HALIFAX CITADEL, GEORGES ISLAND, FORT MCNAB, PRINCE OF WALES TOWER AND YORK REDOUBT - MANAGEMENT PLAN
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Halifax Citadel,
Georges Island, Fort McNab,
Prince of Wales Tower
and York Redoubt
nat i o na l h i s t o r i c s i t e s o f c a na da
Management Planm ay 2 0 0 9
Halifax Citadel,
Georges Island, Fort McNab,
Prince of Wales Tower
and York Redoubt
nat i o nal historic sites of canada
Management Planii
© Her Majesty the Queen in right of Library and Archives Canada
Canada, represented by the Chief Cataloguing in Publication
Executive Officer of Parks Canada,
2009. Parks Canada
Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort
Cette publication est aussi disponible McNab, Prince of Wales Tower and
en français. York Redoubt National Historic Sites
of Canada Management Plan / Parks
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Canada.
P.O. Box 9080, Station A
Halifax, Nova Scotia Issued also in French under title: Lieux
Canada B3K 5M7 historiques nationaux du Canada de la
Citadelle-d’Halifax, de l’Île-Georges,
Tel: 902-426-5080 du Fort-McNab, de la Tour-Prince-
Fax: 902-426-4228 de-Galles et de la Redoute-York, plan
Email: halifax.citadel@pc.gc.ca directeur.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 0-662-43918-X
Cat. no.: R64-105/35-2006E
1. Historic sites – Nova Scotia
– Management.
2. Historic sites – Canada –
Management.
3. National parks and reserves – Nova
Scotia – Management.
4. National parks and reserves
– Canada – Management. I. Parks
Canada II. Title.
FC2314.H34P37 2006
971.6
C2006-980197-5
Front Cover Image Credits:
Background Image: Ship to Shore Photography / Parks Canada
Inset Images: Top Left: Soonya Quon, Parks Canada Top Middle: Chris Reardon Top Right: Jacolyn Daniluck, Parks Canada
Bottom Left: Parks Canada Archives Bottom Left: Parks Canada ArchivesHalifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower iii
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Foreword
Canada’s national historic sites, national parks and national marine
conservation areas offer Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast
unique opportunities to experience and understand our wonder-
ful country. They are places of learning, recreation and fun where
Canadians can connect with our past and appreciate the natural,
cultural and social forces that shaped Canada.
From our smallest national park to our most visited national
historic site to our largest national marine conservation area, each of
these places offers Canadians and visitors unique opportunities to
experience Canada. These places of beauty, wonder and learning are
valued by Canadians – they are part of our past, our present and our
future.
Our Government’s goal is to ensure that each of these special
places is conserved.
We see a future in which these special places will further Canadians’
appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Canada, the economic
well-being of communities, and the vitality of our society.
Our Government’s vision is to build a culture of heritage conser-
vation in Canada by offering Canadians exceptional opportunities to
experience our natural and cultural heritage.
These values form the foundation of the new management plan
for Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales
Tower and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada. I offer
my appreciation to the many thoughtful Canadians who helped to
develop this plan, particularly to our dedicated team from Parks
Canada, and to all those local organizations and individuals who have
demonstrated their good will, hard work, spirit of co-operation and
extraordinary sense of stewardship.
In this same spirit of partnership and responsibility, I am pleased
to approve the Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince
of Wales Tower and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan.
Jim Prentice
Minister of the Environmentiv
Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower v
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Recommendations
Recommended by:
Alan Latourelle
Chief Executive Officer
Parks Canada
Linda Frank
Field Unit Superintendent
Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit, Parks Canadavi
Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower vii
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Executive Summary
The Halifax Defence Complex consists of The management plan provides strategic
five national historic sites with a common management direction for the next five years
reason for designation: Halifax was one of that may be achieved within the sustain-
four principal overseas naval stations of able operations of Parks Canada and that
the British Empire during the 18th and 19th is judged to have no significant impacts or
centuries, and the Halifax Defence System or cumulative effects on the natural or cultural
Complex includes a complete conspectus of values of the sites. The proposed manage-
shore defences from the 18th century to the ment direction aims to ensure the commemo-
Second World War. The Historic Sites and rative integrity of each national historic site,
Monuments Board of Canada recommended to provide for public education and outreach,
the commemoration of representative exam- and to offer opportunities for meaningful
ples of a complete range of shore defences visitor experiences at those national historic
as national historic sites, specifically naming sites open to the public, and exploring oppor-
Georges Island, Fort McNab, York Redoubt, tunities for learning and appreciation of those
Prince of Wales Tower and the Halifax national historic sites not open to the public.
Citadel.
The Halifax Defence Complex is admin- Priorities for management of the Halifax Defence
istered by the Parks Canada Agency as part Complex over the next five years:
of a system of national historic sites across
Canada. Each national historic site within Heritage Protection
this system protects and presents an impor- Parks Canada will stabilize in situ cultural
tant part of Canada’s history. Parks Canada resources at Fort McNab, address outstand-
raises the awareness and understanding of ing conservation issues at Prince of Wales
Canadians about our common heritage by Tower, address conservation requirements
offering opportunities to learn about and for the slate roof of the South Magazine and
experience the national historic sites of the address the fire code upgrade at the Town
Halifax Defence Complex and other national Clock at the Halifax Citadel, and the interior
historic sites across Canada. of the Fire Command Post at York Redoubt.
A review of the strategic management Ongoing maintenance at all the sites of
direction for the sites of the Halifax Defence the Halifax Defence Complex will occur in
Complex was undertaken in 2005, and has accordance with the asset life-cycle assess-
resulted in this revised management plan. ment. Commemorative integrity evaluations
This management plan articulates a fifteen- for Georges Island, York Redoubt and Fort
year vision for the Halifax Defence Complex. McNab will be completed.
