Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan, 2020

Table of Contents

1. Foreword
2. Recommendations
3. Executive summary
4. 1.0 Introduction
5. 2.0 Significance of Cave and Basin National Historic Site
6. 3.0 Planning context
7. 4.0 Vision
8. 5.0 Key strategies
9. 6.0 Summary of strategic environmental assessment

Maps

• Map 1: Regional setting
• Map 2: Cave and Basin National Historic Site

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2020.

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Foreword

Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and historic places in the world.

This vast network of national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represents the very best that Canada has to offer and tells the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Management plans are key accountability documents for the management of heritage places. They are developed through extensive consultation, articulate a long-term vision, set strategic management direction and establish objectives for Parks Canada places.

This management plan represents Parks Canada’s continued commitment to protect and present the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations.

Input from many dedicated individuals and organizations, including Indigenous peoples, local and regional residents, visitors and stakeholders has been invaluable in helping shape this plan.

Parks Canada will report on progress toward achieving the objectives for Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada and review this management plan every ten years, or sooner if required.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the development of this management plan for their contributions and their commitment to the future of this national treasure. I am pleased to approve the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan.

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Recommendations

Recommended by and original signed by

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Executive summary

Cave and Basin National Historic Site (NHS) is located just outside the town of Banff in Banff National Park. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended the designation of the Cave and Basin as a national historic site in 1981, as the Birthplace of Canada’s National Park system. The historic site encompasses the Cave, the original vent hole, the archaeological remains of the original hotel near the vent hole, the Basin, the thermal springs above and below the buildings, the Bathing Pavilion and the Caretaker’s Cottage.

This management plan replaces the 2007 Management Plan for Cave and Basin which provided direction for conservation of the historic Bathing Pavilion building and major improvements to visitor experience and presentation of the birthplace of the national park system story, many of which were achieved through the 2010 to 2013 Birthplace of Canada’s National Parks renewal project. Through the project a new Story Hall exhibit space was developed in the historic Bathing Pavilion and two new facilities were built (the Galletly building near the Bathing Pavilion and the Welcome building in the parking lot).

This new plan builds on many of the priorities from the 2007 plan while acknowledging the continued importance of protection of the culturally and ecologically significant values that define this unique thermal water environment. Important high level goals of the new plan are its emphasis on collaboration with Indigenous nations to expand their presence and use of the site, and with many other stakeholders to develop and expand visitor experience elements.

Three strategies are proposed to guide management activities for the Cave and Basin NHS over the next 10 years.

In summary, the 2020 Cave and Basin National Historic Site Management Plan provides a blueprint for responsible, collaborative and respectful stewardship of the cultural and natural heritage of Cave and Basin National Historic Site for future generations. The plan builds on the experience and knowledge that Parks Canada has gained through decades of protecting and showcasing this national historic site to Canadians and visitors from around the world. The plan responds to a strong message that was heard from Indigenous peoples that more needs to done to recognize the spiritual and traditional importance of this place to many Indigenous Nations in the spirit of reconciliation. The new plan reinforces the role of Cave and Basin National Historic Site as a gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land in Canada’s national protected heritage areas.

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1.0 Introduction

Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and historic places in the world. The Agency’s mandate is to protect and present these places for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Future-oriented, strategic management of each national park, national marine conservation area, heritage canal and those national historic sites administered by Parks Canada supports the Agency’s vision:

The Parks Canada Agency Act requires Parks Canada to prepare a management plan for national historic sites administered by the Agency. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan, once approved by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, ensures Parks Canada’s accountability to Canadians, outlining how historic site management will achieve measurable results in support of the Agency’s mandate.

Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, were involved in the preparation of the management plan, helping to shape the future of the national historic site. The plan sets clear, strategic direction for the management and operation of Cave and Basin National Historic Site by articulating a vision, key strategies and objectives. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives and will review the plan every ten years or sooner if required.

This plan is not an end in and of itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open dialogue during the implementation of the plan, to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. The plan will serve as the focus for ongoing engagement on the management of Cave and Basin National Historic Site for years to come.

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2.0 Significance of Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended the designation of Cave and Basin as a national historic site, citing its significance as the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. The commemorative intent is expressed in the following statement: “Cave and Basin was designated a national historic site of Canada because it is the birthplace of Canada's national parks.” Elements commemorated and protected by the historic place designation included the Cave, the Basin, the four thermal springs flowing into the Cave and Basin, the outflow to the marsh, and the archeological vestiges of the 1883 ‘hotel’ erected next to the vent-hole (Map 1 and 2). The boundaries of the national historic site are defined by the parking lot to the east, the upper thermal springs to the south, the Sundance trailhead to the west and the Cave and Basin Marsh to the north. Cave Avenue provides access to the site’s parking lot.

Located within Banff National Park which is on the present-day territories of Treaties 6, 7 and 8, as well as the Métis Homeland, this is a special place with important and longstanding cultural significance to many Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous nations value the Cave and Basin as a sacred and spiritual place where people have gathered for generations and cultural ceremonies are still practiced today. In the late 1800’s Indigenous access to the Cave and Basin was fundamentally changed by the establishment of the Hot Springs Reserve and subsequent national park. In 1885, through an Order in Council, the Government of Canada set aside 26 square kilometers of land in and around the Cave and Basin to protect the thermal springs on Sulphur Mountain for the benefit of Canadians. Two years later, this hot spring reserve was expanded to 674 square kilometers and became the core of the first national park in Canada. In 1886, an entry tunnel was constructed into the cave to enable walk-in access. This changed the practice of entering the cave through the overhead vent hole. The Cave and Basin pools were stabilized, and two bathhouses and the Caretaker’s Cottage were built as the first national park buildings. In 1914, a new bathing pavilion and a large open air swimming pool were added. By 1935 the Cave and Basin had become a major attraction for visitors to Banff. In response to this the facilities were renovated and further expanded. Parks officials saw the facility as an important place where Canadians could relax and find physical and spiritual renewal by bathing in the curative mineral spring waters and enjoying recreational swimming and sunbathing.

Changes in national park direction, as well as physical deterioration of the buildings, led to a re-examination of the role of the Cave and Basin facility in the 1960s and 1970s. Proposals to demolish the buildings and develop an interpretive centre focused on the already established ‘birthplace’ theme were rejected by the community, which felt a deep attachment to the place as a swimming pool. As a result, the site was redeveloped in the mid 1980s with a new pool and auxiliary interpretive exhibits.

The interpretive exhibits were renewed again in 1985, and the site was re-launched as part of the Parks Canada Centennial. In the 1990s a commemorative integrity statement was developed which further defined interpretive themes and identified key cultural resources and other heritage values associated with the site such as the history of bathing, the unique thermal water habitat, and the Banff Springs Snail (an endangered species under the Species at Risk Act).

Following approval of the Cave and Basin National Historic Site Management Plan in 2007, work was launched on several fronts (e.g., predesign studies, market assessments, work with an external advisory group, engineering assessments and exhibit design options) to reposition and renew the national historic site as the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. This work led to approval of the 2010 to 2013 Birthplace of Canada’s National Parks project which focused on conservation of the Bathing Pavilion, the provision of new facilities (the Galletly and Welcome buildings) and installation of new exhibits in and outside the Bathing Pavilion. These upgrades improved the protection of cultural resources and greatly enriched the visitor experience.

Currently, Parks Canada’s management practice at the site focuses on: the birthplace theme; the evolution of the Parks Canada system; cross-promotion of Parks Canada protected places throughout the country; conservation of the unique thermal water habitat; protection of the Banff Springs Snail and engagement with the tourism industry. The Cave and Basin has become one of Banff National Park’s must-see year round attractions and one of Parks Canada’s most visited national historic sites.

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3.0 Planning context

A broad range of significant environmental and cultural conditions inform the planning and operations of the Cave and Basin. This busy year round site is located inside Banff National Park in a forested setting on the lower slope of Sulphur Mountain. The site both encompasses and is surrounded by flowing mineral springs―part of the same thermal water system that feeds the Upper Hot Springs pools. The Cave, Basin, and thermal springs have both cultural and natural value for the site.

Culture

The Cave and Basin has been and continues to be strongly valued from many different perspectives. For numerous Indigenous peoples, Cave and Basin is a sacred place.

For Parks Canada, it has high symbolic value as the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. For the local community, it is a place to gather for events and relax with family and friends. For the local business operators, the site is part of the tourism industry framework. Establishing a strategic direction that acknowledges each of these values in context is critical to the long-term success of the national historic site. Paid visitation exceeded 200,000 persons in 2018/19. A highlight for paid visitors at the site continues to be the experience of entering the Cave.

