Supplementary Information

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025

Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Reduce GHG emissions from its facilities and fleet by 2% below 2005 levels, with facilities contributing 1.4%.
• Validate its facilities portfolios for GHG reporting with regards to fuel, electricity and non-energy sources.
• Promote Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) for its facilities to include high-performance green building standards for new constructions or major renovations.

Starting point(s):
Total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet in fiscal year 2005-06 (base year): 41.2 ktCO2e

Total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet in fiscal year 2016-17: 35.1 ktCO2e

GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2005-06 (base year): 29.8 ktCO2e

GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2016-17: 22.6 ktCO2e

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage change in total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet since 2005 levels.

Percentage change in GHG emissions from facilities relative to combined total (facilities and fleet) Agency 2005 levels.

Percentage change in total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet relative to 2005-06 levels: -3%.

Percentage change in GHG emissions from facilities relative to combined total (facilities and fleet) Agency 2005-06 levels: -15%.

Parks Canada’s actions are intended to reduce GHG emissions in facilities by 28% by 2030, relative to total Agency 2005 levels, thereby contributing to the overall Government of Canada’s reduction targets.

UN SDG Goal:

Responsible Consumption and Production – Target 12.7

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Modernize our fleet

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Reduce GHG emissions from its facilities and fleet by 2% below 2005 levels, with the fleet contributing to a 0.6% reduction.
• Purchase 75% of its light fleet vehicles from more energy efficient vehicles on the Agency’s Preauthorized Vehicle List (PVL).
• Promote the development of 5-year replacement plans for heavy-duty fleet vehicles by moving to vehicles with greater efficiency and lower emissions.
• Promote right-size and low-carbon intensity fleet-vehicles.

Starting point(s):
Total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet in fiscal year 2005-06 (base year): 41.2 ktCO2e

Total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet in fiscal year 2016-17: 35.1 ktCO2e

GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005-06 (base year): 11.4 ktCO2e

GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2016-17: 12.4 ktCO2e

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage change in total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet relative to 2005 levels.

Percentage change in GHG emissions from fleet relative to combined total (facilities and fleet) Agency 2005 levels.

Percentage change in total Agency GHG emissions from facilities and fleet relative to 2005-06 levels: -3%.

Percentage change in GHG emissions from fleet relative to combined total (facilities and fleet) Agency 2005-06 levels: +27%.

The modernization of the Agency’s fleet through purchasing 75% of its light fleet from more energy efficient vehicles, replacing its heavy vehicles on a more frequent basis with those with lower emissions and greater efficiency and by ensuring that right-size and carbon efficient vehicles are used where possible will contribute to its goal of reducing its fleet GHG emissions of 12% by 2030, relative to total Agency 2005 levels.

UN SDG Goal:

Responsible Consumption and Production – Target 12.7

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

In 2019-20 Parks Canada committed to:

• Integrate sustainability into common-use procurement instruments, processes and controls.
• Require key procurement officials to support and promote green procurement.
• Provide green procurement awareness and training for staff involved in procurement.
• Set Agency targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods and services (e.g. IM/IT equipment, light fleet, heavy fleet).

Starting point(s):
Number of key procurement officials that have facilitated green procurement through various activities and/or tools in 2016-17 (base year): 7

Number of procurement decision makers that have completed training on green procurement in 2016-17 (base year): 35

Number of goods and services categories with specific green procurement targets in 2016-17 (base year): 3

Performance indicator(s): Percentage of key procurement officials that have facilitated green procurement through various activities and/or tools.

Percentage of procurement decision makers that have completed training on green procurement.

Percentage change in the number of goods and services with specific green procurement targets.

Seven of seven (100%) key procurement officials have facilitated green procurement through various activities and/or tools, as of March 2020.

35 of 35 (100%) procurement decision makers have completed training on green procurement, as of March 2020.

There was no change in the number of goods and services categories with specific green procurement targets.

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain and for procurement specialists to, through training, become more aware of green procurement principles so they can make more informed procurement decisions. GHG emission reductions, recyclable content and packaging are all areas of consideration in green procurement.