The Halifax Defence Complex will continue
to be a valued and vital part of the fabric of Public Education and Outreach
the Halifax Regional Municipality, telling the Parks Canada will communicate the national
stories of historical and international military historic significance of each of the national
significance. The heritage resources of the historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex.
national historic sites will be protected, and The first priority will be to review and
in future all of the sites will be open to the update interpretation plans and to prepare
public, offering opportunities to learn about interpretation plans for those sites without
and experience these special places. one currently. At those sites not open to theviii
public, interpretation will occur through allowing controlled access to test market
off-site means. Parks Canada will under- demand at Georges Island. Special events
take exterior interpretation at the Prince of programming will continue to be offered at
Wales Tower and will identify opportunities all the sites.
for interpretation of Georges Island at key
vantage points using external media. Special Collaboration and Partnerships
events programming will be used to attract Parks Canada recognizes that partnerships
local residents to all the sites. Parks Canada and collaboration play a vital role in the
will introduce heritage presentation products future of all the sites of the Halifax Defence
associated with all five sites that respond to Complex. The role of many organizations and
visitors’ interests and that communicate the agencies at each of the sites is recognized: the
key messages of each site. Halifax Citadel Regimental Association and
the Army Museum at the Halifax Citadel; the
Meaningful Visitor Experience Friends of McNabs Island and the Province
Parks Canada will offer opportunities for of Nova Scotia at Fort McNab; the Halifax
meaningful visitor experiences at those of Regional Municipality and the Point Pleasant
the national historic sites open to the public. Park Advisory Committee at Prince of Wales
At the Halifax Citadel, a high quality range Tower. Partnerships will be vital to any future
of interpretive experiences will continue development of Georges Island, and potential
to be offered, and product development partnership arrangements will be explored
to meet the interests and needs of visitors as part of a reassessment of the feasibility of
will be ongoing. At York Redoubt, visitors development of the site. Community interest
will continue to experience the site through in York Redoubt is strong, and community
self-guided means. Parks Canada will work partnerships will be explored over the next
with the Province of Nova Scotia to offer several years for that site. Parks Canada
meaningful experiences and provide services will work to strengthen existing collabora-
to visitors at McNabs Island. Parks Canada tive relationships with the Mi’kmaq of Nova
will work toward the future opening of Scotia, and undertake projects of mutual
Georges Island by updating studies of market interest. Parks Canada will seek to strengthen
demand, projected visitation and capital existing and develop other strategic partner-
costs; by preparing a business case; and by ships for each of the national historic sites.Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower ix
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Table of Contents
Foreword ........................................................................................................................... iii
Recommendations . ............................................................................................................. v
Executive Summary . ..........................................................................................................vii
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Setting Management Direction for the Halifax Defence Complex ..............................1
1.2 Planning Context . ....................................................................................................3
1.3 History of a Key British Naval Station........................................................................5
1.4 The National Historic Sites System ..........................................................................6
1.5 Legislative and Policy Basis for Management Planning ............................................7
2.0 Commemorative Integrity
2.1 Parks Canada’s Commitment to Commemorative Integrity........................................9
2.2 Commemorative Integrity Statement: Specifying Values of the Sites ........................9
2.3 A Foundation for Management Planning . ...............................................................10
3.0 Vision....................................................................................................................11
4.0 Managing the Halifax Defence Complex
4.1 Heritage Protection.................................................................................................13
4.2 Public Education and Support.................................................................................15
A. Education and Outreach.....................................................................................15
B. External Relations .............................................................................................16
4.3 Meaningful Visitor Experience.................................................................................17
4.4 Collaboration and Partnerships...............................................................................19
4.5 Operations, Administration and Environmental Stewardship....................................20
A. Operations and Administration ..........................................................................20
B. Environmental Stewardship................................................................................21
5.0 Managing the Halifax Citadel ...........................................................................23
6.0 Managing York Redoubt.....................................................................................29
7.0 Managing Prince of Wales Tower......................................................................33
8.0 Managing Georges Island .................................................................................37
9.0 Managing Fort McNab........................................................................................41
10.0 Impact Evaluation and Environmental Assessment ......................................45
11.0 Implementation Strategy....................................................................................47x
Appendices
APPENDIX A - Summary of Public Involvement........................................................................53
APPENDIX B - Inventory and Evaluation of Cultural Resources................................................55
APPENDIX C - Summary of Commemorative Integrity Evaluation............................................57
APPENDIX D - Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Minutes..................................61
APPENDIX E - Summary of Commemorative Integrity Statements...........................................63
APPENDIX F - Selected References.........................................................................................67
APPENDIX G - Acknowledgements..........................................................................................69
Reference Maps
MAP 1 - Regional Context.......................................................................................................2
MAP 2 - Local Context............................................................................................................4
MAP 3 - Site Plan, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada........................................24
MAP 4 - Site Plan, York Redoubt National Historic Site of Canada..........................................30
MAP 5 - Site Plan, Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site of Canada............................34
MAP 6 - Site Plan, Georges Island National Historic Site of Canada.......................................38
MAP 7 - Site Plan, Fort McNab National Historic Site of Canada............................................42Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 1
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
Aerial view of Halifax Harbour, and downtown Halifax including Georges Island and Citadel Hill. Ship to Shore Photography/Parks Canada 2005
1.1 Setting Management Direction for the national historic significance for their con-
Halifax Defence Complex tribution to the defence of the Halifax naval
In 1965, the Historic Sites and Monuments station and for their in situ cultural resources.2
Board of Canada recognized the importance After the Second World War and the
of Halifax as one of four principal overseas end of their military life, the Department of
naval stations of the British Empire during National Defence transferred the sites to the
the 18th and 19th centuries and that the Halifax National Parks Branch. The sites have since
Defence System or Complex1 includes a been conserved, restored and managed as
complete conspectus of shore defences from national historic sites for the education, enjoy-
the 18th century to the Second World War. ment and understanding of the Canadian
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of public. The federal government agency, Parks
Canada went on to recommend the com- Canada, through the Mainland Nova Scotia
memoration of representative examples of a Field Unit, is responsible for the administra-
complete range of shore defences as national tion and operation of the national historic sites
historic sites, specifically naming Georges of the Halifax Defence Complex as part of a
Island, Fort McNab, along with the previ- national system of protected heritage areas.
