniversary of the Charlottetown not relating to the reasons for the national Conference, is set on the walls of the significance of Province House; nonetheless, second main hall, immediately outside the their local or regional associations, historical Confederation Chamber. Ardgowan National significance and aesthetic or environmental Historic Site of Canada (located approxi- qualities are valued. mately two kilometres from Province House) commemorates the home of William Henry Curatorial Collection Pope, a prominent Island politician and Approximately 1200 items of the collection Father of Confederation. The Historic Sites are evaluated as Level II resources. This and Monuments Board of Canada plaque category includes artifacts that are part of commemorating the Great George Street the Lease Agreement between the federal and Historic District is located at the waterfront provincial governments that are, for reasons end of Great George Street. Province House of design or tradition, unlikely to date to 1864, forms the northern end of the view of Great and antiques purchased by Parks Canada as George Street from the plaque location. part of the restoration process. Within this The Historic Sites and Monuments Board latter group are some items that are known of Canada plaques and the bronze fiftieth to have been made in Prince Edward Island: anniversary plaque reflect the federal govern- these are of particular importance (e.g., ment’s efforts to recognize Canada’s history. Trenamen tall-case clock). The painting of the ball held at the Charlottetown Conference by Messages not related to the reasons Dusan Kadlec, donated to Province House for national historic significance by the Themadel Foundation of St. Andrews, There are a number of messages about the New Brunswick, hangs in an exhibit room historic importance of Province House aside outside the Confederation Chamber. from those reasons for which it has been des- The artifacts that have traditionally been ignated of national significance: located within Province House reflect the his- • Province House was designed and built torical evolution of the Site. Antiques that are by Isaac Smith, a prominent Island archi- not site-specific reflect the material culture of tect and builder. the Maritimes, and antiques that are Island- • Province House played, and continues to made are rare and reflect the material culture play, an important role in Island public of Prince Edward Island. The Dusan Kadlec life as the Island legislature and as the painting of the conference ball is valued centre of administration. because it reflects the interest of private phil- • Province House was designed and built anthropic organizations in commemorating by Islanders with Island material, except Canada’s history. for the exterior stone. • The restoration and refurnishing of Related Commemorations Province House illustrate the federal- Eight Historic Sites and Monuments Board provincial partnership forged to pre- of Canada plaques commemorating Province serve Province House as the “Cradle of House and the seven Island Fathers of Confederation.” Confederation are located on the grounds • Province House forms one end of the adjacent to Province House. Although the Great George Street Historic District. grounds do not form part of the designated place, Parks Canada is responsible for maintenance of the Historic Sites and Monuments 50 APPENDIX D Summary of the Commemorative Integrity Statement

• Province House was, and continues to These messages are effectively communi- be, an important component of Queen cated when they are conveyed effectively Square, which was the centre of the town to Canadians without overwhelming com- for religious, political and social purposes. munication of the reasons for the national • Province House nhsc is part of Canada’s significance of Province House and when this family of national historic sites. is measured and monitored. • Ardgowan National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the home of William Henry Pope, a prominent Island Father of Confederation. During the Charlottetown Conference, Pope enter- tained the conference delegates at an afternoon luncheon at Ardgowan.