UN SDG Goal:

Responsible Consumption and Production – Target 12.7

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Demonstrate innovative technologies

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Partner with Canadian environmental businesses to test on the Agency’s sites new clean technology developments through the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP). For example, the Agency will use innovative technology to analyse in real time the amount of petroleum contamination in soil samples.

Starting point(s):
Number of BCIP-funded clean environmental technologies tested across Agency facilities in 2016-17 (base year): 2

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage change in the number of BCIP-sponsored clean environmental technologies tested

Percentage change in the number of BCIP-sponsored clean environmental technologies tested: +600% (12 new technologies tested across the Agency in 2019-20)

Actions that incent, support, or procure state-of-the-art clean environmental innovative technologies lower the environmental footprint of government operations while contributing to the success of clean-tech businesses in Canada.

UN SDG Goal:

Responsible Consumption and Production - Target 12.7

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Promote sustainable travel practices

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Continue to apply its Travel Directive and related policies to ensure the most efficient travel practices are pursued.
• Promote green meeting practices by increasing videoconferencing facilities by 15% by March 2019 relative to March 2016 level.
• Promote the creation of voluntary workplace Green Teams that will steward sustainable commuting and resource use.

Starting point(s):
Number of videoconferencing facilities in fiscal year 2016-17 (base year): 72

Number of voluntary workplace Green Teams in fiscal year 2016-17 (base year): 2

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage change in videoconferencing facilities.

Percentage change in the number of voluntary workplace Green Teams.

The Agency increased its videoconferencing facilities by 5%

Percentage change in the number of voluntary workplace Green Teams: 0%

Actions taken to reduce the amount of business travel, such as the provision of videoconferencing facilities in a greater number of workplaces or switch to less GHG intensive modes of transportation, for both business travel and commuting, will contribute to reducing the Agency’s overall GHG emissions.

UN SDG Goal:

Responsible Consumption and Production - Target 12.7

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Continue to identify, assess, prioritize and take action to address climate change risks across the Agency’s areas of responsibility.
• Work with partner organizations and specialists to refine tools and approaches, including an adaptation framework, regional reports and workshops, to better understand and support climate change adaptation in parks and protected areas in Canada.

Starting point(s):
A draft Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the Agency has been developed to identify climate change risks.

Number of PCA heritage sites that have been subject to PCA’s site-specific climate change adaptation planning exercise.

Performance indicator(s):
Percent completion of a comprehensive assessment of climate change risks and mitigation measures

Percentage of targeted PCA heritage sites which developed climate change adaptation plans

Targets:
100% completion of a comprehensive assessment of climate change risks and mitigation measures by Fall 2019.

75% of targeted Parks Canada heritage sites which developed climate change adaptation plans by March 2020.

Parks Canada has reached 100% completion of a comprehensive assessment of climate change risks and mitigation measures, as of March 2020.

As of March 2020, 86% (18 of 21) of targeted PCA heritage sites participated in climate change adaptation workshops to inform plans for climate change adaptation approaches to address identified impacts and risks. 14% of planned workshops were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020.

Parks Canada will integrate climate change considerations into policy, programs, and operations to adapt to a changing climate, enhance the protection of public, assets and resources, and strengthen planning and decision-making.

UN SDG Goal:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Target 9.1

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

Life Under Water – Target 14.5

By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

Life on Land – Target 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

By 2020, 10 % of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures

Protect and manage marine and coastal areas

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Conclude an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement and complete an interim management plan for the area, Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (in Lancaster Sound in Nunavut).
• Launch a feasibility assessment, proposed national marine conservation area in Arctic Basin, Ellesmere Island in Nunavut - “Last Ice Area”.
• Conclude ongoing feasibility assessment, proposed national marine conservation area reserve in the southern Strait of Georgia, Strait of Georgia in British Columbia.
• Launch a feasibility assessment, proposed national marine conservation area adjacent to the Îles de la Madeleine, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Launch a feasibility assessment, proposed national marine conservation area in James Bay, eastern James Bay.
• Advance a feasibility assessment for a new proposal for a site in western Hudson Bay.
• Work on the national Imappivut (Our Water) initiative regarding oceans management in northern Labrador within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area. This work may offer a possibility to initiate a proposal for a marine conservation area offshore of Torngat Mountains National Park.