ously designated York Redoubt (1962), Prince As part of its legislative responsibility to
of Wales Tower (1943) and the Halifax Citadel ensure the commemorative integrity of these
(1935). The Board recognized the sites’ national historic sites, Parks Canada has pre-
pared this management plan. This document
1
It should be noted that although collectively the five representative replaces two management plans, one devel-
sites are known as the “Halifax Defence Complex” or “Halifax Defence oped and tabled in 1993 for Georges Island,
System”, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada did not
recommend commemoration of the system itself as a national historic
site comprising five elements, but rather the commemoration of each
individual element as a national historic site. However, the Historic 2
An in situ cultural resource is a cultural resource in its original location.
Sites and Monuments Board of Canada minutes do refer to the sites A cultural resource is “a human work, or a place that gives evidence of
collectively and Halifax Defence Complex is the term used to refer to all human activity or has spiritual or cultural meaning, and that has been
five sites throughout this document. determined to be of historic value” (Parks Canada’s Guiding Principles
and Operational Policies,1994).2
Cape North
Miramichi
Kouchibouguac
National Park
of Canada
Cape Breton
PRINCE EDWARD Highlands National
Park of Canada
ISLAND
Prince Edward Island
National Park of Canada
NEW BRUNSWICK N Summerside
or CAPE BRETON
th
um
be ISLAND
rla CHARLOTTETOWN
Moncton nd
10 Glace Bay
Str
ait North Sydney
FREDERICTON
9 Sydney
Sackville
Amherst
Bras
Str 11
ait
of d’Or
104
Ca
ns Lake
Fundy y o
National Park Ba Antigonish
t o 8
of Canada ec
n
ig New
Ch
Glasgow
Saint John Chedabucto
Truro Bay
Minas Basin
1
y
nd Kentville
4
NOVA SCOTIA
Fu
of 6 102
ay 101
B N
7 E A
3 5 O C
Sackville
C
103 Dartmouth T I
North
HALIFAX A N
Chester Halifax Defence Complex T L
2 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site A
Kejimkujik Bridgewater Georges Island National Historic Site
National Park and Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site
National Historic Fort McNab National Historic Site
Site of Canada York Redoubt National Historic Site
Yarmouth MAP 1
National Historic Sites of Canada administered HALIFAX DEFENCE COMPLEX
Kejimkujik by Parks Canada - Nova Scotia
Seaside Adjunct
1 Canso Islands 5 Fort Anne 9 Alexander Graham Bell Regional Setting
2 Kejimkujik 6 Fort Edward 10 Marconi
3 Port-Royal 7 Melanson Settlement 11 Fortress of Louisbourg
0 25 50 km
4 Grand-Pré 8 St. Peters CanalHalifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 3
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Fort McNab, York Redoubt and Prince of attractions, including government build-
Wales Tower and one developed and tabled ings (Province House, City Hall), gardens
in 1994 for the Halifax Citadel. This revised and green spaces (Public Gardens, Grand
management plan will provide strategic Parade, Point Pleasant Park), military and
direction to the managers of these national maritime heritage (Maritime Museum
historic sites, to ensure the long-term protec- of the Atlantic, Maritime Command
tion and presentation of their heritage values, Museum, Pier 21). Numerous federal
to provide for public education, understand- heritage designations are found in the
ing and enjoyment, and to ensure that the his- municipality, including thirty-two national
toric sites are representative of and relevant historic sites, twenty-three persons of
to Canadians. As well, the management plan national historic significance, twelve
helps managers respond to operational needs events of national historic significance,
and cooperative opportunities. Subsequent two gravesites of former Prime Ministers
detailed planning, implementation and man- of Canada and one designated heritage
agement will in turn be guided broadly by railway station. Complementing Parks
this management plan. Canada’s national historic site program,
This management plan has been developed the provincial and municipal governments
with public involvement and receives broad have programs to identify and commemo-
public support.3 The management plan was rate heritage structures of provincial and
developed in keeping with Parks Canada’s local value, respectively.
Cultural Resource Management Policy and
National Historic Sites Policy. • I n general, residents and community
leaders consider the heritage character
of Halifax Regional Municipality to be
1.2 Planning Context an asset. The current municipal plan-
The sites of the Halifax Defence Complex ning strategy for the urban downtown
are all located within the Halifax Regional core seeks to ensure the complementary
Municipality, in view of or in close proximity scale and massing of new developments,
to Halifax Harbour (see map 2: Local Setting). restricting development that might intrude
The Halifax Regional Municipality is the on specific protected viewplanes or that
capital of Nova Scotia, the province’s major might detract from the Halifax Citadel
urban centre and the key regional centre of as a valued backdrop to the city centre.
the Maritime Provinces. Recently, a regional plan for the municipal-
ity has been adopted, which may lead to a
• T he Halifax Regional Municipality has review and update of area plans including
a population of approximately 359 000 for the urban downtown core (central busi-
people (2001 census), with approxi- ness district).
