Fort Wellington National Historic Site

DECEMBER 2015 PUBLIC CONSULTATION DOCUMENT Invitation to participate Fort Wellington National Historic Site has begun the process of reviewing its management plan. To this end, I invite you to participate in this reflection by sharing your viewpoint and your suggestions as part of the public consultation period to be held from December 3 to December 18, 2015.

The purpose of this consultation is to allow the municipality, partners, This document proposes three key strategies, objectives and targets community stakeholders, residents and to be involved get specific to the site, as well as elements to consider in updating in decision-making regarding the management of the national the vision. historic site. Join the Parks team in developing a common vision and The management plan is the official document that will guide continuing to protect this national historic site, while promoting management of the historic site for the next ten years (2015-2025). the discovery of this unique site. It provides direction for protecting cultural and natural resources, visitor experiences, outreach, promotional opportunities and public Katherine Patterson education. Field Unit Superintendent Georgian Bay and East

Mandate of Parks Canada On behalf ot the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations. Fort Wellington National Historic Site

Fort Wellington was designated a National Historic Site of Canada Fort Wellington is located in Prescott, Ontario, a town of 4,200 in 1925 due to its historical significance: situated along the St. Lawrence River between and Kingston. • It was the main post for the defence of the communication line between Montreal and Kingston during the ; Fort Wellington includes two distinct parcels of land: a 5.1 hectare parcel upon which the fort sits surrounded by residential, open space • At this place troops assembled for the attack on and the defeat and recreational lands north of County Road 2, and to the south of the forces at Ogdensburg, ; 11.3 hectares of open space between County Road 2 and the • When rebellion threatened , the fort again assumed St. Lawrence River. an important defensive role; and • It was the assembly point for the troops that repelled the invasion at Windmill Point, November 1838.

In short...

• Fort Wellington is located in the heart of Prescott and is very • According to a Visitor Information Survey conducted in 2012, important to the local tourism economy. Its proximity to , 90% of visitors rated enjoyment, satisfaction and learning Montreal and Ottawa is ideal as a tourism destination. opportunities as a very positive experience. • The site is open to the public from Victoria Day (mid May) weekend • There are new enhanced and innovative programs that have been to Thanksgiving (mid October). Visitors can learn about the history developed and implemented such as Fire the Cannon, high profile of the site and the reasons for its commemoration by visiting events that commemorate significant Canadian anniversaries, exhibits in the visitor reception centre, as well as personalized Fort Kids, Guided Tours and new self-discovery options. interpretive programing. • The site staff has good relations with the local .

2 Main achievements since the adoption of the 2001 management plan

• Fort Wellington has a new Visitor Reception Centre that features the remains of a War of 1812 gunboat and orientation exhibits. What is a management plan? • In co-operation with the Town of Prescott and other organizations, a waterfront trail A management plan is a forward-looking was established to provide public access to the property along the river. document that provides a vision for • The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #97 in Prescott, in cooperation with Fort Wellington a national park or national historic site relocated the Town’s Cenotaph to the fort property, an appropriate location to at its future best and the strategies commemorate veterans. for getting there. The new management plan for the • The fort’s authentic heritage character and dynamic programming make it a key Fort Wellington National Historic Site heritage attraction in the St. Lawrence River corridor, drawing visitors of all ages from will guide decisions and actions local communities, across Canada, and around the world. inprotecting, presenting and • Fort Wellington is recognized as a symbol of local pride, a contributor to the local operating the site. economy and a treasured community gathering place. The public, stakeholders and key partners actively support the conservation and stewardship of this national historic site.

Key issues

The management planning process for Fort Wellington National Historic Site began with an assessment of the condition of the site which identified key issues to be addressed, which are: • The built heritage, landscape features and cultural resources of the site require infrastructure investments to improve and protect this cultural asset, including the vulnerable condition of the wooden elements. • Site visitation has remained constant at 10,000 visitors per year for the last several years. A strategic marketing plan needs to be developed to increase the visitation numbers over the next five years, featuring the site’s varied visitor experience offers. • Several realty issues need to be discussed with the Town of Prescott, resulting in long term sustainable solutions for all parties involved.

