Forges Du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada

FORGES DU SAINT-MAURICE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA

MANAGEMENT PLAN

La Mauricie Field Unit

October 2007 Cover page illustration:

Hurst frame of the lower forge hammer, based on remains found Reconstructed by illustrator Bernard Duchesne, Parks Canada

Reconstruction of the exterior of the Grande Maison Parks Canada / E. Kedl

Aerial view of part of the historic site Parks Canada / J. Beardsell

Remains of the lower forge chimney as the subject of an interpretive talk Parks Canada / E. Kedl

Symbolic structure housing the remains of the blast furnace Parks Canada / E. Kedl Foreword

Canada’s national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast unique opportunities to experience and understand our wonderful country. They are places of learning, recreation and fun where Canadians can connect with our past and appreciate the natural, cultural and social forces that shaped Canada.

From our smallest national park to our most visited national historic site to our largest national marine conservation area, each of these places offers Canadians and visitors unique opportunities to experience Canada. These places of beauty, wonder and learning are valued by Canadians - they are part of our past, our present and our future.

Our Government’s goal is to ensure that each of these special places is conserved.

We see a future in which these special places will further Canadians’ appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Canada, the economic well- being of communities, and the vitality of our society.

Our Government’s vision is to build a culture of heritage conservation in Canada by offering Canadians exceptional opportunities to experience our natural and cultural heritage.

These values form the foundation of the new management plan for Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada. I offer my appreciation to the many thoughtful Canadians who helped to develop this plan, particularly to our dedicated team from Parks Canada, and to all those local organizations and individuals who have demonstrated their good will, hard work, spirit of co-operation and extraordinary sense of stewardship.

In this same spirit of partnership and responsibility, I am pleased to approve the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan.

John Baird Minister of the Environment

Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada

MANAGEMENT PLAN

RECOMMENDED BY:

Alan Latourelle Chief Executive Officer Parks Canada Agency

Thierry Bouin Superintendent La Mauricie Field Unit Parks Canada

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 9 1.1 Parks Canada Mandate and Legislative Framework ...... 9 1.2 Developing the Management Plan ...... 10

2. Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site ...... 11 2.1 The Designated Place and the Administered Place ...... 11 2.2 Historical Background ...... 12

3. A Fundamental Notion: Commemorative Integrity ...... 15

4. Preserving Cultural Resources and Conveying Heritage Messages ...... 17 4.1 Cultural Resources of National Historic Importance ...... 17 4.2 Messages of National Historic Importance ...... 23 4.3 Other Heritage Values ...... 24

5. Analysis of the Current Situation ...... 31 5.1 State of Ownership of the Administered Place ...... 31 5.2 State of the Cultural Resources ...... 31 5.3 Natural Resources and the Environment ...... 34 5.4 The Current Visitor Experience ...... 35 5.5 Challenges involved in the Communication of Commemorative Messages ...... 38 5.6 Visitation and Use of the Site ...... 40 5.7 Regional Tourism...... 43

6. Objectives ...... 45

7. Looking to the Future: Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada around 2020 ...... 47 8. Implementation ...... 49 8.1 Management Measures relating to Protection of Resources ...... 50 8.2 Management Measures relating to Communication of Messages ...... 51 8.3 Management Measures relating to Enhancing the Visitor Experience ...... 52 8.4 Management Measures relating to Collaboration with Key Regional Players ...... 53

9. In Conclusion: Implementation Priorities ...... 55

10. Environmental Assessment Summary...... 57

Studies, Research Reports and Other Reference Material ...... 61

Collaborators ...... 63 1. Introduction

1.1 Parks Canada Mandate • To encourage and support initiatives and Legislative Framework designed to protect and present other places of national significance that are The mandate of Parks Canada, a federal not administered by Parks Canada. agency under Environment Canada, is to ful- fill national and international responsibilities In accordance with the Parks Canada in areas of heritage recognition and conser- Agency Act of 1998, Parks Canada must vation. Parks Canada carries out that role by draw up and update management plans for protecting and presenting representative national historic sites. The main purpose of aspects of Canada’s cultural and natural a management plan is to establish guidelines heritage in ways that encourage public un- for actions aimed at the protection, presen- derstanding, appreciation and enjoyment of tation, use and administration of sites. The this heritage, while ensuring long-term eco- plan is developed in conformity with Parks logical and commemorative integrity. Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies, including the National Historic One of the most tangible results of the ac- Sites Policy and the Cultural Resources tions of Parks Canada is the network of Management Policy. Parks Canada’s strate- national historic sites, of which the Forges gic objectives are also taken into account in du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of formulating a management plan. For each Canada is a part. Parks Canada administers historic site, the management plan expresses 153 national historic sites, 28 of which are in the general Parks Canada policies and takes Quebec. National historic sites are managed into account public concerns and points of based on the following objectives:1 view. • To foster knowledge and appreciation of The vast network of national historic sites of Canada’s past through a national program Canada (NHSC) is made up of places that of historic commemoration. represent and reveal the many facets of our • To ensure the commemorative integrity national history, character and identity. Des- of national historic sites by protecting ignated by the Minister of the Environment and presenting them for the benefit, upon the recommendation of the Historic education and enjoyment of present and Sites and Monuments Board of Canada future generations in a manner that re- (HSMBC), our national historic sites provide spects the valuable and irreplaceable a rich overview of how history has left its mark legacy represented by these places and on Canadian soil. Parks Canada’s com- their resources. memorative program applies to places, but

1. CANADIAN HERITAGE. Parks Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies, Supply and Services Canada, 1994, p. 73.

9 also to figures and events of national his- that vision and the management measures torical significance. More than 916 sites, to interested groups and citizens. These con- 590 figures and 367 other elements of our sultations enabled Parks Canada to hear the history have been officially recognized as views of parties likely to be affected by the having national importance. presentation and management of the site. Overall, the public was very favourable to the proposals put forward by the planning team. 1.2 Developing the The comments expressed were compiled, Management Plan analyzed and taken into account in the drafting of the management plan. The latter was The present management plan was drafted submitted to an environmental assessment according to the provisions of section 32.(1) to ensure that the management measures of the Parks Canada Agency Act and will be would not lead to negative environmental reviewed in 2011 based on the provisions of impacts. The plan was then reviewed by the section 32.(2). national office and presented to the Minister of the Environment for approval. After hav- The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC ing received the necessary approval, the Management Plan is the result of work done document was submitted to Parliament. by a multidisciplinary team composed of Parks Canada Agency staff. The team ana- The purpose of this management plan is to lyzed the situation at the site and identified analyze the current situation and identify the main management issues involved. It de- interventions aimed at protecting cultural re- veloped a vision for the future and proposed sources, conveying heritage messages to management measures to attain the vision. visitors, enhancing the visitor experience and In April 2006 public consultations were or- involving Canadians in the running and con- ganized in Trois-Rivières in order to present servation of the national historic site.

10 2. Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site

2.1 The Designated Place and on a stream that flows into the St. Maurice the Administered Place River on its west bank. It commemorates the beginnings of the Canadian iron and steel Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC is located in industry and the country’s first industrial com- the Mauricie region of Quebec, halfway munity. The Forges were founded in 1730 by between Montreal and Quebec City (Map 1, François Poulin de Francheville and were in page 27). It is situated within the city limits of operation until 1883, thus spanning all the Trois-Rivières and about fifteen kilometres political regimes of Canadian history, from the north of the city’s downtown. The site borders French Regime to Confederation.

A bird’s-eye view of the Forges du Saint-Maurice, based on a photograph by John Henderson (circa 1870), the plan of the ruins and various pictorial sources Reconstructed by illustrator Bernard Duchesne Parks Canada

11 Considered the cradle of the Canadian iron 2.2 Historical Background and steel industry, the Forges du Saint- Maurice were first recognized as having It was mainly the hydrological features national historic importance in 1920 by the (strong flow, nickpoints) of the St. Maurice HSMBC, who laid a commemorative plaque Stream, later called the Washery Stream, to that effect in 1923. In 1993, the HSMBC that motivated the founder of the Forges, approved the new wording for a plaque that Sieur François Poulin de Francheville, to was installed at the site in 1995. The place choose the site for his project. In 1730, when designated as having national historic impor- the King of France granted him exclusive tance refers to the 23-hectare area once rights to work the iron mines in the surround- occupied by the old industrial village. The site ing region for the purposes of operating the administered by Parks Canada covers some first ironworks in Canada, it was at the foot 60 hectares. Although the surface area of that stream that he chose to build the first administered by Parks Canada is larger than forge activated by two waterwheels. Several the designated place, it does not encompass years later, in 1736, ironmaster Olivier de it entirely. Part of the designated place is Vézin began building a larger forge complex therefore not under Parks Canada jurisdic- on the same stream, which included a blast tion. Situated mainly to the south of Boulevard furnace, two forges and the beginnings of an des Forges, this part is privately owned and industrial village that included the Grande some cultural resources are found there Maison (the ironmaster’s house) and dwell- (Map 2, page 29). ings for the workmen. The first industrial community in Canada was thus born and Essentially comprised of remains, some of bustled with activity for 150 years, until 1883 which are presented on the site today, the when the Forges were abandoned. Forges site has undergone several archaeological digs, initially by the Quebec Ministère From 1730 to 1883, eighteen administrations des Affaires culturelles and subsequently by successively operated the Forges. It became Parks Canada, which has been responsible a Crown property in 1741 and was operated for the site since 1973. The remains have under lease from 1767 to 1846, when it was revealed industrial and domestic components sold to private entrepreneurs. Six private of a typical European ironworks dating back owners operated the Forges until it was finally to the late 15th century. Parks Canada took closed. the first steps towards presenting and preserving the remains. In 1974, a temporary The history of the Forges and the historical building was built for visitor reception and in- remains attest to the existence of a typical terpretation purposes. The following year, an old ironworks designed according to the exhibit was set up there, while research and European model imported by the first excavations were continuing. The year 1985 ironmasters, who were originally from the marked the inauguration of the blast furnace eastern part of France. The operation was complex, followed in 1990 by the opening of based on an indirect iron ore reduction the ironmaster’s house, referred to as the process that consisted firstly of reducing the Grande Maison, a reconstruction of the ex- ore to cast iron in a blast furnace, then fining terior features of the original residence. The the cast iron into wrought iron in the forge site has great interpretive potential that has hearths. This process was never changed yet to be tapped. throughout the entire time the Forges were

12 in operation. The same holds true for the orig- some 250 inhabitants at the time of the clos- inal equipment, which was, however, modified ing of the Forges in 1883. In addition to skilled and optimized as a result of technical ad- workers, an entire work force was needed vancements and specialized production, for gathering, dressing and transporting changes that primarily occurred over the last the raw material. Part of this work force of thirty years of operation. founders, forgemen, furnace keepers and other labourers had taken up permanent The division of labour resulting from the two- residence in the village, whereas the major- stage process of reducing the ore required ity, some 350 workers, were employed on a the hiring of skilled workers from France. seasonal basis. These workmen and their families formed the foundation of the industrial community. Later, During the colonial era, the Forges were as a result of increased production of cast known for the quality and variety of its prod- ironware in addition to the original produc- ucts, in particular its stoves, which were very tion of bar iron, the arrival of British and popular among the habitants. In addition, the Canadian moulders contributed in part to the special status held by the Forges as a Crown growth of the industrial community. With a operation made it the only ironworks in total of 200 inhabitants in 1800, the village Canada for over a century and a key player grew to 425 by 1842 and then decreased to in the economic history of the country.