mately 273 000 people living and work-
ing in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and • H
alifax Harbour continues to play a
Sackville. The urban core of Halifax central role in the economy of the Halifax
Regional Municipality is steadily grow- Regional Municipality. Halifax Harbour
ing, with a projected increase of some 85 supports a number of marine-based indus-
000 people over the next 25 years (Halifax trial and other uses, including military
Regional Municipality Regional Plan Draft uses, and is managed by the Halifax Port
2005). Demand for green spaces and rec- Authority. Residents and visitors to the
reation opportunities will likely increase Halifax Regional Municipality have ready
with increased population. access to and views of Halifax Harbour,
• The urban area of the Halifax Regional with the sites of the Halifax Defence
Municipality houses a number of heritage Complex among those favoured by resi-
dents. Other vantage points are found at
3
See Appendix A: Summary of Public Involvement for an overview of Point Pleasant Park, the Halifax waterfront
the public consultation efforts undertaken during the course of this
management plan, and a summary of public comments. boardwalk, and Sir Sandford Fleming4
MAP 2
North NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES OF CANADA
OF THE HALIFAX DEFENCE COMPLEX Site Administrative Boundary
Local Setting
Halifax Citadel 0 .5 1 km
National Historic Site of Canada
Georges Island DARTMOUTH
National Historic Site of Canada
322
HALIFAX
Halifax
Harbour
EASTERN
PASSAGE
No Point Pleasant
rt hw Park
est E as
ter n
Ar
m Pa
Prince of Wales Tower ss a
National Historic Site of Canada ge
MCNABS
ISLAND
Purcells
Cove
McNabs
Cove
D
253 r
ak
es
Gu
t
Fort McNab
National Historic Site of Canada
York Redoubt
National Historic Site of Canada
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Powers
PondHalifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 5
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Park. Municipal planning strategies and
by-laws developed in the 1970s and 1980s
established development restrictions in
the downtown and in peninsular Halifax
protecting general views and specific
viewplanes from the Halifax Citadel to the
harbour. Renewed interest in redevelop-
ment in the downtown continues to test
these bylaws.
• T
he harbour is also a focus of tourism
interests with waterfront developments
allowing for greater access to the water-
front by pedestrian visitors, a growing
cruiseship industry and other harbour-
focused tourism (boat, marine life watch-
ing tours). Tourism is an extremely
important industry for the Halifax
Regional Municipality and the Province
of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia welcomes 2nd Scottish Company poses in front of Prince of Wales Tower. Unknown 1883
approximately two million visitors per
year to the province. Tourism generates est days, extending ever farther out toward
approximately $1.2 billion of revenue the harbour entrance as the decades passed.
for the province with more than half of The most prominent fort in Halifax was,
that generated in the Halifax Regional and still is, the one on the drumlin that came
Municipality. While tourism growth has to be called Citadel Hill. The British erected
been relatively unchanged over the past four successive fortifications on the hill, with
couple of years, the Province aims to the last one – today’s Citadel – constructed
double tourism revenues by the year 2012 between 1828 and 1856.
(Province of Nova Scotia 2006 Tourism Over the years the British built many
Plan). Tourism is viewed as a long-term forts and seaward-facing batteries along
economic generator for Nova Scotia and the Halifax and Dartmouth shores and on
the sites of the Halifax Defence Complex Georges Island and McNabs Island. Though
are key tourism attractions. most of the focus was on defending the har-
bour approaches, there were a few landward
fortifications, such as the fort on Citadel Hill
1.3 History of a British and Canadian and the Prince of Wales Tower. They pro-
Naval Station vided a defence against a possible attack from
The Mi’kmaq gave the name Kjipuktuk the rear on the town and its seaward-facing
to Halifax harbour and vicinity, meaning fortifications.
“great bay or long harbour.” Nova Scotia’s The overall complex or system of for-
first people occupied Kjipuktuk (Chebucto) tifications the British erected in Halifax,
seasonally, although no physical evidence of Dartmouth and environs underwent many
Mi’kmaq activities has been found at the sites changes due to the outbreak of wars or
in the Halifax Defence Complex. near-war crises with first France and later the
The British established a major settlement United States. The key struggles of the long
called Halifax along the harbour in 1749. It era of British control were the Seven Years
was to counterbalance the French stronghold War, the American Revolution, the French
at Louisbourg and to provide a protected Revolution and the emergence of Napoleonic
anchorage for British ships in these waters. France, the War of 1812 and the Civil War in
Fortifications defended Halifax from its earli- the United States.6
Beginning in the 1860s, technological the British and Canadian-era defensive works
changes in artillery and naval warships at Halifax.
ushered in a wholesale renovation of existing In 1965, the Historic Sites and Monuments
defences at Halifax. The increased range and Board of Canada recognized the national
enhanced accuracy of new ordnance systems historic importance of Halifax as a key naval
– first rifled muzzle loaders (rmls) and then station, first for Great Britain and later for
breech-loading artillery (bls) meant that new Canada. The Board recommended the protec-
forts and batteries had to be built further and tion of a representative sample of the types
further seaward. During this period Georges of fortifications built over time to protect
Island and York Redoubt were extensively the city and its harbour. The Board specifi-
modified and Fort McNab was built. cally singled out the Halifax Citadel, York
Not long after the Dominion of Canada Redoubt, Georges Island, Fort McNab and
came into existence in 1867 the British began Prince of Wales Tower, sites that are now
to withdraw their garrisons from the newly collectively known as the Halifax Defence
formed country. Halifax, however, was an Complex. Parks Canada is the agency of the
exception, as was Esquimalt on the Pacific federal government that ensures the pro-
coast. Great Britain would keep soldiers, sail- tection of these historic sites, and provides
ors and warships at both of these naval bases Canadians and visitors with opportunities
for another four decades, until 1905-06. When to learn about and experience these special
Canada at last took control and responsibil- places.