Starting point(s):
As of March 31, 2016, the national marine conservation area system was 17 % complete. The system includes four areas representing five of the 29 marine regions.

Performance indicator(s):
Number of unrepresented regions with demonstrable progress towards establishing national marine conservation areas.

Target:
2 (annually)

Parks Canada surpassed its goal for this year; as of March 2020, one new national marine conservation establishment area was established, representing one new marine region in the system and bringing it to 21% completion. As well, demonstrable progress towards establishing national marine conservation areas was made in 6 marine regions:

• The Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Tallurutiup Imanga NMCA was concluded successfully and the agreement to establish this NMCA was announced on August 1, 2019.
• A feasibility assessment of marine protected area in Arctic Basin was launched in collaboration with DFO – “Tuvaijuittuq”
• The feasibility assessment for southern Strait of Georgia continued
• A feasibility assessment in Îles de la Madeleine commenced
• A feasibility assessment is underway in Eastern James Bay
• A feasibility assessment is underway in Imappivut (Labrador Coast)

Parks Canada’s establishment work to protect marine and coastal areas in national marine conservation areas, which includes collaboration with Indigenous peoples and provincial and territorial governments, makes a significant contribution to the government’s commitment to protect 5 % of the marine environment by 2017, and 10 % by 2020.

The establishment of Tallurutiup Imanga NMCA makes a significant contribution to this target. Between this establishment and the announcement of the joint feasibility study with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to establish a marine protected area in the high Arctic basin, together which cover more than 427,000 square kilometres, Canada’s total of marine environment protected is nearly 14%, exceeding the 10% target.

UN SDG Goal:

Life on Land – Target 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, Marine Protected Areas and fisheries

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Continue to work with other federal departments, Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to advance policy and management tools to ensure the effective conservation and management of national marine conservation areas.
• Continue to implement a pilot monitoring program enabling the Agency to better understand the state of the national marine conservation area system and more effectively manage these areas.

Starting point(s):
National marine conservation area monitoring plans are being implemented to help operating sites inform decision making and contribute condition assessments to future State of Canada’s Natural and Historic Places Reports.

Performance indicator(s):
Number of operating sites that contribute condition assessments to the State of Canada’s Natural and Historic Places Report.

Target:
4 by March 2021

Parks Canada is on track to achieve its target of four operating NMCAs to contribute condition assessments to the State of Canada’s Natural and Historic Places Report, which is scheduled to be released in 2021.

• National marine conservation area monitoring programs are being developed and implemented.
• Data has been collected and assessed that will contribute to monitoring species and habitat, environmental quality, and marine use.
• All sites will be reporting on some indicators in the next State of Canada’s Natural and Historic Places Report

Parks Canada’s State of Protected Heritage Areas Report, published every five years (last published in 2016 and next due in 2021), presents a big-picture snapshot of the Agency’s work on protected areas establishment and on conservation within established and operational protected heritage areas. By contributing condition assessments to this report, operating national marine conservation areas in coastal regions contribute to effective area-based conservation measures by advancing knowledge of coastal and marine areas.

UN SDG Goal:

Life Under Water – Target 14.5

By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

By 2020, at least 17 % of terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures

Conserve natural spaces

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Conclude negotiation of land transfer agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories, establishment agreement with Łutsël K’e Dene First Nation, and an Impact and Benefit Agreement with the Northwest Territories Métis Nation, and formally protect the Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve (located in the East Arm of the Great Slave Lake of the Northwest Territories) area under the Canada National Parks Act.
• Confirm a final boundary and governance approach for a national park reserve in the South Okanagan Similkameen (Interior Dry Plateau natural region) in collaboration with the British Columbia government and local First Nations, followed by negotiation of the relevant establishment agreement(s).
• Continue to play an important role in advancing the Programme of Work on Protected Areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative.
• Support the recognition and implementation of a spectrum of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.

Starting point(s):
Currently, 30 of 39 of Canada’s natural regions are represented by 46 national parks and national park reserves.

Performance indicator(s):
Number of unrepresented regions with demonstrable progress towards establishing national parks.

Target:
2 annually

Parks Canada exceeded this target in 2019-20 through the establishment of one new national park and progress on two additional establishment processes. As of March 2020, 31 of 39 natural regions are represented by 47 national parks and national park reserves.