The Forges on the St. Maurice River, by M. M. Chaplin, 1842 Library and Archives Canada National Map Collection, C-820

3. A Fundamental Notion: Commemorative Integrity

The notion of commemorative integrity is a The commemorative integrity statement (CIS) concept used by Parks Canada to describe, of Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC was plan and monitor the state of its national his- approved in 2003. It determined the area toric sites. When the commemorative integrity covered by the designated site, defined its of a site is measured, the following three commemorative intent, described the cultural aspects are assessed individually: the con- resources found on the site, assigned a value dition of its resources, the effectiveness of to those resources and identified commemo- messages conveying the site’s national sig- rative messages to be conveyed to the public. nificance, and management practices at the The statement also set objectives for the site. A state of commemorative integrity is protection of cultural resources and the said to exist at an NHSC when: communication of messages. The CIS is a reference framework that establishes the • the resources directly relating to the rea- desired state of the site. The relation between sons for designation as a national historic the desired state and the existing situation is site are not impaired or under threat; what determines the management measures • the reasons for designation as a national required to preserve and present the site. historic importance are effectively communicated to the public; The Forges du Saint-Maurice were designated a national historic site in 1920. The • the site’s heritage values (including those commemorative intents for the site are the not related to the designation as a national following: historic site) are respected in all decisions and actions affecting the site.2 • The Forges du Saint-Maurice, established in 1730, was the main industry under the In order to guarantee the proper protection French Regime. and presentation of national historic sites, • The founding of the Forges du Saint- Parks Canada drew up a Cultural Resource Maurice marked the beginning of the Management Policy. This policy is based on Canadian iron and steel industry and the five main management principles, namely origin of the first industrial community in principles of value, public benefit, under- Canada. standing, respect, and integrity. Meeting the requirements of these principles generally • The Forges du Saint-Maurice closed in ensures the commemorative integrity of a 1883 after more than 150 years of opera- national historic site. In practical terms, imple- tion. mentation of this policy means that cultural resources are identified and assessed and their historical value is taken into consider- ation each and every time actions are taken.

2. CANADIAN HERITAGE. Guide to the Preparation of Commemorative Integrity Statements, Ottawa, Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, 2002, p. 2.

4. Preserving Cultural Resources and Conveying Heritage Messages

The value of a cultural resource is determined Historical values associated with the desig- based on its relation to the commemorative nated place are the following: intent. Commemorative integrity is achieved • The site’s 252 remains reveal signs that through the preservation of cultural resources the site was occupied and operated and the communication of messages of na- for over a century and a half, i.e. from tional historical significance. At Forges du 1732 to 1883. Saint-Maurice NHSC, the resources of national importance that must be protected are • The site attests to the first iron and steel the designated place, landscapes and land- industry in the country and the first indus- scape elements, archaeological remains, an trial community on Canadian soil. archaeological collection and an ethnological collection. Certain other resources and • The site attests to the decisive, and for a values must also be preserved and additional long time exclusive, role played by the messages must be conveyed to the public. company in supplying material goods necessary for the development and defence Parks Canada is directly responsible for the of the colony. protection and commemoration of the cultural • The remains bear witness to the technical resources under its ownership. However, environment of the old iron and steel in- several other existing and presumed cultural dustry, of which the Forges are the oldest resources within the designated place are and most complete example in Canada. situated on private property and thus not under Parks Canada jurisdiction. Landscapes and landscape elements

4.1 Cultural Resources The topography and landscape elements of of National Historic the Forges site have remained such that we Importance can recognize the lay-out of the 18th century ironworks to this day. The landscape elements include the Forges Stream, the upper The designated place terrace, the gully through which the stream flows on its way to the St. Maurice River, the The designated place that has national his- lower terrace situated on the bank of the toric significance refers to the 23-hectare St. Maurice River, remains of work areas and industrial complex once occupied by the old dwellings, the St. Maurice River and the sur- industrial village (Map 2, page 29). rounding natural environment.

17 Historical values associated with landscapes • All of the remains identified bear witness and landscape elements are the following: to the beginnings and evolution of the first iron and steel industry in Canada • The Forges landscape is the key to our and the first community associated with understanding of why the founders chose such an industry, lasting over a period of this particular site. 150 years. • An examination of the particular topog- • The remains also attest to the production raphy of the gully makes us realize the operations and manufacturing methods of extent of the technical knowledge of the an industry that was crucial for equipping builders of the ironworks. and developing the country, primarily dur- • Visual landmarks conserved by the land- ing the colonial era. scape surrounding the Forges contribute • Because of their age, complexity and to our understanding of the rural and for- wealth, these remains are unique in ested environment in which the village Canada and represent the irreplaceable was built, typical of the pre-industrial era legacy of an old ironworks on Canadian when industries were often located in the soil. countryside. • The forest, cleared land in the marshy Historical values associated with the remains zones, revealing here and there the fer- of the gully of the stream are the following: ruginous nature of the soil, the strong • Structures associated with the remains of flow of the stream and the river lined with dams and channels upstream from the former quarries are all elements that blast furnace attest to the original com- speak to us of the region’s raw materials ponents of the system for containing and that were utilized throughout the long channelling the water, installed during the period of time that the ironworks were in initial years of operation (1736-1741). operation. • Remains in the area around the blast furnace are indicative of changes made over The archaeological remains the years to the first blast furnace in Canada, built in 1736, which was also in The cultural resources contained on the operation for the longest period of time, actual site of the Forges are essentially until 1883. Remains unearthed still show archaeological remains. Among the 252 re- visible traces of the erection of two types mains identified, 142 have been unearthed of blast furnace, the construction method and the other 110 are presumed remains.3 used and their respective environment. The remains are divided into five zones that The dense and composite set of remains correspond to the main areas of the indus- of the blast furnace, evidence of the first trial village: the gully of the stream, the bank processing of iron ore in the country, rep- of the St. Maurice River, the upper terrace, resents a masterpiece of Canadian the vegetable gardens and pastures, and the industrial heritage. roads. • Remains of a flour mill, located down from Historical values associated with all the the blast furnace, show the ingenuity of archaeological remains are the following: its designers, who re-utilized the water

3. Presumed remains refer to remains that have not been unearthed but whose presence has been suggested by archival sources, drawings and old pictorial works.

18 from the spillway of the wheel of the blast modest ironworks built by Francheville furnace to activate an undershot mill- (1733-1734) and the European-style iron- wheel. works consisting of a blast furnace and forge, built by ironmaster Olivier de Vézin • Remains in the area of the upper forge in 1736. The imposing ruins of the chim- represent a synopsis of the history of tech- ney still standing is the only one in Canada niques used in the Canadian iron and steel to attest to the use of 18th century industry; at the base of the blast-furnace- Franche-Comté type chaferies. and-forge installation typical of ironworks in the Franche-Comté region in France Historical values associated with remains on various structures were built over the the bank of the St. Maurice River are the years: a moulding shop, a railcar wheel following: foundry and a new blast furnace. They are a direct testament to major events in • The remains on the lower forge terrace Canadian history with which the Forges show the very first living quarters for were associated: the Seven Year War, the workmen employed at the forge built by American invasion of 1775, expansion of Francheville in 1732. the Canadian railway and the National • The “devil’s fountain” plays an important Policy of 1879. role in legends surrounding the Forges, • Below the upper forge, remains of a shed kept alive today through collective used as a mill and remains of a saw mill memory. For people living in and around adjacent to the lower forge dam show Trois-Rivières, the “devil’s fountain” has how additional equipment was integrated long served as an introduction to the with the industrial installations along the history of the Forges du Saint-Maurice. course of the stream. Historical values associated with remains on • Remains located in the area of the lower the upper terrace (those situated within the forge are evidence of two installations boundaries of the designated place and the that marked the beginnings of the Cana- administered place) are the following: dian iron and steel industry: the original • Numerous remains unearthed on the upper terrace attest to the founding and growth of the first industrial community in Canada. • Remains of the Grande Maison occupied by the Forges’ ironmasters and remains of the workers’ living quarters reveal the social structure of the industrial community. • Remains of workmen’s dwellings from different eras also attest to social differentiation among the workmen. • Remains of charcoal kilns mark a tech- nological change that occurred in the An interpretive guide explains the remains of the lower forge chimney to visitors company’s production of charcoal in the Parks Canada / E. Kedl 1850s.

19 Historical roads at the Forges Parks Canada / drawing by François Pellerin

Historical values associated with archaeologi- The historical value associated with remains cal remains found on the upper terrace (the of vegetable gardens and pastures is the remains situated within the boundaries of the following: designated place but off the site administered by Parks Canada) are the following: • Presumed remains of vegetable gardens, pastures and the fences enclosing them • The washery pond and remains of its dam reveal the way of life of the population are resources that are vital to understand- living at the Forges. ing the stream water containment system.

• Presumed remains of the farm attest to The historical value associated with remains the company’s efforts to grow some of the of the Forges roads is the following: food supplies needed by its employees. • Presumed remains of the chapel built in • Remains of the routes followed by the front of the farm in the 1850s reveal that roads are valuable indicators of the spatial Catholic worship services were offered to organization of the industrial community. Forges workers from the very beginning of the ironworks.