ity for defending Halifax and Esquimalt, the Other elements, beyond the five named
country took yet another step on its path to national historic sites, of the British and
becoming a mature and independent state. Canadian fortifications erected between 1749
The Canadian government modified the and 1945 are still in evidence in the Halifax
existing defences at Halifax and constructed a Regional Municipality. When asked, Parks
number of new ones during the two major con- Canada provides advice and guidance to
flicts of the 20th century, the First and Second help the Halifax Regional Municipality and
World War. The best-known role for Halifax Government of Nova Scotia administer the
in the two wars was as a convoy-assembling cultural resources under their care.
point for soldiers and material heading over-
seas. Increasingly, the key defences were at
the harbour entrance, at Fort McNab and York 1.4 The National Historic Sites System
Redoubt and even farther out. The national historic sites of the Halifax
All sites in the Halifax Defence Complex Defence Complex are part of a broad-rang-
played roles under Canadian control, though ing program of commemoration, including
for some – the Citadel and the Prince of places, persons and events of national historic
Wales Tower – the roles were no longer of significance. These heritage commemorations
strategic importance. The Historic Sites and come into being on the recommendation of
Monuments Board of Canada, an arms-length the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
advisory body to the Government of Canada, Canada (hsmbc), an arms length advisory
recommended the Halifax Citadel become board to the Minister responsible for Parks
a national historic site in 1935, though the Canada. Of the more than 900 national his-
fort remained an active military property toric sites nation-wide that form the National
throughout the Second World War that began Historic Sites System, Parks Canada admin-
in 1939. As for the Prince of Wales Tower, isters over 150 and has contributed to many
the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of more through cost-sharing agreements. The
Canada found it to be of national significance balance of the sites constitute the Family of
in 1943, which was in the midst of the war. National Historic Sites, owned and cared for
The rapid evolution during the Second by federal, provincial and municipal govern-
World War and then throughout the 1950s ments, by businesses, and by private citizens.
and 1960s of aerial warfare and long-range Each national historic site is recog-
weapons systems rendered obsolete most of nized as making a significant contributionHalifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 7
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
to Canadian history. Collectively, national memorative integrity, and outlines the
historic sites exemplify thousands of years of roles and responsibilities for the recogni-
human history and a rich variety of themes, tion, designation and commemoration
spanning political, economic, intellectual, of places, persons and events of national
cultural and social life. National historic sites significance.
capture the spirit and house the physical • The Cultural Resource Management
remains of our shared past, serving as power- Policy outlines the five principles that
ful symbols of our identity, an inheritance should guide cultural resource manage-
for all Canadians recognized under an Act of ment: value, public benefit, understand-
Parliament. ing, respect and integrity. As well, this
policy describes the elements of cultural
resource management practice, including
1.5 Legislative and Policy Basis for inventory, evaluation, reflection of historic
Management Planning values in actions, and monitoring and
A common legislative and policy context review.
influences the management of all national • The Parks Canada Guide to Management
historic sites owned and/or administered by Planning (2000) identifies the certification
Parks Canada, and management plans for requirements for a national historic site
national historic sites must accord with this management plan, roles and responsibili-
context. ties during the management planning
• The Parks Canada Agency Act (1998) con- process, as well as requirements for public
fers on Parks Canada the responsibility consultation.
to ensure the commemorative integrity of • The Parks Canada Corporate Plan 2005/06-
national historic sites. In accordance with 2009/10 indicates the Agency’s priorities
this Act, a management plan is prepared over the next five years: protection of
for national historic sites owned and/or heritage areas, recognizing the risks to
administered by Parks Canada, and is natural and cultural heritage; fulfilling the
reviewed every five years. Government’s 2002 Action Plan commit-
• Parks Canada’s Guiding Principles and ment to add to the system of protected
Operational Policies (1994) includes both heritage areas; protecting ecological integ-
the National Historic Sites Policy and rity as per the recommendations of the
Cultural Resource Management Policy, Ecological Integrity Panel Report and to
which are pertinent to national historic respond to stresses identified in the State
sites. Where this management plan is of the Protected Heritage Area Reports;
silent on an issue, these policies will pro- protecting commemorative integrity,
vide direction. recognizing the stresses to built heritage
• The National Historic Sites Policy out- in Canada; infrastructure recapitaliza-
lines the objectives of a national program tion; building strong relationships with
of historical commemoration, provides Aboriginal peoples; and increasing public
guidelines for the evaluation of the support and changing demographics.
program including the concept of com-8
Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 9
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
2.0 Commemorative Integrity
Fort McNab gun crew shelter. Soonya Quon 2004
2.1 Parks Canada’s Commitment to 2.2 Commemorative Integrity Statement:
Commemorative Integrity Specifying Values of the Sites
Parks Canada has a responsibility to ensure Parks Canada prepares a Commemorative
the commemorative integrity of the national Integrity Statement for each national
historic sites of the Halifax Defence Complex. historic site the Agency administers. A
Commemorative integrity describes the Commemorative Integrity Statement is an
health or wholeness of a national historic site. elaboration of what is meant by commemora-
A national historic site possesses commemo- tive integrity for a particular national historic
rative integrity when: site. A Commemorative Integrity Statement
• the resources directly related to the identifies what is commemorated at the
reasons for the site’s designation as a national historic site and why, the designated
national historic site are not impaired or place (or that area that is designated as of
under threat; national historic significance), which cultural
• the reasons for the site’s national historic resources are directly related to the reasons
significance are effectively communicated for the national historic site’s designation
to the public; and (known as Level I resources), their value and
• the site’s heritage values (including objectives for their protection. As well, the
those not related to national significance) Commemorative Integrity Statement identi-
are respected by all whose decisions or fies the messages of national significance and
actions affect the site. objectives for their effective communication,
and other heritage values, cultural resources
(known as Level II resources) and other mes-
sages associated with the site.10
2.3 A Foundation for Management Planning
The Commemorative Integrity Statement
for each of the national historic sites of the
Halifax Defence Complex describes its core
values, as well as the conditions required
to avoid impairment of those values. These
elements provide benchmarks for planning,
managing, reporting and taking remedial
action at the national historic site, and serve
as the foundation for strategic manage-
ment direction. While the Commemorative
Integrity Statement for each national historic
York Redoubt gun. Gina Patterson 2005 site outlines objectives to ensure the protec-
tion, knowledge and understanding of, and
Parks Canada has developed a respect for the designated place and cultural
Commemorative Integrity Statement for each resources, the Commemorative Integrity
of the national historic sites of the Halifax Statement does not prescribe particular man-
Defence Complex (approved between 1996 agement actions.
