Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

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Fortress of Louisbourg national historic site of canada Management Plan

june 2001

Fortress of Louisbourg national historic site of canada Management Plan ii

©Minister of Public Works For more information about the Site and Government Services, Management Plan or about Fortress Canada, 2001. of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada: ISBN R64-237/2001E 0-662-29599-4 Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Cette publication est aussi 259 Park Service Road disponible en français. Louisbourg, Nova Scotia Canada B1C 2L2

TEL: (902) 733-2280 FAX: (902) 733-2473 EM: [email protected] WEB: http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca http://www.fortress.uccb.ns.ca

Front Cover - left to right and top to bottom

IMAGE A. Children in period costume - the volunteer program at work, Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE B. Louisbourg ﬁ fers during the 1999 Grand Encampment, Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Vaughin Merchant, 1999, (catalogue #5J9122); IMAGE C. View of reconstructed townsite from harbour, Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE D. Parks Canada guide and visitors - interpretive talk, Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; IMAGE E. Upper and lower class animators on the Frederic wharf, Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, André Corneillier, (catalogue #5J459) Fortress of Louisbourg iii National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Foreword

On behalf of all Canadians, I am delighted to approve the management plan for Fortress of Louisbourg, one of Canada’s premier national historic sites. I hope you share with me my enthusiasm for this heritage treasure tucked away on the east coast of Cape Breton Island. In the fi rst half of the 18th century, Louisbourg was a bustling French town, one of Canada’s largest at the time, with a cosmopolitan society, supported by the fi shery, a vast trading network, the government and military. It was also the scene of decisive battles that in 1745 and again in 1758 led to British control of eastern Canada - signifi cant events in the early history of our country. Today, staff at the Fortress of Louisbourg protect the cultural resources associated with this period including a vast array of archaeological resources and artifacts from the fortifi ed town, outlying suburbs and military works, landscapes and siege sites. These resources are truly outstanding. In addition, there is the reconstructed townsite, Canada’s largest, that is a marvel of applied research and building techniques. The section of the former town that has been reconstructed provides visitors with a direct sense of another world and insight into earlier times. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada is indeed a heritage attraction that helps to contribute to Canadian identity and refl ect Canadian pride. This management plan provides the direction to ensure the commemorative integrity of the National Historic Site. I want to thank all those who participated directly in the public consultations in helping Parks Canada offi cials complete a plan that identifi es the strategic actions to protect and present the cultural resources and to enhance the tradition of providing fi rst-rate services to the public. The Fortress of Louisbourg is one of Canada’s special places and an icon within the Family of Canada’s National Historic Sites. I encourage all Canadians to visit this wonderful place on Cape Breton Island.

Sheila Copps Minister of Canadian Heritage iv Fortress of Louisbourg v National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Recommendations

Recommended by:

Tom Lee Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer Parks Canada

Christina Cameron Director General National Historic Sites, Parks Canada

Joe O’Brien Director General Eastern Canada, Parks Canada

Carol Whitﬁ eld Field Unit Superintendent Cape Breton, Parks Canada vi Fortress of Louisbourg vii National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Executive Summary

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site actions for the protection of in-situ cultural of Canada contains a wealth of cultural resources and the vast collections held at the resources and landscapes refl ecting the mili- Site. It focuses the Site’s presentation program tary, commercial, fi shing and settlement activ- on the nationally signifi cant messages that ity that occurred here from 1713 to 1768. They need to be conveyed to the public and on contribute to telling a signifi cant story in a potential methods of delivering these mes- defi ning period of Canada’s history - the sages. It also provides the strategic direction concluding period of Anglo-French rivalry to provide an enhanced level of service to visi- for control of eastern Canada. The scope, itors by creating the fl exibility and the envi- scale and size of the archaeological resources ronment to work with various partners in and collection are one of the Site’s defi ning the provision of period and modern services attributes. Much of the 18th century archaeo- throughout the Site. The plan recognizes the logical record has survived relatively intact fi scal environment in which these proposals and represents an unparalleled resource on are being put forward. an international scale. In addition there is The Site’s infrastructure has evolved over the partial reconstruction of the 18th century three decades from the early 1960s. This town, the largest reconstruction in Canada, includes the reconstructed townsite, the visi- and a landmark project that has created a tor centre, roads, trails, day-use areas, admin- remarkable sense of the past and learning istration and maintenance buildings, and experience for visitors. The setting for these services. Because much development has resources is Canada’s second largest national already occurred, the plan places the primary historic site. The Site’s 6000 hectare landbase focus on the protection, management, and bordering on Louisbourg harbour and the presentation of the nationally signifi cant Atlantic Ocean contains important natural cultural resources and landscapes, on resources that contribute to the sustainability improvements to visitor services, on the of the broader ecosystem found along the east recapitalization of contemporary assets, and coast of Cape Breton Island. on stewardship responsibilities. The plan Fortress of Louisbourg is part of a system looks outward to place the Site in its regional of national historic sites across Canada. context recognizing that its contribution to a Together this system is referred to as changing economy is important for a sustain- the Family of National Historic Sites with able future. It clearly identifi es that the Site’s each member presenting an important part role in the heritage tourism industry on Cape of Canada’s history to Canadians. Parks Breton Island is based on both leadership and Canada has the potential, through Fortress of cooperation with partners. Louisbourg and other national historic sites The plan articulates a vision for Fortress across Canada, to help connect Canadians of Louisbourg - that is to become a centre of through a greater understanding of their excellence in ensuring commemorative integ- heritage. rity and in meeting its stewardship respon- Ensuring commemorative integrity and sibilities for the protection of ecosystem applying cultural resource management prin- features. Many strategic actions are identifi ed ciples and practices form the goal for man- to achieve this vision. Some of the highlights agement planning for national historic sites. are as follows. The management plan identifi es the components of commemorative integrity and what Heritage Protection strategic steps are necessary to achieve them. • complete the inventory and evaluation of Within this framework, the plan identifi es nationally signifi cant cultural resources, viii Executive Summary

landscapes and collections to ensure their Site Operations and Management protection • complete the formal agreement with the • complete and implement a Cultural province required for the construction of Resource Conservation Plan to address the Fleur-de-lis Trail those circumstances that threaten or • upgrade route #22 from the Site boundary impact on cultural resources to the reconstructed townsite • continue to cooperate in the protection • upgrade water delivery systems and fi re and management of underwater cultural protection to the reconstructed townsite resources of national signifi cance in • incorporate federal government revenue Louisbourg harbour, and enhance their policies of cost-recovery and revenue interpretation generation into the Site’s operational and • continue with research and management service offer of signifi cant natural resources, and with the identifi cation and mitigation of threats The environmental assessment of the man- in order to contribute to ecological agement plan indicates that there are no sig- integrity nifi cant impacts or cumulative effects from the implementation of the proposals and Heritage Presentation and Communication concepts identifi ed in the plan. Important • complete the recapitalization program for cultural, environmental and socio-economic the reconstructed townsite benefi ts will be realized through the imple- • undertake an interpretation plan for the mentation of the plan. The Site will contribute entire Site including all media, with to the local and regional economy through emphasis on the nationally signifi cant expenditures and employment, and as a messages major attraction to visitors to Cape Breton • enhance the aboriginal and multi-cultural Island. component of 18th century Louisbourg in The strategic actions referenced above are the presentation program highlights of those identifi ed at the end of • enhance the Site’s outreach program most sections in the plan. These actions are • implement the updated marketing strategy to be accomplished within the time horizon to market Fortress of Louisbourg National of the management plan, a 10-15 year Historic Site of Canada period. Priorities, based on these actions, are identifi ed and linked to the Site’s three Visitor Services and Facilities year business planning cycle for imple- • encourage special events in cooperation mentation purposes. Five year management with others plan reviews will update the actions to • enhance period and modern visitor serv- ensure their relevancy. Priorities will be ices in the reconstructed townsite and in updated annually as part of the business other areas of the Site plan submission. • implement the Access Plan for the reconstructed townsite Fortress of Louisbourg ix National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Table of Contents

Foreword ...... iii Recommendations ...... v Executive Summary ...... vii

1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Legacy ...... 1 1.2 Commemorative Integrity ...... 3

2.0 Situation Context 2.1 Trends ...... 15

3.0 Strategic Direction for Commemorative Integrity, Stewardship & Visitor Services 3.1 Vision Statement ...... 17 3.2 Guiding Direction ...... 17 3.3 Heritage Protection A. Archaeological Resources ...... 18 i. Terrestrial ...... 18 ii. Underwater ...... 22 B. Cultural Landscapes ...... 24 C. Museum, Caretaker’s House & Lighthouse ...... 25 D. Archaeological Collection ...... 26 E. Curatorial Collections ...... 28 F. Cemeteries ...... 29 G. Natural Resources & Ecosystem Management ...... 30 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication A. The Reconstruction ...... 34 B. Level 1 & 2 Messages ...... 36 C. Multicultural, Women’s & First Nations Presentation ...... 38 D. 1744: The Moment in Time Approach ...... 39 E. Exhibits ...... 40 F. Education & Outreach Services ...... 41 G. Animation Program ...... 42 H. Costume Collection ...... 43 I. Library & Archives ...... 44 J. Special Events ...... 46 K. Partnerships ...... 47 L. Marketing Strategy ...... 48 x Table of Contents

3.5 Visitor Services and Access A. Services in the Reconstructed Townsite ...... 49 B. Services in Other Areas of the Site ...... 51 C. Visitor Access and Circulation ...... 52 i. Fleur-de-lis Trail ...... 52 ii. Kennington Cove Road ...... 53 iii. Lighthouse Road ...... 54 iv. Route #22 ...... 54 3.6 Landbase ...... 55 A. Site Boundaries and the Mineral Reserve Area ...... 55

4.0 Site Administration and Operations 4.1 Public Safety ...... 57 4.2 Resource and Asset Protection ...... 58 4.3 Revenue Generation ...... 59

5.0 Environmental and Economic Impacts 5.1 Economic Impact ...... 61 5.2 Environmental Assessment ...... 62

6.0 Implementation Strategy 6.1 Priorities ...... 65

Selected References ...... 67 Image Credits ...... 69

Historic and Current Maps MAP 1 1734 - Fortiﬁ ed Town and North Shore Properties ...... 2A MAP 2 Designated Place ...... 4A MAP 3 Regional Setting ...... 16A MAP 4 1745 Siege of Louisbourg ...... 20A MAP 5 Reconstructed Townsite ...... 34A MAP 6 Visitor Facilities and Activities ...... 52A MAP 7 Proposed Fleur-de-Lis Trail ...... 54A MAP 8 1738 - French System of Roads ...... 56A Fortress of Louisbourg 1 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

1.0 Introduction

1.1 THE LEGACY Founded in the aftermath of one war, Louisbourg suffered defeat in a second, then was demolished at the conclusion of a third, only to be partially resurrected in the 20th century, to become a symbol of Canada’s identity. The French came to Louisbourg in 1713, at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, when they had to surrender title to their holdings in Newfoundland and on mainland Nova Scotia. Initially Louisbourg IMAGE 2. Standing guard at the Dauphin Gate was a base from which the French exploited North America’s lucrative cod fi shery. As istrative centre for the colony of Ile Royale Louisbourg’s population grew and its poten- (Cape Breton Island), and the French military tial as a trading centre became apparent, the stronghold of Atlantic Canada. Louisbourg town developed into one of the most impor- extended around the harbour far beyond tant urban centres in New France. the walls of the town’s core, as fi shermen By the 1730s more than 150 ships a year staked claim to waterfront properties and from France, New England, the West Indies merchants, tradesmen, and tavern-keepers and elsewhere were calling at Louisbourg, followed them. With its walled inner city, making it one of the busiest ports in North and outlying defences such as the Island and America. By the 1740s Louisbourg’s year- Royal batteries, Louisbourg was among the round population was 2,500 to 3,000. It most heavily defended settlements on the swelled by hundreds more during the ship- continent. It closely resembled a European ping season. Louisbourg was a cosmopolitan fortifi ed town (map 1). community, with a diverse and constantly In 1745, after three decades of peace shifting population which included Basques, and prosperity, a combined British and Irish, Acadians, Blacks, and Aboriginal New England force attacked and captured people. There were also New Englanders in Louisbourg. An occupying army took over and out of the town trading goods from the the town, and its residents were removed British colonies and elsewhere. to France. Three years later Britain returned In addition to being a fi shing and trading Cape Breton to France through a treaty. centre, Louisbourg also became the admin- In 1758 Britain took Louisbourg a second time, and in 1760 demolished much of the fortifi cations. In 1768, when the British garrison left, Louisbourg became, in the words of the Governor of Nova Scotia, a “decayed city... going to ruin”. Although English-speaking settlers trickled into the area subsequently and revived the fi shery, the focus of settlement moved to the north side of the harbour. The former fortifi ed town came to be known as “Old Town”, and was “a place of scattered IMAGE 1. Louisbourg Harbour, circa 1744: Lewis Parker Painting houses, grazing animals, and ruins”. 2 1.1 The Legacy

Interest in commemorating the historic nifi cance, Louisbourg was one of the fi rst signifi cance of Louisbourg began at an early sites it considered. The Board discussed date. The French were the fi rst. In 1720, they Louisbourg frequently over the next two dec- placed commemorative medals within the ades in close collaboration with Parks Branch walls of certain buildings. Later, in 1767, offi cials. Initially the Board’s focus was the Samuel Holland erected the fi rst post-French protection of the ruins at Louisbourg, and commemorative monument, although it has then on their commemoration. since disappeared. In the latter half of the In response to the Board’s recommen- 19th century, however, interest grew in dations, the Parks Branch began acquiring Canada and elsewhere in commemorating land at Louisbourg in 1921. In 1923 the and preserving vestiges of the past. In 1895 two Maritime members of the Board, Major an American organization, the Society of J. Plimsoll Edwards and Dr. John Clarence Colonial Wars, erected a monument at Webster, were designated a special sub-com- Louisbourg to mark the 150th anniversary mittee to report on Louisbourg. They recom- of the 1745 siege. mended to the Board that the entire site of A number of Canadians began to take an historic Louisbourg be acquired, and that the interest in Louisbourg as a result of the erec- fortifi cations be put in some sort of order. tion of the 1895 monument. Senator Pascal Throughout the period, the Board worked Poirier expressed concern in the Senate that with people such as J.S. McLennan. This co- the area did not belong to either the Nova operation led, in 1926, to the unveiling of Scotian or Canadian government. Poirier four bilingual commemorative plaques at the visited the site in 1902, on behalf of the Royal Lighthouse, the Dauphin Bastion, and the Society of Canada and called on the govern- King’s Bastion. ment to preserve at least the remaining ruins. In 1927, Henri Bourassa, prominent Over the next decade other individuals Quebec nationalist, journalist and politician, and organizations made proposals to mark visited Louisbourg in the company of a large the site’s history. One individual was Captain party of French-Canadians from Quebec and D.J. Kennelly, an Irish-born industrialist who Ontario. Bourassa had visited Louisbourg became general manager of the Sydney and thirty years earlier. Upset at the deterioration Louisbourg Coal and Railway Company. In of the ruins over that time, Bourassa vowed 1903 Kennelly began an international cam- to bring before Parliament the need to pre- paign under the auspices of the Louisbourg serve historic Louisbourg. The following year Memorial Fund. The society purchased the he rose in the House of Commons to com- land with the most prominent ruins, raised plain about “the terrible state of abandon- money to have them stabilized, and in 1906 ment” of Louisbourg, and the need to clean saw provincial legislation passed to declare up and protect the site. Louisbourg an Historical Monument of the In the 1930s the Parks Branch started to Dominion of Canada. plan for Louisbourg’s future. Minutes of the Shortly after, J.S. McLennan, retired indus- hsmbc for May 1930 note the need for a com- trialist and publisher of the Sydney Post, prehensive development scheme. This led to began calling for the Canadian government the appointment of a local sub-committee to preserve Louisbourg. In an address to to advise the Board on Louisbourg. Senator the Nova Scotia Historical Society, McLennan McLennan and Melvin S. Huntington, Mayor declared that preserving historic sites was too of Louisbourg, were members. great a task for private or co-operative ven- By this time the Parks Branch had acquired tures, and that some of its signifi cance would most of the private properties on the site be lost except for “the action of the people of the former fortifi ed town of Louisbourg. through their governments.” The hsmbc came up with recommendations When the Historic Sites and Monuments for the excavation of selected building loca- Board of Canada (hsmbc) was created in 1919 tions, and the reconstruction of the walls of to advise the Minister of the Interior on the the structures to a height of several feet. The preservation of historic sites of national sig- hsmbc also looked at the issue of cultural Fortress of Louisbourg 2A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

MAP 1

The settlement pattern within the walled FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG town differed from the surrounding area, yet NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA both were governed by strict guidelines and 1734 - Fortiﬁ ed Town and developed within carefully surveyed lots. North Shore Properties

Fortress of Louisbourg 3 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

resources under the waters of Louisbourg’s able legacy. The goal of management plan- harbour, and discussed the commemoration ning for national historic sites is to ensure of cemeteries at Louisbourg, in co-operation commemorative integrity and the application with other organizations. And in 1936 the fed- of cultural resource management principles eral government opened a museum at the and practices. site, with Katharine McLennan, daughter of Commemorative integrity is a way of J.S. McLennan, as honorary curator. describing the health or wholeness of a By 1940 the Parks Branch had acquired national historic site. A national historic site additional land, and Louisbourg became possesses commemorative integrity when: known offi cially as the Fortress of Louisbourg • the resources that symbolize or represent National Historic Park, following a campaign its importance are not impaired or under by Cape Breton historical enthusiast, Albert threat; Almon. The Park then included the old town- • the reasons for the site’s national historic site, Battery Island, and the Royal Battery. signifi cance are effectively communicated Eventually the Park came to include much of to the public, and the area covered by the siege works erected • the site’s heritage values are respected by in the assaults of 1745 and 1758. This ensured all those whose decisions or actions affect the protection of one of the best-preserved the site. and most extensive 18th century siege landscapes in the Western World - an incompara- The following is an abridged version of the ble archaeological treasure. approved Commemorative Integrity Statement. In 1961 the government of Canada accepted the recommendation of the Royal The reasons for the national historic Commission on Coal, that there be a symbolic signifi cance of Fortress Louisbourg - reconstruction of the fortress to provide The Statement of Commemorative Intent employment, boost the tourism industry, and A Statement of Commemorative Intent states inspire the region culturally and intellectu- the reasons for the site’s national signifi cance ally. Two decades later nearly one-quarter of as determined by the Historic Sites and the walled heart of Louisbourg was recon- Monuments Board of Canada (hsmbc) and structed. The reconstruction is a tribute to J.S. approved by the Minister. McLennan, Pascal Poirier, and others who, Fortress of Louisbourg has unusual quan- inspired by the Site’s place in history, called tity and diversity in its cultural resources. for its commemoration. The development of Louisbourg as a military At the same time, Fortress Louisbourg has fortifi ed town, as a colonial trading centre become a symbol for the whole country, a oriented to the sea, and as a cosmopolitan testament to the skills and dedication of those capital of French possessions on the east coast who called for its protection, an assertion has left a wealth of archaeological resources of Canada’s identity, and a legacy to the for posterity. In addition to the archaeological nation. It is a tribute to the confi dence with resources of the former town, there are hun- which Canadians celebrated the completion dreds of known archaeological sites outside of Canada’s fi rst century, an acknowledge- the walls associated with French military, ment of the past, and an act of faith in the domestic and commercial activity, and with future. the military sieges of 1745 and 1758. The Site’s ability to evoke powerful images of 1.2 COMMEMORATIVE INTEGRITY the past through cultural resources and land- One of Parks Canada’s fundamental objec- scapes has remained largely uncompromised. tives for the National Historic Sites Program There are a number of 18th century doc- is to ensure the commemorative integrity of umented shipwrecks in the harbour and national historic sites administered by Parks beyond. Those in the harbour were sunk Canada by protecting and presenting these in the course of the 1758 siege. Although out- places to the Canadian public in a manner side the Site’s boundaries, the wrecks relate that respects their signifi cant and irreplace- directly to the national signifi cance of the 4 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

Site and contribute valuable information on PART ONE Louisbourg’s marine and naval history. The resources that symbolize or represent The hsmbc met on several occasions to the Site’s national historic signifi cance are discuss Louisbourg and its need for protec- not impaired or under threat tion and commemoration, particularly during The resources of national historic signifi cance the 1920s and 1930s. Their deliberations symbolize and represent the importance largely focused on the military importance of of Louisbourg. They are Level 1 cultural the Site, and the need to ensure protection resources under the Cultural Resource for the ruins. Their interest is refl ected in the Management Policy, by virtue of their asso- early commemorations they recommended to ciation with Louisbourg’s commemorative the Minister of the day such as the Dauphin intent. Bastion, Wolfe’s Landing and the King’s Bastion. In 1928, when Fortress of Louisbourg a) Designated Place was designated a National Historic Site, there Designated Place is defi ned as the place were no recorded deliberations indicating designated by the Board, irrespective of their intent for the commemoration. Later current ownerships or jurisdictional bounda- in the 1970s, the hsmbc approved a plaque ries. Designated Place can then be larger or inscription that was more encompassing of smaller than the current boundaries of the the general history of the Site. The plaque is national historic site. located outside the visitor reception centre. Within the context of the Board’s com- Thus, there is no single recommendation memorative intent, most of the Designated from the Board that conveys its intent in rec- Place is found within the current boundaries ommending that Louisbourg be commemo- of the Site. The general areas that are rated. The Board’s intent may be inferred, missing include part of the modern town however, from the overall record of its delib- of Louisbourg that would complete the con- erations, especially in the early years when tiguous land area of Designated Place from commemoration was fi rst being discussed. west to east around the harbour, and the har- There is a focus on the Anglo-French military bour itself. Designated Place would include history of the Site and the ruins that refl ected the coastal and immediate hinterland areas as that history. defi ned on the map titled Designated Place All of the above information has helped (map 2). to prepare a Statement of Commemorative Designated Place cannot be fully Intent that refl ects the national signifi cance of understood without reference to Fortress the Site and that in turn provides the basis for Louisbourg’s local and regional context and the nationally signifi cant messages that are to signifi cance. Militarily, the fortifi ed town be conveyed to visitors and the public: guarded the approaches to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the main shipping route to Quebec Fortress of Louisbourg is of national historic sig- and the interior of the country. Sited on land nifi cance because, between 1713 and 1768, it ceded to the French by the Treaty of Utrecht was a place of profound signifi cance in the great (1713), the fortifi ed town counteracted the Franco-British struggle for empire. growing British infl uence on mainland Nova Scotia, an area lost to the French by the same Fundamental to its role in this struggle treaty. The fortifi ed town also helped to pro- was that Louisbourg, besieged and captured tect the lucrative fi sheries and the off-shore in 1745 and 1758, was the capital of the colony trade, the economic foundation of Louisbourg of Ile Royale, a critically important French and of vital importance to France. Locally, fortifi cation, and the most signifi cant French the harbour was a critical factor in siting fi shing centre and commercial entrepot in the fortifi ed town. The harbour offered pro- North America. tection from the open Atlantic, was ice-free year-round, and was close to the rich fi shing grounds where cod abounded. The French also made Louisbourg their administrative Fortress of Louisbourg 4A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

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Fortress of Louisbourg 5 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

centre and capital for their possessions on and because of the number of shipwrecks the east coast (Cape Breton Island and Prince from the 1758 siege specifi cally. As well, Edward Island). Battery Island, located in the mouth of the Designated Place includes those lands harbour, played an important role in the and waters associated with the French and defence of the harbour from naval attack. English presence at Louisbourg from 1713 to Viewplanes around the harbour and sea- 1768. Within these areas there was signifi cant ward were critical for defensive purposes. military and civilian activity. The military The fortifi ed town, Royal Battery, Battery activity encompassed both army and naval Island and other batteries together offered actions, and the civilian activity included excellent protection from an enemy naval both commercial and domestic activity. The force advancing into the harbour. Landward, Designated Place extends in the west from the viewplanes from the fortifi ed town toward Deep Cove area eastward past Kennington key locations, such as the Plain of Gabarus Cove including coastal and inland areas to and the North Shore, were also important to Louisbourg harbour and then continuing on defend against attacks. The area around the past Lighthouse Point and Gun Landing Fortress was much different in the 18th cen- Cove to Lorraine Head. Archaeological evi- tury than it is today. Essentially, the land- dence of these activities abounds throughout scape was cleared of trees for kilometres this area. The evidence includes the fortifi ed around the Fortress as a result of military town itself with the remains of hundreds of reasons - line of sight and fi re - and need for buildings, structures, streets, quays, fortifi ca- construction materials and fi rewood. tions, walls, etc. The town spilled out beyond the fortifi cations to include the area known Historic Values as the Fauxbourg (shoreline area outside the The historic values of the place reside in the Dauphin Gate) and the north shore (toward attributes of the surviving Level 1 cultural the modern town of Louisbourg), where fi sh- resources and in their associations with ing properties, storehouses and taverns fl our- Louisbourg in the period 1713 to 1768. Most ished linked by a number of roads. It was in notably, these Level 1 cultural resources this latter area that the French built the Royal consist of: Battery, a major satellite fortifi cation protect- • the substantial remaining cultural ing the harbour from attack. Designated Place resources of the walled town, continues around the harbour to include the • the extensive remaining cultural resources eastern side where ship repair facilities were of outlying military works and residential constructed at Careening Cove and Canada’s and commercial establishments. fi rst lighthouse was built. Designated Place also encompasses the The historic values of the Designated Place large area where military and naval activity reside in its association with Louisbourg’s occurred to defend and attack Louisbourg. It role as: includes major landing points to the west and • the administrative capital of the colony of east of the fortifi ed town such as Kennington Ile Royale, Cove and Gun Landing Cove, French coastal • a major fi shing centre, defensive works, eg., earthworks, such as • an entrepot for trade, and at Kennington Cove and Flat Point, and • a military bastion protecting French trade all the British siege works associated with and fi sheries and guarding the approaches the attacks of 1745 and 1758 including to the St. Lawrence. encampments, roads, batteries, siege works, outposts, etc. Looked at together, these And for its association with: cultural resources comprise an impressive • its strategic location, 18th century battlefi eld site, unparalleled in • major geo-political events of the 18th Canada. Louisbourg’s harbour is very much century, particularly with Anglo-French a part of Designated Place given the naval rivalry in North America, and activity that occurred there during the sieges 6 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

• the ideas, attitudes, and values of the 18th Underwater sites consist primarily of ship- century community. wrecks.