20 The archaeological collection • Railcar wheel annealing pits attest to how the Forges specifically contributed to the The Forges archaeological collection is the building of the Canadian railway. largest Parks Canada collection in Quebec; it includes close to six million artefacts and Historical values associated with the lower ecofacts and attests to every aspect of com- forge collection are the following: munity life. Numerous original archaeological • Objects discovered in the lower forge area objects are on display in the Grande Maison are primarily indicative of the fining pro- and at the blast furnace. cess, the second and last stage in the Historical values associated with the collec- indirect ore reduction process. They tion from the blast furnace are the following: include bar iron produced for shipyards in Quebec City and Rochefort, France, • The collection attests to the smelting of and also used by colonial craftsmen. iron ore and the production of cast iron. The collection contains pig iron, evidence • This collection is also indicative of remelt- of the first stage in the indirect ore reducing (second fusion), a process used as a tion process, as well as some finished result of the diversification of production products, such as cannonballs and frag- in the 19th century. ments of stoves and kettles. Historical values associated with the collec- • It is particularly revealing of moulding tion from the workshops are the following: techniques that were used: open sand moulding, box moulding and chill casting. • Objects associated with work done by In addition, evidence of trimming work on craftsmen show the type and diversity of pieces has been uncovered. wares produced. • Ceramic and glass artefacts found at the • The presence of housewares is indicative blast furnace provide chronological indi- of the fact that a good number of crafts- cators as to what type of objects were men lived in the same place they worked. produced during the various periods of the The standard of living and certain aspects ironworks’ operation. of the way of life of these craftsmen is brought out by this collection. • Objects at the blast furnace associated with the production of artillery pieces and Historical values associated with the collec- ammunition at the end of the French tion from the living areas (Grande Maison and Regime are indicative of the war effort in the workmen’s dwellings) are the following: New France and the oldest industrial war production in Canada. • The collection attests to the way and quality of life, and the standard of living of the Historical values associated with the upper inhabitants of the industrial community, forge collection are the following: both in the 18th and 19th century. • Hammer scale, scraps from the forge • Marked differences between the quality hammer of the upper forge, attest to of ceramic and glass objects found and technical hammering processes used at osteological evidence of a meat-based the old ironworks. diet attest to social differentiation and cultural differences. • Artillery munitions produced in 1775 at the time of the American War of Inde- • The chronological seriation illustrated by pendence provide evidence of the the archaeological collection, particularly collaboration of the Forges’ director for ceramics, and specifically for locally with American invaders. produced common earthenware, creates

21 a unique range among the collections different time periods, sugar and potash owned by Parks Canada. Similarly, nu- kettles, ploughshares, railcar wheels, tools merous everyday wares provide evidence and other household objects. of 18th and 19th century folk culture. Historical values associated with the ethno- The historical value associated with the logical collection are the following: collection from the chemin de la Pointe-à-la- • The objects in this collection show that a Hache is the following: significant portion of the Forges produc- • The collection of ceramics found along tion was to meet the needs of the colony. this road tells us the length of time a cer- • Home woodstoves bearing the Forges tain level of the road was used; it is an brand name represent rare evidence of amazing find. the company’s most renowned product. The historical value associated with large • The Tessier-Levasseur collection rep- artefacts found in the gully of the stream is resents a wonderful sampling of the the following: most meaningful objects made over the • They attest to similar equipment used 18th and 19th centuries. The collection is during the time the ironworks were in also valuable because of the fact that it operation. The turbine represents the last was begun by Monseigneur Albert Tessier, type of hydro-mechanical equipment used whose actions have repeatedly contrib- at the blast furnace and in the two forges; uted to presentation of the Forges. the set of millstones are indicative of equipment used at the community flour mill.

The ethnological collection

The ethnological collection includes 713 objects that are presumed to have been made at the Forges. The majority of these objects are part of the Tessier-Levasseur collection. However, only 43 of the objects in the collection are clearly identified with the company trade mark.

Many of the objects in the collection represent domestic life, wares produced, trade, and the iron and steel industry, and are displayed at the Grande Maison. Among Woodstove made at the Forges du Saint-Maurice these are stove plates and woodstoves from Parks Canada / J. Jolin

22 4.2 Messages of National – The Forges du Saint-Maurice rep- Historic Importance resents a unique example in Canada of an industrial operation typical of the technical environment of old At Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC, four mes- ironworks, imported from Europe in sages of national historic importance stem the 19th century. from the site’s commemorative intent and must be conveyed to the public. To enhance – The Forges du Saint-Maurice was an public understanding of the messages, they integrated business where its operators must include the following related elements: controlled all production and mining operations right up to the manufactur- • The Forges du Saint-Maurice, estab- ing and marketing of products, including lished in 1730, was the main industry the control, dressing, shipping and pro- under the French Regime. cessing of raw materials. – The Forges were the first mineral- – The introduction of new equipment and processing industry in the country. processes, evident from remains dating – François Poulin de Francheville was the back to the 19th century, is indicative of first Canadian entrepreneur to be certain technical innovations that were granted iron ore mining rights in New made. France by the King of France. – The founding of the Forges du Saint- – The regional area covered by the tim- Maurice makes the Mauricie the oldest ber and mining rights obtained by iron ore working region in Canada. Francheville would long determine the Later, other ironworks were founded, vast territory taken up by Forges opera- with some of the owners and a good tions. number of the workers coming from the old Forges. – The Forges were the only industry of its type in New France and would remain • The founding of the Forges du Saint- so throughout almost the entire colonial Maurice resulted in the first industrial era and right up until the middle of the community in the country. 19th century. – Right from the beginning, Forges iron- – The primary reason for founding the masters and workers settled on the very Forges was to provide the iron needed site of the ironworks, thus forming the to supply the Royal shipyards in France, first industrial community in Canada. but also for shipyards in Quebec City, another large industry that began in – The workmen at the Forges were of 1738 around the same time as the French, Canadian and British origin. Forges. – Following the Conquest, the working – Furthermore, the Forges was the only community was re-established on the colonial industry to meet the bar iron and basis of seven French skilled workmen cast iron needs of the colonists. ordered to remain on the job by British authorities. Later on, new French- • The founding of the Forges du Saint- Canadian and British workers would Maurice marked the beginning of the complete the company’s labour force. Canadian iron and steel industry. – Because of the demanding workload of – The Forges site, located around a Forges workmen, who had to continu- stream, is typical of old industrial opera- ously “do the rounds”, the workers lived tions that relied on the use of hydraulic near their worksites, the company pro- energy. viding them with room and board.

23 • The Forges du Saint-Maurice closed in – The Forges du Saint-Maurice is a 1883 after nearly 150 years of opera- national historic site, i.e. a place des- tion. ignated by the Canadian government because of its national historic impor- – Because of the exclusive rights it tance. enjoyed for over one hundred years, the Forges played a decisive role in Canadian economic history during the colonial era. 4.3 Other Heritage Values – The Forges operated under every political regime in Canadian history, These values are resource-related – historical from the French Colonial Regime to values and messages that, while not recog- Confederation. nized as having national importance, are – The diversity of wares produced at the historically meaningful. These other heri- Forges du Saint-Maurice throughout its tage values correspond to archaeological long history bears witness to the signifi- collections and sites that must be preserved cant role it played in the development and messages that should be conveyed in of a rapidly growing colony. the form of additional information.

The Forges du Saint-Maurice around 1840 (anonymous wash drawing) Parks Canada Collection, Quebec

24 Archaeological sites • The concrete pillar from the lower forge chimney contributed directly to the Remains of farm equipment and buildings preservation of the structure, which at the (dam, houses, barn, dairy, henhouse, sheds) time was in danger of collapsing. This are presumed to be present on the site. action resulted in the conservation of a unique testament to an old ironworks on The historical value associated with these Canadian soil. remains is the following: • The remains of these buildings no longer The ethnological collection standing is associated with farming carried out on the site by Ernest Marchand This collection includes the first plaque laid in the 20th century. by the HSMBC in 1923, displayed today at the Grande Maison, additional commemora- Remains of a paint powder plant and its annex tive plaques laid by other associations, and are presumed to be present on the site. Re- the original reconstruction plans of the Forges mains of log drivers’ camps have also been by architect Ernest Denoncourt. found. The historical value associated with the Historical values associated with these ethnological collection is the following: remains are the following: • Presumed remains of the paint powder • These objects are evidence that steps plant bear witness to the re-utilization of were taken towards recognizing the his- Forges buildings. The production of ochre torical importance of the Forges. powder composed of iron oxide, clay and magnesium is thus related to the ferrugi- Additional messages nous soils that led to the working of the Forges in the 18th century. In the overall context of the resources and components associated with other heritage • Remains of log drivers’ camps indicate the values, the following messages should be continuity of forestry operations that were conveyed to the public in the form of addi- closely associated with Forges operations tional information: throughout the entire time the company was in business. • Actions taken towards commemorating and conserving remains of the Forges We also presume that there are remains of date back to the beginning of the 20th cen- a cairn bearing a 1923 Historic Sites and tury and were initiatives of citizens living Monuments Board plaque. Furthermore, the in and around Trois-Rivières. concrete pillar from the chimney of the lower forge chafery contributed directly to the pres- • Works by historians Benjamin Sulte, ervation of the structure in the 1930s. Dollard Dubé and Albert Tessier were important milestones in the long process Historical values associated with these that has led to the recognition and safe- remains are the following: guarding of Forges remains. • The site of the cairn attests to the first • Large public gatherings that took place commemorative action taken by the on the site organized by the local histori- HSMBC towards recognizing the national cal society in the 1920s and 1930s raised historical importance of the Forges in public awareness of the importance of 1920. preserving and presenting the Forges.

25 • The occasional gathering of families who • The Forges du Saint-Maurice is one of are descendants of Forges administrators the most important archaeological sites and workmen has contributed to com- in Canadian industrial heritage. memorating the historic site. • The NHSC has been the subject of other • The regular production of plays based on commemorations (The Canadian Insti- themes and figures associated with the tute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, history of the Forges has contributed to the American Society for Metals, the commemorating the historic site over a Ordre des architectes du Québec and a number of years. In addition, a television Governor-General of Canada medal). series based on the Forges du Saint- • The NHSC is part of a regional and na- Maurice, produced by Radio Canada at tional network of historic sites. the beginning of the 1970s, largely contributed to making the public aware of the • The national historic sites administered by history of the Forges. Parks Canada belong to all Canadians.

The Forges du Saint-Maurice around 1870 as the site appeared to visitors from Trois-Rivières Library and Archives Canada, PA-135-001 / J. Henderson

26 To be inserted:

- Map: Location of Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC

- Map: Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC (designated place, administered place and main components).

5. Analysis of the Current Situation

5.1 State of Ownership of in perpetuity, but rather in the form of a the Administered Place long-term 42-year lease. The provincial Order-in-Council was enacted in June 1987 The place administered by Parks Canada and ratified by the federal Order-in-Council covers some sixty hectares (Map 2, page 29). in March 1988. The agreement states that when the lease expires in 2029 it will be Under a Canada-Quebec agreement reached renewable with the consent of both parties. in May 1973, Quebec agreed to transfer to the Canadian government six hectares of land where the main remains of the old 5.2 State of the Cultural industrial village of the Forges were con- Resources centrated. In return, the federal government agreed to give Quebec the Pointe-du-Moulin Although since its acquisition by Parks heritage site on Île Perrot. The federal Order- Canada major interventions have been in-Council transferring the Pointe-du-Moulin carried out on the site to preserve and site was enacted in June 1973, and the present cultural resources, threats to and provincial Order-in-Council transferring, in concerns involving the commemorative in- perpetuity, the Forges site to the Canadian tegrity of the resources are still present. government was enacted in April 1982. The federal Order-in-Council was ratified by the Privy Council in December of the same year. The designated place The Canadian government therefore holds in perpetuity the property rights of the site The greater part of the designated place is identified in the 1973 agreement. under Parks Canada jurisdiction. A small area In the meantime, the small area covered by of the designated place, located mainly south the original site and the possibility of con- of Boulevard des Forges, is on private prop- ducting archaeological excavations on the erty and therefore outside of Parks Canada periphery led Parks Canada to undertake an jurisdiction. expansion program. In July 1974, invoking Clause 3 of the 1973 agreement, the Cana- dian government asked Quebec to proceed Resources situated within the with the acquisition and subsequent transfer designated place but outside of of various parcels of land bordering the area the administered place that had already been acquired. In 1975 and 1976, Quebec proceeded with expropriation A part of the designated place, a part of the of the land involved. In 1979, the two parties cultural landscapes (washery stream and came to an agreement regarding expropria- pond) and several archaeological remains are tion costs, namely a total of $455,000. privately owned (Map 2, page 29). Protec- However, following negotiations, it was tion of resources found on private property agreed that the parcels of land expropriated depends on how the land is being used and by Quebec in 1975 and 1976 would be the awareness and goodwill of the owners transferred to the federal government, not involved.