and 1999). The Commemorative Integrity This management plan outlines manage-
Statement for each national historic site is ment direction that protects and presents
summarized in appendix e. However, the the values described in the Commemorative
national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Integrity Statement for each site, ensuring
Complex share a common reason for being that the cultural resources are not impaired
considered of national historic significance: or threatened and that messages about
The sites of the Halifax Defence Complex are each site’s national historic significance are
of national historic significance because of conveyed. The management plan also guides
their role in the development of Halifax as the provision of opportunities for visitor
one of four principal overseas naval stations experiences, education and enjoyment of the
of the British empire during the 18th and 19th sites compatible with the commemorative
centuries and because they are important ele- integrity.
ments in the uniquely complete conspectus
of shore defences that developed in Halifax
between the 18th century and the Second
World War.Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 11
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
3.0 Vision
archaeological resources and artifact col-
lections, are managed according to Parks
Canada’s Cultural Resource Management
Policy and are inventoried, conserved and
presented to ensure their commemorative
integrity.
• At each of the five sites, visitors have
opportunities to learn about the unique
role played by that site in the defence of
Halifax. The Halifax Citadel, with its well-
developed interpretive programs, is the
colourful, vibrant core where the broader
story of the Halifax Defence Complex is
Halifax Citadel noon gun. James Ingram 2001
communicated. Parks Canada ensures
that the messages of national significance
During the development of this manage-
and reasons for designation of all five
ment plan, Canadians expressed their ideas
sites are conveyed to visitors and other
and desires for the future of the sites of the
audiences.
Halifax Defence Complex. The sites of the
• Parks Canada offers visitors opportuni-
Halifax Defence Complex are an integral part
ties to experience each of the five sites
of the fabric of the urban Halifax Region, and
of the Halifax Defence Complex in ways
a vibrant reminder of the city’s establishment
that are meaningful and relevant. Services
and evolution. Canadians wish to see this
are offered at each site, appropriate to
preserved. At the same time, Parks Canada
visitor needs and site location. Visitors are
must ensure the financially sustainable man-
oriented and informed, so they can enjoy
agement, operation and administration of the
engaging experiences at each of the five
sites; the vision for the sites must reflect this
sites.
enduring responsibility. The long-term vision
• Parks Canada builds relationships with
for the national historic sites of the Halifax
others in the community to facilitate
Defence Complex was developed with input
understanding and gain support for the
from the stakeholders of the sites, and it has
protection and presentation of the five
guided the development of the management
sites. Stakeholders have opportunities to
direction presented in this management plan.
become actively involved in the manage-
ment of the sites. Within the dynamic,
In 2020:
urban environment of the Halifax
• Parks Canada protects and presents the
Regional Municipality, the sites of the
five national historic sites of the Halifax
Halifax Defence Complex contribute to
Defence Complex for Canadians and visi-
the cultural, social and economic well
tors as examples of a complete range of
being of the region.
shore defences from the late 18th century
to the Second World War. The cultural
The vision for each national historic site can
resources of the sites, including remain-
be found in the chapter pertaining to that site,
ing elements of historic structures, in situ
to follow.12
Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 13
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
4.0 Managing the Halifax Defence Complex
Repointing Halifax Citadel. Soonya Quon 2005
Management direction common to all five defined in some cases, are valued aspects of
sites of the Halifax Defence Complex is found the sites’ commemorative integrity.
in this chapter. Additional management For the most part, built structures at the
direction on issues specific to each of the five sites are stable. The Halifax Citadel received
sites is found in the chapters to follow. extensive restoration during the 1970s-80s.
Most of the other sites have been stabilized
and are monitored and maintained in stable
4.1 Heritage Protection condition. Conservation needs are tracked
The heritage values of the Halifax Defence via national asset management assessment
Complex include the designated place of and tracking programs and staff conducts
each national historic site, cultural resources an annual visual inspection to identify new
including built structures (stone, masonry threats.
and concrete, including walls, buildings and Archaeological and curatorial resources
gun emplacements, and in situ archaeologi- associated with each site have been inven-
cal remains), artifact collections (armaments, toried and conserved and these collections
archaeological objects domestic and military of artifacts are stored either in Parks Canada
in nature, and a curatorial collection domestic conservation facilities or are located at the
and military in nature) and the relation of the sites. Management of all cultural resources
sites to each other and to the Halifax Defence occurs in accordance with Parks Canada’s
Complex as a whole. Cultural Resource Management Policy and
Each of the historic sites of the Halifax accepted conservation practices. No out-
Defence Complex encompasses the entirety standing archaeological research remains to
of its designated place, although in all cases be undertaken at any of the sites.