• Negotiations are complete and agreements signed for Canada’s 47th national park - Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve – which was formally established under Canada National Parks Act in September 2019.

Demonstrable progress has been made on two further national park proposals:

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on July 2nd, 2019, by the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the syilx/Okanagan Nation. The MOU commits all parties to formally work toward establishing a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen and is a significant step towards the establishment of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
• On August 14, 2019, the feasibility assessment for Hog Island – Sandhills PEI was announced by the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island and the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations. It will augment representation of the Maritime Plain natural region and advance reconciliation as this is also a proposed Indigenous protected and conserved area.

Parks Canada’s work to expand the national parks system contributes to goal of conserving lands and inland waters and to the Government of Canada’s goal to conserve, by 2020, at least 17 % of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

The establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve in August 2019, as approximately 14,000 square kilometres, and the adjacent 12,220 square kilometres of territorially protected areas and a wildlife conservation area, brings Canada closer to its commitment to conserve 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water.

UN SDG Goal:

Life on Land – Target 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

By March 31, 2023, ecological integrity will be maintained or improved in 92% of national park ecosystems

Conserve Natural Spaces

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Reprioritize the Conservation and Restoration Program to fund projects that will achieve objectives of the Nature Legacy including enhanced integration of the conservation of species and spaces, incorporation of Indigenous knowledge, incorporation of ecological connectivity, and planning for climate change adaptation. A science-based ecological integrity monitoring program is used to prioritize ecosystems to restore.
• Begin implementation of an action plan for Wood Buffalo National Park in collaboration with Indigenous partners, other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments and key stakeholders. This unified approach makes use of the best available science and Indigenous traditional knowledge―ensuring that Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site remains a treasured place with Outstanding Universal Value for generations to come.

Starting point(s):
As of March 2016, the condition of 90% of national park ecosystems was maintained or improved from 2011.

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage of national park ecosystems where ecological integrity is maintained or improved.

Target:
92% of national park ecosystems where ecological integrity has been maintained or improved by March 31, 2023.

By March 2020, the condition of 86% of national park ecosystems was maintained or improved from 2011. Parks Canada is on track to meet the target, ensuring that these ecosystems are conserved for future generations.

Performance on this indicator has improved by 4% since 2018-19. Parks Canada continues to prioritize investments in restoration projects based on the results of science-based ecological integrity monitoring.

An ecosystem has ecological integrity when:

• it has the living and non-living pieces expected in its natural region; and
• its processes (the engines that make an ecosystem work; e.g. fire, flooding, predation) occur with the frequency and intensity expected in its natural region.

By supporting the maintenance and improvement of the ecological integrity in national parks through protection, conservation, restoration or mitigation activities, Parks Canada contributions to the conservation of natural spaces in protected heritage areas across the country, ensuring that these places are protected for present and future generations of Canadians.

UN SDG Goal:

Life on Land – Target 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

Life on Land – Target: 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

By 2020, species that are secure remain secure, and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans

Use legislation and regulations to protect species at risk and migratory birds

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Recover species at risk on a priority basis through the Conservation and Restoration Program.
• Support the development of site-based action plans for species at risk in compliance with the Species at Risk Act and demonstrate federal leadership for land use management and species recovery through an active program of implementation and restoration.

Starting point(s):
As of 2016, Parks Canada had completed seven multi-species action plans for parks with five or more species at risk. With the completion of that target, the current focus is on parks with three or more species at risk.

Performance indicator(s):
Number of action plans for Parks Canada places with 3 or more species at risk.

Target:
24 action plans have been developed for Parks Canada places with 3 or more species at risk by March 2020.

As of March 2020, Parks Canada has completed 21 multi-species action plans and continues to work towards achieving the target of 24 by the end of 2020.

One additional single-species action plan (for Sweat Bee) was posted on the SARA registry in March 2020.

In 2019, Parks Canada implemented over 60 species at risk recovery projects prescribed in site-based Action Plans.

In 2019, Parks Canada’s Conservation and Restoration Program (CoRe) supported 55 projects ($27.0M) for ecological integrity and species at risk. For example, a CoRe project in Banff National Park reintroduced free-ranging plains bison after a 100-year absence. CoRe project selection criteria were also refined to improve project efficacy and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge.