31 These resources are primarily located south elements that are still visible today. These of the present Boulevard des Forges. Accord- landscape features, which evoke the history ing to historic maps and pictorial material, this of the Forges, do not appear to be threat- zone contains mainly workers’ dwellings and ened, but few messages of their historical farm buildings, as well as the presumed value are currently being conveyed. Several remains of a chapel. The washery pond and years ago, the period landscape was the the surrounding wetland are also found there. subject of studies and proposals as to how it At the time the Forges were in operation, the should be developed, but to date no specific pond served as a reservoir that fed the interventions have taken place. Before the millponds of the various elements of the iron- CIS was drawn up, cultural landscapes were works located farther downstream. The not considered to be cultural resources. Their washery pond has been for sale for the past presentation and the communication of their several years. This land is zoned for resi- historical value must now be reconsidered. dential use, which could pose a threat to resources found there. Any intervention in this zone would threaten the existence of the pond itself, the dam that controls the water level of the pond and any archaeological remains found there. The landowner and the City of Trois-Rivières need to be made aware of the importance of these resources for the historic site in order to ensure their protection in the future. Our desire is that this zone be used in a way that is compatible with its historic importance.

Two small areas situated north of Boulevard The Forges Stream near the remains of a mill Parks Canada / E. Kedl des Forges and included in the designated place are also outside of Parks Canada jurisdiction and may contain archaeological Today the historic site consists of a vast green remains. space with lawns and densely forested zones on the slopes between the plateau and the St. Maurice River and slopes in the area of Landscapes and landscape elements the gully. To the north of the village is another naturally forested zone. The steep slopes Although the landscape has changed con- between the plateau and the St. Maurice siderably since the closing of the ironworks River and the slopes in the area of the gully over a century ago, certain features of the are not showing signs of major erosion at the Forges landscape are still apparent today. present time thanks to the natural forest cover The Forges Stream, the deep crevasse and stabilization work conducted previously. eroded by the stream as it flows down to the However, the clayey nature of the soils makes St. Maurice River, the lower terrace where these areas vulnerable to erosion and land- Francheville had set up his first installations slides. Work begun at the beginning of the in 1730, and the upper terrace on which the 1980s along the St. Maurice River has solved industrial village was built are all landscape the problem of stability and erosion along

32 the river bank. The area where the “devil’s the upper and lower terraces. Monitoring fountain” is located still appears to be vul- of these remains is minimal because of a nerable to erosion. This is being monitored lack of resources. Their deterioration has on yearly basis. increased over the past five years, particularly the part of the remains that are above ground, which corresponds to about one third of their height. We are not aware of the condition of the buried part of the ruins but presume it has remained relatively stable compared to when they were found, even though the infiltration of surface water combined with the action of freezing and thawing definitely has an impact.

• The condition of the buried remains is difficult to assess because of the absence Interpretation activities, with part of of monitoring measures. the Forges landscape in the background Parks Canada / E. Kedl • Several zones have not yet been subject to archaeological interventions. Activities Archaeological remains or work carried out in these areas could potentially damage remains found there Between 1973 and 1979, an extensive cam- because their exact location is not known. paign of archaeological excavations was carried out at the historic site. These exca- • The accidental discovery of a paleohistoric vations provided the information necessary object of Amerindian origin is indicative to begin presentation work on the site. The of the presence of Amerindians in the condition of the 252 archaeological remains region. No such objects had been identi- varies and is cause for some concern. fied during archaeological excavations conducted on the site. • Although the sheltered remains (those in the blast furnace complex and in the Grande Maison) were altered in varying degrees during construction work, they have remained in stable condition since that time. Only the flooded part of the stone wall located in the area of the great wheel of the blast furnace shows signs of problems caused by ambient humidity.

• Some of the archaeological remains are outdoors – the foundations of some fifteen buildings made of sandstone, fieldstone and mortar. These remains Symbolic structure housing react adversely to changes in tempera- the remains of the blast furnace ture and foot traffic, particularly those on Parks Canada / E. Kedl

33 The archaeological collection storerooms. Some objects have also been indexed elsewhere than the historic site and The archaeological collection of the Forges Parks Canada storerooms (ex. Musée Pierre- is one of the most important Parks Canada Boucher, Trois-Rivières). collections, both because of the quality of the objects it contains and the quality of the information the objects reveal, especially 5.3 Natural Resources and regarding the metallurgical industry of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is composed of the Environment nearly six million artefacts and ecofacts and testifies to every aspect of life in the indus- The national historic site is made up of four trial community. Part of this huge collection physiographical units: the valley of the has been documented to date, and analyses Washery Stream, the north and south pla- conducted have focused on the artefacts that teaus, and the west side of the St. Maurice provide information on the numerous facets River. The site’s physiography has been of the industrial operations. Much less is marked by its hydrographic components. known about the domestic activities of the Originally covered by glaciers during the industrial community, which have been docu- Quaternary Era, leaving behind gravelly mented by numerous physical clues found. morainic sand, the area was then flooded by Given that they have never been computer- the Champlain Sea, which, as it receded, left ized, it is difficult to access the data relating behind a layer of fine deltaic sand. Two tiered to this collection. fluvial terraces, with respective altitudes of 15 and 33 metres, bear witness to the retreat In 1990, it was determined that the collection of the post-glacial sea in successive stages. of metallic objects is threatened. Various A slowly flowing watercourse that drains interventions aimed at increasing our knowl- subterranean springs on the upper terrace edge and improving the protection of the gradually carved out a bed in this fine mate- metallic objects have therefore been under- rial and is found today at the bottom of the taken. Magnificent objects that have been gully that starts out steep-sided and then ignored for over twenty years have thus been widens as it approaches the St. Maurice brought to our attention. Additional work will River. One particularity of the site is most be required to ensure the permanence of this certainly the nature of the surface deposits, collection. Non metallic objects recovered which are rich in limonite (iron oxide). These during excavations, less endangered than the deposits were primarily mined manually when metal objects found, have not been docu- the iron ore was extracted for the Forges’ mented to date. ironworking operations and are the reason for the rust colour of the surface waters and Much documentation and computerization the river and streams. work still remains to be done for the archaeological collection. This natural environment has a variety of plant life and ecological features, given the The ethnological collection surface deposits, the relief and the presence of streams and ponds, and the proximity of The ethnological collection is displayed or the St. Maurice River. It is fairly represen- stored in conditions designed for the conser- tative of the biodiversity found in the vation of such objects. A conservation and surrounding region. Inventory work carried maintenance program is in effect and the out between 1975 and 1979 listed nearly artefacts are properly monitored. Objects in 38 mixed populations, the presence of 24 tree the ethnological collection are found both at species and 14 shrub species, and close to the Forges and in Quebec Service Centre 200 herbaceous and ground cover species.

34 Two invasive species, purple loosestrife and preventative measure to ensure public safety common reed, have been noted. Ragweed, and protect the site’s cultural resources and a highly allergenic species, is also present. infrastructures. The plant communities found on the historic site are relatively diverse considering the Special attention should be focused on con- small area covered by the site. A grove of flicting wildlife management strategies and eastern white cedar is found on the eastern a management plan needs to be drafted to part of the site, on a steep slope down to the address the issue. Land use and management bank of the St. Maurice River. It is the most must respect the principles of sustainable interesting forest community because of the development and protection of the environ- impressive size of some of its trees. The ment while at the same time ensuring that finely-textured soil, damp and poorly drained, conservation of cultural resources takes pre- provides an ideal habitat for cedar. cedence. Special attention needs to be paid to protection of the banks of the river and From 2003 to 2005, inventories aimed at streams. detecting the presence of threatened species confirmed the presence of some twenty In its daily operations, Parks Canada must butternut trees, an endangered species in opt to use ecologically sound practices. Op- Canada (Gérin-Lajoie, 2005). erations will therefore have to respect the Canadian government’s mandate to make its The present-day site is visited by a number operations more ecological. Improving en- of species of wildlife, some of which may be vironmental stewardship will require the in conflict with the preservation of cultural implementation of concrete actions. resources and, to some extent, visitor safety. The predominance of open landscaped areas has meant a large and continuous popula- 5.4 The Current Visitor tion of marmots. They dig numerous holes and this occasionally poses a threat to the Experience conservation of unearthed archaeological remains and to visitor safety. In addition, the At Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC, recep- presence of farmland and wilderness areas tion and interpretation services are available bordering the historic site means that the site to visitors from mid-May to mid-October in is occasionally visited by black bears. In the both official languages and have been sub- wetland areas, beaver activity is a factor and ject to a fee since 1992. Installations have shapes the landscape. Lastly, the small been built so that physically challenged or Washery Stream is home to a population of wheel-chair-bound visitors have access to the brook char. exhibits, sound and light show and the various facilities. The last complete biophysical inventory dates back to 1979 and it would be important to A large parking area enables visitors to park conduct another inventory. For the time being, their vehicle a short walking distance from the only species that needs protection is the the Grande Maison. The visitor reception area butternut tree because it appears on the list is in the Grande Maison, where personnel of species in jeopardy in Canada. Invasion explain the commemorative intent and ser- of the site by detrimental and exotic vegeta- vice offer. Near the reception counter is a tion will have to be reassessed. Unless we sales counter where visitors can purchase proceed with intervention aimed at maintain- various items. The exhibits at the Grande ing young and shrubby vegetation, the aging Maison, the sound and light show presented of forest populations will have to be exam- there and the interpretation centre at the blast ined to assess the risk of fire and to determine furnace enable visitors to become familiar

35 periods of production illustrated in the cellars, namely “The Forges and the War”, “The Forges and the Colony” and “The Forges and Industry”. These themes cover 150 years of operation, illustrated with artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations. The last part of the cellars shows the role played by the Forges in regional history and the collective memory. • On the upper floor, a sound and light show A guide greeting visitors is presented using a large scale model of Parks Canada / E. Kedl the Forges village, as it was in 1845 during the heyday of the ironworks. At that time, with the history of the Forges. They can follow there were more than one hundred build- a path, along which are various interpretation ings in the industrial complex and more panels explaining the remains of the village than 400 persons living and working in the and ironworks and the natural features that village. In the show, the audience is intro- led to the establishment of an industrial com- duced to a number of historical figures munity in this location. Guided tours and living in the Forges village. The story is interpretation activities designed for a range built around events in their personal lives of audiences complete the information con- and their work environment. veyed to visitors.