3 A New Vision

The vision is a future projection of what the historic site should be. It describes, over a fifteen-year period, the desired status of the cultural resources and elements related to visitor experience, external relations, and cooperation with stakeholders and local officials.

Vision of Parks Canada Canada’s treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada.

Vision 2030 - Some proposals

• Fort Wellington is a place that connects and resonates with people, deepening their understanding of the significance and relevance of the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-38. • This compelling site conveys stories of war and peace, rebellion and cooperation, as seen from the perspectives of First Nations, Canadians, and Americans who lived and traded along the river. • The Fort’s authentic heritage character and dynamic programming make it a key heritage attraction in the St. Lawrence River corridor, drawing visitors of all ages from local communities, across Canada, and around the world. • Fort Wellington is recognized as a symbol of local pride, a contributor to the local economy and a treasured community gathering place. The public, stakeholders and key partners actively support the conservation and stewardship of this national historic site.

4 The proposed management approach

The management plan proposes a management approach that aims to integrate the three elements of Parks Canada’s mandate, i.e. resource protection, public education and visitor experience, in order to contribute to Parks Canada’s efforts to carry out its vision and achieve its objectives.

Management plans are reviewed every 10 years and take into account comments and participation from First Nations, partners, stakeholders and the public, to ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective. The planning program for the Fort Wellington National Historic Site began with an assessment of the condition of the site, which identified key issues to be addressed when developing the new plan. The Fort Wellington plan will be submitted to the Minister of the Environment for approval. The approved plan will be available on the historic site’s website.

Key Strategy 1 Key Strategy 3 Strengthening the understanding of the Gathering the community connection of Fort Wellington to the river Desired results: Desired results: • Parks Canada field unit staff maintain relationships with First • Exhibits, programming and visitor experience opportunities resonate Nations in order to reflect First Nations perspectives at the Fort. with key target markets. • The Fort is a treasured community gathering place and contributor • Visitors gain an appreciation of the significance of Fort Wellington. to the local economy. In exploring Fort Wellington an understanding of the connections • Land use planning surrounding the fort have been resolved in between the St. Lawrence River and the War of 1812, the cooperation with the Town of Prescott. Rebellions of Upper Canada, the , the First World War, and The Road to 2017 is increased through visitor experiences. Measures: First Nations report having meaningful engagement with Parks Canada staff at the Fort. Opportunities regarding land use • Fort Wellington is recognized as a key destination and an anchor planning concerns are realized with cooperation and positive attraction in the eastern Ontario tourism region. outcomes for the Town of Prescott and Parks Canada. Measures: There is a 20 percent increase in visitation by 2020 and core messages regarding the River and the War of 1812 are communicated. Key Strategy 2 Protecting the protector Desired results: • Cultural resources and heritage assets are conserved and significant viewscapes are protected. • Conservation activities create opportunities for visitor experience and public appreciation and understanding. Measures: Cultural resources and heritage assets are rated as ‘good’ in the next State of the Site assessment.

5 What do you think?

This document summarizes and presents the site, its issues, a management approach, key strategies, objectives and measurable targets. We now want to hear from you! This is an opportunity to contribute to the vision and develop the new management plan together for the Fort Wellington National Historic Site. Your knowledge of the area, your experiences at the historic site, and how you see its future are important to us.

How to participate: You can share your opinion in three ways: • By participating in person at the public meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Fort Wellington National Historic Site Or • By emailing your comments to: [email protected] Or • By mail: Public Consultations – Fort Wellington NHS 370 Vankoughnet St. P.O. Box 479 Prescott, ON, K0E 1T0 Tel: 613 925-2896

If you have any questions or if you would like more information on the public consultation, please contact us. Visit the Parks Canada website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/wellington You have until December 18, 2015 to share your opinion, comments, or ideas, or to submit a presentation. Thank you for your important cooperation!

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