the views of and from the site, while not well14
Situation Analysis Performance Measures
Ensuring the commemorative integrity of the
Measures Targets
sites of the Halifax Defence Complex entails
protection of valued cultural resources, as Condition of cultural Condition of cultural
well as providing opportunities for public resources resources is good1
understanding, appreciation and support for Level of threats from Threats are low2 and
the sites. At those sites open to the public, natural processes and mitigated
human actions
tangible experience of the authentic cultural
resources contributes to meaningful visi- Systems or protocols to Systems are in place,
tor experiences of these sites. At those sites inventory, evaluate resource are employed and are
condition and take remedial effective
not yet open to the public, Parks Canada action
has a responsibility to ensure that cultural
resources endure in a stable condition for Rating of commemorative All those elements rated
integrity elements poor are improved
future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
The climate has a constant impact on the
sites of the Halifax Defence Complex, located Management Direction
on Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast and exposed Parks Canada will:
to the severest elements. The masonry of the • stabilize, conserve and maintain the
in situ structures has been largely stabilized cultural resources of the national historic
but requires regular repair and maintenance. sites of the Halifax Defence Complex, and
Much of the research in support of cul- undertake regular monitoring and evalua-
tural resource management for these sites has tion of cultural resources;
been undertaken. A monitoring program for • ensure that the archaeological and
in situ cultural resources and collections is curatorial collections associated with
in place. The library archive is available as a the national historic sites of the Halifax
resource for researchers. Defence Complex are maintained in stable
Located in the urban area of the Halifax condition and managed in accordance
Regional Municipality, the sites of the Halifax with Parks Canada’s Cultural Resource
Defence Complex face the pressures of Management Policy;
adjacent land development and changing • undertake commemorative integrity
land uses. In particular, the Halifax Citadel evaluations for York Redoubt, Georges
is affected by urban redevelopment in the Island and Fort McNab and address any
downtown central business district and York issues identified;
Redoubt may be affected by an increase in • where appropriate, participate in public
residential development on surrounding processes and work with others to ensure
lands. Visual links between the sites to each development of lands in the vicinity of
other and to the Port of Halifax have historic the national historic sites of the Halifax
value. While municipal land use planning Defence Complex does not significantly
strategies and bylaws protect key views and impact their commemorative integrity;
viewplanes and restrict the character and • identify and assess valued views and/or
height of new developments in the down- viewplanes at each of the national historic
town area, as development occurs around the sites of the Halifax Defence Complex,
sites there is an incremental risk that these which will be included in updates to
visual connections may be compromised, Commemorative Integrity Statements; and
particularly those which are not protected by • develop in partnership with other land
legislation. owners where appropriate, vegetation
management plans to protect in situ
Goal cultural resources and to protect historic
• T
o ensure the protection of the heritage valued views and/or viewplanes.
values of the national historic sites of the
Halifax Defence Complex. 1
Good condition means that the resource is not currently impaired and any
deficiencies are not a threat to the commemorative integrity of the site.
2
A low threat is one that may affect the site within the next ten years.Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 15
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
4.2 Public Education and Support
Parks Canada strives to communicate with
Canadians about the Agency’s activities for
three purposes:
• to raise awareness of the system of
national historic sites, national parks and
national marine conservation areas;
• to foster understanding and enjoyment of
individual heritage places; and
• to strengthen emotional connections to
and a sense of ownership of heritage
places as important symbols of Canada.
Ensuring the commemorative integrity of the
national historic sites of the Halifax Defence Prince of Wales Tower commissionaire. Soonya Quon 2004
Complex requires effective communication
of the reasons why the sites are considered Education and outreach efforts for the
of national historic significance. The values Halifax Defence Complex provide the means
of the national historic sites of the Halifax to convey information even about those sites
Defence Complex and key messages for each not yet developed for the public or open to
site are identified in appendix f. All the sites the public. Education and outreach efforts
have in common their primary message, the have focused primarily on communicating
reasons they are commemorated as national about the Halifax Citadel. School program-
historic sites. These are: the role of the Halifax ming is offered both in classrooms and on-
Defence Complex (and the contribution of the site. The Field Unit’s Urban Outreach Strategy
specific site) in defending the imperial naval (2002) identified target audiences for these
station of Halifax; the role played by the spe- efforts. The Field Unit’s Engaging Canadians
cific site in the overall defence system; and Plan (2004) provided focused communica-
the specific defence technologies employed at tion priorities, including the following that
the site. pertain to the sites of the Halifax Defence
Effective communication of these mes- Complex:
sages, crucial to ensuring the commemorative • meeting market demand for experiential
integrity of the national historic site, can be learning opportunities;
assessed against broad learning objectives • addressing shortcomings in heritage
for the site’s heritage presentation program. presentation assets; and
Objectives for the national historic sites • reaching the urban population, with
include opportunities for learning, post-visit opportunities occurring as part of the
testing of understanding, and ensuring that management plan review, and through
main messages are not obscured by second- urban marketing.
ary messages.
The Parks Canada Web site is the primary off-
A. Education and Outreach site information tool; although each national
For each the national historic sites of the historic site has a Web page, the Web is gener-
Halifax Defence Complex, Parks Canada has ally underused and the relationships among
a responsibility to communicate the values the sites of the Halifax Defence Complex are
of that site, of the Complex as a whole and of not well explained.
the federal system of national historic sites.