Exhibits at the Grande Maison: • On the ground floor of the Grande Maison, a scale model showing a cross- section illustrates how the various parts of the residence were used. An exhibit on the administration of the ironworks features the three main periods in the history of the Forges represented by three prominent figures. Artefacts found during excavations illustrate various aspects of domestic life in the community. • The ground floor exhibit featuring all three administrative phases of the Forges is Reconstruction of the exterior of the Grande Maison reflected in the three corresponding Parks Canada / E. Kedl

36 Guide presenting the historical scale model situated inside the Grande Maison Parks Canada / E. Kedl

The space inside the blast furnace inter- • at the bellows shed and casting house, pretation centre is organized according to the exhibit focuses on the cannon pit, how this complex was used historically: the blower, great wheel, gearing and the vari- charcoal house, bellows shed, casting house, ous activities associated with casting; moulding shop, oven and founder’s living • at the moulding shop and the oven, the quarters. The exhibits have been developed two main moulding techniques are illus- based on these historical functions: trated, namely open sand moulding and box moulding; • at the charcoal house, the exhibit deals • at the founder’s living quarters, a display with the transporting and processing of compares the possessions of a founder ore, the extraction of limestone, the mak- with that of a labourer, and presents the ing and use of charcoal, and technical great founders of the Forges and numer- changes that took place up until 1883; ous archaeological artefacts.

37 that runs along the stream and points out remains of the upper forge-new furnace and remains of the flour mill. At the lower forge, visitors learn how cast iron had to be fined and hammered to obtain wrought iron. The tour ends at the “devil’s fountain” where visitors are told of a popular legend of the history of the Forges.

The site has a specific interpretation program designed for school groups and based on Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec objec- An interpretation activity inside the tives. The program is particularly aimed at symbolic structure of the blast furnace Parks Canada / E. Kedl students in grades 4 to 6. Like other groups, school groups may participate in special workshops on living quarters, furniture, diet, A guided tour of the historic site is the ideal clothing and archaeology. way for visitors to learn about the site. It starts near the Grande Maison. The interpretive Special activities take place on-site, such as guide begins by outlining the main periods in theatrical and musical presentations, orga- the history of the Forges, the products man- nized jointly with local organizations and ufactured and the role of the stream in according to resources available. Picnic providing hydraulic power. Referring to the areas and footpaths encourage visitors to presence of archaeological remains, the relax in a natural setting and discover the guide explains the existence of workers’ St. Maurice River and its surrounding land- dwellings. He/she explains how symbolic scape. structures are used as an interpretation tool to recreate the ambience of the industrial operations that took place at the blast 5.5 Challenges involved in furnace, and describes the blast furnace the Communication of and the complex of buildings that once Commemorative Messages surrounded it. The guide talks of how the ironworks produced, over more than At the present time, visitors learn about the 150 years, thousands of tons of cast iron for site’s resources, their historical values and moulded objects and ironwares. Inside the other heritage messages through the visitor symbolic structure housing the blast furnace, experience described above. The CIS refers he/she comments on the displays illustrating to four messages of national importance that the extraction, transport and dressing of the should be communicated to the public and a raw materials needed to produce cast iron. number of corresponding context messages. The guide explains how the blast furnace Additional messages must also be conveyed and the bellows worked, the production of to visitors. cast iron and the way it was moulded in sand. He/she explains how the great wheel outside The messages of national historic importance is activated by water power supplied by the are relatively complex. The period commemo- stream. The guide takes visitors down the path rated covers over 150 years of operations

38 and deals with the implementation, evolution rather closed community is not currently and production of the industrial installations being highlighted. Communication tools could that made up the ironworks. The commemo- be modified to provide a better balance in ration also encompasses the organization the presentation of the various messages and and characteristics of the industrial village compensate for these shortcomings. We where the people lived and worked. Several need to seek a more appropriate balance archaeological remains have been uncovered between the presentation of the industrial that are evidence of community activities, but environment vs. community life and the most of the remains are buried and not vis- human environment. ible on the landscape. Bringing the remains to life and interpreting the other cultural re- The exhibits set up in 1985 (blast furnace sources are major challenges that require the complex) and 1990 (Grande Maison) are in support of a range of communication tools. good condition, but have not been renewed With proper guidance, visitors can learn to since their original installation and are show- interpret the surroundings and become aware ing signs of age when one thinks of the of the site’s significance. However, their abil- modern techniques now used in museology. ity to absorb the vast wealth of knowledge A formative assessment was therefore con- available, their desire to do so as part of a ducted at the Forges du Saint-Maurice in the leisure activity and the time they have avail- summer of 2000. The study was aimed at able for their visit, particularly in the case of measuring the effectiveness of the sound and tour groups, hinder the public’s understand- light show presented in the Grande Maison ing of the resources and associated values and that of the exhibit displayed at the blast and messages. furnace. The study was also to determine if visitors made the connection between the In the current service offer, certain aspects indoor installations and outdoor structures of of themes are only partially covered and the blast furnace. others are barely mentioned. For example, the second stage of the technical process Evaluation of the sound and light show used at the Forges, namely the processing revealed that 80% of visitors understand the of cast iron into wrought iron and work messages conveyed and that, along with the performed at the blast-furnace-and-forge scale model of the Forges, the show gives complex is presently only briefly introduced. them a better understanding of the site’s According to the 1981 management plan, history. The study revealed, however, that the this aspect was to be conveyed through a sound and light show was not as well received major exhibit set up inside a symbolic struc- as the overall facilities in the Grande Maison; ture built on the site of the lower forge, but they found the presentation a bit lengthy, the this was never carried out. Characteristics lighting poor and the content sometimes of the company, changes that took place in difficult to understand. the processes used, technical innovations that were introduced over the years, particu- Secondly, the study revealed that visitors do lar aspects of the industrial community and not properly comprehend the interior of the its working class population, and the deci- blast furnace. They find it difficult to under- sive influence that the Forges had on the stand the lay-out of the complex and the Canadian economy during the colonial era operations that took place there, as well as represent other themes that have received the representation of old industrial mecha- little or no attention. The fact that the workers nisms using contemporary metallic struc- lived on the site and formed a unique and tures. For example, they understand that raw

39 materials were handled there, but cannot Moreover, the fact that a large part of the blast situate the charcoal shed as the place where furnace complex is covered in lawn, as is the that activity took place. The same holds true area immediately around it, tends to give the for the living quarters, bellows shed, moul- mistaken impression that the complex was ding shop and stack of the blast furnace. once an underground work area. Orientation panels do little to improve their understanding. The remarkable scale model of the site that is used during the sound and light show could Lastly, visitors react strongly to the symbolic be better utilized for educational purposes, structure: they either like it or they don’t. i.e. to show visitors the spatial organization However, nearly half of the people polled of the site as it was in 1845. were unaware of the purpose of these metallic structures, both inside and outside the The current outreach program has suc- complex. ceeded in reaching a certain segment of the population and the historic site has had its The diagnostic study therefore concluded own website since 1996. Modifications are that a major revamping of the exhibits at the required, however, in order to reflect all the blast furnace is required, and the sound and commemorative messages, and specifically light show needs to be reviewed based on the additional messages. the comments received. In the meantime, ex- planations given in the guided tour fill in the Lastly, although interpretive content has been gaps identified in the visitors’ understanding updated and adapted over the years in light of the organization and operation of the blast of progress made in research and the publi- furnace. cation of various books, the site’s heritage interpretation plan, now nearly twenty-five years old, needs to be updated in order to fill in the gaps mentioned in the communication of messages.

5.6 Visitation and Use of the Site

From 1985 (the year the blast furnace opened) to 1993, the average annual number of visitors to the site was 58,000, with a peak of 82,200 visitors in 1991, the year the Grande Maison was inaugurated. Over the last few years, visitor traffic has decreased considerably, with an average of 21,938 visi- Symbolic structure of the blast furnace Parks Canada / E. Kedl tors annually over the past five years. In 2004,

40 the site received 18,443 visitors, 19% less survey, decreasing by half for both individual than the average over the previous four visitors and those in tour groups. However, a years; of that number, 12,748 were individual large proportion of overseas visitors always visitors, 3,194 were in school groups and come to the site as part of tour groups (30%), 2,501 in other tour groups. confirming the site’s visibility on the international tourist market. The decline in visitor traffic can be explained by several factors, including the arrival of French was the language preferred by 95% of new destinations on the Mauricie recre- visitors for services at the site. ational tourist scene (ex.: the Cité de l’énergie, the Trois-Rivières port park, the In 2004, 66% of individual visitors came to Parc de l’île Saint-Quentin and the Quebec the Forges in groups of adults without chil- Museum of Folk Culture), the lack of renewal dren and 34% were adults with children. The in the service offer, and budget cuts that have average number of visitors in these groups translated into a decrease in operating and was 3.2 persons. marketing resources. Visitor traffic remains below capacity and under the historic site’s Visitors in tour groups averaged 39 persons attraction potential. The challenge is now to per group and represented 30% of the site’s keep the interest of existing clientele and to annual clientele. increase the site’s ability to attract new clientele. In 2004, the age of individual visitors to the site was relatively advanced. Visitors under A study that polled visitor satisfaction and the age of 35 were in the minority: 22% were demographics was carried out from June to under the age of 17 and 13% were between September 2004 on a representative sample 17 and 34 years of age. As for older visitors, of visitors who came to the site, either on their 37% were between the age of 35 and 54 and own or in tour groups. The study enabled us 22% were 55 or over. to draw up a profile of visitors to the historic site and the nature of their visit. Their expectations with respect to interpretation facilities, A typical visit i.e. how well they enhanced their understanding of the history of the Forges du Most visitors polled (81%) said it was their Saint-Maurice, were also polled. first visit to the Forges historic site. In com- parison with the 67% observed in the 1980s and 1990s, this new figure reflects a definite Visitor profile at the historic site improvement in the site’s ability to attract and renew its clientele. In 2004, 15% of visitors came from an 80-km radius around the historic site and 65% lived As in the 1990s, the guided tour is the way elsewhere in Quebec. Other Canadians visitors choose to enjoy their 2 or 3 hours made up 4% of the visitors, 1% were spent immersed in 150 years of history of the American and 12% were from other coun- Canadian iron and steel industry. Only 19% tries, almost exclusively France. Although the of visitors mentioned that they had not taken territory defined as regional was considerably part in the guided tour of the site. Of these, different in 1995, the proportion of regional several other possibilities seem to have met visitors has clearly declined since the last their expectations, since 49% also indicated

41 they had visited the remains on their own, There appears to be a lesser degree of sat- more than 50% stated they had listened to isfaction with regard to the sound and light an interpretive talk given by staff and 86% show presented at the Grande Maison and had visited the blast furnace or the Grande the souvenir boutique. Maison.

