What we heard
Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site
About Parks Canada
Parks Canada manages Canada’s system of national historic sites, national parks, national marine conservations areas, and Canada’s first national urban park. The mandate of the Parks Canada Agency is:
This mandate includes protecting natural and cultural resources, facilitating inspiring experiences for visitors, and providing public outreach education. Parks Canada plans and manages the three aspects of its mandate using an integrated approach.
Parks Canada’s goal is to make Canada’s places and stories more relevant to Canadians, as described in the Agency's vision statement:
About Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site and its management plan review
Consultation Process
Parks Canada staff have sought input and ideas to help shape the site’s new management plan and ensure that it is based on a shared vision that reflects the priorities of the Parks Canada Agency, Indigenous communities, our partners and stakeholders, and the general public.
Management planning for sites administered by Parks Canada typically occurs on a 10-year cycle; however, many factors can impact the process and timeline. The last management plan for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst was prepared in 2003 and changes at the site – including a site name change, two new HSMBC designations, and the site becoming self-guided in 2012 – led to a longer management planning cycle. A State of the Site Assessment was completed in 2016 and a Scoping Process was completed in 2017.
Parks Canada began initial pre-consultations for Phase one of this process and met with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (and later, with L’nuey, which represents local Aboriginal rights holders), as well as with key stakeholders, in 2018. Feedback was incorporated into a draft plan which would be the subject of public review and comment during Phase two of the process.
Plans for Phase two public engagement were communicated broadly in winter of 2019, but all management planning consultations were placed on hold between March 2020 and January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In January 2021, Parks Canada cautiously resumed management planning engagement activities, and consultations on the draft management plan were active through May, 2021.
Phase two consultation activities
Phase two consultations focused on the draft management plan to ensure that it reflects Parks Canada priorities, operational realities, and input from visitors and Canadians at local, regional and national levels. Public consultation and engagement is an integral part of this phase of the management planning process, and Parks Canada employed various traditional and web-enhanced methods to promote and engage the public (see Appendices 1, 3). Efforts included working with L’nuey to mail information and a comment card to all members of Abegweit First Nation from Rocky Point, the closest Mi’kmaw community to the site.
Parks Canada produced sharable videos in both official languages to promote the management planning consultations and encourage public participation in the process. The videos were well received and served as a helpful introduction to facilitated meetings.
Parks Canada facilitated eight, two-hour engagement sessions – wholly virtual or hybrid – each with a small number of specific, grouped partners and stakeholders, including: L’nuey/ Mi’kmaw community representatives, the Native Council of PEI, Acadian, French and British cultural stakeholder groups, tourism industry, nature and recreation groups, as well as sessions open to the general public (English and French). Thirty-eight (38) people attended the sessions. Additional feedback on the plan was collected at a municipal meeting with 10 people in attendance.
Who we heard from
Online Comment Card Respondent profile
The greatest number of online respondents were from Charlottetown, PE
1. Charlottetown, PE
2. Lot 65, PE
3. Cornwall, PE
4. Lot 48, Lot 30 & Lot 15 (tie)
When asked to describe themselves by interest group, and invited to select all answers that applied, the highest percentage of all respondents who answered this question (N=48) identified themselves as previous/current visitors, regional or community residents, and interested members of the public.
Most respondents identified themselves as interested members of the public who reside in the region or community and have visited the site.
A previous/current visitor : 83%
A regional or community resident : 81%
An interested member of the public : 77%
A future visitor : 50%
A member of an NGO or non profit organization : 27%
Other : 21% A local business owner : 8%
A member of the tourism/hospitality industry : 8%
A member of an indigenous community : 6%
What we heard
This phase of consultation and engagement focused on refining the vision for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site as well as the key strategies and objectives. The draft management plan included three key strategies, each with a set of objectives and targets that will help guide park management decisions for the ten-year life of the plan. The key strategies frame the priorities for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site and give direction to managers as they make decisions. Detailed operational plans will determine how objectives and targets are met.