Environment

The thermal springs are a unique natural features in Banff National Park providing habitat for rare plants, invertebrates and the endangered Banff Springs snail. Highly specialized habitat for the Banff Springs Snail is located throughout the site including above and below the buildings, inside the Cave and in the Basin. Other species at risk, such as the special concern Western Toad and Vivid Dancer also inhabit the site. The thermal waters also create a challenging environment for the protection of cultural resources, which are damaged by these harsh environmental conditions.

The Middle Springs Wildlife corridor is located directly above the site. This 500 m wide band of forest helps large carnivores move across the Bow Valley, and around the town of Banff. Wildlife also routinely pass through the designated area of the national historic site, creating both an exciting visitor experience and the requirement to carefully monitor public safety at all times.

A part of the Cave and Basin Marsh, a Zone 1 Special Preservation area within the national park, is located within the northern portion of the designated area of the site. The Cave and Basin Marsh and the Vermilion wetlands constitute the most productive bird habitat in the lower Bow Valley. The site’s 0.5 km lower boardwalk provides visitors with the opportunity to experience this sensitive wetland area and develop a deeper sense of connection to both the environmental and cultural aspects of the site.

The Birthplace of Canada’s National Parks project

Between 2010 and 2013, 13.7 million dollars was invested in the renewal of the site. Closed for 2.5 years the site reopened in May 2013. The renewal was not limited to the facility—it also included changes to the overall visitor experience program, development of new activities and strategic re-positioning with respect to the Bow Valley community, the tourism industry and other partners.

Capital improvements focused on improving the sense of arrival in the Cave and Basin parking lot, as well as major updates to the Bathing Pavilion complex and areas immediately outside that structure. Key changes included removal of the second-floor exhibit in the Bathing Pavilion to make way for the creation of the much larger Story Hall exhibition space. Principles of adaptive reuse and conservation guided the main building’s renovation. Another key action was the construction of the brand new Welcome Building (located next to the parking lot) and the Galletly Building (situated within the Bathing Pavilion complex).

The renewed on-site visitor experience begins on the entrance road, out of view of the national historic site. The Welcome Building and orientation plaza in the parking lot contain way finding, interpretive information, washrooms, a gift shop and a Parks Canada reception desk. Within the core of the site, the Bathing Pavilion Complex contains the 1914 historic Bathing Pavilion building, the Cave spring pool, the Basin pool, the 2013 Galletly building and a large outdoor deck used for open air programs (the former location of the swimming pool).

An enduring theme with visitors is the desire to touch the warm mineral spring’s water (which is generally not possible for habitat protection of the Banff Springs Snail). During the renewal project, a small water feature was installed near the entrance of the Bathing Pavilion. The intent was to respond to visitor demand via a “critical habitat protection tool” (i.e., a fountain allowing visitors to touch the water in a controlled environment instead of inside the cave where it may impact the snail). However, the current touch feature has proven to be ineffective; it is poorly located, mechanically problematic, doesn’t function in winter, and lacks a sense of authenticity.

The interior of the buildings at the Bathing Pavilion complex contain a wide selection of interpretive exhibits and digital media presenting content on local, Indigenous and Parks Canada history. This content includes a four-screen high definition video profiling the Parks Canada system of protected places, and the new (2018) Imagine a Country interactive exhibit, which invites visitors to express what conservation means to them. The Bathing Pavilion Complex offers a variety of other amenities as well, including scenic view decks, a theatre for showing films and hosting events, a small rotating exhibit space, and an informal “library” sitting room for relaxing, reading, playing games or attending presentations. The pool deck functions as a large open air four season exhibition and activity space for programs, temporary exhibits and special events.

During the renewal project, Parks Canada staff engaged with representatives from the Stoney Nakoda, Ktunaxa and Siksika nations to develop content for new exhibits. This content communicates the represented Indigenous perspectives on the Cave and Basin site itself as well as Parks Canada more generally. Since reopening in 2013, the Cave and Basin has occasionally been used for traditional ceremonial practices, and is frequently visited by Stoney Nakoda school tours and other groups from Indigenous communities.