Tourists represented 65% of the site’s visi- Expectations of a better tors and spent an average of 6.9 nights away understanding of the history from home, 3.2 of which were spent in the of the Forges Mauricie region. Ten years ago, 55% of visitors were tourists as opposed to same-day After their visit to the site, visitors who visitors.4 participated in the 2004 survey completed a quiz that tested their newly acquired knowl- Visitors came to the historic site primarily edge of the historic significance of the site. because of its reputation and the various pro- Their responses are a good indicator for motional tools used to publicize it. Friends administrators as to how well visitors remem- and family (36%), the brochure published by ber what they learned on their visit to the the Association touristique de la Mauricie Forges. The statements involved the origin (18%), the site brochure (17%) and a stop at of workmen at the Forges, the raison d’être the tourist information centre (14%) were the of the national historic site, the time period sources most often mentioned. More than during which the Forges were in operation 50% of visitors also took advantage of their and its industrial production. An analysis of stay in the Mauricie region to visit other heri- the results indicate that 68% of participants tage institutions in addition to the Forges. gave a correct response for at least four of the six statements and almost all participants responded correctly to at least two state- High visitor satisfaction ments. These results indicate areas where information conveyed to visitors could poten- Visitors indicated that they were very sat- tially be improved with regard to the raison isfied with the interpretation activities in d’être of the national historic site. general, the guided tour, and the interpretive talks given by site personnel. The courtesy In the 2004 survey, few visitors (15%) indi- and communications skills of site personnel cated they had expectations regarding the were very much appreciated by nearly all the addition of new interpretation facilities that visitors polled. More than 90% of people would enhance their understanding of the his- visiting the exhibits at the blast furnace and tory of the Forges. Those who did express the Grande Maison indicated their satisfac- such expectations suggested the reconstruction and 98% of visitors to the Forges were tion or recreation of at least one of the satisfied with their overall visit. The interpre- workmen’s dwellings, a better explanation of tation service receiving the highest level of the remains of the village, animation with visitor satisfaction was the guided tour, with guides in period costumes, and further the greatest degree of satisfaction (5/5) indi- development of the areas around the upper cated by 88% of participants. and lower forges.

4. Tourists are defined as those who stay overnight or longer in the place visited, as opposed to same-day visitors.

42 When questioned about improvements that National Park of Canada, numerous outfit- would make the site visit more enjoyable, ters, a number of controlled harvesting zones, 15% of visitors surveyed gave suggestions, wildlife reserves and regional parks. The including the need for more animation and region is also home to the Cité de l’Énergie, information, availability of more guided tours, which includes the Former Shawinigan especially in English, improvements to the Aluminium Smelting Complex NHSC, where sound and light show, and better directions the first ingot of aluminium was cast in to the site on roads in the outlying area. Canada in 1901. Numerous historic buildings and museums, including the Quebec Museum of Folk Culture in Trois-Rivières, are 5.7 Regional Tourism also found in the region.

The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC is The strong current of the St. Maurice River located in Trois-Rivières and is part of the led to the development of hydro-electric Mauricie tourist region. With nearly power plants, pulp and paper mills and alu- 126,000 residents, Trois-Rivières is the minium smelting plants along its banks. The region’s main hub of economic and urban St. Maurice has also been used to transport development. The Mauricie region covers a logs to pulp and paper mills. This practice vast territory that extends from the came to an end in 1996, restoring the river’s St. Lawrence River north to the boundaries potential for recreational purposes. of the Abitibi and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions. To the west of the Mauricie is the The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC is well Lanaudière region and to the east the known among cultural and recreational tourist Quebec City region. Situated halfway networks in the region. Since its creation, it between Montreal and Quebec City, the has developed close ties with groups in the province’s two main urban centres, the cultural and tourist community, including region is less than a 90-minute drive from Collège Laflèche, Tourisme Mauricie, the either city (Map 1, page 27). Office du tourisme de Trois-Rivières, Appartenance Mauricie, the Société de The surrounding landscape is formed by the conservation et d’animation du patrimoine de plain bordering the St. Lawrence River and Trois-Rivières (SCAP), Médiat-Muse and the the Canadian Shield covering the back coun- cooperative association Info-Nature Mauricie, try. The St. Maurice River is the region’s main in order to promote tourism and benefit from waterway and has been a determining factor the pool of clientele formed by these asso- in regional economic development. Lake ciations. The NHSC is currently active in the St. Pierre, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, has regional tourist industry through services it also contributed to the region’s status. The offers, joint promotional efforts, participation Mauricie is a region rich in lakes and forests. in tourist packages and the joint organiza- Also found in the region are La Mauricie tion of activities and sociocultural events.

6. Objectives

It is Parks Canada’s duty to protect and dedicated to the protection of cultural represent representative examples of Canada’s sources, Parks Canada encourages the natural and cultural heritage. Parks Canada owners involved to take a keen interest in must also encourage public understanding, the protection of resources found on their appreciation and enjoyment of this natural property. Parks Canada ensures that private heritage so that it is left unimpaired for future owners and other authorities are aware of the generations. In order to fulfil its mandate, existence and value of cultural resources Parks Canada has adopted the following stra- owned by others and the importance of pre- tegic objectives to achieve over the next five serving them. The objectives set for the years: designated place are the following:

• To improve the network of national his- • To raise awareness in key players in the toric sites, substantially add to the network community as to the importance of pre- of national parks and make solid progress serving landscape-related values. in the network of national marine conser- • To respect resources and the historical vation areas. values associated with them. • Maintain or improve the state of com- • To base management decisions on the memorative or ecological integrity of each application of the Cultural Resource of the national historic sites and national Management Policy. parks. • To ensure that resources and their historical values are not lost, damaged or • Increase public awareness of national threatened by natural processes, such as parks, national historic sites and national erosion and deterioration, or by human marine conservation areas, and promote activity. public understanding, appreciation and a collective sense of ownership. With regard to the presentation of cultural resources, their historical values and mes- • Develop a stable long-term financial strat- sages of national historical importance, egy to protect historic and present-day specific objectives set for the historic site in assets. the CIS are the following: With regard to the protection of cultural re- • To convey the historical values of cultural sources, specific objectives have been set resources to visitors and key players. for the designated place in the CIS. Parks • To convey messages of national histori- Canada will work to meet these objectives cal importance to the public and provide insofar as they involve cultural resources further information in the form of additional under its ownership. As pointed out in previ- messages. ous pages, some of the designated place’s cultural resources are not owned by Parks • To base management decisions on im- Canada and are therefore not under its plementation of the Cultural Resource administrative jurisdiction. As an agency Management Policy.

45 Regarding the quality of the visitor experience, specific objectives set for the historic site are the following:

• To offer a visit that is safe, meaningful, enriching and memorable, and that corresponds to the specific needs and interests of various clientele.

• To promote the involvement of the regional community in enhancing the service offer.

• To optimize visitor traffic while at the same time preserving the integrity of the site and the quality of the visitor experience.

With regard to working with key players in the region, specific objectives set for the historic site are the following:

• To implement Park Canada’s strategy for external communications Engaging Canadians.

• To work with the regional tourist industry and with Parks Canada’s national network to increase public awareness of the site.

• To become one of the leaders in the regional tourist industry in the protection of cultural heritage and on-site communication of historical knowledge.

• To participate, as a national historic site, in the development of the sociocultural life of the local and regional community and the presentation of local, regional and national cultural heritage.

46 7. Looking to the Future: Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada around 2020

The following section outlines Parks • The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC is a Canada’s fifteen-year outlook for the Forges friendly place where visitors can relax. It du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of maintains high standards in terms of Canada. The objectives stated in the preced- visitor services, providing them with an ing section will direct this vision, and its enriching and memorable experience implementation will be facilitated by the man- where they discover the presence of nu- agement actions outlined in Section 8. Based merous archaeological remains and learn on Parks Canada legislation and policy, the about the site’s main components, par- primary concern of this vision is to ensure ticularly its cultural landscapes. There is the commemorative integrity of the site. a good balance between presenting the industrial community vs. the human side • Cultural resources at the Forges du Saint- to life in the village. It evokes the pres- Maurice NHSC, in particular the desig- ence of the 400 persons living here in nated place, cultural landscapes and 1845 – their dwellings, their way of life, archaeological remains, are well pro- roads, and the presence of fields, or- tected. The historic character of the place chards and gardens. Enhanced exhibits, is strengthened by the presentation of improved guided tours (both general and these cultural resources, including the theme-related), various special events, a presentation of cultural landscapes. A pro- renewed outdoor interpretation circuit and gram for the regular maintenance of cul- the availability of interpretive guides en- tural resources is in place. The public has able visitors to discover the historical adopted and supports the conservation environment and the importance of the values featured at the national historic site. site’s cultural resources. Involvement of It is considered a historic and natural trea- the local community also enhances ac- sure by the citizens of Trois-Rivières. tivities and services offered at the site.

• The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC is an • The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC important site of Canadian industrial heri- draws an optimal number of visitors and tage, and a place of commemoration, enjoys an enviable reputation with its out- discovery and learning that highlights a reach clientele. In the Mauricie region, in period in the industrial and economic his- Canada and abroad it is known as a leader tory of our country. It bears witness to the in the promotion of industrial heritage and beginnings of the iron and steel industry the communication of historical knowl- and the first industrial village in Canada. edge in that field. It is well established at It has become a reference and a place of the heart of the tourist industry and plays inspiration for fields of activity related to a key role in the regional tourism dynamic. the themes presented (hydraulic engi- Collaboration with its regional partners neering, metallurgical engineering, mining means that the site can offer a concerted engineering, forestry engineering, resto- tourism product. ration and archaeology).

