Management Plan Implementation Annual Update, 2020

Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site

Child visitors in period costume in a re-enactment tent of the Battle of 1812, Bataille-de-la-Châteauguay National Historic Site

Introduction
Strategy
Conclusion

Title: Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site — Management Plan Implementation Annual Update, 2020

Introduction

The Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site Management Plan, created in 2018, sets out the longterm strategy for the site as well as how the site is administered. The mandate of Parks Canada is to protect and present significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and to foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of these places in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, normal site operations have been disrupted. Visitor access and services were limited. However, between July and September, the site still welcomed 670 visitors free of charge.

The purpose of this annual update is to share 2020 achievements with partners, stakeholders and the public.

Strategy

Key strategy 1: A vibrant site where everyone can discover and commemorate the significance of the Battle of the Châteauguay

Objective

Implement a varied selection of activities tailored to the needs of the site's target audiences (school groups, military personnel, tourism professionals).

As part of the sanitary measures to control COVID-19, a reception kiosk was installed outside to reduce the time spent inside the building and to ensure visitor safety.

Objective

Work together with Indigenous communities with links to the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site in order to honour and showcase their culture and their contributions to the site's history.

The content of an interpretive terminal was enhanced in collaboration with several Indigenous communities. This terminal allows visitors to discover which First Nations People took part in the battle and what roles they played.

Objective

Increase the site's success by working in concert with partners.

Development of a "Colonel Michel-de-Salaberry" peony variety together with the Martinus Mooijekind Peony Farm, the Société historique de la Vallée-de-la-Châteauguay and the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
In order to offer services to visitors, the historic site takes advantage of the sharing of personnel resources with the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site, also linked to the War of 1812 theme.
The historic site participated in the digital promotional campaign of Tourisme Montérégie.

Key strategy 2: A visitor experience centred on the battlefield

Objective

Improve the presentation of the various elements of the site's history outside the interpretation centre.

The obelisk erected in 1895 is accessible to the public near the interpretation centre.
Discover the archaeological landscape along the 14 kilometres of the battlefield on the "Archaeotour by bike" interpretive trail.

Objective

Implement a new management approach for the interpretation centre in concert with local and regional stakeholders and partners.

A plan to reorganize the exhibits and a new approach to interpretation are being developed.

Conclusion — next steps

In the coming years, the priority objectives for the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site will be the implementation of activities together with Indigenous communities and partners, the reorganization of exhibits and collaboration with other sites commemorating the War of 1812.

This will support site conservation and reaffirm the commitment of Parks Canada to conserving and presenting this historic theme for the benefit of visitors.

In 2021, the national historic site will be open to the public. Sanitary measures will be put in place to ensure a safe visit. Parks Canada will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust the site's service selection as required.