Objectives Historic Values The Designated Place will be safeguarded • as objects, constructions, and places that when: have survived almost intact from the com- • visitors and the general public are aware memorated period, of and understand the extent and nature of • for their association with Louisbourg’s role the Designated Place, in Anglo-French rivalry, with Louisbourg’s • visitors and the general public are aware involvement in the fi shery, as a trading of and understand the extent of the centre, and capital of Ile Royale remaining in-situ cultural resources associated with Designated Place in the period Heritage Values 1713-1768, These values, although important, do not • the assemblages of cultural resources relate to commemorative intent. are protected and unimpaired, e.g., • Louisbourg is a unique archaeological battlefi elds, resource on an international scale. The • physical evidence of activity in the withdrawal of the British garrison in 1768 commemorated period is protected and and the sparseness of the subsequent set- presented, tlement allowed the archaeological record • there is proper planning, design and of the 18th century to survive intact, in construction of modern developments contrast to most 18th century urban cen- to negate negative impacts on cultural tres in North America and western Europe. resources from the commemorated period, • The scope, scale, and size of the resource • current and future potential activities such is one of its defi ning attributes. It has the as the development and maintenance of ability to contribute knowledge to a wide roads and visitor facilities are monitored range of 18th century topics including but and mitigated, and are subject to the not limited to: military, governmental and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. domestic architecture, defensive and offensive military actions, naval and marine b) In-situ Archaeological Resources (1713-1768) architecture, trade, daily life, economic These consist of terrestrial and underwater means of production including the fi shery sites located within and beyond the recon- and other commercial and business enter- structed townsite, including underwater sites prises, settlement pattern, ethnicity, wealth within and beyond the harbour. Terrestrial and social structure. sites include the remains of military and • Many of the in-situ resources sit virtually civil structures in the townsite and outside. on the surface of the ground or sea bed. This readability and its presence in an evocative setting give the resources an interpretive potential not normally associated with in-situ archaeological resources. • The size, complexity and setting of the in-situ resources has been and will continue to be a laboratory for the management, protection and development of in-situ archaeological holdings. • The establishment of an on-going on-site archaeological research program, in particular the intensive 20 year excavation program, had a profound and recognized role in the development of the discipline of his- IMAGE 3. Archaeologist at work torical archaeology in Canada. Fortress of Louisbourg 7 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

• investigations and excavations are undertaken only for approved research and presentation purposes, • actions are taken to conserve and protect cultural resources from natural processes such as vegetation cycles and regeneration of forest cover, • conservation treatment is provided for any terrestrial and underwater cultural resources recovered in the process of completing the inventory and evaluation of terrestrial and underwater cultural resources.

c) Archaeological Collections (1713-1768) Louisbourg’s artifact collection is a time cap- sule from the 18th century, an historical record of a major 18th century community. About 98% of the items in the collection of 5 million artifacts are from the commemorated period and consist of ceramics, glass, metals, building materials, and small ﬁ nds.

Historic Values IMAGE 4. The underwater historic wrecks are monitored by Parks Canada The collections have historic value: archaeologists and wardens, and are open to licensed guided tours • because they provide a direct link to Objectives Louisbourg in the period of commemora- (Integrity objectives relate only to historic values, tion, a link that is enhanced by the size and not to heritage values.) of the collections, and the wide variety of Threats to in-situ terrestrial and underwater objects in them, archaeological resources will be mitigated • for the variety of artifacts and their and resources safeguarded when: physical attributes, encompassing glass, • actions are taken to understand coastal ceramics, metals, wood, and faunal items, marine processes better, to help ensure • for the archaeological research information continued conservation and protection of that establishes the artifact context. cultural resources from natural processes such as erosion, Objectives • physical properties and characteristics of The archaeological collections will be unim- the cultural resources are not compro- paired or not under threat when: mised by vandalism, excavation, removal • secure and stable conditions are available and other human activities. In the case of for all collections, 18th century wrecks in the harbour and • environmental controls are adequate for all beyond, this will require a cooperative collections, working relationship with the Province • the collections and information derived and with the Harbour Master. In the case from research are accessible to the public of terrestrial resources outside the Site’s for information and interpretation. boundaries, this will require the co-operation of the Province and municipalities, d) Curatorial Collections (objects from 1713-1768) • appropriate measures are taken to protect, About one-half of the items in the McLennan conserve, inventory and record for poster- and Almon collections are from the commem- ity those in-situ cultural resources vulner- orated period. Objects include such items able to coastal erosion, rising sea levels, as an armoire, a painting and some surface and other threats, ﬁ nds. 8 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

Historic Values These works are mostly buried, and in some The Level 1 objects in the curatorial collec- cases they have been reclaimed by the forest, tions have historic value for: but there are many visible walls and founda- • their variety and physical attributes, tions . The erection of these works in the 18th encompassing a physical diversity of century involved, in some instances, major objects, complete and unbroken, such as changes in the natural landscape, as it was textiles, which provide a valuable context shaped to meet military need. The cultural for research and presentation, resources in some cases defi ne the character • the direct link they provide to Louisbourg of the landscapes. Outstanding examples of in the period of commemoration. this are Lime Kiln Hill and the Hill of Justice, outside the walls of the fortifi ed town. Objectives The siege landscapes also include a The Level 1 objects in the curatorial collec- number of natural features which are largely tions will be unimpaired or not under threat unchanged from the period of commemora- when: tion, such as Freshwater Brook and Wolfe’s • necessary security is provided, Lookout. • appropriate conservation measures are in place, Unreconstructed portions of the townsite, • inventory controls meet the required the North Shore, Fauxbourg, lighthouse area, standards, Rochefort Point, the hinterland • environmental conditions are adequate. These landscapes extended beyond the walled heart of Louisbourg in several direc- e) Landscapes (1713-1768) tions. In one direction, they stretched out to The landscape of the National Historic Site Rochefort Point. They also extended around contains many cultural resources surviving the harbour to the lighthouse, and into the from the commemorated period. This overall hinterland. They encompassed much domes- landscape can be usefully subdivided into tic activity. The Fauxbourg and the North separate cultural landscapes. This section Shore were particularly important suburbs begins to describe those from the commem- of Louisbourg. The Fauxbourg, on the shore- orated period. It should be noted that the line just outside the Dauphin Gate of the Level 1 built, archaeological and moveable Fortress, was destroyed in the 1745 siege, resources they include have mainly been pre- rebuilt when the French regained possession viously identifi ed. This section concentrates of Louisbourg in 1748, and destroyed again on the identifi cation of key cultural resources in the 1758 siege. Those elements of these and surviving landscape elements. landscapes which have survived from the 1713-1768 period are Level 1 resources. In Battlefi eld Sites the case of the unreconstructed portions of The siege works, encampments, and defen- the walled townsite, the landscape vestiges sive installations that have survived from include extensive, visible evidence of foun- the 1713-1768 period have been described as dations, and walls of structures erected in among the largest extant grouping of 18th the period of commemoration. These areas century battlefi eld sites in the world and also contain evidence of the destruction of are unique and valuable resources that must Louisbourg in 1760. The ruins of the walled be protected. Hundreds of works were built town defi ne the landscape, a relic of the in the two sieges, including redoubts, earth- period of commemoration. works, encampments, redans, batteries, and Another landscape which is a relic of the blockhouses. The encampments provided commemorated period is that of Big Lorraine, lodging, storage and medical facilities for at the east end of the Site. Big Lorraine was a thousands of men and hundreds of women. French fi shing community which is probably Viewplanes are important components of the only largely undisturbed site of a satellite these landscapes, as are the vestiges of siege community from the 1713-68 period. works, encampments and defensive works. Fortress of Louisbourg 9 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Lighthouse Point is an essentially • the planning, design, and construction of unmodifi ed landscape from the period of modern developments negates negative commemoration. impacts on landscapes with components from the 1713-1768 period, Cemeteries, Roads and Trails • the assemblages of and interrelationships These landscapes represent particular func- between cultural resources from the tions (burials and transportation routes), 1713-1768 period are protected, which began in the period of commemoration • important viewplanes are protected, and and continued beyond it, in some cases to the vegetation managed so that visitors can present day. appreciate their signifi cance, There are eleven cemeteries within the • the elevations and slopes of hills shaped Site, and miscellaneous burials at eight other to meet military needs relating to the two locations. Eight of the eleven cemeteries con- sieges are respected, tain burials from the 1713-1768 period, and • beaches such as those at Gun Landing thus relate to commemorative intent. Of these Cove and Kennington Cove, where attack- cemeteries the Rochefort Point cemetery is ers landed in 1745 and 1758, are protected the largest. It contained at least several hun- from obstructions, dred burials, and possibly as many as 1,000. • action is taken to ensure vegetation does Some of the roads at Louisbourg, such as not impact negatively on the cultural the “Old French Road” - the road to Grand resources from the commemorated period, Lake and the Mira River - were built in the • vegetation which bears a relationship to French regime, and thus relate to commem- what existed in the 1713-1768 period will orative intent. Another is former Route 22, be respected, which follows an alignment of the road con- • threats to cultural resources along the structed by the French in the 18th century. coast, such as erosion and oceanographic Sections of the Kennington Cove Road date forces, will be mitigated. Mitigation back to the siege of 1745. The 1713-1768 com- includes various options from excavation ponents of these roads are Level 1 cultural to stabilization in-situ. Choice would resources. depend on signifi cance of the cultural resource and nature of threat. Historic Values The historic values of Louisbourg’s land- PART TWO scapes reside in the surviving physical Messages about the site’s national historic attributes and in their associations with signifi cance are effectively communicated to Louisbourg as it was between 1713 and 1768. the public. They include: The second component of commemorative • the survival and present state of pres- integrity relates to presentation. The ervation, the complexity and complete- Statement of Commemorative Intent for ness, and the interrelationships of the Louisbourg captures what is nationally signif- 18th century components of Louisbourg’s icant about the Site. Level 1 messages relate landscapes, directly to the Statement of Commemorative • the viewplanes, that in some landscapes Intent and hence to the national signifi cance were important for military purposes, of the Site. The Level 1 message that should • the representation the landscapes provide be conveyed to the public is: of the military, economic, social and • that the 18th century fortifi ed port of cultural nature of Louisbourg between Louisbourg was a place of profound sig- 1713 and 1768. nifi cance, from 1713 to 1768, in the Franco- British struggle for empire. Objectives The landscapes will be safeguarded when: Fundamental to an understanding of this • they are adequately researched, evaluated, message is that: surveyed, and mapped, 10 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

• Louisbourg was the capital of Ile Royale, 1719-1758; • it was the most signiﬁ cant French ﬁ shing centre, and commercial entrepot in North America from 1713-1758; • it was besieged and captured twice, in 1745 and 1758.

To achieve an understanding of the national signiﬁ cance of the site, one needs to grasp the underlying importance of the messages as elaborated below:

The Fortifi ed Port: From its establishment by the French in 1713 until the withdrawal of the last British troops in 1768, Louisbourg played an important role in the Anglo-French struggle for control of North America. In 1745 a New England army, supported by a British IMAGE 6. Louisbourg colonial society naval squadron, captured Louisbourg after a 46-day siege. France regained the town by The Fishing Centre and Commercial treaty in 1748, but lost it to the British again Entrepot: The cod fi shery of the North in 1758. Its fall opened the way for the British Atlantic was more valuable to France than the conquest of the rest of New France. fur trade of the interior of North America. The cod fi shery as the cornerstone of Louisbourg’s economy allowed it to quickly develop into an important trading centre, visited by vessels from France, the West Indies, Canada, New England and Acadia.

Objectives The national historic signifi cance of the Site will be communicated to the public when: • there is an understanding and appreciation of the nature, extent and quality of Level 1 cultural resources and landscapes, and the role they can play in communicating IMAGE 5. King’s Bastion Barracks messages of national signifi cance, The Capital: As capital of the colony of Ile Royale, Louisbourg was a cosmopolitan, relatively sophisticated colonial community, with an offi cial class responsible for administering the fi sheries, trade, relations with the Native allies of the French, and the French military establishment. Although Louisbourg was part of New France, Louisbourg society differed from that of the French communities along the St. Lawrence. There was no seigneurial regime, the fur trade was negligible, the insti- tutional power of the church was minimal, and numbers of non-French peoples lived and worked alongside the French majority. IMAGE 7. Preparing the cod Fortress of Louisbourg 11 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

• effective communication techniques are in place to convey messages of national sig- niﬁ cance to both on and off-site target audiences, • the public is aware of and understands the events that occurred at Louisbourg during the commemorated period, • gaps in the interpretive programs relating to Level 1 messages are addressed, • the program is focussed on the Site’s Level 1 messages, IMAGE 9. Museum and caretaker’s house • the public understands the importance of Louisbourg to the history of Canada, Commemorative integrity of these structures • evaluations of visitor awareness and will be achieved when: understanding of the Level 1 messages are • the preservation of the buildings is undertaken. assured, • the role of the buildings in the preservation movement is communicated to the public.

Curatorial Collections About 40% of the objects are non-site-specifi c objects from the commemorated period, are original objects from later in the 18th or 19th century, or are 19th century reproductions. Objects include paintings, tapestries, and furniture. They are contemporary with or represent a continuation of traditions of the 18th century. They have historic value for: IMAGE 8. Guided interpretive walk • their surviving physical attributes, PART THREE • because they are typical of or contem- The Site’s heritage values are respected in all porary with Louisbourg in the period decisions and actions affecting the Site. 1713-1768, While the primary value of Fortress of • because, in the case of objects from later Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada than 1768, they represent a continuation of lies in its commemorative intent, and those the traditions of the 18th century. resources that refl ect commemorative intent, the Site also encompasses extensive Level 2 Commemorative integrity of the collections cultural resources and other resources which will be achieved when: impart value to the Site. • the collections are properly housed and cared for, Level 2 Resources and Historic Values • they are available for study and Museum building and caretaker’s house presentation. These structures are designated Classifi ed heritage buildings by the Federal Heritage Archaeological Collection Buildings Review Offi ce (FHBRO). They have About 2% of the total collection is from the historic value in that: post-1768 community that developed on the • they are a discretely paired set of buildings ruins of the old town of Louisbourg. The evocative of French colonial architecture of collection includes tableware, glassware, the Baroque era, and ceramics and hardware. They have historic • they contribute to an understanding of the value for: preservation movement in Canada. • their physical attributes, 12 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

• their reﬂ ection of the evolution of the Site Commemorative integrity of this resource in the 19th and early 20th centuries, will be assured when: • their important associations with the con- • the story of the lighthouse function is tinuing history of Louisbourg and the area, made available to the public, and with other aspects of Nova Scotia’s • the deﬁ ning heritage character of the history. building is protected and conserved.

Commemorative integrity of the collections Landscapes will be achieved when: Louisbourg has a number of Level 2 cultural • they are properly conserved and stored, landscapes from the 19th and 20th centuries • the artifacts are made available for such as at Rochefort Point and Kennington research and interpretation. Cove. They have historic value in that: • they contain physical/cultural In-Situ Archaeological Resources components from the 19th and early These include 19th and 20th century archaeo- 20th centuries, logical sites such as “Old Town”, the Marconi • they bear witness to the evolution of the site, farmsteads, World War I and II installa- Site in the 19th and 20th centuries, tions. They have historic value for: • they are complex and complete. • their surviving physical characteristics, • their association with other national his- Commemorative integrity of these landscapes toric sites in Nova Scotia, such as the will be assured when: Marconi Site in Glace Bay, • they are identifi ed and evaluated, • the signifi cance of resources such as 19th • their essential defi ning characteristics century farmsteads, and the railway to the are respected, local community and to the province of • the story of the landscapes is made Nova Scotia, available to the public. • for their ability to help our understanding of the evolution of the Site during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Commemorative integrity of these archaeological resources will be assured when: • they are properly protected, • information on their association with other national historic sites is made available to the public, • information on the signifi cance of the resources is made available to the public. IMAGE 10. Ceremony to erect the memorial monument by the Lighthouse Society of Colonial Wars in 1895 This is a FHBRO-Recognized heritage Monuments building administered by the Department Monuments and plaques such as the 1895 of Fisheries and Oceans. It has historic value memorial erected by the Society of Colonial in that: Wars have value because: • the lighthouse represents a continuity of • they refl ect the place of Louisbourg in the function from the 18th century through to preservation movement, the present day. • they are, in the words of J.B. Jackson, in • it has defi ning heritage characteristics that Concluding with Landscapes, “reminders require protection should an intervention of long-range, collective purpose, of goals occur. and objectives and principles.” • they are on-going expressions of venera- tion of the Site. Fortress of Louisbourg 13 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Commemorative integrity of the monuments Values of Other Resources will be achieved when: Natural Resources • their preservation is assured, They have value: • the stories of the monuments are presented • in contributing to ecological integrity, to the public. • in the site’s protected status, • in special features such as the bogs and Cemeteries (post 1768) heathlands and the environment they pro- There are three cemeteries from this period. vide for speciﬁ c plant species, some of They have historic value in that: which have been designated rare by the • they are evidence of the continuity of set- province, tlement from the latter half of the 18th cen- • in the habitat within the Site that helps tury into the 20th century. to sustain wildlife and ﬁ sh populations, such as the white-tailed deer and Atlantic Commemorative integrity of the cemeteries salmon, will be achieved when: • in the Kelly Lake watershed and its contin- • they are protected, ued protection as the water source for the • information about their values is made community of Louisbourg. available to the public.

Level 2 Messages These messages communicate heritage values associated with Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada. They are of secondary importance, and are not linked to the commemorative intent of the Site. • the reconstruction and its place in the preservation movement, • the story of the Marconi station at Louisbourg, IMAGE 11. Porcelain pinetree plate - reproduction • Louisbourg ’s place in the larger family of national historic sites, Reproduction Curatorial Objects Collection • the history of Louisbourg from 1768 to The collection has value for: 1960, • its powerful role in the presentation of • the interest in protection and interpreta- Louisbourg (1713-68), because of the size tion of the Site between 1919 and the of the collection and variety of costumes, beginning of the reconstruction in the furnishings, weapons, domestic objects, 1960s, including such initiatives as the • the supporting research and available doc- museum building in the 1930s, umentation which provides information • natural resources and processes and their evolution since the 18th century. These messages will be effectively communicated when: • activities, facilities, programs and services provide the opportunity for visitors and the public to acquire an understanding of these messages, • the presentation of these messages does not detract from the communication of the commemorative intent of the site.

IMAGE 12. Artisan shop - artison constructing a wooden cart 14 1.2 Commemorative Integrity

for the appearance and construction of costumes, • the accuracy of reproduction costumes and patterns, especially for prototypes and those used for interpretive display.

Library/Archives This institution has value for: • the size of its collection and its inter- relationship and interdependency from a research perspective, IMAGE 13. View of reconstructed townsite • its rare (18th century) books, and • the information available to staff and the • for the integrity it has achieved through its public in the collection. accuracy, • for the Level 1 cultural resource The Reconstructed Townsite components, The reconstructed townsite has value: • for its aesthetic design, • as a landmark in or icon to the preserva- • for its functional design, tion movement, a symbol to the Canadian • for the relationship between the recon- public, conveying as it does a sense of struction and its associated landscape, Louisbourg in the commemorated period, • in addition, the reconstruction has value as • as an assemblage or complex. The recon- a context for activities, for interpretation of struction has been a major statement of the Site, for guided tours, animation, dem- applied knowledge to this point. The value onstrations, and exhibits. The reconstruc- is in the collective nature of the reconstruction is a critical set piece for insight into tion rather than in the individual elements. another time, Thus, there is value in the arrangement of • as a built asset, the fences, yards, and gardens, as well as • as an economic generator, in the collective nature of the reconstructed • as a national cultural phenomenon. buildings, i.e. the 18th century landscape, Fortress of Louisbourg 15 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

2.0 Situation Context

2.1 TRENDS nity but a signifi cant amount of community Parks Canada and the Family of development including training and infra- National Historic Sites structure is required. Parks Canada’s mission is to ensure that Louisbourg is a good example of a com- Canada’s national parks, national historic munity in transition from one based prima- sites and related heritage areas are protected rily on the fi shery to one that is more varied and presented for this and future generations. in nature. It is expected that tourism will be These nationally signifi cant examples of a strong factor in the local economy in the Canada’s natural and cultural heritage refl ect future. Various government agencies in co- Canada’s values, identity and pride. They are operation with the private sector are helping part of the inheritance of all Canadians. the community to develop sustainable tour- National historic sites represent a true ism-related enterprises to revitalize the econ- national partnership in the preservation of omy. This is being accomplished through Canada’s heritage. Across the country, 836 funding, training, and various forms of assist- national historic sites have been designated ance. The voluntary and private sectors will by the Ministers responsible for Parks Canada need to continue to play a strong role in this but only 132 of them are administered or effort. operated by Parks Canada (as of 1998). The others are owned by other levels of gov- Tourism ernment, corporations and individuals. This During the late 1980s and early 1990s, tour- partnership, which is often informal rather ism in Atlantic Canada was in a slight decline. than formal, is symbolized by the term Since 1992 however, tourism has increased “Family of National Historic Sites.” Parks with signifi cant gains in 1998. The number of Canada is committed to working with the visitors and their geographic origins include: other members of the family, promoting the application of the principles in the Cultural To Nova Scotia: Resource Management Policy, and public • 1998 - 2,085,225 visitors awareness and understanding of all national • 43% other Atlantic Provinces historic sites. Fortress of Louisbourg staff • 30% Quebec/Ontario are taking steps to do this with respect • 13% Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to the other national historic sites in Nova United States Scotia, such as Grassy Island, and with other sites that represent the same timeframe and To The Fortress of Louisbourg (paid visitors): themes. • 1997 - 120,053 visitors • 1998 - 132,260 visitors Economic Situation • 18% Nova Scotia The recession period of the late 1980s • 6% other Atlantic Provinces and early 1990s dramatically affected the • 33% Quebec/Ontario Canadian economy. Atlantic Canada has been • 20% United States slow to recover from this period and the downturn in the fi shing industry has further Most visitors to Cape Breton, like those to affected the economy putting thousands out much of Atlantic Canada, are interested in of work and forcing many communities to the coastal scenery, the culture and history, look for alternatives to traditional employ- and many are visiting friends and relatives. ment opportunities. Tourism is seen as an The national park and national historic sites alternative career and employment opportu- are the primary attractions on Cape Breton 16 2.1 Trends

Island with approximately one-half of visitors the strategy aims to enhance traveller aware- to Cape Breton visiting the Fortress of ness and interest in heritage tourism expe- Louisbourg (map 3). riences, opportunities and services. Heritage tourism markets are considered potential Marketing Strategies growth areas for Fortress of Louisbourg. There has been an increased emphasis on partnerships, particularly in the area of mar- Information Technology keting. The newly formed Canadian Tourism The extraordinary development of technol- Commission will see the consolidation of fed- ogy is inﬂ uencing the way the tourism eral, provincial, and private sector funding industry carries out its business and how for the marketing of Canada’s tourism prod- consumers plan and purchase trips. The ucts and services. Over the past two years, travel trade must contend with meeting the the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partners, a com- demands of an increasingly informed and bination of public and private sector groups experienced clientele. The range of technol- has initiated several co-operative actions ogy offers the travel trade and consumers in support of Atlantic Canada’s tourism an array of services including general infor- attractions. mation on destinations, travel packages and The Fortress of Louisbourg is one of services, and calendars of events and attrac- six components of Parks Canada’s Cape tions. The Department of Canadian Heritage, Breton Island Regional Marketing Strategy. through Parks Canada and the Heritage Cooperation between the parks and sites Tourism Initiative is exploring ways to pro- will continue to provide increased marketing vide information to a broader range of and promotional opportunities. In addition, travel inﬂ uencers and consumers including co-operation is undertaken with various the Internet, cd-rom, and virtual reality external agencies such as Enterprise Cape products. The Fortress of Louisbourg has Breton Corporation (ecbc). This approach is placed information about the Site, its history expected to continue. and attractions on the Internet. In addition, staff are exploring the potential of virtual Heritage Tourism reality products. Fortress Louisbourg is infor- The market for heritage tourism is expanding mation and visually rich. It is well-positioned rapidly. The Department of Canadian to take advantage of the new and emerging Heritage launched the Heritage Tourism technologies. Initiative to assist in tapping emerging trends in global tourism and to improve Municipal Political Context Canada’s position in the international tour- As of 1995, Fortress of Louisbourg is located ism market. The Heritage Tourism strategy within the Regional Municipality of Cape includes national and regional actions aimed Breton. This has occurred as a result of at enhancement of the tourism industry, restructuring of municipal government on stakeholder awareness and cooperative activ- Cape Breton Island. ities which will optimize Departmental economic and social contributions. In addition, Fortress of Louisbourg 16A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan Glace Bay 1 New Waterford Sydney of Canada Fortress of Louisbourg Sydney Mines National Historic Site North Cape North North Sydney Highlands Cape Breton 3 National Park Island 2 Lake Cape Breton 4 Bras d’Or

MAP 3 FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG FORTRESS HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA NATIONAL Regional Setting 0 25 50 km N

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Fortress of Louisbourg 17 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

3.0 Strategic Direction for Commemorative Integrity, Stewardship and Visitor Services

3.1 VISION STATEMENT integrity, meeting presentation objectives, and Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site maintaining a sense of the past. All decisions of Canada will be a centre of excellence taken in this regard will refl ect value for in ensuring commemorative integrity and in investment of Parks Canada’s limited fund- meeting its stewardship responsibilities for ing. Revenues and costs will be important the protection of ecosystem features. considerations in providing these facilities The primary focus of this vision will be and services. on ensuring commemorative integrity, spe- The Site will be a major tourist attraction cifi cally the protection and presentation of on Cape Breton Island contributing positively Level 1 cultural resources from the commem- to the regional economy. The Site will orated period. A secondary focus will be on be known nationally and internationally the protection and presentation of Level 2 through marketing efforts undertaken with cultural resources. The reconstructed town- partners to ensure its stature as one of site will be maintained. Increased emphasis Canada’s renowned national historic sites. will be placed on the protection, presentation The Site will have progressive working rela- and enjoyment of the cultural and natural tionships with local communities, agencies, resources beyond the reconstructed townsite. interest groups and the private sector that Research, evaluation, consideration of his- will help lead to positive benefi ts based toric value and monitoring will support on commemorative integrity, environmental these actions. stewardship and sustainable tourism. The The communications program will be of Site will contribute positively to Canadian high quality to sustain visitor and public identity and be a source of pride to interest. The gaps in the presentation of the Canadians. Level 1 messages will be addressed. The Site will present the 18th century sense of the past 3.2 GUIDING DIRECTION within the reconstructed townsite. Accuracy Parks Canada’s Business Plan will be an important consideration in main- Parks Canada’s National Business Plan taining the reconstructed buildings, structures refl ects a commitment to maintain, protect and landscapes, and the animation program. and present Canada’s current system of The multicultural nature of 18th century national parks and national historic sites, Louisbourg society will be a recognizable and to expand the system to meet govern- component of the interpretation program. ment direction. The plan essentially positions The presentation of the underwater cultural Parks Canada to accomplish this in a continu- resources in the harbour will be realized. ing environment of government restraint and High quality services will be a tradition declining appropriations. in keeping with the 18th century ambience The plan is based on an entrepreneurial in the Fortress and the appreciation of the approach to manage all revenues and costs cultural and natural resources throughout the wisely and effi ciently. The essential objective Site. These will be directed to satisfying vis- of the plan is to achieve a sound fi nancial itor needs and expectations. The Site will basis for Parks Canada so that it can meet its entertain a variety of external proposals for three basic accountabilities: services and facilities that will help staff • ensuring ecological and commemorative facilitate greater use of the reconstructed integrity townsite. The provision of modern services • providing services to clients within the reconstructed townsite will be • expending public funds wisely and undertaken while ensuring commemorative effi ciently 18 3.2 Guiding Direction

Cultural Resource Management Principles ship, facilitation and stewardship, essentially The management and operation of Fortress of a sharing of responsibilities with others in Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada decision-making and program delivery. are guided by Parks Canada’s Cultural Fortress of Louisbourg staff will assess Resource Management Policy. Five principles opportunities for partnerships to achieve have been established to provide a frame- common objectives in the areas of commem- work within which decision-making occurs: orative integrity, natural resource protection • principles of value and presentation, in the delivery of services • principles of public benefi t to visitors, and in marketing the Site as a • principles of understanding major destination and attraction. There is a • principles of respect need to integrate the planning, management • principles of integrity and operation of the Site with that of the surrounding communities so as to have a posi- Cultural resource management is an inte- tive impact on the region. grated and holistic approach to the management of cultural resources. It applies to all Revenue Generation Framework activities that impact on cultural resources A new approach to revenue-cost manage- whether they relate to protection, mainte- ment has been developed for Parks Canada. nance, appreciation or use. These principles Treasury Board policy provides guidance in are not exclusive, rather they share common the area of cost recovery and user fees. The elements and work most effectively when basic concept is to have individuals pay for considered together. They are applied on a services and benefi ts that they receive. Where case by-case basis when considering individ- all Canadians benefi t, these services and ben- ual or assemblages of cultural resources, as efi ts are fi nanced through appropriations. In well as at the level of the overall management line with this concept, Parks Canada charges of the national historic site. Their application a nominal fee for entry to the site and some is the foundation for good cultural resource basic services. All services that go beyond the management because the principles are the basic level have a higher fee in line with the means for evaluating the appropriateness of personal benefi t received. In future, revenue actions. They are integral to the successful generated at the Site will remain at the Site to management of the Site, and for Parks help pay for the services offered. Canada staff and partners in all cooperative Staff will undertake a business analysis of or shared management activities. current and future services and will review and update fees to ensure they are fair, appro- Working Together - priate and in line with the value of the service Toward Shared Management offered. This will be accomplished in consul- One of Parks Canada’s guiding principles tation with partners and the public. establishes the need to cooperate with a broad range of government agencies, non- 3.3 HERITAGE PROTECTION profi t groups, individuals and the private A. Archaeological Resources sector. This approach is refl ected in Parks Terrestrial Canada’s Business Plan which sets out a Fortress Louisbourg is an extraordinary place. vision of shared responsibility and stew- The Site encompasses the ruins of an entire ardship for Canada’s heritage places. These 18th century fortifi ed town, its suburbs, its relationships support regional integration, outlying fortifi cations and lighthouse, roads partnerships and all kinds of formal and connecting to neighbouring settlements, fi sh- informal arrangements for protection, presen- ing establishments, and impressive remains tation, programs and services. This trend will of two military sieges. continue and be strengthened because of the The value of these cultural resources is recognition of the role these relationships can not limited to their size and scope. Perhaps bring the Site. The shift here is one from a tra- their strongest asset is their sense of place and dition of ownership to one based on leader- ability to communicate the passage of time. Fortress of Louisbourg 19 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Fortunately, most of Fortress Louisbourg’s the landward face of the town, built the bank archaeological sites lie at the surface. Visitors or glacis along the town’s edge, levelled hills, can easily see the ruins of the Royal Battery, blasted bedrock outcrops, and reconfi gured various buildings, earthworks and bomb cra- two large ponds through in-fi lling. The town ters. They all leave a powerful image, one was further shaped by being the adminis- that clearly shows the massive scale of the trative centre that needed capital investment French constructions and of the fi nal siege of in public buildings, roads, wharves, fortifi ca- Louisbourg. tions, and lighthouse. The town’s fl ourishing As rare as it is to have substantial ruins, it economy provided the capital for the con- is equally rare to see such intact archaeologi- struction of many private homes and busi- cal sites in their original setting. Many colo- nesses, and nourished a confi dence in the nial sites are now located in modern urban town that led to improvements and expan- centres. A visitor to Fortress Louisbourg is sion, and the return of the French in 1749 after fortunate to be able to experience the archaeo- the fi rst siege. logical sites along with a wonderful sense of This level of activity was not limited to the place, one that is remarkably similar to that of townsite. By 1734, 44% of the town’s popula- the 18th century. tion lived beyond its walls along the shore in the shelter of the harbour. Here they built Nature of the Archaeological Resources fi shing establishments consisting of homes, Most of Fortress Louisbourg’s archaeological storehouses, staging, wharves, and gardens. resources come from two sources. The estab- Other properties included taverns, a butchery, lishment of a French fortifi ed town with a an early governor’s residence, and an area for thriving fi shing and trade economy, and its ship repair or careening. defence. The other is the British presence In addition to the thriving commercial through two sieges and subsequent occupa- ventures, two major elements of the fortifi - tions (map 4). cations were built outside of the town. The Island Battery was constructed on an island in the mouth of the harbour. The Royal Battery on the north shore guarded the harbour entrance and channel. The walled town, its suburbs and satellite communities were linked by roads, some of which are still in use today. Former route 22, the compound service road and parts of the Kennington Cove road were built during the French regime as was the Old French Road, now used as a walking trail. As remarkable as the French remains IMAGE 14. Archaeologists exposing 18th century drain are, Fortress Louisbourg’s archaeological Louisbourg harbour was fi rst intensely set- resources also include extensive remains of tled by the French in 1713. The French had the British presence. The second siege in par- been forced to move their base for the north ticular left a profound mark on the landscape Atlantic fi shery from Newfoundland to Cape and a wealth of archaeological resources. Breton Island and Prince Edward Island. The artillery “train”, 13,000 troops, and all When Louisbourg became the colony’s cap- logistical support occupied an area that ital, the royal engineers laid out a plan stretched from the coast near Kennington with rectilinear town blocks and wide streets Cove in an arc to what is now the admin- leading to and from the quay surrounded by istrative and maintenance compound area. fortifi cations. Each regimental camp housed 1000 or more The implementation of the town plan had soldiers in huts and tents and provided all a profound effect on the landscape. The shed, sentry posts, entrenchments, ovens, and French excavated the large ditch encircling latrines. Additional quarters and positions 20 3.3 Heritage Protection A. Archaeological Resources - Terrestrial

During the 1980s a baseline survey was undertaken in the Fauxbourg, the north shore, Kennington Cove, the siege works along Freshwater Brook and at the Lighthouse, and a few additional outlying areas. The survey located and identifi ed some 800 cultural resource sites. It amassed a large data base of historical and archaeological information, now accessible through electronic data bases. Comprehensive surveys outside of the IMAGE 15. Section of north wall - British siege site fortifi ed town have been undertaken for were established near what is now the visitor areas impacted by specifi c developments such reception centre and the lighthouse. Offensive as the upgrading of route 22 and the instal- works were also built including blockhouses, lation of the new waterline. The only com- redoubts, redans, batteries and roads. After prehensive surveys undertaken for cultural the siege and the withdrawal of the garrison resource purposes have been the recording in 1768 these works were dismantled or of the Royal Battery prior to the construction abandoned. of the protective seawall, the testing and sal- By the early 1770s the town population vage excavation of sites eroding along the consisted of some 33 families, headed mostly north shore, and the testing and survey of by disbanded British soldiers. This change Rochefort Point. from an urban centre to an essentially rural Since the 1980s Global Positioning one happened within a few years. Those who Systems (GPS) has improved survey work stayed or came were dependent on subsist- locational technology. GPS has demonstrated ence living based on the fi shery and farming. This trend carried on for generations with slow growth and settlement. Over time, much of the population shifted to the north shore of the harbour toward the modern community of Louisbourg, although some settlement remained at Kennington Cove and along the main roads. Twentieth century interest in site protection culminating in the establishment of the National Historic Site led to the fi nal impacts on settlement patterns and use.

IMAGE 16. Aerial view of earthworks near barachois Status of Cultural Resources Inventory To date there are 466 Level 1 and 452 Level that former practices of baseline survey work 2 in-situ resources inventoried outside the (using map and compass) are not precise walls of the fortifi ed town. enough for impact assessments and environ- Much of the Site has not been surveyed mental screenings. Recent experiences with or examined in detail. Most areas that have the Fleur-de-lis Trail and waterline replace- been surveyed have received only a baseline ment substantiate this. The lack of sub-sur- survey. During the reconstruction phase, face testing and of models of particular kinds archaeological research focussed on the sal- of sites such as the siege works leaves staff vage excavation of the areas of the town unable to assess adequately and effi ciently chosen for reconstruction. Some selected the impact of developments and in some areas outside of the fortifi ed townsite were cases to monitor, identify and assess threats surveyed and excavated but work focussed properly. on particular features and time periods. The townsite has two inventory problems. The area not reconstructed or 75% of the Fortress of Louisbourg 20A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

MAP 4

This plan depicts the fortiﬁ ed town and FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG the location of the besieging forces during NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA the ﬁ rst siege of Louisbourg. 1745 - Siege of Louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg 21 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

townsite has never been surveyed. The only exception is the hospital and a small area of the town ruins. Within the reconstructed townsite, signifi cant portions of properties especially the yards, and parts of the streets, were not excavated. Although detailed records on the excavations are available, consistently accurate records on features such as paved walkways, wells, foundations etc. that were left in place are unavailable. Further, few records were kept of the impact of the construction on the remaining archaeo- IMAGE 17. Coastal erosion on north shore logical fabric. The rising sea level and continued erosion Threats of the shoreline threaten archaeological Vegetation - Most archaeological sites outside resources lying close to the coast, as well as of the townsite are now covered by forest. the reconstructed townsite itself. There is a Generally, this was not the case prior to Parks need for a comprehensive plan for the protec- Canada assuming ownership of the land in tion of these resources. the 1960s. As a result, many of the siege The Geological Survey of Canada is under- positions are threatened by tree growth and taking a study of the geology of the harbour windfalls that can destroy stratigraphic rela- and its adjacent coastline. The study has three tionships and damage the ruins of masonry phases; the fi rst two include shoreline and features. A multi-year project has been marine surveys. The third involves engineer- initiated to address the problems posed by ing and modelling components, including vegetation to the siege sites and to gather the modelling of marine processes, and the more precise locational information for these development of a shore protection plan that features. will recommend strategies and actions for In the mid-1980s Site staff stopped burning the protection of threatened archaeological the fi elds in and around the townsite, and resources. limited the amount of brush cutting and mowing. As a result much of the landscape Working Ruins and Recycled Artifacts - and many of the archaeological sites are now Within the reconstructed townsite there are covered with alders. The impact of woody a number of in-situ cultural resources that plants on an archaeological site that for the are exposed as exhibits or that have been most part exists at or near the surface is incorporated into the reconstructed buildings profound. The vegetation control techniques or structures or landscape components. recommended by the siege site conservation Examples of exhibits are the Loppinot and project will also be applied to those sites in Fizel house ruins. The sites were excavated the town, its suburbs and nearby fi elds. and the surviving masonry stabilized. Both have interpretive panels and function as an Erosion and Rising Sea-Level - Fortress outdoor exhibit. Louisbourg’s coastline consists of bedrock, till In other areas buildings were built on orig- cliffs, cobble and sand beaches. Aerial photo inal foundations. The De la Vallière store- analysis shows that 7 metres have eroded house includes an original stone paved fl oor from locations on Rochefort Point and the and the base of the original masonry foun- North Shore since 1950. Current tide levels dation and footings. The counterscarp wall are 80 centimetres higher than 18th century of the Dauphin/Kings Bastion outer works datum. Studies suggest land subsidence is 30 is also built on the surviving original wall. centimetres per century along this coast. This Extant original structures that are currently trend will continue. exposed are the postern tunnel and the coun- ter-mine tunnel in the King’s Bastion. Projects 22 3.3 Heritage Protection A. Archaeological Resources - Terrestrial

have been initiated to address the conserva- developments, public education and/or tion of the resources that are in poor con- uses that will help control the problem. dition particularly the Postern Tunnel and • Seek opportunities to improve the pres- outer defences, but these projects have not entation of the archaeological resources, yet determined the appropriate solutions or especially Level 1 cultural resources, to interventions. visitors and the public. This will be addressed through the completion of the Development - Since the 1960s development interpretation plan for the Site. has included a variety of visitor, operational • Complete the geological study of the har- and administrative facilities and services. bour and coastline, and develop an archae- These include construction of trails, roads, ological resource conservation plan for parking lots, buildings, services, outdoor those resources threatened by the sea. exhibits, etc. Environmental assessments are • Develop and implement a resource con- essential to preventing and mitigating servation plan that mitigates the damage impacts on cultural resources. Much of the of forest cover and woody plants to Level solution in future lies in good cultural 1 and 2 archaeological resources as refer- resource management: inventory, evaluation, enced in the State of the Parks Report. recognition of historic value, monitoring and • Develop and implement a resource con- visitor appreciation of the values. servation plan to address the conservation The long-term objective is to ensure that of Level 1 and Level 2 cultural resources the archaeological resources are in good located within the reconstructed townsite condition. Surveys, assessments, mitigation as referenced in the State of the Parks and conservation efforts will continue where Report. needed to address threats, upgrade the condition of resources, and ensure these resources Underwater are properly recorded and protected. Changes There are signifi cant underwater cultural in the condition of archaeological and built resources within and adjacent to the Fortress resources will be reported through the State of Louisbourg National Historic Site of of the Parks Report. Canada. In 1996, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended Strategic Actions the shipwrecks and other submerged • The impact of development, maintenance resources dating from the 18th century in and and interpretive decisions on the Site’s around the harbour to be of national signifi - archaeological/ cultural resources will cance. The ones that have received the most be considered. The continued role of attention are the remains of ships that were the Senior Archaeologist as an environ- sunk in the harbour in the second siege in mental assessment co-ordinator is pivotal 1758. These ships, of which there are nine, in ensuring this action. are outside the boundaries of the National • Complete the cultural resource inventory Historic Site, but Fortress staff are active par- and evaluation for the Site. The following ticipants in the protection and management list priorizes the areas to be inventoried of these cultural resources. There are at least and the fi rst is considered urgent: 26 documented sunken ships from the period • remains of the fortifi ed townsite 1713-1758 in the harbour and adjacent areas • areas of the Site likely to contain level 1 of the ocean. resources, such as the Old French Road The ships in and around the harbour relate • areas of the Site likely to contain level 2 directly to the commemorative intent of the resources, such as the farmsteads west of Site. They are Level 1 cultural resources, even Kennington Cove. though they are outside the Site’s boundaries. • Ensure there are effective measures in Within the Site’s boundaries, there are also place to monitor sites for vandalism and known cultural resources in the ponds on the pothunting. Identify monitoring strategies, west and east sides of the reconstructed town- Fortress of Louisbourg 23 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

which the Department of Canadian Heritage acts as the agent for the Crown. Parks Canada has acted in this role since the 1960s for the sunken ships in the harbour. Until quite recently the government of France has claimed an interest in French ships sunk at Louisbourg. The French government has now confi rmed federal crown jurisdiction by ceding its interests in French ships sunk prior to 1763. During the last two decades there has been a rise in the popularity of eco-tourism and the development of marine or dive parks. Staff have successfully helped to protect known resources in the harbour and are just beginning to interpret them for the diving visitor. These resources could provide dramatic and interesting vehicles for interpreting the marine and naval history of Louisbourg. Joint ventures with tour companies or fi lm/ video production houses could also provide a IMAGE 18. Underwater archaeologist recording shipwreck remains source of revenue. site. The lakes and streams, of which there are While ships sunk in and around the har- many, have yet to be examined. bour have attracted more attention than other Five harbour surveys of underwater cul- underwater cultural resources, there is a need tural resources have been carried out since to investigate the ponds at the western and the 1960s. These surveys were designed to eastern end of the fortifi ed town. The eastern locate, inventory, and evaluate major under- pond is threatened by coastal erosion where water cultural resources related to 18th cen- the barrier beach has been breached in severe tury Louisbourg. The information has proven storms. helpful in managing the resources and will be important in their future presentation. Strategic Actions Access to the cultural resources within • Parks Canada will continue to participate the harbour is controlled by the federal in the management of the underwater Department of Transport through the cultural resources located in Louisbourg Harbour Master. A permit issued by the harbour, to see the completion of the Harbour Master is required to dive in the har- assessment of resources, and to improve bour for any reason. In cooperation with the the diving guidelines. Harbour Master, the Site’s dive team moni- • Parks Canada will initiate and implement tors the ships and diving activity. an assessment of the underwater resources Individuals who are searching for archae- within the Site, with the townsite ponds as ological materials are also required to the priority. have provincial permits. The Special Places • Parks Canada will seek means of expand- Protection Act requires individuals to obtain ing the interpretation and presentation of a Heritage Research Permit from the Nova the underwater cultural resources asso- Scotia Museum. In addition, the Treasure ciated with Louisbourg’s commemorative Trove Act requires individuals searching for intent. Cooperative approaches will be treasure to have a Treasure Trove Licence, explored and revenue potential will be issued by the Nova Scotia Department assessed. of Natural Resources. Parks Canada also • Parks Canada will continue to demon- requires a permit for individuals who are strate leadership in helping to preserve searching for archaeological resources for 24 3.3 Heritage Protection A. Archaeological Resources - Underwater

and protect the underwater cultural building materials. As a result, original tree resources on Canada’s Atlantic coast. species such as red spruce, white pine, and • Parks Canada will participate in the devel- yellow birch are largely absent today, having opment of sustainable tourist or research been replaced by a forest cover of white use of underwater resources in a manner spruce, black spruce, and balsam fi r. At the that ensures their long term viability. same time, signifi cant natural features such as Freshwater Brook and Wolfe’s Lookout B. Cultural Landscapes have survived from the period of commemo- Although defi nitions vary, there is an emerg- ration. In some cases, the regenerated forest ing view that cultural landscapes consist of has obstructed viewplanes that were signifi - three categories: cant in the 18th century. • designed landscapes - the products of There are also archaeological sites associ- deliberate creation, perhaps to meet aes- ated with the two sieges of Louisbourg. The thetic criteria; surviving sites are valuable in their complex- • evolved landscapes - both relict and con- ity and completeness of 18th century siege tinuing landscapes that result from the techniques. interaction of humans with their natural The settlement pattern that developed environment; after the French period is distinctly different • associative landscapes - places considered from the French pattern. It began with the special because of their association with withdrawal of the last of the British garrison people, events, or belief systems. in 1768, and the settlement of discharged soldiers and emigrants within the French ruins Fortress Louisbourg has examples of each of and along the north shore of Louisbourg har- these categories and they exist in an unusual bour. This pattern slowly evolved throughout degree of preservation. The construction of the 19th and early 20th centuries. the large fortifi ed town created the most obvi- There is a need to integrate the protection ous example of a cultural landscape. Today, and presentation of cultural landscapes into Louisbourg exists partly as a reconstruction, management decision-making. The concept but most of the historic townsite still exists of cultural landscapes offers an integrative as a relict designed landscape, with the block approach to the management of cultural plan, military outworks and building founda- resources. Rather than considering resources tions still visible. This landscape is a Level 1 individually, emphasis is placed on defi ning cultural resource. the larger settlement imprint. Louisbourg The French also settled in other locations has considerable potential for the identifi ca- at Louisbourg, most notably along the north tion, protection, and interpretation of cultural shore of the harbour. Surviving features landscapes. Successive settlement patterns around the harbour from the French period are readily discernable, and further study include Island Battery, Royal Battery, the may result in the identifi cation of Level 2 lighthouse site, and ship repair facilities at landscapes in relation to post-1768 settlement Careening Point. These are all Level 1 cultural in areas such as Kennington Cove or in asso- resources. In some cases they exist in combi- ciation with the Marconi station. nation with features from later periods, and It should be recognized that Louisbourg constitute, as in the case of Lighthouse Point, consists mainly of relict landscapes. There is an evolved relict landscape. no need to recreate 18th century landscapes. There are also signifi cant viewplanes It should also be recognized that there is within the cultural landscapes like those from the potential for cooperative efforts to protect the reconstructed townsite to Lighthouse and interpret landscapes in and near Fortress Point and the north shore. Louisbourg, such as the harbour and its envi- The French occupation resulted in major rons, and the continuation of the Old French impacts on the natural environment. Road beyond the Site boundaries. Indigenous forests were cut for several kilometres around the town for fi rewood and Fortress of Louisbourg 25 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Strategic Actions • Fortress Louisbourg’s cultural landscapes will be identifi ed and evaluated, using cultural resource management policy and accepted criteria, and staff expertise such as in archaeology, history, landscape architecture and natural resource conservation. Priority will be given to Level 1 cultural landscapes. Eventually, a cultural landscape conservation plan should be completed to identify the major policies and IMAGE 20. View of current lighthouse guidelines that Site staff will use to manage, maintain and monitor these land- and dormers set into their hipped roofs. The scapes. museum is joined to the caretaker’s residence • The concept of relict landscapes will be by a small walled courtyard. The design is applied. There is little advantage in trying evocative of French colonial architecture of to recreate living 18th century military or the Baroque era. Inside, the museum is organ- settlement patterns. One intervention that ized as two large open spaces at basement should be evaluated is the recreation of and ground fl oor levels. viewplanes. The museum is closely associated with • Cultural landscapes will be more fully J. S. McLennan and his daughter, Katharine interpreted at Fortress Louisbourg. McLennan. J.S. McLennan’s personal collec- Relationships between human settlement tion of research materials and artifacts formed and the natural environment should be the core of the museum’s collection for its fi rst incorporated. 25 years. Katharine McLennan was named • Cooperative arrangements for the protec- honorary curator of the museum in 1935, tion and interpretation of cultural land- and remained in charge until the 1960s. The scapes that extend beyond the boundaries museum still houses exhibits illustrating the of the Site will be pursued. history of Louisbourg including her large model of the fortifi ed town as well as her father’s collection. The museum and house are across from the Governor’s Garden, at the edge of the reconstructed townsite. The site immediately around the buildings has changed very little since their construction. These 1930s structures are sympathetic to the reconstructed townsite, and fi t comfortably within the landscape. The Federal Heritage Buildings Review Offi ce has designated these structures as clas- IMAGE 19. The museum sifi ed heritage buildings. As a result, the C. Museum, Caretaker’s House and Lighthouse buildings are Level 2 cultural resources and The Canadian government built the museum will be managed accordingly. and caretaker’s house in 1935-36. The two The current lighthouse is the third to grace structures are representative of an era in Lighthouse Point marking Louisbourg’s long which similar buildings were erected in and rich maritime history. It was constructed other national historic sites to present and in 1923 close to the ruins of the former two commemorate Canadian history. The two lighthouses. The lighthouse represents a con- buildings are storey-and-a-half, stone-faced, tinuity of function at this location since the copper-roofed structures whose major elabo- 18th century. It is administered by the federal ration consists of prominent gabled entries Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 26 3.3 Heritage Protection C. Museum, Caretaker’s House and Lighthouse

The Federal Heritage Buildings Review The artifact collection, consisting of Offi ce evaluated the structure and designated approximately 5 million items, includes a it as a recognized heritage building. The wide variety of materials with diverse storage defi ning heritage characteristics that led to and conservation requirements. The vast the designation should be protected. Because majority of the artifacts date from between the lighthouse is located within the National 1713 and 1768, except for some which were Historic Site, Parks Canada has an interest in deposited during subsequent settlement. seeing the heritage character of the structure Two types of storage systems are used to preserved. house the collection. The fi rst is an open area storage allowing for easy access to the mate- Strategic Actions rial. It ensures that effi cient use is made of a • In light of the designation of these struc- researcher’s time, and affords a safer environ- tures, their heritage character must be ment for those artifacts which are unique or respected. have received conservation treatments. The • Interventions will require a review by the open storage segment of the artifact collection Federal Heritage Building Review Offi ce. has been consolidated in one of the buildings • Parks Canada will continue to present the in the maintenance compound. The storage story of these structures and their place in area is heated and monitored for humidity the history of Fortress Louisbourg. to ensure that a stable environment is main- • Parks Canada will encourage the tained. The artifacts stored here consist of all Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the ceramics, glass, treated or priority metals, protect the heritage character of the some building materials and small fi nds. Lighthouse. The second system is dormant storage. It is used for that portion of the collection that is D. Archaeological Collection referred to infrequently. It also includes over- The archaeological collection consists of two size pieces. There are three classes of material components: the artifacts recovered during in dormant storage: dressed building stones, 35 years of an archaeological program at the nails, and faunal remains. This collection is Site, and the records, reports and notes gener- not consolidated and is found in different ated by excavation, analysis and collections buildings in the reconstructed townsite and or resource management. in the compound. These storage areas do not offer stable environments. The records collection includes three categories of materials: those generated in the fi eld during excavations, those derived from the analysis of fi eldwork or artifacts, and those needed to manage the collection itself and the in-situ archaeological sites. The largest part of the collection consists of paper records, including fi eld note books, survey books, research notes, maps, drawings, and photographs. Two major databases are also maintained for managing the in-situ resources. Excavations in support of the reconstruction at Louisbourg examined approximately 30 per cent of the fortifi cations, about 20 percent of the townsite and a small portion of the outlying suburban properties. The excavation of the military component of Louisbourg has extensively sampled all the major types of IMAGE 21. Ceramic objects in archaeology collection defensive features. The extensive offensive Fortress of Louisbourg 27 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

are used in the exhibit program. Most of these items are in the Typological exhibit, which is for the most part 20 years old. These exhibit materials are essentially the type collections and are the ones researchers are most interested in. To improve on the accessibility of the collection, efforts are currently under way to access and inventory the entire collection, to store the originals in archival materials and proper storage environments, and to produce working copies of the records in an accessible IMAGE 22. Conservator working with porcelain dish medium, which for most will be a computer- features have not been sampled. Excavations ized format. of the townsite and suburban properties There have been many positive changes examined public structures, homes, gardens, made to the organization, accessibility and storehouses, taverns, kilns, bakeries, forges, security of the collection over the last fi fteen streets, walks, and fences. years, yet there remain a number of problems, Given that there was little use of the town- including: site after the 1760s, the archaeological record 1. the conservation treatment and the is rich in material remains from the period upgrading of the storage of the priority 1713-1768 and has produced very little mate- iron artifacts, small fi nds and oversize rial from the end of the 18th century and later. wooden artifacts. At least 98 percent of the collection is tied to 2. the storage area in the Barracks attic, as it the commemorative intent of the Site and is does not meet the minimal level of storage a Level 1 resource. The remaining 2 percent standards for the faunal and other material are considered Level 2 cultural resources pri- kept there. marily because of their association with the 3. the lack of collection maintenance and dis- evolution of the Site. aster plans. The Level 1 collection is a uniquely valuable resource, with artifacts from over 50 separate but related properties, most of them completely excavated. And it is the only collection that is backed up by a major historical research program that sets many of the archaeological materials in their appropriate social, economic, functional and chronologi- cal contexts. The collection is an unparalleled resource for study and research purposes, but its potential has barely been tapped. The only IMAGE 23. Archaeologists viewing artifacts area that has been systematically studied is the fortifi cations. However, archaeology of Strategic Actions the townsite has the potential to produce • Given the importance of the archaeological dozens of comprehensive works. The mate- collection, Parks Canada will adhere rial culture of the fi shery, heating and light- to the standards set by the Cultural ing, sanitation and hygiene are only a few Resource Management policy and the examples of topics that could be addressed. directive, Collections Management The collection has always been accessible System: Archaeological Collections. to outside researchers. Portions of the collec- • Parks Canada will retain the collections tion have also been placed on loan temporar- and the lab at Fortress of Louisbourg ily to various museums and universities and National Historic Site of Canada. 28 3.3 Heritage Protection D. Archaeological Collection

• Parks Canada will continue to pursue and achieve the objectives of the backlog conservation project. • Parks Canada will seek ways of maximiz- ing the use of the collections for interpretive purposes. • Access to the collection to outside researchers and institutions will continue. • A collections management plan, including a disaster plan will be completed. This plan will become a part of the Cultural IMAGE 25. Collections assistant cataloguing a sword Resource Conservation Plan. • A study of the collection areas that do A preliminary evaluation of the collections not meet current procedures and standards has been undertaken. About 40% of the will be specifi cally undertaken. This will be individual pieces in the McLennan and part of the collections management plan. Almon collections refl ect the Site’s commemorative intent and are classifi ed as Level 1. E. Curatorial Collections These pieces include early surface fi nds. The The curatorial collections contain more than McLennan and Almon collections are both 14,500 objects. The objects are extremely considered Level 2 cultural resources, prima- diverse, ranging from pewter spoons to rily because of their distinctiveness as a group the cannon on the walls. The collections of objects obtained by the Site. About 30% of include historic objects from the period of the main collection consists of historic objects the commemoration, historic objects repro- of the period of commemoration, or are 19th duced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, or early 20th century reproductions. These modern reproductions and modern interpre- are Level 2 cultural resources because they tive pieces. The collection was acquired from are either typical of or contemporary with the mid 1960s to the early 1980s to meet the Fortress Louisbourg, or they represent a con- requirements for use and display in anima- tinuation of the traditions of the 18th century. tion, period rooms, and exhibits. Modern reproductions constitute the remainder of the collection. There is a need to improve record keeping of the collection. This is a result of years of demands being placed on the Site’s curatorial unit as a result of the size of the reconstruction project and the growth of the animation program. Currently, about 70 percent of the objects in the collections are fully catalogued, while 30 percent are registered or are incompletely catalogued. Dossier fi les containing historical information on the objects’ rele- vance and authenticity were only established IMAGE 24. The forge - senior artisan at work several years ago. At present, some 85% of In addition, there are the McLennan and the dossiers are inadequate for research and Almon collections. The former collection con- interpretive purposes. A multi-year project sists of approximately 350 pieces gathered addressing the backlog of unregistered items by J.S. and Katharine McLennan for the has just been completed, and a similar effort museum, but includes additions made is planned for the backlog of incompletely between the late 1930s and the start of the catalogued objects and incomplete dossiers. reconstruction project. The Almon collection The collections are widely dispersed consists of approximately 120 pieces donated within the reconstructed townsite, the com- in 1945 by Albert Almon. pound, and the visitor reception centre. This Fortress of Louisbourg 29 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

creates diffi culties in ensuring appropriate the reconstructed townsite. This too will use, security, conservation and inventory con- be completed for the Cultural Resource trol. For operational considerations, historic Conservation Plan. objects (Level 2) are displayed and used in animated areas. This situation is being recti- F. Cemeteries fi ed through the exchange or replacement of Parks Canada’s management directive, historic objects by modern reproductions as “Human Remains, Cemeteries, and Grave resources permit. Sites,” provides direction for the manage- There are conservation concerns for the ment, treatment, maintenance and documen- collections. Continued use during animation tation of cemeteries and grave sites. As a means a continual replacement program. general principle it states that all human Environmental conditions have led to a remains, grave goods, cemeteries and grave marked deterioration of some older pieces, sites will be treated with reverence, respect and a backlog of items requiring conservation and dignity. The directive also states that exists. A multi-year conservation project is management plans will address the preserva- under way to address the backlog. tion of grave markers and the identifi cation of The size and complexity of the Louisbourg cemeteries and grave sites. collections create diffi culties. Presentation Louisbourg has a number of cemeteries and storage of the collections are detri- and burial areas. They range from the mentally affected by largely uncontrolled Rochefort Point and Kennington Cove cem- environments. Museum-quality conservation eteries, which may contain upwards of 1,000 standards are unattainable. More practical and 500 burials respectively, to miscellaneous measures will have to be studied and pur- burials of single individuals, such as those of sued to address protection and on-going care Battery Island and Simon’s Point. The archae- requirements. These measures will include ological collection includes human remains the need to consolidate the current number from three excavations. The archaeology unit of storage areas, and to screen the collection maintains fi les and records for each of the to identify surplus items. The solutions will cemeteries. The location of most of the cem- not be inexpensive nor quickly assessed. eteries is known only from the historical Resolution will proceed as resources permit. record, and the precision of this information varies greatly. All burial locations are consid- Strategic Actions ered during environmental assessments and • Full registration and cataloguing of the every precaution is taken to ensure that none collections will be undertaken. are disturbed. • Parks Canada will address the conserva- Four of the burial locations have special tion and storage requirements of the collec- characteristics: tions. This will be done in the context of • Chapel Burials: This is the best known preparing a curatorial collections section in historic burial area from the commemo- the Cultural Resource Conservation Plan. rated period. The burials under the chapel • Parks Canada will continue the project to replace reproductions worn out in animation, to replace historic objects in animated areas with modern reproductions, and will in the future look at the replacement, with reproductions, of historic objects (Level 2), requiring expensive conservation. • Parks Canada will fi nalize the evaluation of the collections. The determination of levels of signifi cance for the collections is necessary because of the implications for the conservation, storage and eventual size of the collections used and displayed in IMAGE 26. The chapel 30 3.3 Heritage Protection F. Cemeteries

ﬂ oor have been excavated several times staff relocated the gate on former route 22 and staff have detailed reports on the and built a parking lot opposite the Stella remains. The individuals have been re- Maris cemetery. This action has improved interred. These burials are interpreted for year-round access to the cemetery. visitors. • Rochefort Point: This is the largest cem- Current actions and responsibilities for Site etery within the Site and is indicated on staff include: maintaining records and photos a 1744 French plan. It was used by the of each cemetery, periodic inspection and New Englanders in 1745-49 and by post- patrols and arrangement of any needed occupation British settlers until at least maintenance, conservation of stone markers 1840. Further, the area is commemorated using Parks Canada’s conservation guide- by numerous groups starting with an lines, replacement of wooden crosses as American group, the Society of Colonial required, and the care of lawns and fences Wars, in 1895. consistent with the standards set for day use areas in the Site. On its part, the parish Erosion along the north shore of the Point is applies standards and policies it uses for a concern because skeletal remains have been the other cemetery it manages outside the uncovered in the past. Investigations have Site. These are used as a basis of discussion revealed that there are additional burials in regarding the ongoing management of these this area. It is anticipated that the Geological cemeteries. Survey of Canada study, referenced in section 3.3.a, will help to prepare a management Strategic Actions strategy to address this issue as well as • The interpretation and use of areas known others. to contain burials will continue to respect • Stella Maris and St. Richards: Both of the spiritual and cultural afﬁ liations of these cemeteries are associated with the the individuals buried there, consistent local Catholic church and are maintained with the management directive, “Human under the terms of an agreement. Both remains, cemeteries and grave sites.” have marked and unmarked grave sites. • The management of Stella Maris will be Only Stella Maris has vacant burial plots. consistent with Parks Canada’s current These plots are used at the discretion of the management practices and with the stand- family and parish. Family members regu- ards and policies used by the parish for larly leave offerings, erect headstones or the cemetery that they manage exclusively. simply visit. Over the years the manage- Any changes in access to the cemetery will ment of these two cemeteries has evolved be made in consultation with the parish. with Site staff slowly assuming responsi- The landscaping standards for St. Richards bility for their care, in accordance with and Stella Maris cemeteries will continue the management directive. In 1995, after to meet the standards set for the day-use consultation with the parish and public, areas of the Site. • Those cemeteries impacted by erosion will be monitored. Decisions concerning shoreline stabilization or other engineering interventions must consider the implications or impacts on the cemeteries in accordance with the management directive.

G. Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management In national historic sites, the prime mandate is to ensure commemorative integrity. Yet, there is a recognition that natural ecosystem IMAGE 27. Stella Maris Cemetery features frequently form an integral part of Fortress of Louisbourg 31 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

the history and landscape of national historic sites. There is a need to ensure the protection of natural resources and ecosystem features consistent with the role of Parks Canada being an environmental steward. The cultural resource management principles of value provide policy direction for this role. This direction is based on an understanding that cultural resources, natural systems and people are highly interconnected. A holistic approach is essential to achieving a sustain- IMAGE 29. View of coastline towards Lorraine Head able future. through the construction of siege works and Historical Perspective encampments. Numerous modifi cations have occurred to After the fall of Louisbourg, lands were the vegetation and landscape of the National cleared for agricultural purposes especially Historic Site since the establishment of near the coast and in the interior along the Louisbourg in the early 18th century. These roads. Remains of homes, farmsteads and include the construction of the Fortress fi elds are still visible. The remains of com- itself, land clearing and modifi cation for mercial use are still evident on the west side military purposes, animal grazing, cutting of Kennington Cove. Logging was extensive of timber for fi rewood, road and building throughout the area over time. It is estimated construction, and introduction of non-native that the Site has been cut 3 to 5 times since plant species. Some of the most substantial the early 18th century. Evidence from more changes occurred in the 18th century when recent mineral exploration in the Mineral major cutting of the forests surrounding Reserve Area can also be found. Clearly, past Louisbourg started in the 1720s for fi rewood, actions have had a major impact on the construction and military purposes. By the landscape one sees today. The relationship time of the second siege in 1758, almost between the land and its resources, and the all timber within 10 kilometres of the use made of them over time is an important Fortress had been removed. Eastern hemlock consideration in understanding the natural and white pine were the preferred species environment of today. and their removal accounts for their present-day rarity in the local area. Resource Description The French modifi ed the landscape immedi- Fortress of Louisbourg is one of the largest ately around the Fortress and along certain national historic sites in Canada with a 60 sections of the coast for defensive purposes. square kilometre land base and a 31 kilometre During both sieges the New Englanders and long coastline. The Site is characterized by British left their imprint on the landscape undulating to rolling hills consisting of shallow soils over bedrock and interspersed by wetlands, bogs, brooks and streams. The coastline is mostly characterized by cliffs and rocky beaches with the exception being Kennington Cove where sandy beaches occur. The hydrology is typical of Nova Scotia coastal lowlands consisting of shallow lakes, ponds and brooks. The vegetation is predominately a boreal forest infl uenced by a maritime climate with cool summers, high rainfall and frequent fog. Three-quarters of the Site is forest covered IMAGE 28. Angelica (angelica sp.); an introduced species with balsam fi r and white spruce as dom- 32 3.3 Heritage Protection G. Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management

inant species. Wetlands, a result of glacial Consistent with Cultural Resource scouring and deposition, occupy about 10% Management policy, the completion of the of the landbase with bogs being the major database will lead to the identifi cation of eco- type. Heathlands, commonly referred to as system features, habitat and species that are barrens, are located along the coast and of special signifi cance and worthy of protec- occupy another 5% of the Site. Disturbed tion as contributing to the diversity of the areas comprise about 8% and consist pri- ecosystem of which they are a part. Research marily of former areas that were settled or to date has identifi ed the following special farmed. features. Mammal species are generally representative of those found on the southeastern por- Vegetation tion of Cape Breton Island. The Site acts as About fi ve percent of the landbase is heath- a refuge for mammals, especially migrating land. Primarily located between Kennington deer, because of its protected status. Although Cove and White Point and east of Lighthouse the Site boundary is the mean high tide mark, Point, it extends along the coastline in an there are marine resources worthy of note open rolling meadow-like strip providing a including seals, seabirds and ducks. The three valued biological environment. The plant islands located at the mouth of the harbour, life clings to bedrock and shallow till one of which, Battery Island, is within the and is strongly affected by the harsh Site’s boundaries, are nesting areas for marine environment. These salt tolerant, but gulls, cormorants, and guillemots. Inland, stunted, plants are mainly Boreal with some the avifauna closely resemble that present in Arctic-Alpine and Coastal Plain interspersed. Cape Breton Highlands National Park with Wetlands occupy approximately 10% of the high species diversity and low abundance. landbase. Bogs are the most important type Fish habitat is primarily small slow-fl owing of wetland, especially raised bogs where brooks and shallow lakes that can become hundreds of years of growth are evident. warm in summer. Of the varieties present, Characteristic bog vegetation is Arctic-Alpine three are game species, Atlantic salmon, with Boreal intermixed. Heathland and bogs brook trout and rainbow smelt. have not been severely impacted over time by human activity and provide good opportuni- Ecosystem-Based Planning ties for research purposes. The Resource Description and Analysis Ten rare vascular plant species have was completed in 1990. An interim Site already been identifi ed based on Nova Scotia Conservation Plan was completed in 1987 and lists. One of these is also identifi ed on the updated in 1992. An Ecosystem Conservation Federal list of rare plants. Others classed as Plan is now under way and will evolve from rare, vulnerable and uncommon are under the former documents to address long-term scrutiny because of favourable habitat. Most natural and cultural resource concerns. of these species are found in the bogs and The biophysical database stems from the heathland. Research is continuing with infor- mid-1970s. The vegetation cover, however, is mation being shared with provincial agencies. updated from 1993 areal coverage. The database has been converted to digital form suita- Wildlife Habitat ble for Geographic Information Systems. The Habitat within the Site boundaries helps to use of the natural resource data in combina- support two known species worthy of protection with digitized cultural resource data, is tion. The White-tailed deer and the Atlantic helpful to staff in identifying and analysing salmon are both listed as protected species the interrelationships between the two and under the National Parks Act (Part II, Section in taking the necessary actions to address II). A well-known feature is the winter migra- threats. In this context, managing the natural tion of the deer through the Site to yard in the environment can help to reinforce the com- coastal areas. There, the deer fi nd shelter memorative integrity of the Site. in the white spruce forest cover and have access to kelp, a main winter food source, Fortress of Louisbourg 33 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

activities. This can only be achieved by working and cooperating with others in the local and regional area. There is a clear interdependency here among those involved. Site staff are already cooperating with others in the region to exchange information on the greater ecosystem including the provincial Department of Natural Resources particularly for deer population statistics, the provincial Department of the Environment, and the federal Departments of Fisheries and Oceans, and Environment including the Canadian Wildlife and Atmospheric IMAGE 30. White-tailed deer Environment Services. In future, more local where it washes up on shore. The numbers cooperation will be sought with adjacent of deer fl uctuate from year to year but they land owners, University College of Cape attract visitors interested in wildlife viewing. Breton, the Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers, Atlantic salmon are present in three brooks, the new regional municipality, fi sh and Kennington Cove, Freshwater and Gerratt. wildlife associations and naturalist groups. The last is a scheduled salmon stream. Parks Cooperation will be accomplished through Canada will protect the habitat that supports both formal and informal arrangements. To these species. be successful, Parks Canada will have to demonstrate stewardship by undertaking research Kelly Lake Watershed and monitoring programs to improve the cur- Kelly Lake watershed is the water supply rent state of knowledge of the stresses affect- source for the community of Louisbourg ing important ecosystem features. and the National Historic Site. Part of the One of the fi rst issues that needs to be watershed is within the Site boundaries; the addressed is the identifi cation and evaluation shoreline of the lake forms the boundary of cultural resources. Their specifi c locations, in this area. Parks Canada will continue to condition and sensitivity are primary factors protect the watershed area within its bound- to consider when determining how the land- aries to help prevent contamination of the base will be managed. The Cultural Resource water supply. Management policy will take precedence in this context where cultural resources Cooperative Ecosystem Management require protection. Any subsequent interven- The landbase of the Site cannot be managed tion into ecosystem processes will be carefully in isolation from the surrounding areas. Land assessed before action is taken. use activities can have a direct impact on ecosystem features and processes resulting in Strategic Actions a variety of stressors. Stresses can originate • Cultural resources will be identifi ed, eval- internally or externally. Internal ones can uated and managed according to the include visitor use and activities, construction Cultural Resource Management policy. projects, overfi shing, possible mining explo- • Research studies and projects will be pur- ration and extraction in the mineral reserve sued to address data gaps and inaccuracies area, and intrusion of non-native plant spe- in the biophysical database. Geographic cies. External ones can include logging near Information Systems will be used for ease the Site boundary, hunting, the construction of management, analysis and presentation. of the Fleur-de-lis Trail and off-shore oil Projects will be undertaken cooperatively spills. To address these, there is a need to where possible to achieve cost effi ciencies. take an ecosystem perspective that includes • The Ecosystem Conservation Plan will be acquiring information on natural and cultural completed. The Plan will identify internal resources, ecological processes, and human and external stresses, and highlight actions 34 3.3 Heritage Protection G. Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management

and guidelines to address specifi c resource concerns. • Site staff will monitor resources and ecosystem features that are determined to be of special signifi cance. • Site staff will monitor threats to both natural and cultural resources and assess the extent of the impacts. • Site staff will contribute towards sound stewardship by: a) managing natural and cultural IMAGE 32. Dauphin Gate resources in a holistic manner, b) cooperating with outside agencies and royal commission to consider the future of groups to increase the knowledge base, coal mining in Cape Breton and alternatives allowing all parties to manage more to coal mining. The Report of the Royal effectively. Commission on Coal (Rand Commission) • An adaptive management approach will was completed in 1960. Among other meas- be the practice followed in decision-mak- ures, Rand recommended the symbolic recon- ing and carrying out ecosystem manage- struction of Louisbourg suffi cient to furnish a ment interventions. comprehensive representation of the material • Site staff will increase the awareness of and cultural forms. the Site’s role in contributing to the pro- In response to the recommendations of tection of special ecological features and the Commission, Parks Canada assembled the broader ecosystem. This can be accom- a workforce to undertake the project includ- plished through the presentation program ing a wide range of professionals and and will be considered in the completion skilled labourers such as historians, archae- of the Site’s interpretation plan. A fasci- ologists, engineers, architects, interpreters, nating perspective can be given when the stone masons, and others. In 1962 the Historic historical context is introduced. In this Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, in manner, Parks Canada will encourage and discussing the reconstruction project, urged stimulate a broader environmental stew- that “adequate precautions through proper ardship and understanding of human/ historical and archaeological research be environmental interrelationships. taken to ensure the integrity of any restora- tion.” Between 1964 and 1980 the workforce 3.4 HERITAGE PRESENTATION AND COMMUNICATION reconstructed almost one-quarter of the 18th A. The Reconstruction century walled townsite at Louisbourg com- As a result of the closure of a number prising a cross-section of the town from the of coal mines in industrial Cape Breton in fortifi ed walls to the waterfront (map 5). the 1950s, the federal government set up a The reconstructed townsite includes 65 major buildings and 21 associated small buildings or structures. The largest building reconstructed is the massive barracks in the King’s Bastion. It includes the governor’s apartment, council chamber, offi cers’ quarters, chapel, prison, and barracks rooms. Other buildings reconstructed include the Civil Administrator’s residence, the Engineer’s House and King’s Storehouse, and the smaller de Gannes house. Associated buildings include stables, dove cotes, sentry boxes, an ice house and a IMAGE 31. Aerial view of the reconstructed townsite from the west lime kiln. In addition, the reconstructed town- Fortress of Louisbourg 34A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

MAP 5

FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA

North Reconstructed 65 64 Townsite 66 33 32 1 Des Roches 38 Loppinot House Fishing Property (ruins) Parking 2 Dauphin Gate 39 Fizel House (ruins) 33 (Visitor Entrance) 40 Dugas-de la Tour 29 3 Guérite House 4 Epéron Battery 41 Carrerot House 28 5 Dauphin 42 Benoist House 30 Demi-Bastion 43 L’Epée Royale 26 6 Barracks 44 Hôtel de la Marine 31 7 Powder Magazine 45 Frédéric Gate 27 8 Postern Tunnels 46 King’s Storehouse 9 The Quay 47/48 Auger dit 10 Lartigue House Grandchamp 11 Lime Kiln Houses D’Orleans Street 12 Artillery 49 Pugnant dit Destouches House 34 8 Storehouse 13 Artillery Forge 50 Commissaire 24 14 King’s Bakery Ordonnateur’s 25 15 Armoury and Residence 72 71 Armourer’s Forge 51 Stable 71 16 Woodlot 52 Parish Church Site 35 16 17 Duhaget House 53 Récollet Residence 22 18 De la Perelle and Chapel Site 37 19 17 39 38 36 23 18 House 54 LaGrange House Royalle Street 19 De la Perelle and Storehouse

St. Louis Street St. 51 40 41 20 21 15 14 Storehouse 55 Beauséjour House 71 41 20 Engineer’s “Le Billard” 53 71 13 Residence 56 Delort House and 72 42 11 21 Laundry and Storehouse Stables 57 Morin Storehouse 52 43 22 Rodrigue House 58 Cassagnolles- 71 12 23 Rodrigue Detcheverry House 50 58 Storehouse 59 Santier House & 56 44 Estang Street Du Petit 59 59 54 54 47 46 24 De Gannes House Storehouse 57 55 49 48 10 72 25 Icehouse 60 Chevalier House 72 26 Place d’armes 61 Baron House 61 70 60 9 The Quay 27 Guardhouse 62 Pièce de la Grave 28 King’s Bastion Guardhouse 69 45 Barracks 63 Dauphin 8 29 King’s Bastion Guardhouses 67 68 Ramparts 64 Stable 30 Outer Works 65 Carriage House 31 Place Royale 66 Dove Cote 6 32 King’s Garden 67 Baron Storehouse 33 Museum & 68 Delort Storehouse 5 7 Caretaker’s House 69 Delort Storehouse 34 De la Plagne 70 Cassagnolles- House Detcheverry 35 De la Vallière Storehouse LOUISBOURG HARBOUR House 71 Outbuildings 3 36/37 De la Vallière 72 Reconstructed 63 Storehouses Fences 2 63 4 62 0 50 100 m

Fortress of Louisbourg 35 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

site includes two town gates, the masonry The reconstructed townsite can be viewed King’s Bastion and Dauphin Demi-bastion, from other perspectives as well. It offers a curtain walls, the quay wall, ditches, covered wonderful backdrop or context for a variety ways, glacis, various terre- pleins, the parade of activities. For interpretation, the recon- square, wharves, streets, and yards. An out- struction is a critical set piece for insight lying building represents a fi shing district into another time. In addition, the recon- known as the Fauxbourg. structed townsite is a powerful evocation The reconstructed townsite also includes of an ongoing community centred around various viewplanes, consciously recreated the harbour. The vision and silhouette of within the fortress walls to create an enclosed Louisbourg across the harbour and against 18th century space, and outward vistas across the sky add variety, texture and quality to the a landscape that has seen occupation and use landscape. The reconstructed townsite refl ects since the early 18th century. a belief in the desirability of making history The reconstructed townsite needs to be accessible and understandable to Canadians. viewed as part of a larger picture. The The reconstructed townsite can be looked townsite is inextricably linked to Level 1 cul- at as a model of the past and as an excellent tural resources. Three-quarters of the original example of applied research. It suggests townsite, with the remains of walls and other important historical contexts, spatial relation- structures, lies unexcavated adjacent to the ships, textures, patterns of use, technologies, reconstructed portion. There are Level 1 cul- and above all, a sense of another world. On a tural resources, incorporated into the recon- macro level the research has led to one-quar- struction, including the postern tunnels, mine ter of the walled townsite being reconstructed gallery, wells, pavé, drains, etc. In addition, with a form, level, and visuality that is an there are hundreds of other Level 1 cultural honest refl ection of historical and archaeo- resources associated with the sieges of 1745 logical knowledge. On a micro level, the and 1758 surrounding the Fortress. This is all design of the iron hardware, fi nish details part of an information resource - a window on windows, doors and stairwells refl ect a on the 18th century including archaeological generation of effort to apply research con- and historical records. scientiously. However, compromises have occurred over the years as the reconstruction proceeded. Even now, as the recapitalization program proceeds, modern interventions are occurring for a variety of reasons, including meeting codes and standards, and ensuring the longevity of the reconstructed buildings. The reconstructed townsite is a measure of the professionalism of staff at the Site. Staff have undertaken the research to support the reconstruction project and have compiled an important collection of artifacts, historical documents, reports and manuscripts in the process. All are critical to develop and enhance interpretation and to carry out the recapitalization program and daily maintenance. The reconstructed townsite is Canada’s largest and one of the largest in the world. The basic cost of the townsite was between $25,000,000. and $30,000,000., and has an estimated replacement value of $87,000,000. in current dollars. IMAGE 33. Louisbourg drummers and the Kings Bastion Barracks 36 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication A. The Reconstruction

meeting all the requirements of the Cultural Resource Management Policy on reconstruction. There is, however, much unused space in existing buildings and structures that needs to be considered ﬁ rst for whatever services and uses may be proposed.

Strategic Actions • Parks Canada will complete the recapitalization program as resources permit. Once complete, the emphasis will be placed on IMAGE 35. Formal garden behind De la Plagne house proper on-going maintenance to safeguard The reconstructed townsite is a symbol of the buildings and structures. the preservation movement, a landmark for • Existing research information will con- the community and nation, and an important tinue to be considered in decision-making economic generator for Cape Breton Island with respect to interventions required for and the province. It conveys a sense of the recapitalization program. what can be achieved by a country interested • Parks Canada will not pursue the recon- in cultural stewardship. Nearly forty years struction of additional buildings or struc- after Justice Rand’s recommendations, the tures beyond the boundaries of the current positive impacts of Fortress Louisbourg are reconstructed townsite. The emphasis will still being felt. be placed on utilizing currently unused or underutilized space when external propos- Recapitalization als are put forward for new visitor serv- More than thirty years of use by millions ices, programs or partnerships. of visitors, deterioration associated with • Parks Canada will submit the complex of Louisbourg’s coastal climate, and rising sea the reconstructed townsite to the Federal levels, have all led to considerable wear and Heritage Buildings Review Offi ce for eval- tear on the reconstructed townsite. The micro- uation when it becomes 40 years old. climate of the townsite, with its rain, fog, and salt air, means that wood exposed to the ele- B. Level 1 and 2 Messages ments does not dry out, and is subject to There have been many steps over the years extreme fungal problems. A major program of that have led to a defi nition of the messages structural repair to address the condition of that are being interpreted at the Site. The the buildings is now under way. deliberations and recommendations of the The recapitalization project will ultimately Historic Sites and Monuments Board have mean that regular on-going maintenance will been key in this respect. The Board discus- be adequate to ensure the effective man- sions during the 1920s and 1930s are very agement of the reconstructed buildings and illuminating with respect to the Site’s com- structures. memorative intent. By 1931, the Board had erected fi ve plaques at Louisbourg. These Future Reconstruction plaques were important statements about the As early as the 1970s, there have been Board’s perceptions of Louisbourg’s history external proposals to reconstruct additional in the early years. buildings beyond which Parks Canada had With the beginning of the reconstruction planned for and eventually completed. of the 1960s and 1970s, Site staff produced Examples include the Royal Battery and the a number of documents that provided direc- hospital - two prominent structures on the tion for Louisbourg’s interpretive messages. 18th century landscape. These documents have largely provided These types of proposals may continue the framework for current programming at to arise from time to time. The proponents the Site. of these proposals would be responsible for Fortress of Louisbourg 37 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

The recent completion of the Commemorative Integrity Statement has refo- cused Parks Canada’s attention on Level 1 messages and Level 1 cultural resources. The Statement also identiﬁ es Level 2 messages. These do not relate to commemorative intent, but in most cases help to explain the evolution of the Site since the 18th century. A review of the Site’s current interpretive situation, as it relates to the Site’s Level 1 messages, reveals certain shortcomings.

IMAGE 36. Cod drying on the fl akes i) Louisbourg in the Anglo-French Rivalry in North America, 1713-68 century. It is diffi cult, however, for visitors Louisbourg’s role in the Anglo-French strug- to obtain an appreciation of the seaward ori- gle for North America, and, by extension, the entation of the site and the scope of its sea- two sieges, is under-represented. It receives borne trade. This is partly because visitors minimal attention in the Site’s literature. approach the Fortress by land, and partly While both animation and the reconstruction because the Fortress is essentially a land- feature a heavy military emphasis, such pro- based reconstruction. Animators and exhibits grams respond best to questions on the try to convey the implications of Louisbourg’s immediate and specifi c rather than larger, maritime trades, but the scale of the maritime more contextual geo-political issues. Linked component of the Fortress is too small to to this message is the French alliance with effectively convey the importance of the port. the Mi’kmaq. That alliance, and French relations with the Mi’kmaq are generally under- iii) Louisbourg: The Capital of represented. Ile Royale, 1719-1758 So far, interpretation of society and culture at Louisbourg has had a rather narrow focus on French colonial society in the early 1740s. There is a need to expand the focus to the British occupation from 1745 to 1749, and the second French occupation, 1749-58. There is also a need to take into account the tre- mendous growth over the last few decades of interest in women’s history, in ethnic minorities, and First Nations, all of which were represented in Louisbourg’s cosmopolitan society.

IMAGE 35. Musket salute from the Compagnies franches de la Marine Strategic Actions ii) Louisbourg: Fishing Centre and • A comprehensive review of the current Commercial Entrepot, 1713-58 interpretation plan will form the initial The Louisbourg fi sheries do not receive step for developing a new interpretation adequate coverage. They were central to plan for the Site. This will address how to Louisbourg’s history, but their scale and com- communicate the national signifi cance of plexity are diffi cult to visualize today. The Louisbourg, as well as messages about the Des Roches building, on the shore near the system of national historic sites, outcomes, entrance to the Fortress, has limitations in its audiences, media and evaluation. presentation of the fi sheries. • The emphasis will be on the Level 1 Louisbourg was one of the major ports and messages and Level 1 cultural resources trading centres in North America in the 18th that relate directly to the national signifi - 38 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication B. Level 1 and 2 Messages

Next to the Basques, the most numerous group in the period before 1745 were the German and Swiss soldiers of the Karrer Regiment. Their distinctive uniforms, languages, and customs (including the Protestantism of many of the soldiers), set them apart from their French counterparts. There were also several dozen Irish in the town over a period of years. Many worked as servants; some had trades. In addition to expanding the interpretation of different European groups at Louisbourg, there is also a need to offer more information about the involvement of Black people in the 18th century colony. More than 200 Blacks lived and worked at Louisbourg between 1713 and 1760. Most were slaves, but a few were free and worked at trades. Women’s roles and contributions in 18th century Louisbourg society need to be better highlighted. Research on women’s roles in 18th century French society is currently under way that will provide information to help guides and costumed staff in the interpreta- IMAGE 37. Louisbourg’s colourful society tion program. cance of the Site. These messages in partic- With regard to Aboriginal history, the pri- ular need to be effectively communicated ority is the interpretation of Mi’kmaq associa- to specifi c visitor groups and the public. tions. The Mi’kmaq had an alliance with the Objectives and actions will vary depend- French. Louisbourg was a place of contact ing on the audience. The link to the cul- to maintain their important relationship. It tural resources will be strengthened. is worth noting, however, that people from • The interpretation plan will also address other First Nations also had connections Level 2 messages as part of this review. with the Fortress. There were Malecites and Abenaki on the French side, some New C. Multicultural, Women’s and England tribes on the British side, and vari- First Nations Presentation ous individuals identifi ed as “Panis” slaves. Eighteenth century Louisbourg was a town The Fortress is fortunate in having a com- with a diverse population of residents and plex and rich history in which individuals visitors. The French population included Bretons, Gascons and others. Each group had cultural differences, likely manifested in lan- guage, accent, dress, and customs. The population also included numbers of Basques, Germans, Irish, people of African descent, and Mi’kmaq. Of the non-French population, the Basques were the most numerous group. Almost every year, especially during the summer fi shery, there were several hundred Basques in port. Their collective contribution to the economy of Ile Royale was substantial. IMAGE 38. Mending the nets Fortress of Louisbourg 39 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

and groups from a range of First Nations, The year 1745 was selected for the recon- ethnic and cultural backgrounds played a struction project because it was diffi cult to major part. That colourful and varied history determine the nature of the repairs made after need only be revealed - fairly, accurately, and the damage from the fi rst siege, what changes with respect. This requires good research, and the New Englanders may have subsequently effective partnerships with the groups whose made, and which structures were retained by history is to be depicted. For example, there the French in the 1750s. The previous summer is the Mi’kmaq interpretive trail, completed (1744) was chosen for animation purposes in 1995 in partnership with the Unama’ki because there was no siege and accompany- Committee. Since 1996 Mi’kmaq interpreters ing physical destruction to explain. have been assigned to the Mi’kmaq trail or to In some areas, however, interpretation has work within the reconstructed townsite. moved away from 1744. The Hotel de la Marine would have been used in 1744 as a Strategic Actions prison for New Englanders captured at Canso • Verbal and textual references to peoples of and during privateering raids. In addition non-French and non-British backgrounds there are reconstructed buildings which are who played signifi cant roles in the story of now much older than they were as original 18th century Louisbourg will be increased. buildings in 1745. This aging, and the effects This will involve an array of methods, of major repairs and minor upkeep means including guides, animators, exhibits, and that the earlier interpretive approach can no publications. longer be maintained with the same vigour. • The story of the role of women in The “1744 moment in time” approach 18th century Louisbourg will be enhanced needs to be evaluated to determine whether it through guides, animators, exhibits and limits the ability to address the Site’s Level 1 publications. messages and, to achieve commemorative • Costumes and other material culture integrity. This evaluation needs to consider or furnishing items will be introduced the following points: into the animation program to refl ect • 1744 is an attractive publicity hook: the the diverse cultures of Louisbourg’s idea of stepping into a moment in time population. appeals to visitors. It creates a focussed • Special event performances by Aboriginal learning and experiential situation. peoples or by groups from cultural • Animation is only one interpretive tool. A backgrounds appropriate to 18th century complete appreciation of the story requires Louisbourg will be encouraged. that the entire interpretive offer be con- • These efforts will be accomplished through sidered including the reconstructed town- consultation with Aboriginal peoples and site, guided tours, exhibits, theme lounges, the groups involved and through mean- publications, interpretive walks, gift shop ingful partnerships. It is best to address and period restaurants. this in a comprehensive interpretive plan- • Broadening the timeframe will not resolve ning effort where strategies and specifi c the limitations of animation and recreated actions can be highlighted. historical environments. No matter how sophisticated costumed interpretation D. 1744: The Moment in Time Approach becomes the past can never be recreated in For more than twenty years, interpretation all its complexity. by costumed staff at Louisbourg has centred • The full interpretive potential of 1744 has on the summer of 1744. Use of animators never been developed. had its origins in presentations at other out- • New information about 18th century door museums such as colonial Williamsburg Louisbourg has come to light through and Old Fort Henry. In the 1960s and 1970s ongoing research. putting costumes on interpreters fi t into a • New environmental issues, a growing growing desire to use historic sites to popu- multicultural society, and new social larize history and to attract more visitors. 40 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication D. 1744: The Moment in Time Approach

and technological issues all need to be considered. • Costumed interpretation has been very successful with visitors. Yet it does have limitations as a medium to help present 18th century history. • The task continues to be to interpret Louisbourg’s place in North American history as an event, a community, and a culture. • A change in the interpretive approach away from 1744 must not be done unilater- IMAGE 40. Upper class woman’s costume - exhibit in King’s Bastion ally, in a piecemeal or incremental way. • The advantages of a focused research the Site. There were also small exhibit build- approach need to be evaluated. ings at various points. These pavilions combined models, pictures, text, and interesting Strategic Actions vistas to interpret aspects of Louisbourg’s • The 1744 approach will be maintained history. until a comprehensive review of the cur- The 1973 Interpretive Plan proposed a rent interpretation program is undertaken. number of exhibits for buildings throughout This review will be part of completing the the reconstructed townsite. The 1977 update interpretation plan for the Site. of the plan introduced the idea of theme • This review will consider all the media lounges. They started as rest areas for visitors, used to interpret Louisbourg - animation, but added reading rooms and audio-visual guided tours, the reconstructed townsite, presentations focussed around the ﬁ ve theme exhibits, publications and special events. areas developed in the mid-1970s. Exhibits It will also consider and place into per- were also placed in the visitor reception spective on-site and off-site presentations centre. of Fortress Louisbourg as well as interpre- Exhibits were eclipsed in the late 1970s and tation by volunteers and others. 1980s as a medium of interpretation by the more popular animation and living history E. Exhibits programs. Nevertheless, there has been a rec- In the 1960s exhibits were a key interpretive ognition that living history programs cannot medium, along with the reconstructed town- accomplish all that is needed to present site and guided tours. There were static dis- the Level 1 messages that relate directly to plays in buildings and interpretive panels achieving commemorative integrity. From the along trails or at vantage points throughout outset, exhibits, along with other interpretive media, were meant to create supportive interpretive packages that would address gaps with which living history programs could not deal. In recent years, ﬁ nancial restraint has posed problems for constructing new exhibits and refurbishing older ones. In addition, there are a number of current issues that need to be addressed in dealing with exhibits. These include: • message gaps and new interpretive ideas, • accessibility, • revenue generation, fees, and sponsor- ships, IMAGE 39. Visitors in one of the theme lounges Fortress of Louisbourg 41 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