All feedback received through the process was carefully documented, reviewed and considered. Some suggestions, however, were too detailed to include in the management plan. Likewise, proposed activities that are contrary to the legislation and regulations governing National Historic Sites or are contrary to Parks Canada’s mandate are not considered for incorporation in the management plan.
This report summarizes the feedback Parks Canada received from this phase of the management planning process. The report demonstrates to the public that the process is transparent and responsive, and that feedback received has influenced and been incorporated into the final management plan.
Refining the vision for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site
In general, the vision elements were well received and seemed to reflect the public viewpoint. In particular, vision elements referencing the site remaining a beautiful, natural park-like space that honours the stories of the different cultures involved in the site’s history resonated with those who provided feedback.
There was broad consensus that the vision statement was too long and needed to be shortened. There was also consensus that removing references to the “wider network of historic sites”, extraneous details about the website and social media, and redundant wording around the “variety of themes” reflected at the site would effectively shorten the vision without impacting the essence and effectiveness of the statement.
Key strategy 1: Working Together to Increase Awareness
This strategy focuses on continued collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. As a gathering place for specific cultural groups, including Mi’kmaq, French, Acadian and British, the vibrancy of the site depends on the active involvement of partners and stakeholders, both on-site and off-site. In addition to cultural groups, Parks Canada and the site will work with other key stakeholders involved with tourism, nature appreciation, outdoor recreation, and education.
Eighty-two percent (82%) of respondents to the online comment card indicated this key strategy was either ‘very important’ or ‘important’.
Several stakeholders commented that the targets for increased visitation of the site in Objective 1.2 were unambitious. As a result, visitation targets have been increased.
Feedback indicated a desire for public awareness of the site and its significance to be enhanced while ensuring that the peaceful, contemplative, natural environment and open nature of the site be retained. A few stakeholders cautioned against the site becoming a bustling commercial attraction.
Key strategy 2: Working Together to Enhance Visitor Experience
Continued and expanded collaboration with key partners and stakeholders is also a focus of strategy 2. As a strategic location and a gathering place where different cultures became allies, established roots, or met in armed conflict, there are different perspectives to be shared on events that took place at the site.
Eighty-six percent (86%) of respondents to the online comment card indicated this key strategy was either ‘very important’ or ‘important’.
Feedback received through the online comment card and at engagement sessions specifically identified a balanced interpretation of all stories at the site as an important priority. A few individuals expressed concern about how to appropriately balance and represent the stories of all cultures, without detracting or de-emphasizing the others.
Several stakeholders commented that the targets for use of the site in Objective 2.3 were unambitious. As a result, usage targets have been increased.
Key strategy 3: Working Together to Protect a Cultural Landscape
The essence of the site is its open landscape and strategic location: the overlap of geography, human nature and history. This strategy includes protecting the landscape itself, as well as the cultural resources related to the site, and ensuring the site’s commemorative integrity.
This key strategy and its related objectives received the highest levels of support from respondents to the online comment card, as compared with the other key strategies and objectives of the plan. Ninety-six percent (96%) of respondents indicated the strategy is ‘very important’ or ‘important’, and a high majority of respondents indicated that objectives 3.1 – the good condition of cultural resources is maintained – and 3.2 – the condition of the natural environment and scenic beauty of the landscape are maintained – were ‘very important’ (90% and 98%, respectively).
Feedback received through the online comment card and at engagement sessions praised and emphasized the importance of the trails and open nature of the site. There was positive feedback about the site’s interpretive panels, and suggestions for new and additional panels. Several comments specifically emphasized the importance of no commercial development on site.
During consultations it was recommended that a reference to Traditional Indigenous Knowledge be added to the targets. This wording has been incorporated to reflect the way Parks Canada works in collaboration with the Mi’kmaq First Nations of PEI on conservation initiatives including Species at Risk.
Most important priorities
In the online comment card, respondents were asked what they felt was the most important priority for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst that Parks Canada should focus on in the next ten years. Thirty-nine (39) respondents weighed in on their top priorities for the site, and a wide variety of priorities were identified. The most common priorities or themes were:
- Maintaining cultural and environmental integrity of the site while enhancing its use as a gathering place and venue for events
- Preservation and enhancement of the trails and wide open vistas
- Representing and telling ‘all’ stories from the site, in a balanced way; authentic interpretation from cultural groups
- Enhancing visitor services on site
Other themes and comments
Online comment card respondents were invited to share additional comments they had about the site, and discussions during the facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions extended beyond the specific strategies, objectives and targets outlined in the plan. These comments, suggestions and ideas warrant acknowledgement and may well help inform future management plans and initiatives at the site. Common themes that were each mentioned multiple times include:
- More events: positive comments about past events and great suggestions for future potential events and partnership opportunities
- Improved and expanded interpretation: many suggestions and proposed actions for interpreting the site (e.g., virtual and audio tours, replicas, archaeological digs, exhibits) were shared and will be reviewed and incorporated into future plans, where possible
- Year-round access: many comments suggested year-round access should be highlighted and winter use of the site promoted
- Water access: many comments in support of opportunities to access the site from the Hillsborough River (Charlottetown Harbour)
- Connection with Blockhouse lighthouse: several comments suggested expansion of the trails and on-site interpretation to include the lighthouse adjacent to the site
- Engaging with Mi’kmaq First Nations: stronger involvement with neighbouring Rocky Point community and exploring economic development or employment opportunities
- On-site amenities: improved accessibility; suggestions for year-round washroom access and garbage pick up; addition of dog waste bag station given the large number of dog walkers
Next steps
Public consultations and engagement during Phase two of the management planning process for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst generated ideas and feedback that will help guide future management of the site over the next 10 years. Given the strategic nature of the management plan, not all feedback can be reflected in the vision, key strategies and objectives. However, all input has been captured and reviewed, and helps to inform the ongoing constructive dialogue about the future of the site. Changes have been incorporated into the draft plan to ensure that it best reflects Parks Canada priorities, operational realities, and feedback received through the online comment card and facilitated engagement sessions with interested parties.Participants during the Phase two consultations and engagement sessions expressed appreciation of this site and its amenities, and emphasized its importance – culturally, historically, recreationally, and environmentally. Parks Canada was inspired to hear the countless personal connections that Canadians have with Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst NHS, and this insight only strengthens our resolve to continue protecting, presenting and ensuring the ecological and commemorative integrity of this place for present and future generations.
The management plan for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst NHS will be tabled in Parliament in March 2023 and then made available on the Parks Canada website.
Parks Canada thanks Indigenous partners, other partners, stakeholders and members of the public who took the time to share thoughts, concerns, ideas and opportunities with us through the management planning process.
APPENDIX 1: Public Engagement Opportunities
Between January and May 2021, a series of opportunities were promoted to stakeholders, partners and members of the public with the goal of encouraging participation in the management planning process.- Online comment card : SPLJFA webpage
- Engagement session with L’nuey : Virtual via webex
- Indigenous community engagement session : Virtual via webex
- Cultural and historical stakeholder engagement sessions : Virtual via webex and in-person at Ardgowan NHS
- French and Acadian stakeholder engagement session : Virtual via webex
- Tourism stakeholder engagement session : Virtual via webex
- Recreation, nature and community engagement session : Virtual via webex
- Community engagement session (English) : Virtual via webex and in-person at Ardgowan NHS
- Community engagement session (French) : Virtual via webex
- Meeting with the Rural Municipality of West River : In-person at the community office
APPENDIX 2: Online Comment Card Questions
Section 1 - Vision
Parks Canada has prepared the following 10-year vision for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site, based on initial engagement with Indigenous partners and stakeholders. The vision has four parts and each focus on a slightly different theme or aspect:
1. How much do you agree with this part of the vision statement?
The vision for Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst in 10 to 15 years’ time is for the site to remain a beautiful, park-like space that honours the stories of the different cultures involved in the site’s history - Mi’kmaq, French, Acadian, and British.
Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree
2. How much do you agree with this part of the vision statement?
Continuing its role as a gateway and a gathering place, the site is alive with history. Everything about the site speaks to its storied past – from the views offered by the grounds themselves, to the curious remains of the British fort, to the insightful and evocative site interpretation. Each element invites the visitor to take a look at some aspect of history, culture, or nature. The grounds and facilities serve as an inviting setting for a variety of cultural and community events, and a welcome venue for third-party activities. Time spent at Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst is an experience that engages the senses and inspires the mind. Visitors take in its spectacular harbour vistas, enjoy scenic trails through peaceful landscapes, and absorb the sounds and smells of the grass, trees and the ocean breeze. A visit to the site invites contemplation of its complicated history.
Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree
3. How much do you agree with this part of the vision statement?
Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst has a unique placement within the greater network of historic sites with an extensive reach that showcases how the events that took place here have meaning and significance locally, regionally, and globally. Stories are shared that reflect a variety of themes, from individual and family histories of life at the site in the 1700s, to connections to the broader history of Acadia and Canada, and also to the ongoing experiences of new arrivals everywhere, as global migration and settlement continue to evolve.
Strongly Agree – Agree –Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree
4. How much do you agree with this part of the vision statement?
Learning about the storied human history of Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst doesn’t stop at the site’s borders. A colourful and informative website, engaging social media presence, and information shared through partners and related historic sites ensure that voices from Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst can be heard in places near and far. Bringing this information to light heightens awareness of Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst and the site’s role in the settlement of Prince Edward Island and Canada. This, in turn, gives Island residents and Canadians a closer connection to the site and a greater understanding of the significance of Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst.
Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree
5. Is there anything missing from the vision statement that you feel is important to include?
[open comment]
Section 2 - Strategies and Objectives
The draft management plan includes key strategies and objectives that focus on the outcomes Parks Canada wants to achieve over the next 10 years.
The focus of Key Strategy 1: Working Together to Increase Awareness is continued collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. As a gathering place for specific cultural groups, including Mi’kmaq, French, Acadian and British, the vibrancy of the site depends on the active involvement of partners and stakeholders, both on-site and off-site. In addition to cultural groups, Parks Canada and the site will work with other key stakeholders involved with tourism, nature appreciation, outdoor recreation, and education. This strategy seeks to raise awareness of the site among target audiences, build support among local and regional residents, and draw additional visitors to the site. Efforts will be made to improve pre-trip information and road signage for finding the site.
6. How important is Key Strategy 1: Working Together to Increase Awareness to you?
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
7. Tell us how important the management objectives for Key Strategy 1: Working Together to Increase Awareness are to you:
Objective 1.1
Efforts to promote SPLJFA off-site have increased
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
Objective 1.2
Visitation to SPLIFA has increased
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
8. Do you have any comments about Key Strategy 1: Working Together to Increase Awareness?
[open comment]
Continued and expanded collaboration with key partners and stakeholders is also a focus of Key Strategy 2: Working Together to Enhance Visitor Experience. As a strategic location and a gathering place where different cultures became allies, established roots, or met in armed conflict, there are different perspectives to be shared on events that took place at the site. This strategy continues discussions related to the addition of the Mi’kmaq name in 2018 and seeks to strengthen the connection that cultural groups have to the site, as well as the collaboration among cultural groups. This strategy ensures that partners have ample opportunities to share their perspectives on the site’s complex human history. It also builds on previous special events, to identify a wide range of opportunities that could be explored with partners.