8. Implementation

In 1981, the first management plan was be reviewed and adapted. Presentation ef- approved for the Forges du Saint-Maurice forts will be concentrated on protecting cul- NHSC. The plan included the preservation tural resources, seeking a better balance and interpretation of the site’s archaeologi- between presenting the human vs. the indus- cal remains, the addition of an architectural trial environment, and on presenting the lower structure over certain chosen remains, land- forge area, living and service areas and cul- scaping work and development of the stream. tural landscapes. Particular emphasis will be The 1981 management plan also outlined the placed on the presentation of landscapes and main points in an interpretation concept de- landscape elements, including the stream signed to raise visitor awareness of how an and views of the St. Maurice River. industrial community came to be established at the Forges du Saint-Maurice and the or- The interpretation concept will be revisited, ganization and growth of that community. The but messages will continue to be distributed concept included a number of interpretation throughout the site in places that best rep- themes that would be presented throughout resent them. The concept will focus on the site in places that would best illustrate enhancing the link between the visitors and them. the cultural resources of the designated place, making it easier for them to understand messages stemming from the commemora- As a result of the 1981 management plan, a tive intent. The interpretation concept will symbolic architectural structure was erected continue to take into account visitor needs in over the remains of the blast furnace com- terms of education, exchange of ideas, friend- plex and a reconstruction of the exterior of ly atmosphere, social experience, recreation the Grande Maison was built over the remains and relaxation. The site’s guided tour will re- of the cellars. Large exhibits were set up in main the primary means of conveying the both locations. According to the 1981 plan, value of cultural resources and related mes- the following interventions had yet to be sages to visitors. Interpretive guides will play undertaken: presentation of the living and a key role in providing information. service areas, construction of symbolic architectural structures to house exhibits over The commemorative integrity of cultural the upper forge-“new furnace” remains and resources will primarily be ensured through over the lower forge remains, and completion the implementation of management mea- of the presentation of the historical landscape. sures aimed at protecting these resources and communicating the messages identified. The present context of limited financial re- Application of these measures will help sources means that presentation of the site strengthen the site’s historic character. These must be pursued along more modest lines. management measures also involve the The gradual deterioration of some of the quality of the visitor experience and the im- archaeological remains unearthed for public portance of working together with private display has forced us to revisit this type of owners and regional players. Over the next presentation in order to preserve the com- fifteen years, implementation of management memorative integrity of the ruins. The sym- strategies will enable us to achieve the de- bolic structure concept projected in 1981 will sired vision for the historic site.

49 8.1 Management Measures • Draw up an emergency prevention and relating to Protection intervention plan to reduce potential risks to movable cultural property and to intro- of Resources duce proper emergency procedures. Parks Canada will implement the following • Draw up a land conservation and man- management measures aimed at protecting agement plan to protect and present resources: meaningful landscape elements while strengthening the historic character of the • Raise awareness among private owners site. This plan would, in particular: of the presence of cultural resources on their property (part of the designated – include measures to protect the spatial place, archaeological remains, land- organization and features of the landscapes and landscape elements) and the scape; importance of these resources, encour- – identify viewpoints that should be pre- aging the owners to factor them into any served and suggest ways to maintain plans for developing their property. them; • Raise awareness among municipal and – recommend ways to convey the pres- provincial authorities with regard to the ence of specific archaeological remains existence and importance of the desig- on the site; nated place’s cultural resources that are – recommend ways to highlight the pres- situated outside of the administered place. ence of the stream and convey the • Monitor, on a regular basis, the condi- strategic role it played in establishing tion of the site’s cultural resources and and operating the Forges; perform maintenance to prevent the de- – determine proper methods for manag- terioration of all cultural resources. Special ing vegetation and other surfaces in attention should be paid to the blast fur- order to strengthen the historic charac- nace and the chimney of the lower forge. ter of the site; • Set up a maintenance program to prevent – recommend ways in which elements deterioration of archaeological remains such as fences, gardens or roads can that have been unearthed and ensure that be represented on the landscape so as they are protected over the long term. to enhance visitors’ understanding of the site; • Draw up an architectural concept for the protection and interpretation of archaeo- – identify conflicting elements and sug- logical remains in the area of the lower gest ways of eliminating or lessening forge. negative impacts by, for example, the planting of trees and shrubs, while at • Implement the architectural concept cho- the same time respecting the industrial sen for the protection and interpretation and residential character of certain of remains in the area of the lower forge. areas; • Continue documentation and computer- – set criteria for better use of future out- ization work on the archaeological collec- door furnishings, facilities and equip- tion. ment.

50 • In order of priority, and when opportunities – social structure in the village, the orga- arise, gradually implement the recommen- nization of households, families and dations of the landscape conservation and schooling, religious practices, leisure management plan, especially with regard activities and community life in the vil- to maintenance and improvements. lage; • Update the complete biophysical inven- – particularities of the industrial commu- tory of the site and take the necessary nity, the various trades practiced at the measures for the endangered species Forges, the transferring of trade skills identified. within families, and the social status, living quarters and possessions relating • Take leadership in terms of environmen- to each trade; tal stewardship, sustainable development and environmental assessment for any – the roles of the various ironworkers, their projects at the historic site and in the im- working and living conditions and the mediate surroundings. organization of their workplace; • Update the map of forest populations in – the role played by craftsmen in support- order to assess the risk of forest fire and ing industrial production (carpenters, determine preventative measures that will carters, wheelwrights, blacksmiths, ensure visitor safety and protection of the forgemen, colliers, miners, etc.) their site’s cultural resources and infrastruc- working and living conditions, their role tures. in the economic life of the village and the organization of their workplace; • Develop a wildlife management plan with regional partners that addresses the issue – the position occupied by the Forges in of conflicting wildlife in order to effectively the iron and steel industry in the intervene to prevent problems and ensure Mauricie region in the 19th century; visitor safety and wildlife conservation – the dynamics of interactions that took while at the same time ensuring that the place between the company, its workers preservation of cultural resources takes and the surrounding physical environ- precedence. ment, that led to significant changes in the environment; 8.2 Management Measures – the decisive role the Forges played in relating to Communication the Canadian economy during colonial of Messages times; – the second stage in the technical pro- Educational communication is one of three cess used at the Forges, the processing aspects of the external communications strat- of cast iron into wrought iron, and work egy known as Engaging Canadians. To help performed in the European-style blast- reinforce the application of this strategy, furnace-and-forge installation; Parks Canada will implement the following management measures aimed at the presen- – changes that occurred in ironworking tation of cultural resources, their historical processes; values and commemorative messages: – technical innovations made over the • Update the interpretation concept, with years; emphasis on communicating the follow- – the communication of additional mes- ing messages: sages associated with the site.

51 • Review the various communication tools: – represent the location of certain buildings on the ground (dwellings, work- – renew the blast furnace exhibits so that shops, barns, etc.), using simple visual the spatial organization of the interior techniques to identify how the buildings properly reflects the operations that his- were used. torically took place in the complex; • Develop the outreach program to raise – improve the outdoor interpretation cir- awareness among the various audiences cuit; regarding the existence and values of the – revisit the scenario of the sound and historic site, including, but not limited to: light show; – updating the contents of the website in – reinforce the educational use of the order to reflect all commemorative mes- scale model of the village and old picto- sages and with particular attention paid rial materials to increase the visitors’ to additional messages; understanding of the cultural landscape; – publishing documents relating to the – develop ways in which cultural land- commemorative messages. scapes were used, including the pres- • Continue updating the educational pro- ence of the stream and the St. Maurice gram to correspond to school reform in River, to communicate messages, par- Quebec and make these changes known ticularly during the guided tour; to teachers and students. – add large archaeological artefacts • Assess, on a regular basis, the effective- (flagstone floor of the kitchen, the cast- ness of messages communicated using ing pit floor, gearing, stream channelling conventional methods and tools. structures, etc.) to the presentation if they can be properly protected. • Develop the community aspect to achieve 8.3 Management Measures a better balance between presentation of relating to Enhancing the human vs. the industrial environment. Wherever feasible, these or other means the Visitor Experience could be implemented: Parks Canada will implement the following – a re-creation, based on forms and ma- management measures to improve the qual- terials that are in harmony with the ity of the visitor experience: historic character of the site and build- • Ensure proper maintenance of modern in- ings, of the exterior and interior of a stallations, particularly those protecting dwelling, shed or other building deemed representative or meaningful to an un- the remains of the blast furnace and the Grande Maison. derstanding of the site; 5 • Improve outdoor visitor facilities, for ex- – a reconstruction, in an appropriate area ample, by setting up a shelter to enhance of the site, of the exterior of period the visitor experience at the lower forge. buildings (barns, charcoal kilns, etc.) to house the facilities needed to receive • Provide permanent visitor facilities de- groups and hold larger-scale activities. signed for special larger-scale events. The building could also be used to con- These facilities could also be used for in- vey certain messages and illustrate the terpretation of the village (reconstruction existence of such buildings in the past; of a barn, charcoal kilns, etc.).

5. Various proposals will be examined at the time of the implementation of this measure.

52 • Bring the site to life through the presence • Offer students at the Université du of historic figures in period costumes. Québec à Trois-Rivières the possibility of working on research projects relating • Ensure that the service offer is renewed to the Forges. so as to keep the interest of a range of clientele and respond to their needs and • Develop and put forward a marketing expectations. strategy that integrates with local efforts to increase the numbers of tourists and • Ensure the safety of visitors during their students coming to the national historic visit to the various indoor and outdoor site. components of the site. • Pursue and increase collaborative efforts • Ensure that there are adequate signs on with regional tourist groups, including the the main roads and highways indicating activities already underway with Médiat- the location of the historic site. Muse, in order to share clienteles and • On a regular basis, measure performance improve the service offer. indicators in terms of visitor satisfaction and the visitor experience. • Develop a sense of belonging and ownership of the site among members of the • Continue measuring and documenting local community, particularly by getting visitation at the national historic site and involved in regional tourist development visitor participation in services provided. projects that reflect the mission of Parks Canada. Where appropriate, the Forges could thus become a stop along heritage 8.4 Management Measures circuits or walking paths around the city relating to Collaboration of Trois-Rivières and the surrounding with Key Regional Players area. • Participate in the development of new Agency and Program/Service communica- regional tourist circuits by creating ties tions are two of three aspects of the external with other national historic sites, particu- communications strategy known as Engaging larly the Former Aluminium Smelting Canadians. Implementation of this strategy Complex NHSC and other sites or muse- at the site is a priority. In the spirit of this ums devoted to industrial activities, both strategy, Parks Canada will implement the nationally and internationally. following management measures to improve its work with key regional players: • Propose the national historic site as a reference and source of inspiration for • Inform, influence and involve regional Canadian school groups, professionals partners and the public with regard to and industrialists in terms of the themes conserving natural and cultural resources presented (hydraulic engineering, metal- and achieving commemorative integrity at lurgical engineering, mining engineering, the historic site. forestry engineering, restoration and ar- • Develop a range of activities at the his- chaeology). toric site, including large-scale events, with the help of partners in the local community.