Parks Canada works to protect species at risk found in heritage places, along with their residences and habitat, and also supports and undertakes recovery activities to maintain or improve their conservation status.

Multi and single-species action plans outline the projects or activities within a protected heritage area required to meet the goals and objectives outlined in species at risk recovery strategies. They include information on the species habitat, protection measures, and an evaluation of the socio-economic costs and benefits, as well as Indigenous perspectives on species at risk. It is the second part of the two-part recovery planning process and is used to implement the projects or activities to improve the species status.

Parks Canada's internal CoRe program supports high priority projects in national parks, national historic sites and national conservation areas that make a difference on the ground in maintaining or restoring ecological integrity, contributing to ecological sustainability, and helping in the recovery of species at risk.

UN SDG Goal:

Life on Land – Target: 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

By 2020, maintain or increase the number of Canadians that get out into nature – for example, by visiting parks and green space – and increase participation in biodiversity conservation activities relative to a 2010 baseline

Promote public participation

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Reach nationally-identified markets and audiences to diversify and build visitation, and to increase public awareness and support including: youth 17 and under, young adults, young families, and urban Canadians, as well as various niche markets and select international markets.
• Building on the 2018 awareness and pride campaign (450 000 km² of memories), launch a national advertising campaign to promote visitation, conservation and authentic Indigenous experiences that showcases activities rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
• Enhance public understanding and appreciation of Parks Canada’s work in science and conservation and highlight the importance of working with Indigenous knowledge holders and partnerships through strategic and targeted communications, promotion and outreach activities such as media events, social media interactions, media relations, website updates, advertising and promotional activities.
• Integrate promotion, communication, outreach, education, social media and web content with a focus on content marketing in a digital first context.
• Introduce a renewed brand in time for the 2020 operating season and develop accompanying tools to guide its implementation.
• Renew Parks Canada’s reservation system for 2022, increasing the types and number of experiences that can be reserved and purchased and optimizing their availability across a wider variety of channels and devices.
• Renew Parks Canada’s point of sales system so the Agency continues to have an effective and efficient system to serve visitors.
• Improve the links between the reservation and point of sales systems, the Parks Canada web site and other systems, to create a more seamless and convenient user experience, and to allow for the effective collection of business intelligence.
• Building on the success of 2018 and visitor feedback, improve online planning tools and reservation capabilities to support trip planning, including adding new features to the Parks Canada’s mobile app.

Starting point (s):
628,203 visits by new Canadians and young adults (2016-17) (10%).

Performance indicator(s):
Percentage of visitors to Parks Canada places that are new Canadians and young adults.

Count of personal and non-personal contacts obtained through multimedia and outreach initiatives.

Target:
14% of visitors annually to Parks Canada places are new Canadians and young adults.

100 million contacts personal and non-personal contacts are obtained through multimedia and outreach initiatives between April 2019 and March 2020.

Young adults and new Canadians continue to be important audiences for Parks Canada. Admission for youth 17 and under is free at national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas since it was announced in 2018.

Business intelligence Parks Canada collects is related to entry and is based on admission transactions. As admission for youth aged 17 and under is free, quantitative data for these visitors is no longer reliably available.

This indicator is no longer reported by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada established more than 365.5 million personal and non-personal contacts through multimedia and outreach initiatives between April 2019 and March 2020.

By implementing strategies to ensure targeted audiences, such as youth, newcomers and urban audiences, as well as its traditional audiences are inspired to visit and connect with Parks Canada’s network of protected heritage areas, the Agency contributes to the number of Canadians that get out into nature.

Completion of the renewed brand has been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The renewal of the reservation system and Point of Sale is currently on track.

