Parks Canada seeking public input for future of Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site
Next week, Parks Canada is holding open house meetings at the Fort Henry Discovery Center to gather input and opinions from the public to help them plan the future of the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site, including Fort Henry National Historic Site and Murney Tower National Historic Site.
According to a release from Parks Canada, feedback received from the public through the consultation process will inform the creation of a new management plan which will guide decisions and actions in protecting the fortifications for the next decade and beyond.
“National historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas are a source of shared pride for all Canadians. They protect our shared natural and cultural heritage, support biodiversity, and tell the stories of Canada from all perspectives. They are places where countless Canadians and visitors from around the world connect with history and discover nature every day,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
“We invite the public to contribute to planning for the Kingston Fortifications National Historic that will help shape the future of Fort Henry National Historic Site and Murney Tower National Historic Site. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort to ensure the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site continues to protect our shared national heritage and will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Parks Canada stated that national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of Canada and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kingston Fortifications are focal points of the Kingston landscape. Built around the Kingston harbour, they are an imposing defence complex that speaks to the importance of the country’s first capital.
As the largest tourism attraction in the Kingston region, the fortifications offer Canadians enriching and meaningful heritage experiences that highlight the links between each defensive structure and their strategic role in Canada’s history, according to the release. They are also places where all Canadians can connect and learn about rich Indigenous history and perspectives.
In the release, Parks Canada said a new draft management plan for the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site is proposing two key objectives for the future:
- Address the conservation challenges of these historic structures so that their protection is prioritized and Canadians can continue to enjoy memorable and authentic experiences at these sites.
- Bring the community together through ongoing dialogue with managing partners, local residents, visitors, Indigenous communities, local tourism and cultural heritage partners, and stakeholders to plan for the future of the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site.
Members of the public are invited to review and comment on the draft plan online at https://parks.canada.ca/kingston and to RSVP to [email protected] for the upcoming open house meetings at the Fort Henry Discovery Centre. Sessions will be in English on August 15 from 7 to 9 p.m., and in French on August 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Feedback can also be shared by sending comments in writing by email to [email protected] or by mailing:
Public Consultations – Kingston Fortifications NHSPO BOX 665
Station Main
Kingston, ON K7L 4X1
Read more about the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site on the Parks Canada website.