• new technologies such as virtual reality, which have also expanded in more recent geographical information systems, com- years to include a variety of other audiences. pact discs and video, Programs geared specifi cally to students • new audiences outside the Site, including include tours of the Site by school groups, nearby communities and those farther the children’s interpretive centre, the Fortress away, of Louisbourg Volunteers children’s program, • the role of exhibit pavilions, off-site staff visits to schools, and the use of • the challenge of partnerships to help books, print materials, videos/fi lms, and edu- develop the exhibit medium. cational kits (edu-kits). School groups usually book a guided tour of the Site, and then take time to visit buildings and talk to animators. Approximately 4,000 students visit the Fortress each year. The children’s interpretive centre, run by the Volunteers in July and August, provides an educational experience for approximately 1,000 children aged four to ten. The Volunteers children’s program offers an on-site experience to children aged fi ve to sixteen years who are members of the Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers. Over 8000 hours are contributed annually through this program. Participants spend fi ve days each, dressed in period costume, IMAGE 41. Exhibit in museum building taking part in the daily life of 18th century Strategic Actions Louisbourg. An apprentice program offers • The exhibits program will be reviewed as opportunities in specifi c skills areas to volun- part of completing the interpretation plan, teers aged 13 to 16. and recommendations will be made for Visits to Cape Breton Island schools are specifi c exhibit development and replace- carried out by staff on a ‘by request’ basis. ment which will ensure integration into a Typically, these visits reach between 1,500 comprehensive interpretive program. and 2,000 students annually. Also available • The review will consider in addition to in Maritime elementary schools is a teacher’s that needed for the reconstructed townsite: source book, a product of the combined a) Exhibit development for Level 1 and efforts of the Fortress of Louisbourg, local Level 2 messages throughout the entire teachers, the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union, Site, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and b) Options for sharing research expertise Nimbus Publishing. Geared to the grade six with the local and Cape Breton Island level, it covers Fortress messages through community and other agencies that will puzzles, games, questionnaires, and activities. lead to the development of exhibit There have been numerous videos and media addressing Louisbourg’s pres- fi lms produced since the 1960s. For example, entation requirements while providing a series of videos on Louisbourg topics is attractions to the communities in which available to schools through the Nova Scotia the exhibits are located, Education Media Services. Printed material c) Opportunities for partnership or shared is limited, but has been made available on development of exhibits. request for school projects. A rotating exhibit is also maintained at the local school. Edu-kits F. Education and Outreach Services in both French and English are loaned to Fortress of Louisbourg offers a variety of teachers on request. The contents are geared outreach programs which have traditionally to a grade six curriculum and, as quantities been developed for children in both formal are quite limited, there is always a waiting list. and informal educational situations, but 42 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication F. Education and Outreach Services

Messages have also been reaching the gen- visitors to participate in a working/living eral public and specifi c niche groups through 18th century community. a variety of other efforts, some of which are • Fortress staff will explore the development accomplished through partnership arrange- of a teacher in-service program to promote ments and others of which are produced pri- the accuracy of classroom instruction and vately, but assist in the achievement of the to encourage the use of available resources. outreach objectives. These include presenta- • Site staff will continue to be involved in tions by Fortress staff at academic and other the management of successful programs conferences in Canada and abroad. This pres- such as the children’s interpretive centre ence has a multiplier effect of allowing the and the Volunteers children’s program, participants to inject Louisbourg content into both of which are the responsibility of the various curriculum levels. Other methods Volunteers. used to reach a more general public are • All of these education/extension programs through input and/or coordination of will have consistent, on-going evaluation travelling exhibits, art shows, numerous procedures, and active monitoring along publications and television documentaries with regular up-dating of educational with national and international distribution. materials. A production of a CD Rom on the Fortress is available in all schools in Ontario and is also available to the general public. A partnership with the Louisbourg Institute has created an extensive web site on the Fortress which is accessed 2500 times daily. Other partnership arrangements like that with the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design bring the messages and resources of the Fortress to a more diverse audience through artistic endeavours. Continuation and expansion of these outreach efforts are essential to increase aware- IMAGE 42. Kids at play ness, support and understanding of the key messages for the broader public. G. Animation Program Since the beginning of the reconstruction, Strategic Actions Parks Canada has attempted through its • Develop an approach for outreach pro- interpretation program to refl ect accurately grams to enlarge Louisbourg’s client base. the events, people, and society that consti- • Fortress of Louisbourg staff will work with tuted the fabric of life in this 18th-century others to develop a professional edu-kit for colonial town. Early in the project it was off-site use. decided that one of the principal methods of • Printed material, consisting of one-page interpretation would be animation - that is, backgrounders and pre-trip packages will people dressed in period costumes taking on be developed for school projects, along the roles and characters of people who inhab- with information handouts for school ited the Fortress and carried out the daily groups to provide focus for their limited routines of life in the 1740s. time on site. This program has been supported by his- • A variety of video and fi lm opportunities torical research on costume, furnishings, mili- will be pursued with partners to provide tary life, the fi shery, religion, food, cooking, a succinct and accurate overview of both gardening, pastimes, social structures and 18th and 20th century Louisbourg. many other topics which contributed to an • Fortress of Louisbourg staff will pursue, accurate portrayal of 18th-century life. in conjunction with partners, a curriculum Research results have enabled the for an on-site “Day Camp” program animation program to evolve through a to provide educational opportunities for variety of interpretive approaches, including Fortress of Louisbourg 43 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

H. Costume Collection Costume plays a powerful and pervasive role in the interpretation program. Each year costumed animators breathe life into static rooms, buildings, and streetscapes. Without a word being spoken, a visitor can assess whether an animator is a soldier or a fi sher- man, a lady or her servant. These individuals wear costumes for periods ranging from a single day for special events and photo ses- sions to upwards of four months for some seasonal programs. IMAGE 43. Women servants in the kitchen The Fortress of Louisbourg possesses an fi rst-person role-playing and modern extensive costume collection of more than demonstrations of period crafts. The style 4,000 individual pieces. These costumes rep- of presentation in animation, the exhibits resent both military and civilian clothing and program, print materials and contemporary refl ect a variety of classes, ranks and occu- tour guides provide Parks Canada with pational groups. In addition to their use numerous opportunities to portray accurately within the reconstructed townsite, they are and sensitively the variety of people also borrowed during the off-season for spe- associated with Louisbourg’s history. cial events such as fashion shows. By 1994 the animation program had Over the years, a variety of problems relat- expanded to include soldiers, offi cers, artillery- ing to the realities of costuming hundreds of ymen, drummers, servants, gardeners, fi sh- interpreters have arisen, and have prompted ermen, clerks, ladies and gentlemen, bakers, a re-evaluation of the existing costume stock musicians, a Recollet priest, merchants, and and methods of production. The perishable children, along with specifi c roles used for nature of clothing necessitates its constant special events. re-evaluation and replacement. Both the docu- As a result of the introduction of legislation umentation and the production techniques such as the Canadian Human Rights Act, the require examination. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, An accurately presented costume program and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, as is based on sound research. The major sources well as demographic changes in Canada, of information include written primary and Parks Canada developed its own guidelines secondary sources, period illustrations and concerning the principles of employment paintings, as well as original garments. The equity. In consideration of the above, gender production of costume requires decisions and race are no longer used as occupational relating to available knowledge of appear- requirements when hiring costumed person- ance and construction of 18th century cos- nel. Duties are assigned on the basis of required skills and abilities.

Strategic Actions • Parks Canada is committed to the accurate and sensitive portrayal of all peoples who through their various contributions, helped shape the Site’s history. • Research will continue to support animation programs reﬂ ecting the accuracy of period settings, historical objects, appropriate activities and demographics. IMAGE 44. Selling bread in the street 44 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication H. Costume Collection

tume and the context of its use. Costumes can for visitors to handle and perhaps even to fall into three categories: try on. Adaptations could also have a place. • stitch-for-stitch replicas of original These costumes or their patterns, modifi ed garments, for home sewers, could be sold in the gift • reproductions based on period con- shop or elsewhere. This suggests a sort of struction techniques that include some hierarchy of period costumes: compromises, • adaptations could be sold and marketed • adaptations, which are essentially modern • reproductions could be worn by anima- garments inspired by eighteenth-century tion staff, and design. • replicas could be used in displays or for demonstrations. Historic adaptations are inappropriate in the reconstructed townsite. Financial limitations Strategic Actions largely dictate the choice between replicas Period reproduction costume is a popular and and reproductions. Replicas are an expensive effective interpretive element. Louisbourg’s undertaking, particularly given the large and reputation for accurate costumes will be constantly changing nature of Louisbourg’s maintained by: seasonal staff. As a result, compromises are • Continuing to research eighteenth-century made to strike a balance between operational dress in order to: demands and accurate, durable costumes. a) produce accurate standard patterns and period construction information, b) develop Louisbourg-specifi c information so that the complexity and diverse cultures of Louisbourg society can be presented, c) create an information base that will be of use to interpretive specialists and others in the fi eld. • Encouraging the training of additional seamstresses as well as continuing to develop the skills of current period cloth- IMAGE 45. Curator of textiles in the costume department ing fabricators in order to meet the grow- The translation of documentation or mate- ing demand for high quality reproduction rial evidence into a wearable document, is in costumes. effect a form of applied research. Prototype • Expanding the role of period costume garments are used to set the standards for beyond its visual function so that it is future garments. Ideally, construction tech- seen as an interpretive tool in the presen- niques should deviate as little as possible tation and discussion of daily life in the from original garments in terms of materials, eighteenth century. This will be carried out cut and construction. The signifi cance of docu- through the completion of the interpretive umentation becomes evident as changes are plan for the Site. made to the prototype garments. Change is inevitable as additional costume research is I. Library and Archives completed, or as changes occur in the anima- Since 1961, staff at Fortress of Louisbourg tion program. have collected or produced information in Costumes need also to be examined in order to meet their operational needs for the broader context of interpretive planning, protection and presentation. Over the last as they can serve different presentation pur- 35 years, these two collections have grown poses. For example, costume replicas could considerably whereby today there are many be made for display, which would permit dis- thousands of records, cards and documents, cussion of a variety of costumes not generally books including rare 18th century published seen on site. Replicas could also be created books, drawings and photographs, mono- Fortress of Louisbourg 45 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

graphs and serials, and reproduced micro- holdings in other buildings. For the archival fi lmed manuscript material dealing with the holdings, proper storage environments and 18th century. The acquisition has led to security systems do not exist. Further, no the need for custodial and managerial serv- archives or library conservation plans exist, ices to protect and maintain the collections, nor disaster plans, nor access and use proce- and make them available for use of Site staff dures for staff and visitors. and others. Computerization and imaging are becom- The two collections hold distinctly differ- ing increasingly important because they are ent types of materials. The library contains improving the effi ciency with which the secondary published materials such as books records can be accessed and used by staff and periodicals. The archives hold a vast and others. It is important that a business-like range of primary unpublished documenta- approach be taken when considering infor- tion and records relating to the operation and mation technology investments designed development of Fortress of Louisbourg since to improve program and service delivery. 1961. Both collections hold their information Revenue generation, partnerships and shared in a variety of formats: paper, micro-form, computerized open systems need to be con- photo, audio-visual and computer. sidered as part of this approach. In the last several years, computerization including imaging of materials has moved Strategic Actions forward relatively quickly. As a result, the • Parks Canada will secure, protect and difference between the library and archival make more available archival, library materials from a storage, retrieval and mate- and in-house museum-type materials for rials viewpoint has become less distinct. staff and public use. Storage will be by More importantly, computerization is accel- media type protected by proper environ- erating cross-referencing between the two mental and security control that best suits collections resulting in a greater interde- each particular format. Options are being pendency from a research and information explored to address the above needs for perspective. Finding aids, bibliographic the library and archives. cross-references, indexes, etc., are the • For the archival collection, an archives common links driving research projects. This management or conservation plan will has reinforced the view that there are two dis- be included in the Cultural Resource tinct but closely linked collections, hence the Conservation Plan and will include ele- name given to both as the Historic Records ments such as a disaster plan, access and Collection. use procedures, environmental standards, The holdings of the library are accessible etc. A fi nal decision on the storage facility to all staff through a Departmental-wide com- for the collections will have an impact on puter system. Yet to date, it is primarily Site the timing of completing this information. staff who use the library and the archives • The computerization and imaging of the collections for research and operational collections will proceed using proven tech- needs. Parks Canada has not generally pro- nology as resources permit. moted the use of the collections to the public • Site staff will encourage the public to and specifi cally, researchers from other agen- access the library and archival collections. cies and institutions. There is perceived to Genealogy, historical data and images are a be a general unawareness of the substantial few of the topics that would be of interest range of unpublished research materials in to the visitor. the collection. • Parks Canada will explore partnership The library and archives collections have arrangements with such institutions and reached near full storage capacity in their cur- groups as the University College of Cape rent locations. The holdings are housed in Breton and the Fortress of Louisbourg two main locations, the library building in the Volunteers to exploit the informational compound and the basement of the adminis- value of the collections. tration building; however, there are smaller 46 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication I. Library and Archives

• Site staff will pursue placing Fortress of were planned as special interpretive enhance- Louisbourg on the information highway. ments rather than as revenue generators. All User fees are quite acceptable on the net- events were based on appropriate period work. Cost recovery and revenue genera- activities and entertainment. The Fortress of tion will guide efforts in this area. Louisbourg Volunteers Association were the • The three most important policies that will offi cial sponsor for these events. Over the guide Site staff in managing, conserving years Fortress-initiated special events have and using the library and archive collec- been reduced to the ones offered during regu- tions are the Management of Information lar visiting hours because of the expense. The Holdings, the Management of Information Volunteers, however, still respond to requests Technology, and the General Records from groups for after-hours meals, with a Disposal Schedule. mini-tour or entertainment. There is a continuing interest in the J. Special Events provision of special events at the Fortress, but Since the beginning of the reconstruction due to fi nancial constraints, Fortress staff are project, Parks Canada has offered a variety of no longer in a position to carry any direct special events at the Site, most of them after costs associated with evening events. Any regular visitor hours. These programs have future involvement by Fortress staff must be offered opportunities to contribute directly to at least cost-recoverable or, more desirably, public appreciation of the messages and herit- revenue-generating. age resources of the Site. Past offerings have Given the popularity of evening events, included candlelight tours, dinner concerts, the revenue-generating potential of making baroque dance evening with period buffet, the Site available for public and private use Musique Royale concerts of period music, after normal operating hours needs to be tours with meals and entertainment, period explored. Parks Canada’s preference will be cabarets, and historical encampments. to host period events, but the use of facilities for modern events will be entertained. There are policies that provide general direction for special events. Within their scope, the reconstructed townsite and fortifi - cations can provide a very special atmosphere with innumerable opportunities for events which can increase an appreciation for and understanding of the past. The research base and the reconstructed townsite allow Parks Canada to provide unique, entertaining and educational experiences. At the same time, however, it is not necessary to be as restrictive in the approach to evening events as in the daytime animation program. IMAGE 46. Costume parade

Events have also included tours on themes Strategic Actions such as gardens, cooking, archaeology, and • Parks Canada will work with others to fortiﬁ cations. In addition there have been spe- develop a variety of appropriate packages cial events associated with the Feast of St. to respond to requests for after-hours Louis, Parks Day, Environment Week and events. These events packages should pro- Heritage Day. Off-site, Louisbourg staff have vide experiences which enhance public held and contributed to events such as fash- appreciation of the messages of the Site, ion shows, musical entertainment and mili- and which are accurate, imaginative, and tary displays. will recover costs or generate revenue. In the past outside agencies funded • Requests for the use of facilities that have many Fortress-initiated events. These events nil or minimal resource/staff impact, but Fortress of Louisbourg 47 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

may provide promotional opportunities, to pursue discussions with community rep- will be entertained on an individual basis. resentatives to determine the most effective Uses which have greater impacts will be ways to reopen communication on common viewed on a cost-recoverable or revenue- issues and areas of mutual interest. generating basis. • Fortress staff will work with others to Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers: Since explore ways to offer special events to the its beginnings in 1975, the Fortress of general public on an occasional basis. Louisbourg Volunteers, a registered non- profi t society, has helped the Site achieve K. Partnerships a number of interpretive objectives. The Fortress of Louisbourg staff have a proud Volunteers have contributed to costumed history of involving others in the operation animation, particularly the children’s pro- of the Site. Among the many partners gram, the 18th century drum corps, and the are the Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers, militia. They have sponsored numerous spe- the Louisbourg Institute, and the Unama’ki cial events, the most notable of which are the Committee. In addition, various arrange- 18th century fashion shows. ments have been in place to allow staff to Members of the Volunteers have provided discuss a number of common interests and fi nancial support for research projects and the possible partnerships with the community of development of new products such as high Louisbourg. quality reproductions and souvenirs. They have assisted in the publication of books and Community of Louisbourg: Since the recon- articles, including the Fortress of Louisbourg struction of the Fortress began, the residents guide book. They operate three period food of Louisbourg, various community organiza- service outlets, the military bakery, and two tions and the municipal government have gift shops. The Volunteers provide employ- played a very important role in the evolution ment for approximately 90 people. of the site. Over the years, the staff at Fortress Members of the Volunteers bring their of Louisbourg and community offi cials and particular skills and interests to a number residents have participated on a variety of of projects including evening events, fi lms, formal and informal committees and agencies involvement in Elder Hostel programs, to discuss common interests. Many of these archaeological excavations, collections main- have been successful in providing a forum tenance, and Heritage Day. There are over to air concerns and arrive at satisfactory solu- 1,100 registered members of the Volunteer tions. Fortress employees have been involved Association. Volunteers contributed over with the Tourism, Planning, Recreation and 12,000 hours of labour in 1997. Harbour Committees and have a history of cooperation with Louisbourg’s heritage socie- Louisbourg Institute: The Louisbourg ties, the Volunteer Fire Department and other Institute is a University College of Cape community groups to organize local events, Breton (UCCB) institute formed in April undertake joint training and make improve- 1995, in partnership with the Fortress of ments for the whole community. Louisbourg. The Institute works on mutually The establishment of the Regional benefi cial projects that utilize the strengths Municipality of Cape Breton has had a sub- and resources of both organizations. Among stantial impact on these cooperative arrange- the Institute achievements has been the pub- ments, e.g. the Louisbourg District Planning lication of a book, Aspects of Louisbourg. and Development Commission no longer It sponsored the 1995 Irish Cultural exists. Site staff recognize that there is a need Symposium, and planned, implemented and to continue discussion with the community published the proceedings of the 1995 on various topics such as marketing, pro- “Cape Breton in Transition” Conference. vision of services, sharing information and The Institute has also been involved with operational matters, to ensure potential part- staff in planning and developing a course nerships are not missed. Staff are prepared outline for a Certifi cate Program in Heritage 48 3.4 Heritage Presentation and Communication K. Partnerships

Presentation and Conservation. In 1996/97 • complement products and services already there were an estimated 1,000 hours volun- offered; teered to the work of the Institute. • be cost-effective; The Institute has also developed a large • be based on formal agreements that web page on the Internet which includes clearly identify the responsibilities of all Parks Canada information, aimed at publiciz- parties involved, including monitoring ing Fortress Louisbourg, providing a major procedures. data base of historical data, and bringing together Cape Breton heritage sites. Strategic Actions • Site staff will initiate discussions with The Unama’ki Committee: Established in Louisbourg community representatives to 1994, the Unama’ki Committee is a working identify effective arrangements for infor- example of one way in which Parks Canada mation sharing and discussing areas of staff can work with Aboriginal people to common interest. achieve common goals. The guiding principle • Site staff will continue to work with the is that if Fortress staff are going to interpret Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers, the Aboriginal history, the best way to do it is in Louisbourg Institute, and the Unama’ki partnership with Aboriginal people. The fi rst Committee in the provision and enhance- project undertaken was the Mi’kmaq Trail, ment of programs and services. near the visitor centre, which interprets differ- • In addition, Site staff will encourage other ent aspects of Mi’kmaq history and culture. potential partnerships with a variety of The Committee has made all decisions on the individuals and groups, including the pri- content of the Trail, and has selected Mi’kmaq vate sector, to enhance commemorative interpreters to work on it. The Committee integrity and visitor opportunities within has also contributed to interpretive efforts and beyond the reconstructed townsite. at the Bell Museum at Baddeck, and at the This approach will help to ensure com- Battery Provincial Park (adjacent to St. Peters munity support and long-term stability. Canal.) There is no formal document or proto- col establishing the Unama’ki Committee. It L. Marketing Strategy exists as an alliance of shared interests and Since 1988-89, Parks Canada has been car- objectives, and is treated by both sides as a rying out a marketing program for the full and equal partnership. national park and national historic sites in the Cape Breton District: Cape Breton Highlands, Guidelines: Parks Canada will encourage Fortress of Louisbourg, Alexander Graham and foster a wide range of cooperative Bell, Marconi, St. Peters Canal, and Grassy arrangements. Government agencies, interest Island. groups, associations, adjacent landowners Research revealed that while the parks and educational institutions can make funda- and sites are the primary attractions of Cape mental contributions to the Site. The private Breton’s tourism industry, awareness of the sector can play an important role by estab- scope and scale of the services and heritage lishing and maintaining supportive and com- experiences was low among visitors and patible business enterprises, contributing to regional residents. This condition was prin- both the Site’s commemorative integrity and cipally attributed to the means which Parks its visitor services. Canada was using to communicate with its Involving others will be based on the current and potential users. guidelines for implementing shared manage- A marketing strategy was prepared with ment at national historic sites, a direction emphasis on improved communication activi- refl ected in Parks Canada’s Business plan and ities. It was concluded that an increase in operational policies. Partnerships will: visitation was possible if selected segments, • not adversely impact the commemorative particularly residents of New England, the integrity of the Site; mid-Atlantic states and central Canada were • add value or a benefi t; targeted throughout their trip cycle. It was Fortress of Louisbourg 49 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

also concluded that park use patterns, children, families, seniors, bus tours, lengths of stay, and appreciation and support educational groups and special interest for Parks Canada programming could be groups; enhanced through improved communication • more emphasis on the travel trade activities. industry and travel media, and the tourism The marketing concept has positioned the industry; park and sites as a single touring attraction, • enhancement of revenue generation and encouraging visitors to experience all their fee opportunities; diversity. Initial activities primarily focussed • new opportunities to exploit the cross- on reaching residents and visitors within marketing potential between traditional Atlantic Canada. Partnerships with Enterprise Parks Canada products with Cape Breton’s Cape Breton Corporation (ecbc) and the culture and heritage; province of Nova Scotia were subsequently • a need to promote the mandate of initiated to reach longer-range markets. Parks Canada and Site-specifi c heritage The promotional program has been messages through enhancing awareness anchored by a lure brochure, a Vacation and understanding of commemorative Planner, and a series of advertisements in and ecological integrity, and public regional magazines and newspapers. The stewardship responsibilities; Vacation Planner is a vital component of Cape • monitoring of market trends and visitor Breton Island marketing activities. needs and expectations, particularly in the A number of activities have been areas of heritage learning experiences and undertaken with ecbc including the sustainable tourism. production of posters, business reply cards for the Nova Scotia Travel Guide, shared An update of Parks Canada’s Cape Breton advertisements for major publications, and Island Marketing Plan has recently been com- research and evaluation studies. ecbc and pleted. It will provide marketing direction for the Fortress cooperate on a regular basis for several years. the organization of media tours, tourism and trade fairs, and special events. Since 1993, a more strategic approach has been taken with greater emphasis placed on pre-trip information distribution, on key entry points and tourism information centres. Parks Canada has an arrangement with Tourism Cape Breton for the distribution of materials, although the bulk of Vacation Planners are distributed through a 1-800 number. In addition, a greater emphasis has also been placed on targeting the travel media IMAGE 47. The visitor centre sector, particularly in the United States. A number of factors will continue to infl u- 3.5 VISITOR SERVICES AND ACCESS ence the direction of the marketing strategy A. Services in the Reconstructed Townsite including: Parks Canada provides, either directly or • enhanced cooperation with Parks Canada through others, a wide range of services. marketing staff throughout Atlantic Most of these have been referenced in previ- Canada; ous sections. Approximately 130,000 visitors • primary markets include those from Nova per year come to the reconstructed townsite Scotia, Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and stay for an average of four hours each. the northeastern United States, and to The visitor reception centre links services a lesser extent Europe and Asia. Within to the reconstructed townsite, and provides these markets, there are specifi c segments exhibits, washrooms, telephones, local that include couples travelling without information, a gift shop, and a reservation 50 3.5 Visitor Services and Access A. Services in the Reconstructed Townsite