9. In Conclusion: Implementation Priorities

The purpose of the present management using its own capital or by involving its part- plan is to set management guidelines and ners, several priority measures designed to parameters based on Parks Canada’s ensure the commemorative integrity of the mission to ensure the protection and presen- site. These measures are the following: tation of Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC. Parks Canada can act on cultural resources • Perform interventions designed at raising it owns and as an agency dedicated to con- awareness. servation is committed to setting an example • Maintain the cultural resources and en- with regard to cultural resources under its ju- sure regular monitoring of their condition. risdiction. Acknowledgement of the heritage significance and cultural values of resources • Ensure the long-term protection of un- that are privately owned has proven to be a earthed archaeological remains. key condition to their conservation and presentation. • Come up with an architectural concept for archaeological remains in the area of the The most important management measures lower forge. described in this management plan are aimed at ensuring the commemorative in- • Draw up an emergency prevention and tegrity of Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC. intervention plan. These and other measures will also contribute to enhancing the visitor experience and • Draw up a plan for preserving and pre- increasing collaborative efforts with key play- senting the landscape. ers in the community. Implementation of the • Carry out a complete biophysical inven- management measures chosen will require tory. considerable financial resources. Since the site does not currently have the capital bud- • Update the interpretation concept. get required, the majority of the measures involved cannot be carried out in the short • Review certain communication tools. term. It will probably take several years before the necessary funds are available. As it • Develop the outreach program. focuses on the problem of funding the initia- • Continue updating the educational pro- tives proposed, Parks Canada will seek the gram. support of partners and community groups who share its values and its vision of the site’s • Assess the effectiveness of messages future. conveyed.

Over the next five years, the La Mauricie Field • Come up with an architectural concept for Unit, the Parks Canada division responsible a building that could be used for special for managing the site, will seek to implement, large-scale activities.

55 • Pursue and improve collaboration with key It is the responsibility of the superintendent regional players in the spirit of the exter- of the La Mauricie Field Unit to monitor imple- nal communications strategy Engaging mentation of the management plan and to Canadians. report back to the public on work carried out. Parks Canada will determine the extent and After the first five-year period that the man- form of that report based on public interest. agement plan has been in force, a decision The Field Unit’s business plan will state the could be made to prolong its duration for one strategy for implementing management mea- or more additional five-year periods, without sures and will determine the allocation of a review of its content. Therefore, once the resources in accordance with the priorities management measures identified for the first set down in the management plan. The busi- five years have been carried out, the remain- ness plan’s annual report will assess the ing management measures, outlined in progress that has been made in implement- section 8, whose implementation is projected ing the measures. The national report on the as part of a fifteen-year outlook, could be State of Protected Heritage Areas will pro- carried out progressively, based on potential vide an overall view of the state of the network funding, future circumstances and opportu- and the results of management planning for nities that may arise. the Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC.

The present management plan was de- The Parks Canada Agency Act of 1998 stipu- veloped taking into account the views of lates that management plans be reviewed members of the public. They were given the every five years and that proposals for occasion to express their point of view and changes be submitted to Parliament. A five- to evaluate the plan during the planning year internal review of a management plan process. The final drafting of the manage- will determine if it is still appropriate or if the ment plan does not mark the end of public public should be involved in a new detailed consultations; it marks the beginning of a five-year review. sustained dialogue with community members, interest groups, companies, and government departments and organizations.

56 10. Environmental Assessment Summary

Context of stress have a low impact on the cultural resources or do not apply to them. However, The Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC Man- in some instances human activity could agement Plan was the subject of a strategic threaten cultural resources, particularly for the environmental assessment. The purpose of portion of the designated place that is not this assessment was to examine the impact owned by Parks Canada. that management measures would have on achieving commemorative integrity and pro- The management measures will contribute tecting the biophysical resources at the site. to achieving commemorative integrity at the site. Analyses show that the management This evaluation is based on the 1999 Cabinet plan will have a positive effect on achieving Directive on the Environmental Assessment commemorative integrity of the designated of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. It place. A number of management measures respects the guidelines in Parks Canada will have a potential positive impact on Guiding Principles and Operational Policies sustainable development and one general (1994) and Parks Canada Management management measure introduces the appli- Directive 2.4.2 on Impact Studies (1998). cation of sustainable development to the site. Certain management measures are likely to Compliance of the plan’s have an impact and merit particular attention. management measures These management measures are the following: The management plan complies with all • Drawing up an architectural concept for Parks Canada and Canadian government the protection and interpretation of ar- policies. chaeological remains in the area of the lower forge. Scope of the strategic environmental • Drawing up a landscape conservation and assessment presentation plan to protect and present meaningful landscape elements while The area of land included in the environmen- strengthening the historic character of the tal assessment corresponds to that of the site. designated place. The assessment extends • Improving the outdoor interpretation cir- over the same 15-year time period as the cuit. management plan. • Developing the industrial community aspect to achieve a better balance between Assessment of potential impacts presentation of the human vs. the indus- of management measures trial environment. • Re-creating the exterior and interior of a Impact analysis examined sources of stress dwelling, shed or other building deemed on cultural and biophysical resources. This representative or meaningful to an under- analysis showed that the majority of sources standing of the site.

57 • Reconstructing, in an appropriate area of Mitigation measures to eliminate or the site, the exterior of former buildings minimize negative impacts to house the facilities needed to receive groups and hold larger-scale activities. Mitigation of impacts will be done strate- gically. Mitigation strategies will be aimed • Representing the location of certain build- particularly at: ings on the ground using simple visual techniques to identify how the buildings • applying the precautionary principle and were used. adaptive management practices in the Parks Canada strategy for achieving com- • Improving outdoor visitor facilities, for ex- memorative integrity; ample, by setting up a shelter to enhance the visitor experience at the lower forge. • establishing, based on the environmental assessment process for projects, mitiga- • Ensuring that the service offer is renewed tion measures to minimize impact on so as to maintain the interest of a range cultural and natural resources when of clientele and respond to their needs and implementing projects or activities con- expectations. tained in the management plan; • Ensuring the safety of visitors as they visit • preparing a preventative strategy for the various indoor and outdoor compo- adapting to climate changes to protect the nents of the site. site’s cultural resources, biophysical re- • Developing a range of activities at the his- sources and infrastructures; toric site, including large-scale events, • assessing the site’s carrying capacity; with the help of partners in the local community. • putting into place a strategy for environmental management so that the site uses sound environmental practices in its op- Assessment of potential cumulative erations and programs and improves its impacts of activities and management environmental performance. measures in the management plan

An analysis of residual effects shows that few Conclusion residual effects should persist as a result of the application of management measures The result of the strategic environmental as- and mitigation strategies. sessment leads to the conclusion that, based on the information available, the presenta- The assessment of cumulative impacts is tion concept chosen for the site is acceptable based on the principle that the combined ef- from a heritage standpoint. The assessment fects of various projects and activities may determined that the management plan will have an impact that is greater than or differ- lead to an improvement in the commemora- ent from their respective individual impacts. tive integrity of the site. A number of negative Cumulative effects are related to climate impacts can be lessened through the appli- changes, an eventual increase in visitor traf- cation of mitigation strategies and measures. fic and the way the site is used. These factors However, this strategic review brought out play a greater role in the portion of the desig- several concerns with regard to the protec- nated place that is off Parks Canada property. tion of cultural resources and sustainable

58 development. The main impact that remains is the risk of losing cultural resources for the designated place in the portion that is not owned by Parks Canada.

The potential negative impacts that are the greatest cause for concern can be mitigated through the application of known technical measures or other means that have proven effective in the past. The environmental assessment of projects will have to take place at a later stage of planning when details of what is involved are available.

Studies, Research Reports and Other Reference Material

ENVIRONMENT CANADA, PARKS CANADA. Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site, Management Plan, Supply and Services Canada, 1981, 73 pages.

GÉRIN-LAJOIE. JOSÉE. Inventaire du noyer cendré (Juglans cinerea). Parc national du Canada de la Mauricie. Lieu historique national des Forges- du-Saint-Maurice. Lieu historique national du Manoir-Papineau, Report presented to Parks Canada, 2005, 29 pages + Appendices.

LEROUX, GUY. Lieu historique national du Canada des Forges-du-Saint-Maurice, Étude auprès des visiteurs 2004, Parks Canada, May 2005, 23 pages + Appendices.

LOCUS LOISIR ET CULTURE INC. Lieu historique des Forges-du-Saint-Maurice, Étude auprès des clientèles actuelles, Profil des visiteurs libres et des groupes organisés et évaluation sommative des apprentissages cognitifs selon la modalité de visite, Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada, May 1996, 48 pages + Appendices.

MARQUIS, BERNARD (LOCUS LOISIR ET CULTURE INC.). Évaluation diagnostique du lieu historique national du Canada des Forges-du-Saint-Maurice, Parks Canada, Marketing et Affaires du programme, December 2000, 57 pages + Appendices.

PARKS CANADA. Compte-rendu de la consultation publique pour la révision du plan directeur du lieu historique national du Canada des Forges-du-Saint-Maurice, September 2006, 19 pages.

PARKS CANADA. Énoncé d’intégrité commémorative, Lieu historique national du Canada des Forges du Saint-Maurice, November 2003, 51 pages.

PARKS CANADA. Parks Canada Guide to Management Planning, December 2000, 127 pages.

PARKS CANADA, MARKETING ET AFFAIRES DU PROGRAMME. Rapports statistiques de 1985 à 2004.

CANADIAN HERITAGE, PARKS CANADA. State of the Parks 1997 Report, 1998, 211 pages.

CANADIAN HERITAGE. Parks Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies, Supply and Services Canada, 1994, 127 pages.

SAMSON, ROCH. The Forges du Saint-Maurice: Beginnings of the Iron and Steel Industry in Canada, 1730-1883. Les Presses de l’Université Laval and Canadian Heritage-Parks Canada, Quebec City, 1998, 458 pages.

Collaborators

Numerous individuals contributed to the content of the management plan for the Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC, including members of the public, employees, local residents, represen- tatives of non-governmental organizations and other partners.

The plan was developed by a multidisciplinary team. It required research, the gathering of a large body of background information, analysis of the issues involved, discussions and a review of the content by experts in various fields. Members of the planning committee showed profes- sionalism and a sustained commitment throughout the entire duration of the project. The planning committee was made up of the following members: • Jacqueline Bélanger, Interpretation Project Manager, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Luc Bérard, Landscape architect, Program Manager, Public Works and Government Services Canada; • Thierry Bouin, Superintendent, La Mauricie Field Unit, Parks Canada; • Guy Desaulniers, Manager, Forges du Saint-Maurice NHSC, La Mauricie Field Unit, Parks Canada; • Solange Dion, Marketing Research and Planning Advisor, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Pierre Drouin, Archaeologist, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Marie Lavoie, Superintendent, La Mauricie Field Unit, Parks Canada; • Diane Le Brun, Supervisor, Collections Management, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Jacques Major, Communications Advisor, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Pierre Paré, Architect, Historical Programs Manager, Public Works and Government Services Canada; • Renald Rodrigue, Planner, National Historic Sites, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Roch Samson, Historian, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada.

Technical support was provided by: • Claire Beaudoin, Administrative assistant, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada; • Christiane Hébert, Graphic designer, Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada.

The environmental assessment was drafted by: • Michel Carrier, Chief Advisor, Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Quebec Service Centre, Parks Canada.

63 © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2007 Catalogue No: R64-340/2006E ISBN: 0-662-43695-4 Cette publication est également offerte en français.