August 13, 2020 Halifax, NS Parks Canada Agency
The management plan for the national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex was tabled in Parliament on August 12. The Halifax Defence Complex consists of five national historic sites of Canada on or near the shores of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia: Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower and York Redoubt.
Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a requirement of the Parks Canada Agency Act and guide the management of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
Three key strategies have been developed to guide the management of the Halifax Defence Complex for the next ten years:
· Connecting diverse audiences through broadened perspectives;
· Evocative visitor experiences anchored by original cultural resources; and
· Valued as part of Halifax's vibrant urban fabric.
National historic sites reflect the rich and diverse heritage of our nation. Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrate Indigenous peoples, their histories, and cultures, as well as their special relationship with the lands and waters. The Halifax Defence Complex Management Plan includes initiatives aimed at increasing and improving collaboration with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, on whose traditional territories these fortifications were first built, and integrating their perspectives in the overall site presentation and knowledge.
The management plan for the national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex was based on input from Indigenous communities of Mi'kma'ki, regional residents, partners, provincial and regional tourism organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as visitors past and present. Through this management plan, Parks Canada will protect an important example of Canada's cultural heritage, engage and collaborate with Indigenous peoples, and provide an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover history in new and innovative ways.
The Halifax Defence Complex Management Plan is available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/info/planning/gestion-management-2020.