Boardwalks

None of the exterior interpretation and infrastructure of the upper and lower board walks (1.0 km total), including thermal water infrastructure dating back to the 1980’s, fell within the scope of the renewal project. This infrastructure is in need of recapitalization. The boardwalks are over 30 years old, with many of the wood pilings showing major signs of deterioration. The faded interpretive panels are of the same era. In spite of their condition, the boardwalks continue to be an important part of a visit to the Cave and Basin. They provide a serene outdoor experience, viewing access to the thermal waters; wetlands; the vent hole of the Cave and rare flora and fauna of Banff National Park. Visitors can access all of the boardwalks for free. Paid access is limited to the Bathing Pavilion complex.

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Key Issues and Opportunities

Cultural Resources

A 2017 Commemorative Integrity Evaluation and State of Site Assessment determined that, overall, the cultural and natural resources at Cave and Basin are in good condition, and the archaeological sites are in stable condition. While the landscape and built heritage features of the site are generally in good condition, the corrosive thermal water environment and the constant flow of thermal water on and around the building foundations threaten various long-term impacts and requires constant attention. The Cave, the Basin and the four natural springs that flow into the Cave and Basin are all landscape features of national historic significance. These features also comprise critical habitat for the endangered Banff Springs Snail. Management and control of the thermal water flow has been a central operational concern since the site’s early beginnings. Cultural resources including the vent hole, the 1883-85 archaeological hotel remains, and the 1914 Bathing Pavilion (a classified Federal Heritage Building) are all threatened by high moisture levels, corrosive minerals in the water, and an extreme freeze/thaw cycle. Major conservation work (e.g., repointing of rundle stone and masonry repair) has been performed on the Bathing Pavilion over the last 8 years.

Indigenous Relations

Parks Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous organizations, communities, and individuals to strengthen the commemoration, celebration, and presentation of Indigenous histories at the Cave and Basin. Much work remains to be done in the areas of relation-building and collaboration to achieve these goals.

Visitation Trends

With the exception of 2017, visitation numbers are based on paid entries only. Since reopening in May 2013, Cave and Basin has enjoyed the fastest growth in visitation of all national historic sites administered by Parks Canada. In 2013/2014 visitation was 91,282. By 2016 this number had increased to 179,415. During 2017 (the Canada 150 year), visitation reached 267,951. Cave and Basin National Historic Site is now among the most visited historic sites in Canada.

Visitor Experience Planning

The 2020 management plan calls for development of a visitor experience strategy for Cave and Basin by 2022 (see section 5.0 below). As part of this process, Parks Canada team members, Indigenous partners and stakeholders will complete a critical review of the existing interpretive exhibits and programs. During this process, particular attention will be paid to design functionality, relevance of content and messaging. Indigenous reconciliation and respecting Indigenous rights will be an important lens for this process. Diversity/inclusion, incorporation of multiple viewpoints and perspectives, and physical condition/state of repair of exhibits will all be assessed. As many of the exhibits are digital and/or interactive and are impacted by the harsh physical environment, a technology recapitalization plan will be an important part of the Visitor Experience strategy.

External Relations, Outreach and Promotions

Cave and Basin has diversified its programming and revenue stream in recent years. Elements related to this expansion include after-hours heritage venue rentals, year-round tourism industry collaboration, and high-profile, partner-driven special events. The high season at Cave and Basin is characterized by independent travellers and group tours. The low season is active with meetings, conference bookings, and after-hours private functions. Awareness of the site is at an all-time high with respect to community relations. The site is widely promoted as a must-see attraction throughout Banff National Park.

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4.0 Vision

The Cave and Basin is an iconic gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land in Canada’s national protected heritage areas. This special place is symbolic of the entire Parks Canada system―its early history and evolution, its many ideas and initiatives, successes and challenges, stakeholders and perspectives. As a must-see cultural attraction in Banff National Park this location is an ideal place to connect with Canadian and international visitors on a year round basis.

When visitors explore the Cave and Basin, they are struck by the uniqueness of the thermal water environment, its importance to multiple Indigenous nations, and its rich post-contact settler history. One major highlight is walking through the tunnel into the Cave. It is here that visitors experience a sense of enchantment and discover why this cavern has deep multi-layered meanings for Indigenous peoples and Parks Canada.