UN SDG Goal:

Sustainable Cities and Communities – Target 11.7

By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Enhance programs and services for visitors

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Renew interpretive and outreach programming with a focus on fostering meaningful connections to nature and history.
• Continue to deliver and enhance Learn-to Camp programming and events in urban centres to better equip Canadians with the tools to connect to and explore the outdoors and to help low-and middle-income families visit and enjoy Parks Canada places
• Manage visitation levels so they are sustainable and ensure quality visitor experiences, including growth where appropriate, and redistribution of visitation geographically and temporally as necessary.
• Continue to diversify experiences and interpretive offers to encourage exploration and learning at heritage places.
• Implement the Service Fees Act including a national consultation with Canadians on value-added experiences and services.
• Plan for visitor experience and making investments in visitor infrastructure, to maintain access to high quality experiences, maximize revenues and improve financial sustainability.
• Continue to improve the Agency’s ability to work within the broad spectrum of engagement and collaborative activities with renewed policy, directives, guidance, tools and instruments.
• Develop innovative partnerships with tourism partners, national and local stakeholders and Indigenous peoples to target key audiences and develop visitor experiences.
• Implement the Stories of Canada program by working with Indigenous communities on opportunities for experiences, interpretation and storytelling, and present Indigenous values, perspectives and contributions to Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Leverage Government of Canada milestone anniversaries and special events, such as the commemorations of the World Wars, and the third annual Canada Historic Places Day, as a means to attract new audiences and to enhance Canadians’ connections to and understanding of Canada’s heritage.
• Support Canada’s new Tourism Vision to grow Canada’s revenue through international tourism.

Starting point(s):
In 2016, there were 24.7 million visits to Parks Canada administered places.

Performance indicator(s):
Maintain or increase the number of people that connect with nature at Parks Canada places.

Target:
At least 24.7 million people that connect with nature at Parks Canada places annually.

In 2019-20 there were 24.9 million visits to Parks Canada administered places.

In 2019, the Learn-to Camp program held over 600 events and welcomed over 100,000 participants (approximately 40,000 young Canadians).

To fulfill the Government of Canada’s priority to have more Canadians experience and learn about the environment and their heritage places, Parks Canada develops and innovates its programs and services to encourage Canadians to visit and connect with national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country.

Diversified experiences, including new and innovative camping options like the Agency's new Oasis, an accommodation option that resembles a water droplet, and renewed interpretive and outreach programming, including the increasingly popular Learn to Camp program, are encouraging exploration and learning, with a focus on fostering meaningful connections with nature and history. Indigenous experiences, family-friendly activities are just few examples of many programs and activities that contribute to welcoming more Canadians.

UN SDG Goal:

Sustainable Cities and Communities – Target 11.7

By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites

In 2019-20, Parks Canada committed to:

• Contribute to the delivery of Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) to reduce potential environmental and human health risks and related financial liabilities.
• Assess 38 FCSAP-funded federal contaminated sites.
• Remediate or risk-manage 49 high-priority federal contaminated sites.

Starting point(s):
Number of FCSAP-funded sites where assessment activities have been completed by 2016-17 (base year): 4

Number of FCSAP-funded high-priority sites where FCSAP-funded risk reduction activities have been completed by 2016-17 (base year): 2

Performance indicator(s):
Number of FCSAP-funded sites where assessment activities have been completed in 2019-20

Number of FCSAP-funded high-priority sites where FCSAP-funded risk reduction activities have been completed in 2019-20.

Number of FCSAP-funded sites where assessment activities have been completed in 2019-20: 1

Parks Canada completed the assessment and reduced uncertainty with the risk posed by a contaminated site located in Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. Assessment activities are also ongoing at five other sites, located within Point Pelee, Pukaskwa, Glacier and Banff National Parks and at the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

Total number of FCSAP-funded high-priority sites where FCSAP-funded risk reduction activities have been completed in 2019-20: 1

Results from the 2019-20 program of work to conduct remediation and risk reduction activities included 10 planned sites as well as an additional 12 sites which carried-forward FCSAP funds from 2018-19. Parks Canada successfully completed the remediation of one site at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site and closed one site in Quttinirpaaq National Park. These two sites no longer pose any risks to human health or the environment. Furthermore, Parks Canada continued remediation and risk reduction activities at 21 sites located in various national parks and national historic sites and canals

Assessment at federal contaminated sites reduces uncertainty associated with the risk from these sites. Subsequent remedial or risk management actions reduce the associated risk and financial liabilities. It is anticipated that up to 95% of FCSAP remediation expenditures contribute to reducing financial liability.

UN SDG Goal:

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns – Target 12.4

By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment