Introduction

Introduction

Identifying Representative Natural Areas:

East Arm of Great Slave Lake © Parks Canada

Because the goal is to represent each of Canada's 39 terrestrial natural regions in the national parks system, efforts to create new parks are concentrated on those natural regions that do not have a national park. In these regions, studies are carried out to identify areas worth consideration.

To qualify, such areas must first contain a good representation of the natural features and processes characterising the region, including its wildlife, vegetation, geology and landforms. The second criterion is that human impact should be minimal; that is, the area should be in a natural state.

Aulavik National Park © Parks Canada

Selecting Potential Park Areas:

Once representative natural areas have been identified in a natural region, further studies and consultations are undertaken to select one of these areas as a potential national park. In comparing possible areas at this stage, a wide range of factors is considered, including:

• quality of natural region representation
• potential for supporting viable populations of native wildlife species
• ecological integrity of the area's ecosystems
• exceptional natural phenomena, and rare, threatened or endangered wildlife and vegetation
• significant cultural heritage features or landscapes
• opportunities for public understanding, education and enjoyment
• competing land and resource uses
• possible threats to the long-term sustainability of the area's ecosystems
• complementarity with objectives of other existing or planned protected natural areas in the region
• potential for establishing an adjacent national marine conservation area that is representative of its marine region
• implications of Aboriginal rights, comprehensive land claims and treaties with Aboriginal peoples; and
• international criteria for national parks.