Service planning efforts to date have identifi ed additional services based on visitor needs. These include bus loop facilities, a ferry service from the modern community of Louisbourg to the Frederick Gate, picnic areas, expanded washrooms, access to the exterior of the fortifi cations, concessions, and various opportunities for increased interpretation. The public have indicated that an expansion of services within the reconstructed townsite would be welcomed such as accom- IMAGE 48. Transit buses waiting for visitors at the visitor centre modations in reconstructed buildings, cos- system for tours and group visits. An tume rentals and craft outlets. A suggestion elevator provides improved access for visitors that modern food be available has already using wheelchairs. Bus transportation is been acted upon. provided to visitors from the visitor centre In the past few years the Fortress has to the reconstructed townsite. (The service become increasingly popular as a “set” for is included in the entrance fee.) The transit fi lms. Film projects can have a major impact buses are equipped with lifts for transporting on staff time, resources and visitor experi- visitors who use wheelchairs. ence, yet they have major revenue potential, There is an interpretive walking trail not only for the Fortress but also for the local through the ruins to Rochefort Point, starting communities. at the edge of the reconstructed townsite. There are self-guiding pamphlets at the Strategic Actions trailhead. • Fortress staff, in consultation with the local Plans are progressing for the provision of community, the Fortress of Louisbourg a day camp program, food services have been Volunteers, and the private sector, will expanded in recent years, and closed cap- actively explore areas of appropriate com- tioning is now available for audio-visual pro- mercial development within the recon- grams in the theme lounges. structed townsite. There are important considerations: a) new services and activities will enhance, or at least not detract from, the visitor experience and understanding of 18th century life; b) commemorative integrity is paramount; c) current policies and regulations for commercial development will be met; d) environmental assessments are required and are the proponent’s responsibility; IMAGE 49. Dining out “À L’Epée Royale” e) standards for new and enhanced serv- Accessibility to and within the recon- ices are the responsibility of Site staff; structed townsite continues to be an impor- f) evaluation of these services will be tant issue, particularly in light of the undertaken to assess their success. increasing number of visits by senior citizens. • The Access Plan for the Fortress will be Efforts have been made to address this completed and implementation will take issue, and an Access Plan has resulted in advantage of opportunities through the improved services for visitors with disabil- ongoing recapitalization program. ities. The main problem remaining is the • The transportation routing system and number of vehicles requiring parking behind availability of on-site parking will be thor- the museum building, particularly vehicles of oughly reviewed to determine the most visitors with limited mobility. effective service. Fortress of Louisbourg 51 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

• The use of services and facilities outside of normal operating hours and the present operating season will be explored with others. • Parks Canada will seek a commitment to the on-going operation and possible expansion of the successful children’s interpretive centre.

B. Services in Other Areas of the Site Although Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada encompasses a land base of 6,000 hectares, the emphasis has been placed on services and interpretation IMAGE 51. Winter activity - cross-country skiing programs within the reconstructed townsite since major development began in 1961. Most fi culty, but range mainly from novice to inter- fi nancial resources have been allocated to mediate levels. support and recreate the “moment in time” Service planning efforts at the Site have approach for which the Site is best known. identifi ed a number of potential opportunities for service improvements based on visitor needs and expectations. These include improved facilities at Kennington Cove, more natural history interpretation, development of ocean look-offs and viewpoints, enhanced interpretation of the Marconi site and the Royal Battery, development of interpretive trails, and trailhead facilities for hiking, cross- country skiing and mountain biking. Site staff wish to enhance and enrich the visitor experience and encourage visitors IMAGE 50. Picnicking at Kennington Cove to stay longer. This can be accomplished Traditional use of other areas led to the by diversifying attractions and opportunities development of some services, such as at throughout the Site. Nevertheless, Parks Lighthouse Point, Kennelly’s Point, the Royal Canada is no longer in a position to increase Battery, Marconi picnic site, and Kennington facilities or to assume ongoing costs associ- Cove (map 6). These areas are all of historic ated with new or enhanced facilities. In the interest, but the main focus has generally current operational environment, improving been on recreational pursuits. All of these services through partnerships and coopera- sites have some basic services, and most tion with others, must be viewed as the pri- have interpretive signs. Lifeguard services are mary course of action. available at Kennington Cove during July and Some improvements are actively being August. There are interpretive trails at the considered in partnership with others such Royal Battery, as well as the Mi’kmaq trail as the Kennington Cove day use area. Yet near the visitor reception centre. Picnic tables there are other issues that will have an impact are located at various locations. Angling is on future services for visitors, e.g., the devel- popular at a number of the lakes and streams. opment of the Fleur-de-lis Trail. Additional During the winter months, the Kennington and/or improved services require properly Cove Road and a segment of the old French maintained access. Present National Historic Road, starting from the water tower, are Park regulations are inadequate to allow groomed and maintained as cross-country ski for proper protection of resources, and trails. There are other trails, but they are not the management and control of certain activ- groomed. The trails vary in degree of dif- ities. For example, angling is prohibited 52 3.5 Visitor Services and Access B. Services in Other Areas of the Site

under present regulations and National Park which provide access and circulation for visi- Business Regulations do not apply. tors. Work is also under way for the tourist highway, the Fleur-de-lis Trail, part of which Strategic Actions will pass through Fortress of Louisbourg • Staff will actively seek the involvement National Historic Site of Canada. Some of the of the community, non-profi t groups, the roads follow historic alignments. The follow- Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers, and the ing sections discuss and provide direction for private sector in the planning, provision the management of these roads. or enhancement of services and the interpretation of natural and cultural history in i) Fleur-de-lis Trail areas of the Site outside the reconstructed In 1994, a federal-provincial government townsite. New and improved services will announcement was made of plans to com- be actively explored and marketed. The plete the Trail from St. Peters to the modern considerations identifi ed in Section 3.5.a town of Louisbourg including that section will apply. that will link Gabarus to Louisbourg through • Parks Canada will strive to maintain or the National Historic Site. About 100 kilo- enhance the present level of service in metres of road in total will be constructed areas outside the reconstructed townsite or upgraded. Approximately 15 kilometres of as fi nancial resources permit. Continued new road will be required through the Site. maintenance and possible enhancement of The Fleur-de-lis Trail is part of a system services may be based on user fees for such of tourist auto travelways in the province. facilities and services as beaches, parking, They are used extensively for promotion and and cross country skiing. marketing purposes in provincial tourism lit- • Currently, there are policies and regula- erature. The extension of the Trail has been tions in place that affect commercial devel- sought so that a circular route would be opment at national historic sites. However, available to tourists either heading to or adequate regulations to control certain leaving the Sydney/ Louisbourg area and activities and allow for revenue collection eastern Cape Breton Island. The completion under business licences are required. A will place Fortress of Louisbourg on one of review of the National Park Regulations the main provincial travelways rather than will be encouraged for possible application at the end of Highway #22. It is generally and amended for use in National Historic accepted that the completion will have a posi- Sites, as applicable. tive impact on the number of visitors to the local area and the local economy. For many years Parks Canada has given conditional support to the completion of the section of road that will run through the Site. Support has been contingent on all costs, both capital and maintenance, being the responsibility of the province or some other agency, Parks Canada having approval over the fi nal alignment, and an environmental assessment of the proposed route being carried out. As well, the proposed route must not impair the commemorative integrity of the National IMAGE 52. Service road with view toward the harbour Historic Site. This is of paramount impor- and reconstructed townsite tance in selecting route options and the fi nal C. Visitor Access and Circulation alignment. In addition to the numerous roads which Most of Fortress of Louisbourg National existed historically at Louisbourg, associated Historic Site of Canada has been proclaimed with the 18th century community and the two under the National Parks Act for administra- sieges, there are a number of modern roads tive purposes. The construction of the Trail Fortress of Louisbourg 52A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Peters Lake

Morrison Lake Stewart Lake

60 To 90 Sydney

90 SITE BOUNDARY welve Mile Lake Mathieson Kelly Lake T 75 Lake 75 75 Sixmil e Br SITE BOUNDARY ook Old French Road (Trail) 75 Fr esh wa ter C ov Cavanagh Gerr 90 e att Bro B Lake 75 ok 22 ro o 75 k

75 45 K Town of 30 60 en n 45 in g Louisbourg 30 t d 5 o a 1 n o

R C o

v ice e v er 30

B S Mi’kmaq 75

Deep Cove Spectacle Lakes r

o ark Interpretive o P k Trail Mineral Reserve Area Munroe 60 Lake Administration and Eagle Head Maintenance Compound Visitor Centre r u 0 bo 3 ar 30 H Site Boundary Royal Battery oute 22 5 R Lighthouse Rd. 15 1 Interpretive Trail 30

45 rg u Gun Landing Marconi Day Use Area o Cove Hammer b Lorraine Head is Head u Kennelly’s Day Use Area Lighthouse o Point Gabarus Bay L Battery Island 30 15 Rochefort Rocky Island Kennington Cove Road Point Reconstructed MAP 6 Kennington Cove Rochefort Point Green Island Townsite Interpretive Trail Kennington FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG Rocks NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA Kennington Cove 15 Blackrock Point Day Use Areas Simon Point Visitor Facilities and Activities North White Point Paved Road Interpretive Signs Gravel Road Washrooms

Walking Trail Picnic Tables

Interpretive Trail Swimming ATLANTIC OCEAN Parking Lifeguard Services Shuttle Bus

0 0.5 1 2 km

Fortress of Louisbourg 53 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

number of visitors for Site services such as the bus transit service.

ii) Kennington Cove Road The Kennington Cove Road is a section of the former Gabarus-Louisbourg road. This dirt/ gravel road is approximately six kilometres long. It provides vehicular access to a number of day-use areas and facilities, such as the beaches and picnic areas at Kennington Cove. The road is closed to vehicular traffi c in the off-season to ensure that the Site’s wintering concentration area for white-tailed deer is not IMAGE 53. Kennington Cove day use area disturbed by vehicular traffi c. The closure would be permissible through the Site under allows for the quiet enjoyment by hikers of Section II of the Act. the heritage resources in the area. In winter A proposed alignment has been identifi ed the road is used as a cross-country ski trail. and an environmental assessment of cultural The Kennington Cove Road is not main- and natural resources is complete (map 7). tained adequately for the current level of Construction of the road through the Site will vehicular use. Improving the road will lead be based on a federal-provincial agreement to higher costs and potential confl icts with that will transfer the land for the road cor- the protection of archaeological resources. ridor to the province and set the conditions Much of the roadway runs through archaeo- for transfer. logically sensitive areas containing 18th cen- The Trail will have direct implications for tury resources (Level I). Some sections of the other roads within the Site, particularly access roadbed were constructed during the second to Kennington Cove, a popular day use area siege of Louisbourg. for many visitors. The Trail will provide an The construction of the Fleur-de-lis Trail opportunity to consider a new public vehicu- will provide an opportunity to build a new lar access to the Cove instead of along the road to Kennington Cove. This will substan- narrow gravel road past the reconstructed tially improve access and further ensure the Fortress. integrity of Level I cultural resources along the present Kennington Cove road. Strategic Actions • Parks Canada will complete an agreement Service Road with the province to transfer the lands This road, off the Kennington Cove Road, within the approved right-of-way. provides a service entrance to the recon- • A review of all roads within the Site will be structed townsite. In addition to service vehi- carried out to assess their future need and cles, it is used by the vehicles of visitors with how they will inter-relate with the Fleur- disabilities, and, in severe weather, by buses. de-lis Trail in terms of access and use. Access is controlled by a gate where this • Visitor access to Kennington Cove will road branches off from the Kennington Cove be from the Fleur-de-lis Trail. This will Road. The gate helps to control traffi c, to pro- require a new entrance road leading to the tect heritage resources, including a Level I day-use area. Once this entrance road is cultural landscape, and to minimize mainte- complete, the current access road will be nance costs. closed to visitor vehicular traffi c. However, it will remain open for walking/hiking in Strategic Actions the summer and cross-country skiing in • The Kennington Cove Road will be closed the winter. year-round to public vehicular use when • A study will be undertaken to assess the the new access road from the Fleur-de-lis implications of potential increases in the Trail to Kennington Cove is opened. 54 3.5 Visitor Services and Access C. Visitor Access and Circulation

• The Kennington Cove Road will continue maintaining the road. Site staff will involve to be available for hiking and cross-coun- the public in any proposed changes try skiing when the new access road is regarding winter access and maintenance developed. levels. • The gate on the service road to the back entrance of the reconstructed townsite will iv) Route 22 remain in place. Its operation will continue The French developed trails around the har- to be monitored. The public will be noti- bour after Louisbourg was founded in 1713, fi ed of any changes. and then constructed the Chemin du Nord in the 1730s to connect the Fortress to the Royal iii) Lighthouse Road Battery as well as to fi shing and commercial The Lighthouse Road is a gravel road approx- establishments along the shore. The road also imately 1.6 kilometres long that provides extended to the outlying communities of Petit access to Lighthouse Point. The road ends at Laurembec and Baleine. The completion of a parking lot adjacent to the most recent light- the road in 1734 made it one of the fi rst roads house at the Point, and the ruins of the fi rst in Nova Scotia. The road has been part of lighthouse in Canada - a National Historic the cultural landscape here ever since. Today, Site. The Point is also the site of siege and most sections of the former route 22 are on artillery batteries associated with the 1745 the same alignment and roadbed as that of and 1758 sieges. the 1730s. The road has thus seen continuous Lighthouse Road also provides access to use and maintenance for over two and one- Careening Cove, where the French serviced half centuries (map 8). the hulls of ships in the 18th century, to The modern section of route 22 within the Kennelly’s picnic area, and to informal trails Site’s boundaries, was constructed in 1936 past the Point. Given the historic use of the and paved in 1958. In places, the surface has Point, there are both Level 1 and 2 cultural deteriorated substantially. The road is also resources adjacent to and within sections of too narrow to permit the Site’s transit buses the roadbed. to pass each other without travelling on the The road is generally of a poor standard, narrow gravel shoulder. Parks Canada has but it receives considerable use by local res- undertaken an evaluation of route 22 and idents who wish to observe sea conditions determined that upgrading is required from and marine traffi c. There is also the potential the Site boundary through the bus loop near for additional traffi c based on possible future the reconstructed townsite. Environmental facilities and services such as the develop- assessments have been or will be carried ment of a coastal interpretive trail. Road out to ensure archaeological resources are design, safety concerns, maintenance levels protected. and winter use all require attention. The gate on former route 22, now located at the Stella Maris cemetery, is used only Strategic Actions: when the transit buses are operating from • Action will be taken to mitigate the public June to September. The condition of the road safety hazard caused by the rock face near is a factor in this decision. When the safety the start of the road. considerations associated with the road are • Future traffi c volumes will be projected, addressed, the gate at the Stella Maris cem- and a study conducted to identify the etery will be removed. improvements required to meet a design standard consistent with the projections. Strategic Actions The study will include consideration of • The portion of route 22, leading from impacts on Level 1 and 2 cultural resources the Site boundary to the Fortress, will be and the steps needed to mitigate impacts. upgraded when resources permit. • Site staff will assess the continuing need • The alignment of the rebuilt road will for winter maintenance of the road, take into account the archaeological and the most cost-effective means of investigations of the corridor, and any Fortress of Louisbourg 54A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan Gravel Road Gravel Trail

o 2 km Br ile m x i

S Cove Gun Landing 22 To 1 Sydney

Fleur-de-lis Trail Fleur-de-lis Road Paved Site Boundary Site

FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG FORTRESS HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA NATIONAL MAP 7 Proposed Trail Fleur-de-lis 00.5

r Lighthouse Rd.

Town of Town r

Louisbourg a

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B Visitor Centre

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Mineral Reserve Area Mineral Reserve Site Boundary Site

e k a L

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Fortress of Louisbourg 55 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

construction activity in the corridor will be shall be of mutual consent by both parties closely monitored. and subject to such controls as are agreed to be necessary, 3.6 LANDBASE iii) the province agrees to ensure all possible A. Site Boundaries and Mineral Reserve Area care is taken by persons exploring for or Throughout the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, a extracting minerals so that there is mini- number of federal and provincial orders-in- mum damage to the natural attractions in council were issued identifying the lands the National Historic Site. comprising the National Historic Site. These refl ected a growing land base under the In addition, there are now two pieces administration of Parks Canada. The most of legislation that bear on any future recent federal order-in-council occurred in mining activity: An Act Respecting Mineral 1976 and identifi es the current legal descrip- Resources (amended 1992) that governs tion of the Site and conditions of transfer. mining activity in Nova Scotia, and the Two years later the lands were set aside as Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. a National Historic Park under the National Furthermore, Parks Canada’s Cultural Historic Parks Order of the National Parks Resource Management policy would guide Act, Chapter 1112. The derivation of the cur- any response to mining activity in the reserve. rent boundaries stems from the 1960s when Mineral claims extend back decades indi- the last major expansion occurred. Factors at cating interest in mineral exploration and play at the time included the known and extraction before the current boundaries were potential location of 18th century archaeologi- established. During the 1960s and 1970s, cal resources, documentation on 18th century exploration activity took place but in the last occupation and military activity, protection ten to fi fteen years, no known activity in the of watersheds and the Town’s water supply reserve has occurred. The lack of activity is source, and the location of the Old French a refl ection of any number of factors. What Road. can be stated is that after decades of explo- The province acquired and transferred all ration, no mining extraction proposals have lands to the federal crown within what are surfaced. The potential for doing so, however, identifi ed as Lots 1, 2 and 3. However, the is always present. province retained the administration and con- Parks Canada’s foremost objective is to trol of the mineral rights in Lot 3 and a right ensure the commemorative integrity of the of access across Lot 1 to Lot 3. Lot 3 was Site. Parks Canada is also to demonstrate never proclaimed and thus is exempted from environmental stewardship of the natural the legal description of the National Historic resources it administers by placing emphasis Park. As a result, Lot 3, which comprises an on the protection of those resources that can area of about 1000 hectares, is a federal crown contribute to ecological integrity. Any evalua- land enclave within the boundaries of the tion of the current boundaries including the Site. The order-in-council specifi cally identi- mineral reserve area needs to be undertaken fi es the province has retained the administra- within this context. Several considerations are tion and control of the mineral rights, not the relevant: subsurface rights, that would be inclusive of • completion of the inventory and below-ground cultural resources. evaluation of cultural resources and There are three conditions identifi ed in landscapes throughout the Site; the order-in-council for the transfer of lands • completion of the biophysical inventory to within Lot 3 (wording is paraphrased); identify resources of special signifi cance and their contribution to the integrity of i) the province agrees that no smelter or the broader ecosystem; refi nery shall be constructed within the • completion of an assessment of the fi nal National Historic Site, alignment of the Fleur-de-lis Trail on ii) the province agrees that any milling and visitor accessibility and current roads. The concentrating plant erected within the Site environmental assessment required for the 56 3.6 Landbase A. Site Boundaries and Mineral Reserve Area

corridor alignment is contributing to the Strategic Actions identiﬁ cation and evaluation of cultural • The current boundaries, including those and natural resources within this deﬁ ned for Lot 3, will be maintained until such area; time as a comprehensive evaluation is • consultation with local and regional completed. The evaluation will provide representatives including the community direction for possible boundary adjust- of Louisbourg; ments in future. • the recognition that Fortress Louisbourg is part of a larger ecosystem and may well be part of larger cultural landscapes. Information will be required on the adjacent environment and landscapes and their management practices; • the Site’s business plan will provide the framework for the evaluation, particularly in the context of costs versus revenues. Fortress of Louisbourg 56A National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

MAP 8

Louisbourg was connected to the surrounding FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG communities by a system of roads. The 18th- NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA century roadbeds were used by later settlers 1738 - French and they still form the basis of many routes (such as Main Street in modern Louisbourg). System of Roads

Fortress of Louisbourg 57 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

4.0 Site Administration and Operations

4.1 PUBLIC SAFETY roads, swimming at Kennington Cove, diving Public safety at Fortress of Louisbourg in the harbour, cross-country skiing, and fi sh- presents many challenges. The priority is ing in the lakes and streams. on accident prevention and quick response The Site’s facilities are monitored regularly to environmental and emergency situations. to ensure that activities are carried out as Parks Canada has a policy that emphasizes safely as possible. Patrols are undertaken that both Site staff and the visitor have a role throughout the Site. Various emergency plans to play in ensuring safety. To support this, are in place to deal with problems that may all current and new programs and activities occur. Visitors are made aware of risks and undergo a risk assessment and are included hazards through information brochures, signs in a public safety plan. and personal contact with staff. Training of First there is the reconstructed townsite, staff is an integral part of planning and deliv- where 18th century accuracy and design have ering public safety programs. The Warden created some risks for visitors, including Service is trained to handle many situations high unprotected walls and ramparts, uneven and a number of arrangements are in place steps and stairs, narrow, dimly lit stairwells for additional assistance with the Royal and halls. All contribute immensely to the Canadian Mounted Police, the Coast Guard, 18th century atmosphere, but create risks for Emergency Measures Organization, etc. visitors. Structural fi re within the reconstructed Strategic Actions townsite is a concern for the risk it poses to • Public safety programs, including training, visitors and the buildings. Building materials signs and other forms of safety informa- vary from stone to wood so hazard condition, will be maintained and developed so tions vary as a result. The close proximity of that visitors are aware of and informed buildings to each other, and the direction of about risks. The focus will be on accident the prevailing winds are contributing factors prevention and programming, and emer- increasing the risk as are the adequacy of fi re gency and environmental planning. protection and suppression measures. • Visitors will be encouraged to learn about Second, there is the remainder of the the risks inherent in the activities in which National Historic Site, covering some 6,000 they participate so that they will become hectares. Here, the variety of activities, the more self-reliant and assume some respon- ruggedness of the terrain and coastline, the sibility for their safety. rip tides and currents and weather all con- • Site staff will continue to cooperate with tribute to safety concerns. Activities include other agencies to plan, develop and imple- hiking, biking and driving along trails and ment public, emergency and environmental safety programs. Where relevant, agreements will be used to identify cooperative responsibilities. • Surf guard service will be maintained at Kennington Cove, but will be evaluated for its on-going effectiveness regarding public safety. Other safety measures for Kennington Cove will be considered and implemented if necessary. • The effectiveness of fi re protection and IMAGE 54. Checking out the surf at Kennington Cove suppression measures within the recon- 58 4.1 Public Safety

structed townsite will continue to be monitored to ensure risks are minimized. • Road conditions and trafﬁ c volumes will be monitored to identify hazards to visitors.

4.2 RESOURCE AND ASSET PROTECTION The extensive and diverse nature of the Site’s cultural and natural resources, its contemporary assets and its infrastructure all require protection and proper maintenance. Actions are required to ensure the Site’s cultural and IMAGE 55. Timber frame building with “piquet” in-fi ll natural resources are protected from such risks as fi re, theft and vandalism, and that the sprinklers will be installed as buildings are reconstructed townsite, the visitor centre, and recapitalized. the administration/ maintenance compound, Detection of fi res is another issue. The containing 18 buildings, are also cared for existing detection system does not encompass properly. all major buildings at the reconstructed townsite or at the administration/ mainte- Fire Protection nance compound. Central monitoring for the Since 1961, there have been a number of small system is carried out by staff from the Fire forest fi res along the Site’s boundary, all origi- Hall within the reconstructed townsite. Parks nating on provincial land. In addition, there Canada is also able to call on the Louisbourg have been a number of minor fi res within Volunteer Fire Department for assistance in the reconstructed townsite. In 1974, however, fi ghting fi res, but the volunteer nature of the a fi re in the King’s Bastion caused extensive force means that its availability at certain damage to the Chapel. times is a concern. In the forested areas of One problem in protecting the recon- the Site a severe infestation of spruce bud- structed townsite from fi re is the reliability worm in the late 1970s and early 1980s of the water supply. Water is supplied to the killed most of the balsam fi r. Dead trees and townsite by means of a branch line from the windfalls are abundant, creating an increased municipal system originating at Kelly’s Lake, fuel load. Parks Canada has an agreement just outside the Site’s northern boundary. with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural General use storage and fi re-fi ghting reserve Resources, which operates a fi re lookout is supplied through an elevated tank located tower at MacLeod’s Lake, north of the Site, near the administration/ maintenance com- to report any smoke detected and provide fi re pound. The distribution system within the suppression assistance as required. reconstructed townsite consists of a loop of pipes of various sizes, and hydrants. Security The system was developed in the late A variety of protective measures have been 1960s. Breaks in the water line began in the put in place for the security of buildings late 1970s and have occurred sporadically and their contents from theft and vandalism. since then. The system has been evaluated These include guards, perimeter fencing, and recommendations have been made to external lighting, intrusion alarms, electronic address the system’s reliability to provide surveillance, and restricted areas. Buildings required fl ows under fi re conditions, includ- protected have included the reconstructed ing identifi cation of alternative water sources. townsite, visitor centre, and administration/ Replacement of the waterline and instal- maintenance compound. lation of sprinklers in critical structures has Although there have not been many sig- begun. Completion of the waterline will nifi cant security problems, security measures be phased over the next few years, while are necessary because of the value of the Site’s buildings and contents, particularly Fortress of Louisbourg 59 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

the vast collections. Until 1993 the Corps evaluated to ensure appropriate coverage of Commissionaires was largely responsible is in place and is cost-effective. for security service outside the reconstructed • Fire alarm and detection systems will townsite. This service was reduced then, and be extended to include the remaining other measures, such as intrusion alarm sys- major buildings at the administration/ tems, became increasingly important. Today, maintenance compound as required. a combination of wardens, security/fi re staff, • The sprinkler system at the reconstructed commissionaires, and electronic systems pro- townsite will be extended to cover all areas vide security. of the King’s Bastion, Bigot House and other identifi ed areas as recommended by Enforcement and Regulations the Dominion Fire Commissioner. Enforcement at Fortress of Louisbourg relies • An agreement with the Louisbourg on a variety of federal and provincial Volunteer Fire Department for assistance statutes to prevent illegal activities and in fi ghting fi res will be pursued by Parks provide the necessary authorities to fulfi ll Canada. Parks Canada’s protection mandate. This • Security systems will be expanded to is required because the existing National provide better protection for buildings and Historic Park Regulations are not comprehen- their contents. sive enough to address all the enforcement • Training in security awareness and issues that arise in the management and oper- procedures will be provided for all staff. ation of the Site with its range of cultural • Site staff will participate in any forum and natural resources, and visitor activities. organized to assess regulations and For example, the Provincial Game Sanctuary enforcement in national historic sites. Regulations still apply in Lot 3 and in the rest of the Site in certain circumstances. 4.3 REVENUE GENERATION Current law enforcement concerns include Revenue generation is an important compo- theft, vandalism, poaching, use of liquor nent of the Site’s business plan. Parks Canada and metal detectors. Arrangements are in will continue to charge an entrance fee to the place for RCMP assistance when necessary. reconstructed townsite that will refl ect reve- Nevertheless, some of the more minor enue policy, the service provided and market enforcement requirements are not priorities conditions. Parks Canada will continue to for the RCMP, who are 45 kilometres away. negotiate satisfactory fi nancial arrangements Good law enforcement includes providing with the Fortress of Louisbourg Volunteers accurate information about rules and regu- for the services they provide to visitors. lations, identifying and correcting potential In future, staff will entertain proposals problem situations, and requesting com- from others for a variety of services and pro- pliance. However, when enforcement is grams. Revenue generation will be enhanced required, the myriad of federal and provincial through such avenues as concessions, rental statutes and regulations is confusing to staff, fees, royalties, special events, corporate spon- the public, and other enforcement personnel. sorships, etc. All will play a role as staff This issue is applicable to other national his- strengthen their cooperative working rela- toric sites across Canada and should be con- tionships and partnership approach. sidered from a national perspective. Revenue generating opportunities will be evaluated in the context of achieving com- Strategic Actions memorative integrity and in ensuring their • The need for a reliable water supply to the sustainability. The underlying objectives for maintenance compound and reconstructed considering these ideas are to increase townsite that satisfi es requirements for revenues, sustain/enhance services and fi re-fi ghting and sanitary purposes will be programs, and support employment opportu- addressed when resources permit. nities in an area that has been hit hard by the • The Site’s fi re fi ghting capability for downturn in the fi shery. structural fi res will continue to be 60 Fortress of Louisbourg 61 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

5.0 Environmental and Economic Impacts

5.1 ECONOMIC IMPACT for Nova Scotia, and particularly for Cape The economic impact of Fortress of Breton Island. In 1989, total visitor expendi- Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada tures which may be attributed to visits to the is felt in several areas, including capital Site amounted to $4.9 million. Equally impor- expenditures, direct and indirect employ- tant is the impact the Site has on employment ment, and operating and maintenance expen- in the local and regional area in terms of ditures. The Site employs about 100 people tourist spending in restaurants, on accom- directly, year-round, and about 255 people modations, the arts and crafts industry, and in the peak season. Another 85 people are transportation. About 85 percent of visitor hired through concession contractors in the spending is on food, accommodations, and summer. A few temporary help employees transportation. also work each year. The Fortress creates Fortress of Louisbourg and Alexander employment in many diverse areas because Graham Bell National Historic Sites, and of its wide-ranging visitor services and Cape Breton Highlands National Park, are supporting infrastructure. Individuals are the major tourist attractions on Cape Breton employed as bus drivers, animators and Island. Well over 90 percent of tourists to the guides, wardens, historians, tradesmen and Island visit at least one of these attractions, maintenance staff, to name a few. and the typical tourist visits an average of Over the three year period from 1995/96 two of these. Fortress of Louisbourg is the through 1997/98, Parks Canada has spent an main destination or reason for visiting Cape average of $4.9 million a year on salaries, Breton for about 40 percent of visitors to the and $1 million on goods and services at the reconstructed townsite. Site. In that period annual capital expenditures averaged $1.3 million. Parks Canada staff record the number of visits to three distinct areas within the site. The busiest area is the reconstructed townsite where about 130,000 visitors come each year on average. In 1996, paid admissions to the reconstructed townsite generated revenue of about $810,000. Some visitors also visit Lighthouse Point and Kennington Cove, two other areas of traditional use. For all three areas, over the last decade, the Site has enjoyed more than 200,000 visits a year. IMAGE 56. Louisbourg Merchants Association campground on the The greatest number of visitors in any one Louisbourg waterfront year was over 250,000, achieved in 1995, a The economic importance of Fortress of year of celebrations marked by the Grand Louisbourg goes beyond the direct income Encampment and a visit by a ﬂ otilla of sailing and employment generated by the National ships known collectively as the “tall ships”. In Historic Site. One study has estimated that 1995, the number of visitors passing through overnight visitors spend about $700,000. in the visitor centre on their way to the recon- the community of Louisbourg. In the absence structed townsite was up 22% from the previ- of the Site, tourist spending in the community ous year. would be considerably lower. With so many people visiting Fortress These expenditures support a number of Louisbourg, it is a signiﬁ cant tourist resource tourism-related businesses including: a motel, 62 5.1 Economic Impact

inns, cottages, restaurants, campgrounds, gift and craft shops, bed and breakfast establishments, and fast-food services. Many other small businesses which operate in and around the town depend on Parks Canada spending. These businesses range from local construction and printing ﬁ rms to equipment rental outlets.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Environmental assessment provides an effective means of integrating environmental factors into planning and decision making in a manner that promotes sustainable development [Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (ceaa) 1992]. The review and assessment of potential adverse impacts on heritage resources have been part of the ongoing management and development of the National Historic Site. Prior to the enactment of the ceaa, Fortress of Louisbourg staff had developed IMAGE 57. Old French Road trail an assessment process for the identiﬁ cation and mitigation of environmental impacts provides a framework for managing, evaluat- on archaeological resources from both con- ing, improving, and communicating environ- struction projects and maintenance activities. mental performance. ems is a valuable tool These were known as archaeological clear- in meeting environmental requirements, in ances, and were the responsibility of the ensuring that Parks Canada meets its obliga- archaeologists. tion under the Auditor General Act to imple- Site staff responded to the introduction ment a Sustainable Development Strategy, of the Environment Assessment and Review and in enhancing Louisbourg’s role as an Process (earp) with a unique approach. environmental steward. The Chief Park Warden and the Senior ems Baseline Information Tables have Archaeologist were given joint responsibility been compiled to document environmental for the process. Thus environmental performance and promote green initiatives assessments have been an integral part already being undertaken by site staff. This of the decision making process at the has been followed by an ems Action Plan, Site for many years. Adherence to the which establishes and prioritizes objectives Environmental Assessment and Review and targets for future action on various Process Guidelines Order (1984), the Cultural aspects of environmental management, and Resource Management Policy and, more develops a course of action to achieve these recently, the ceaa (1992) has ensured that targets. Priority issues identiﬁ ed in the Action the cultural and natural resources within Plan will be incorporated into the Business the Site have received due consideration. Plan. Furthermore, projects that would normally be The Environmental Assessment Process excluded under ceaa are screened internally for Policy and Program Proposals requires to ensure the protection and to maintain the an environmental assessment of all Parks integrity of Fortress of Louisbourg’s rich, vast Canada management plans. While this Plan cultural and natural resources. outlines the scope, objectives and strategic An Environmental Management System approach for a variety of projects, detailed (ems) is being developed for Parks Canada plans for these works have yet to be for- to facilitate the greening of its operations. It mulated. Further detailed assessments and Fortress of Louisbourg 63 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

screenings will be carried out on an indi- through this study will be considered when vidual project basis as more comprehensive completing the environmental assessments design and scheduling information becomes for projects and activities identiﬁ ed in the available. Thus, the inclusion of proposed Management Plan. projects, strategic actions or activities in the Evaluation of proposed projects at the Management Plan is conditional on the com- management plan level provides the opportu- pletion of the screening for individual work. nity to assess the implications of fundamental Activities and facilities proposed in the concepts and to fully consider the alternatives Management Plan may contribute to, or including the need for future projects. Such lessen, adverse environmental effects. These an assessment explores the issues from a projects and their potential implications must broader perspective, not just the individual be assessed on an individual basis to deter- project level, and examines environmental mine the nature and extent of potential envi- trends, thresholds, and limits while evaluat- ronmental effects. In addition, Parks Canada ing the incremental effects of projects within has a legal obligation and a policy commit- the plan. The resulting information aids in ment to assess cumulative effects. determining the nature and extent of cumula- A Cumulative Effects Assessment was tive effects and ensures that the appropriate conducted in 1996. It explores the relation- mitigations are implemented. ship between the heritage resources and the The environmental assessment of the impacts of human activity. The document Management Plan has shown that there provides insight into the consequences of past are no likely signiﬁ cant impacts or cumula- decisions and how they are affecting current tive effects from the implementation of plan trends, thus enabling decision makers to fully concepts. evaluate proposed projects. Data obtained 64 Fortress of Louisbourg 65 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

6.0 Implementation Strategy

6.1 PRIORITIES • complete a resource conservation plan that The management plan provides long-term will identify measures to mitigate damage strategic direction for Site managers. It is a of forest cover and woody plants to in-situ framework for more detailed planning and archaeological resources, and implement decision-making, and a strategic reference the Siege Site Conservation Project; for capital expenditure forecasts and future • complete the geological study of the management and operations. Implementation harbour and coastline; of the plan is the responsibility of the • initiate the inventory and evaluation of the Superintendent and Field Unit staff. archaeological resources in the ponds; Implementation is dependent on the avail- • develop a model as the fi rst phase in the ability of fi nancial resources. All necessary identifi cation and evaluation of cultural central agency and program approvals will be landscapes; sought as implementation proceeds. Priorities • continue with the backlog conservation may be reconsidered in response to new projects for the archaeological and circumstances or information, or changing curatorial collections; national priorities and decisions. • assess collection storage areas for their The priorities will be linked directly to the suitability for artifact/furnishings storage Site’s business plan and to the three year (archaeological, curatorial and archival business planning cycle. The focus will be collections); the fi rst three year cycle, but a few selected • complete the cataloguing project for priorities will be identifi ed for the second. historic objects; They will be grouped according to some of • complete a Disaster Plan for all the Parks Canada’s service lines as part of the collections; new planning, reporting and accountability • continue to replace historic objects in ani- structure. The priorities will lead to results mated areas with modern reproductions; that will support the Superintendent’s three • complete the Ecosystem Conservation primary accountabilities: Plan; 1. Ensuring commemorative integrity and • continue with the computerization and contributing to maintaining ecological imaging of the integrity. archival/photo/engineering plan 2. Improving service to clients. collection. 3. Making wise and effi cient use of public funds. Presentation of Heritage Resources • continue with the recapitalization program Progress will be determined through within the reconstructed townsite; annual reporting on business plan perform- • begin the interpretation plan for the ance and through the State of the Parks report National Historic Site; which is updated every few years. • enhance the presentation and interpretation of non-French and non-British Priorities for the First Three Year cultures in 18th-century Louisbourg Business Planning Cycle through research and consultations with Protection of Heritage Resources appropriate groups in the community; • begin the inventory and evaluation of the • develop an approach for outreach pro- archaeological resources in the former for- grams to enlarge Louisbourg’s client base; tifi ed town; 66 6.1 Priorities

• work with others to ensure skills associ- Selected Priorities for the Second ated with fabrication of period clothing are Three Year Business Planning Cycle retained; Protection of Heritage Resources • complete the improvements to the water • inventory and evaluate the unexcavated supply system. areas of the former fortifi ed town beyond the reconstructed townsite (includes an Visitor Services assessment of historical documentation); • determine the potential for cost effi cient • implement the resource conservation plan visitor use of the reconstructed townsite to mitigate damage from vegetation on outside normal operating hours, e.g. infra- archaeological resources; structure, marketing, development costs, • develop a resource conservation plan for etc. and work with others to develop serv- those archaeological resources threatened ices to address this potential; by the sea; • conduct a review of visitor access, parking • implement recommendations from the and transit routing from the site entrance assessment of storage areas for the artifact to the reconstructed townsite; collection; • complete a plan for the redevelopment of • complete a Collection Management Plan the Kennington Cove day-use area. including a Disaster Plan for the archaeological collection; Management of Parks Canada • address the gaps in the biophysical data- • initiate contact with Louisbourg commu- base. nity representatives to establish a mecha- nism to discuss areas of common interest; Presentation of Heritage Resources • continue working with the Fortress of • initiate a plan, including an option analy- Louisbourg Volunteers, the Unama’ki sis, for the enhanced presentation of the Committee, the Louisbourg Institute and underwater archaeological resources in the others to ensure commemorative integrity harbour and off-shore, to include a sustain- and sustain visitor opportunities within able tourism component. and beyond the National Historic Site; • continue to participate in Parks Canada’s Visitor Services Cape Breton District marketing strategy • begin major upgrade to Route 22. to promote the park and sites on the Island working with the local community, Management of Parks Canada all levels of government and industry to • fi nalize plans for library/archives/ increase awareness of Cape Breton Island furniture storage; as a destination attraction; • complete a conservation plan for the • complete the federal-provincial agreement library/archives. for the Fleur-de-lis Trail; • complete a safety assessment of the Lighthouse Road. Fortress of Louisbourg 67 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Selected References

Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg Draft Service Plan and Appendices, n.d. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Resource Description and Analysis, Marvin Miller, Project Manager, 1990. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, 1993 Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Resource Description and Analysis, Volume 2A, 2B, 3 & 4: Cultural Resource Management Planning, prepared by Charles A. Burke. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, Guidelines for the Management of In-Situ Archaeological Resources in the Canadian Parks Service, 1993. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, A Report on Kennington Cove/Anson’s Beach 1989 Operations, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, prepared by M. Miller, Chief Park Warden, 1990. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, Strategic Framework to Sustain the Integrity of Ecosystems, July, 1992. Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, Atlantic Region, Summary of the 1989 Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Visitor Surveys, 1989. Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, Strategic Economic Action Plan, August, 1994. Epekwitk Heritage Consulting, Fleur de lis Trail Archaeological Resource Impact Study, 1997, prepared for Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works. Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists Ltd., An Economic Statement and a Visit Proﬁ le of Atlantic Region National Parks and National Historic Sites, prepared for Canadian Parks Service, Environment Canada, April, 1992. Government of Canada, National Parks Act, Supply and Services Canada, Ottawa, October, 1989. Jacques Whitford Environment Ltd., Natural Resources Impact Study, Fleur de Lis Trail (Gabarus to Louisbourg), prepared for Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Communications, Halifax, 1996. 68

Kalff, Sarah, Cumulative Effects Assessment Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: A Case Study, prepared for Natural Resource Conservation Branch, Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, April, 1996. Khattar, Irene, Marketing Plan, Parks Canada, Cape Breton Island Sub Region, National Parks and Historic Sites, May, 1996. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, A Proposed Systems Plan for Parks & Protected Areas in Nova Scotia, public newsletter, 1994. Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Commemorative Integrity Statement, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, March, 1997. Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Newsletter #1, November, 1993. Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Guiding Principles and Operational Policies, 1994. Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Issue Analysis and Background Papers, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, completed by Parks Canada staff for the management planning program. Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada Guide to Management Planning, November, 1994. Parks Canada, Department of Environment, Policy on Federal Heritage Buildings, brochure, 1982. Fortress of Louisbourg 69 National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

Image Credits

IMAGE 1. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; NHS, Horst Pauﬂ er, 1987, (catalogue # 5J01840); Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 40. Parks Canada, IMAGE 2. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, IMAGE 20. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, Chris Reardon, 1997; IMAGE 3. Parks Canada, NHS, Morrison Powell, 1975, (catalogue #3L100); 2001, (catalogue #5D381); IMAGE 41. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 4. Parks Canada, IMAGE 21. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 42. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 5. Parks Canada, NHS, Archaeology, Carol Kennedy, 2000, (catalogue Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Barrett and MacKay, #RAL-6237T); IMAGE 22. Parks Canada, Fortress of IMAGE 43. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, 1995, (catalogue #5J72058); IMAGE 6. Parks Canada, Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, 2001, (catalogue Barrett and MacKay, 1995, (catalogue #5J7799); Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 7. Parks Canada, #5D365); IMAGE 23. Parks Canada, Fortress of IMAGE 44. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 8. Parks Canada, Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, 2001, (catalogue Chris Reardon, 1997; IMAGE 45. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; #5D369); IMAGE 24. Parks Canada, Fortress of Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, IMAGE 9. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, 2001, (catalogue 2001, (catalogue #5D386); IMAGE 46. Parks Canada, Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 10. Parks Canada, #5D359); IMAGE 25. Parks Canada, Fortress of Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 11. Parks Canada, Louisbourg NHS, Morrison Powell, 2001, (catalogue IMAGE 47. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Archaeology, #5D372); IMAGE 26. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 48. Parks Canada, Chris Reardon, 1998, (catalogue #RAL5936T); Centre; IMAGE 27. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Atlantic Service Centre, Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 12. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg Centre, Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 28. Parks IMAGE 49. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; NHS, Morrison Powell, 2001, (catalogue #5D354); Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 29. Parks IMAGE 50. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 13. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Rob Thompson, IMAGE 51. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 14. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg 1994; IMAGE 30. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service IMAGE 52. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, NHS, Archaeology, Becki Dunham, 1998, (catalogue Centre; IMAGE 31. Parks Canada, Fortress of Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 53. Parks Canada, #17L-43T); IMAGE 15. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, (catalogue #DS95379); Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 54. Parks Canada, Louisbourg NHS, Archaeology, Charles Burke, 1989, IMAGE 32. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 55. Parks Canada, (catalogue #61L-176T); IMAGE 16. Parks Canada, Chris Reardon, 1997; IMAGE 33. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Archaeology, 1964, Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 34. Parks Canada, IMAGE 56. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, (catalogue # IG-27); IMAGE 17. Parks Canada, Fortress Atlantic Service Centre, Chris Reardon, 1997; Rob Thompson, 1994; IMAGE 57. Parks Canada, of Louisbourg NHS, Archaeology, Becki Dunham, IMAGE 35. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre; Atlantic Service Centre, Rob Thompson, 1994; 2000, (catalogue #59L-2724T); IMAGE 18. Parks IMAGE 36. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre, IMAGE 58. Parks Canada, Atlantic Service Centre Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Archaeology, Chris Reardon, 1997; IMAGE 37. Parks Canada, National Ofﬁ ce, (catalogue #31M-272T); Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 38. Parks Canada, IMAGE 19. Parks Canada, Fortress of Louisbourg Atlantic Service Centre; IMAGE 39. Parks Canada,

IMAGE 58. Aerial view of reconstructed townsite 70