Parks Canada Agency

Corporate Plan
2008/09 - 2012/13

Section I: Parks Canada Agency Overview

Key Risks, Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Parks Canada shares with other heritage organizations the challenges of changing demographics: an ageing, increasingly urban and more diverse population. This resulted in a 22% visitation decrease in national historic sites between 2002-03 and 2006-07. Parks Canada’s ability to raise awareness of the significance of the heritage places it administers and to develop public understanding of the importance of protecting and presenting them will determine the continuing relevance of its mandate in the future.

In 2003, the Auditor General of Canada reported that two thirds of built cultural resources administered by Parks Canada were in poor to fair condition. Since then, Parks Canada has received funding to improve the condition of its assets and has started investing in priority built cultural resources and in visitor facilities. The level of investment required is such that it is not possible to address all issues in the short term, therefore, issues will be addressed on a priority basis. As it makes investment decisions, Parks Canada will build its social research capacity and work more closely with its many partners to better support visitor experiences and product development and to ensure that visitor facilities are adapted to the new needs of Canadians.

In some places, native biodiversity and habitat are under considerable stress which impact the ecological integrity of national parks. In existing national parks, Parks Canada will invest resources in restoration initiatives, active management and education projects that can make a demonstrable difference.

National park and national marine conservation area establishment is a complex process in which the development of long term and trusting relationships is key. Challenges include competing land use interests in southern Canada and working in the complex northern environment where resources development and Aboriginal land claim settlements are important factors. Parks Canada will continue to work collaboratively with Aboriginal Peoples, provincial and territorial governments, stakeholders and local communities in the establishment of new or expanded national parks, and land use in areas adjoining national parks.

Aboriginal Peoples have long been supporters of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites systems. Parks Canada will continue to work closely with Aboriginal groups within the framework of land claim agreements, Court decisions and existing establishment agreements to manage heritage areas. However, building a trusting relationship must go beyond Parks Canada simply meeting the evolving legal obligation to consult. Ultimately, the interest of Aboriginal Peoples, Parks Canada and the public are best served by Aboriginal People’s meaningful involvement in all aspects of park management.

The system of national marine conservation areas is relatively new, yet public concern over the condition of Oceans and Great Lakes is high. Building public understanding and support are critical to success in expanding the system.

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