Elsewhere on-site, visitors are delighted by authentic and engaging experiences that showcase Parks Canada people, places and stories from across the country. Special events, partnerships, community gatherings, volunteering and related activities further expand the reach and diversity of Cave and Basin programming. The upper and lower boardwalks allow visitors to experience the cultural and ecological richness of the thermal water environment in a safe and controlled manner.

Indigenous communities advise, influence and contribute to the site’s programming. These communities also view the site as an open and safe place to undertake traditional and cultural practices on a year-round basis.

Significant cultural resources, built features, unique thermal spring ecosystems and the endangered Banff Springs Snail are protected and secure. Assets including the historic Bathing Pavilion, the Galletly building, the Welcome building, the Caretaker’s Cottage, boardwalks, trails and thermal water infrastructure are maintained to a high quality level with sustainable funding. As the birthplace of what has now become the largest conservation system in the world, Parks Canada showcases how it integrates the protection and presentation of significant cultural resources and sensitive environmental habitats at this treasured national historic site.

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5.0 Key strategies

Cave and Basin National Historic Site will focus on the following three strategies for the next ten years:

Key Strategy 1:

Employ an integrated management approach to the protection of cultural resources and natural landscape features, the provision of memorable visitor opportunities and the maintenance and renewal of assets.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a culturally and ecologically complex area with sensitive features that has rapidly growing visitation. The asset inventory is varied and in need of ongoing maintenance. This strategy will apply an integrated management approach to the protection of cultural and natural resources, the maintenance and renewal of assets, and the achievement of memorable visitor experiences. The primary goal is to support and contribute to the long-term protection of the site’s archaeological and built heritage resources, the sensitive thermal water environment, the tactile and sensory experience and the endangered Banff Springs Snail

Objective 1.1

The site’s natural and cultural landscape, built heritage resources, archaeological sites and species at risk are all carefully monitored, and mitigations are put in place if threats are identified.

Targets:

• By 2020, a Fire Smart Assessment is undertaken.
• By 2022, a cultural resource strategy with a landscape maintenance component is completed. Parks Canada works with Indigenous communities to develop this strategy.
• Cultural Resource Impact Assessments are completed on all development-related projects.
• By 2022, a historical research plan and inventory of records that support cultural resource management and interpretive programs is completed. This plan reflects priorities set out in the Framework for History and Commemoration: National Historic Sites Systems Plan 2019 that focuses on Indigenous history, environmental history, diversity and Canada and the world. The research plan is enhanced by research and knowledge gathering initiatives led by Indigenous nations.
• The density of non-native vegetation is reduced below 2017/18 levels.
• By 2023, a project is undertaken to examine the anchors and condition of the back wall of the Bathing Pavilion to ensure that thermal water is not pooling against the wall.
• By 2028, cultural resources of national historic significance and the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office (FHBRO) designated Bathing Pavilion building show an improving trend in the State of Assessment, compared to the 2017 State of Assessment.

Objective 1.2

The sense of arrival to the national historic site is improved.

Targets:

• By 2021, a feasibility study and options analysis is completed to consider constructing a new thermal water touch feature.
• By 2022, way finding signage to the site, vehicle signage in the parking lot and interpretive panels by the Welcome Building are reviewed and improved.
• In the first years of the plan, the commissioning of a symbolic installation or iconic artwork for the forecourt area or near the Welcome Building is undertaken that speaks to the many histories of the site.

Objective 1.3

Multi-year investment plans are crafted to ensure that the maintenance, repair and recapitalization of the aging thermal water infrastructure, boardwalks and contemporary building assets are prioritized and addressed in a timely fashion.

Targets:

• By 2022, an engineering assessment is completed evaluating the condition of the thermal water infrastructure and boardwalks including cultural and archeological resources. This work will require an environmental assessment that ensures compliance with the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
• By 2022, a detailed long term site asset management plan is completed, outlining all major recapitalization projects required over the next 15 years to allow for the sustainable operation of the site. This plan will include accessibility requirements and will address FHBRO guidelines.
• By 2023, the Parks Canada administration space within the Caretaker’s Cottage is upgraded to improve health and safety factors and work conditions.
• By 2023, a public view deck is re-instated on the roof of the Bathing Pavilion.

Key Strategy 2:

Build relationships with Indigenous peoples and organizations in ways that honour the rich Indigenous history of this significant cultural place.

This strategy focuses on working with Indigenous peoples (First Nations and Métis) to build relationships that demonstrate leadership in reconciliation, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership, to contribute to collaborative initiatives. It seeks to foster opportunities for the Cave and Basin NHS to be a platform for Indigenous voices sharing Indigenous perspectives and stories. The following objectives were arrived at through preliminary discussions.

Objective 2.1

Parks Canada and Indigenous partners collaborate to understand the diverse values and stories of the Cave and Basin, both historical and contemporary. Indigenous communities advise, influence and contribute to the site’s programming

Targets:

• In the first years of the plan, Parks Canada works with Indigenous communities to develop an process to better understand the values, history and stories connected to the place, building on the work that was undertaken with Indigenous groups during the Birthplace of Canada’s National Parks project, between 2010 and 2013. This process acknowledges the longstanding significance of the Cave and Basin thermal waters to many Indigenous nations, addresses shortfalls and lack of focus in the current presentation on Indigenous history, re-fosters a relationship to the place for people that have not been there for many years, involves Indigenous youth and builds on best practices from places such as Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site and Blackfoot Crossing Historic Site.
• By 2021, invitations have been extended to Indigenous communities to visit and reconnect with the site, to discuss approaches to story sharing and to help understand what protocols should be applied when sharing Indigenous stories or knowledge with the public.
• By 2021, a review of the current interpretive media, with a lens of reconciliation, is undertaken in collaboration with Indigenous partners. This process will identify areas of concern related to bias and omission and will inform the development of the Visitor Experience Strategy.

Objective 2.2

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a place for reconciliation and ceremony, sharing of Indigenous cultures and stories from Indigenous voices, Indigenous economic opportunities, a place for Indigenous community gatherings and events and where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities come together.

Targets:

• On a more regular basis starting in 2020, Indigenous communities access the site for traditional and cultural practices.
• By 2023, operational protocols are developed to respect traditional Indigenous use of the site.
• On an annual basis, team members working at the site receive reconciliation training, such as the Kairos Blanket Exercise, to foster a culture of understanding and reconciliation.
• Indigenous relations are rated as good in the next State of the Site assessment, to be completed in 2028.

Objective 2.3

Indigenous people participate and benefit from economic opportunities arising from the operation of the site. Indigenous tourism and experiences offer the opportunity to advance understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and heritage in Canada while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Targets:

• By 2021, the site staff are active participants in Banff Field Unit’s Human Resources recruitment activities that target Indigenous communities.
• By 2022, opportunities to operate an Indigenous business are solicited and hiring of Indigenous site employees is pursued.

Key Strategy 3:

Enrich and create new experiences.

This strategy aims to enrich visitor experience opportunities at Cave and Basin through visitor experience planning, development of new programs, and establishment (or renewal) of key partnerships with people, organizations and groups. Visitors will be inspired by an enriched daily offer, and will be encouraged to return often for special events and programs, temporary exhibits, community gatherings, participatory and lifestyle activities, or to simply relax and enjoy this special place.

Objective 3.1

Visitors are inspired by the site’s cultural and natural richness, and by the diverse and inclusive approach to storytelling, information sharing and hands-on participation as demonstrated through staff and partner-led programs. An important initiative is the development of a new Visitor Experience Strategy (VES). Assembling a comprehensive team of internal field unit and national office stakeholders at critical stages of the VES development can ensure a properly integrated planning approach.

Targets:

• By 2023, a new Visitor Experience Strategy (VES) is developed for Cave and Basin. The VES will help to inform future investments to infrastructure, refreshing of the main exhibits and interpretive programs and strategic partnering opportunities. The VES will be based on the use of social science to understand and improve visitor expectations and experiences. The VES will consider many other factors (e.g., collaboration with stakeholders on the development and expansion of visitor experience elements, third party operators that use the site, expansion of special events).
• By 2024, 90% of visitors surveyed report being satisfied and/or very satisfied with their trip-planning and arrival experience and enjoyment with their overall visit to the site.
• By 2024, 90% of visitors surveyed leave with a deeper appreciation of the role of Cave and Basin National Historic Site with respect to the diverse histories connected to it, and to its meaning and value to all Canadians.
• Throughout the life of this management plan, field unit staff collaborate with national office staff on digital products as needed to adjust and improve presentation platforms including considerations of accessibility, diversity and inclusion.

Objective 3.2

Canadians are invited to assist Parks Canada with the appreciation and stewardship of the rich cultural and natural heritage resources protected within the site’s boundaries.

Targets

• By 2021, the Cave and Basin offers new opportunities for visitors to increase their cultural awareness and ecological knowledge about species at risk.
• A greater number of volunteer opportunities exist, compared to 2015/2016.

Objective 3.3

The site is widely regarded as a core destination within Banff National Park. Parks Canada continues to develop, implement and market exciting integrated cultural tourism experiences throughout the year. Visits are increased through promotion of the site in cooperation with partners. Visitors learn more about other Parks Canada places.

Targets:

• At least two partner driven events occur each year.
• By 2022, strategies are in place to pursue an increase in visitation in the shoulder and winter season.
• Cave and Basin works in partnership with other Banff Field Unit departments and the Banff Upper Hot Springs to develop new enhanced visitor experiences at different price points, such as tours, packages and promotions.
• Over the next five years, revenue from after-hours rental increases by 15% beyond 2016/17 levels.
• Cave and Basin specific posts within the Banff National Park social media platform increase by 5%/year over the course of the plan.
• More visitors come more frequently and stay longer. By 2028, there is a 30% increase in visitation over 2016/17 levels.

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6.0 Summary of the strategic environmental assessment

Parks Canada is responsible for assessing and mitigating the impacts of management actions on ecosystems and on cultural resources. The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals prepared by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, requires a strategic environmental assessment of all plans and policy submitted to the federal Cabinet or to a Minister for approval deemed to have important positive or negative environmental effects.

A strategic environmental assessment was undertaken on this management plan, and the management direction found within has been adjusted to respond to its findings. The following is a summary of the environmental assessment:

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Strategic environmental assessment summary

A strategic environmental assessment ( SEA) was conducted for Cave and Basin National Historic Site Management Plan pursuant to the 2010 “Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals” (CEA Agency/Privy Council Office 2010). Strategic Environmental Assessment provides an opportunity to identify broad and unintended impacts of proposed management actions resulting from a proposed policy, plan or program, including the cumulative environmental impacts of multiple activities. Strategic environmental assessment also informs the subsequent assessment of related projects.

The spatial scope of the SEA included areas within the boundary of Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the temporal scope was a period of ten years from the date of plan approval, at which time the plan will be reviewed. The resources considered to be Valued Components are the cultural resource elements commemorated and protected by the historic place designation, the historic buildings, the thermal spring environment and the marsh below, and the endangered Banff Springs Snail and their critical habitat. Visitor experience resources including the various facilities are also important resources considered in the assessment.

The management plan includes a number of important initiatives to build relationships with Indigenous peoples, demonstrate leadership in reconciliation and create opportunities for strengthening diversity and inclusion. These initiatives will help create understanding of Indigenous values of the site and will help tell a more complete story of the site to Canadians.

The management plan calls for an engineering and environmental scoping study by 2019 to assess the feasibility of construction of a new thermal water touch feature at the site. The environmental scoping study can ensure that environmental issues including Banff Spring Snail concerns are properly addressed. Indigenous values at the site should be considered in planning the new thermal water touch feature.

An important initiative in the management plan is the development of a new Visitor Experience Strategy (VES). Assembling a comprehensive team of internal stakeholders at critical stages of the VES development can ensure a properly integrated planning approach. Indigenous values at the site will also be incorporated into the VES.

A significant positive effect of the management plan will be to expose Cave and Basin National Historic Site to many more visitors, improving awareness and appreciation of the heritage value of the site. Enhanced stability and conservation of the resources at these sites will contribute to the mandate of the Agency and overall quality of the visitor experience, as will improvements to contemporary visitor facilities. Any potential negative environmental effects from increased visitation can be mitigated through the use of existing policies and instruments and by carefully managing visitor use of the areas.

Project-level impact assessment will be able to mitigate any potential adverse impacts from individual projects resulting from this plan.

If the appropriate mitigation measures are applied, there are no important adverse environmental effects anticipated from implementation of the management plan. The overall environmental effects of the strategies, objectives and targets of the plan are expected to be positive.