Heritage programming on-site is available Situation Analysis
at three of the five national historic sites, The difference in the level of heritage pres-
and the level varies from well developed to entation offered at the five national historic
modest at these sites. sites of the Halifax Defence Complex can be
traced to a management decision in the 1980s16
to focus efforts on the Halifax Citadel when Performance Measures
that national historic site was being restored. Measures Targets
The Halifax Citadel, regarded by the Historic
Effectiveness of com- Effectively convey and
Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and munication about key achieve a high level of
site managers as the most promising draw for messages, where public understanding of
tourists, became the focus of restoration and mechanisms effectively the key messages
convey information and
site and program development resources. audiences understand
A basic level of heritage presentation for the messages
the outlying national historic sites, whether
Level of visitor Maintain level of 75
on-site or through other means, is integral understanding about percent of visitors
to ensuring the commemorative integrity of the significance of the understand the key
these sites through contributing to visitors national historic sites messages
understanding, appreciation and support of
the sites. Site managers recognize this as a Management Direction
priority. Interpretation plans will be prepared Parks Canada will:
or updated for all the national historic sites • effectively communicate to the public
to ensure presentation of the key messages why the sites of the Halifax Defence
for each site and thematic links between the Complex are of national historic sig-
sites. Current education and outreach efforts nificance, and to communicate Parks
do not comprehensively present the values of Canada’s mandate to protect and inform
the Halifax Defence Complex as a whole. The Canadians about the system of national
Web presents a logical tool for supplementing historic sites in Canada;
current outreach and education efforts, offer- • collaborate with others to link themes and
ing opportunities to reinforce links among messages to the broader history of the
the five national historic sites of the Halifax region; and
Defence Complex. • measure visitor understanding and the
Visitor surveys have been conducted effectiveness of communication of key
at the Halifax Citadel and York Redoubt 3. messages for the sites and for the Halifax
Visitor surveys show that visitors have a Defence Complex as a whole.
good level of comprehension of the key mes-
sages for these national historic sites. Other B. External Relations
kinds of social science research to determine Parks Canada has an existing well-developed
levels of visitation, visitor interests and needs external relations structure that serves all
may be useful, particularly to evaluate the national historic sites and the national park in
effectiveness of heritage presentation pro- the Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit, directed
gramming, especially where newly installed. by a dedicated marketing plan under the
guidance of a marketing manager.
Goals The Field Unit’s marketing program
• A t those sites open to the public, to suc- involves various activities with well-estab-
cessfully communicate to visitors the lished partners including Tourism Nova
heritage values of the Halifax Defence Scotia, the Tourism Industry Association of
Complex, complementing the visitor Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality
experience, and at those sites not open Tourism, Atlantic Canada Cruise Association,
to the public, to interpret the key values Destination Halifax, Downtown Halifax
through other means. Business Commission and Signature
• To improve the understanding of the Attractions of Atlantic Canada. Marketing
Canadian public at large of the national efforts, in partnership with others, focus
historic significance of the Halifax primarily on the Halifax Citadel. The Halifax
Defence Complex and its element sites, as Citadel is a flagship for Halifax and for Nova
well as of their other heritage values. Scotia, with images of the fortification, the
Town Clock and the 78th Highland Regiment
3
The most recent visitor surveys for these sites were conducted in 2002: Custom used in provincial and municipal promotions.
Visitor Survey 2002 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada: Preliminary
Report; Custom Visitor Survey 2002 York Redoubt National Historic Site of Canada:
Preliminary ReportHalifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower 17
and York Redoubt National Historic Sites of Canada
Management Plan
Media relations are a strategic aspect of the designated as national historic sites, the
external relations and marketing plan and role of Parks Canada as the administering
travel media visit the Halifax Citadel each agency, and the visitor experience that is
year, resulting in publicity for the site, for offered at those sites open to the public.
Halifax and for Nova Scotia. • To increase the awareness of local residents
The other national historic sites are pro- of the sites of the Halifax Defence Complex
moted in provincial advertising material and through their use as venues for special
at tourism information centres. events that are appropriate and that do not
Each national historic site of the Halifax impair commemorative integrity.
Defence Complex is used as a venue for spe-
cial events. Special events range from private
Performance Measures
(e.g., weddings, corporate events) to public
functions (e.g., concerts, highland games, Measures Targets
re-enactment venues), educational or com- Number of visitors to Increasing number of
mercial purposes (e.g., filming). each site visitors every year
Awareness of non-visitors High level of awareness
Situation Analysis about the sites
Parks Canada’s promotion of the national his-
toric sites is strategic, focusing on the Halifax Level of use of the sites for Increased use of sites for
special events special events
Citadel where programming and services are
well developed. However, Parks Canada rec-
ognizes a need to promote all the sites of the
Management Direction
Halifax Defence Complex more vigorously to
Parks Canada will:
Halifax region’s urban residents, to encour-
• undertake outreach and external relations
age local residents to understand, appreci-
activities and build partnerships through
ate and visit the sites. The Web site content
implementing the Field Unit’s Engaging
could be enhanced to greater advantage as a
Canadians Plan;
promotional tool.
• work with others to promote and market
Special events generate revenue for Parks
the sites, ensuring accuracy of the infor-
Canada and introduce the values of the na-
mation being communicated; and
tional historic sites to a segment of the public
• continue to promote the national historic
who might not otherwise visit. Parks Canada
sites of the Halifax Defence Complex for
encourages the use of the sites for special
use for special events on a sustainable
events when specific conditions can be met
basis, on condition that uses are compat-
including respect for commemorative integ-
ible with commemorative integrity.
rity of the site. An environmental assessment
was undertaken collectively for all the sites of
the Halifax Defence Complex to facilitate the
4.3 Meaningful Visitor Experience
review and approval of requests for special
Parks Canada has a long-term vision that the
events. In offering a rental facility program,
national historic sites of the Halifax Defence
Parks Canada does not aim to compete with
Complex will all be open to the public.
the private sector but aims to expand famili-
However, at present opportunities for visitors
arity and community use of the sites.
to experience the sites are variable. Four of
the five national historic sites are accessible
Goals
by the public, and of these three provide
• T o attract visitors to the sites of the
programming and services. The vibrant, rich
Halifax Defence Complex.
and diverse programming of the Halifax
• To effectively communicate to the urban
Citadel provides a multitude of possible
population of the Halifax Regional
experiences for the visitor, both inside the
Municipality and to other Canadians and
fortifications and on the grounds (see chapter
prospective visitors the reasons why the
on the Halifax Citadel that follows for full
sites of the Halifax Defence Complex areYou can also read