9. How important is Key Strategy 2: Working Together to Enhance Visitor Experience to you?
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
10. Tell us how important the management objectives for Key Strategy 2: Working Together to Enhance Visitor Experience are to you:
Objective 2.1
The stories of SPLJFA are shared from multiple perspectives
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
Objective 2.2
Opportunities to connect with Mi’kmaq culture have increased
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
Objective 2.3
The number of special events offered or hosted at the site has increased
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
11. Do you have any comments about Key Strategy 2: Working Together to Enhance Visitor Experience?
[open comment]
The essence of the site is its open landscape and strategic location: the overlap of geography, human nature and history. Key Strategy 3: Working Together to Protect a Cultural Landscape includes protecting the landscape itself, as well as the cultural resources related to the site. Ensuring the commemorative integrity of the site includes: protecting the land, including its cultural significance to Mi’kmaq people; protecting key cultural resources such as the remnant earthworks of Fort Amherst and below-ground artifacts throughout the site; maintaining the condition of other cultural resources, such as Newson House; and, maintaining the feel of the site’s open grasslands and pockets of forest cover, with views to the harbour entrance.
12. How important is Key Strategy 3: Working Together to Protect a Cultural Landscape to you?
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
13. Tell us how important the management objectives for Key Strategy 3: Protecting a Cultural Landscape are to you:
Objective 3.1
The good condition of cultural resources is maintained
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
Objective 3.2
The condition of the natural environment and scenic beauty of the landscape are maintained
Very important – Important – Neutral – Not important – Not at all important
14. Do you have any comments about for Key Strategy 3: Protecting a Cultural Landscape?
[open comment]
15. What is the most important priority for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site that Parks Canada should focus on in the next ten years?
[open comment]
16. Do you have any additional comments not captured in the previous questions? Is there anything else that you feel Parks Canada must keep in mind as it develops a new management plan for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site?
[open comment]
Section 3 - Tell us about yourself
17. To help us better understand the views and comments collected, and to improve future consultations, we have a few remaining questions for you:
a) Which of the following describes you: (select all that apply)
- A regional or community resident
- A member of an Indigenous community
- A member of the tourism/hospitality industry
- A member of a Non-Government Organization (NGO) or non profit organization (e.g., recreational, environmental, heritage): please specify the name of the organization or type
- Recreational
- Environmental
- Cultural/Historical
- Educational
- Charitable
- Other
- A local business owner
- A previous/current visitor
- A future visitor
- An interested member of the public
- Other (please describe)
b) What is your age group?
- 18 – 24 years old
- 25 – 34 years old
- 35 – 44 years old
- 45 – 54 years old
- 55 – 64 years old
- Over 65 years old
c) Have you visited Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site within the last two years?
- Yes
- No
d) Postal Code: (collected for statistical purposes only)
- [space to collect postal code]
e) If you would like to be added to our e-mail list to be kept informed about this management plan, please e-mail us at pc.skmaqn.pc@canada.ca.
Section 4 – Thank you!
Thank you! We appreciate your suggestions and your interest in the future direction of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site.
APPENDIX 3: Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst NHS Management Planning Social Media Snapshot
Social media was used as an engagement tool throughout the Phase 2 public consultations. Social media was used to encourage use of the online comment card as well as advertise opportunities to participate in virtual and in-person engagement sessions.Social Media
PEI National Park Facebook Page - English
- Posts on management planning process - 5
- Reach - 9,666
- Likes - 102
- Shares - 36
- Comments - 11
PEI National Park Facebook Page - French
- Posts on management planning process - 5
- Reach -1,077
- Likes - 17
- Shares - 4
- Comments - 2
Other Web
Facebook Promoted Ads
Generated 40+ comments (English) and 3 comments (French)
Management Planning Website:
- 130+ unique visits during first 3 weeks live
- 9 minute average visit on page
Management Planning Videos on YouTube:
- 554 views for English video
- 74 views for French video
- Date modified :