National historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of Canada and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Parks Canada’s network of national heritage places represents the very best that Canada has to offer and tells the stories of who we are, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of natives.

The management plan for Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a requirement of the Parks Canada Agency Act and guide the management of national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas.

The updated plan for Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites outlines the following key strategies:

· Conserving a Cultural Landscape – Building on growing relationships, significant infrastructure investments, and ongoing successes to conserve cultural and natural resources.

· Working with Partners – Recognizing the intersection of layered histories at the sites and opportunities to collaborate with others to share a wide range of stories with diverse audiences.

· Welcoming Visitors – Expanding on recent steps to assess visitor needs, update interpretive materials and introduce new visitor experiences to provide a revitalized visitor offer.

Many stories come together at these sites, revealing their past roles: a spiritual place for First Nations; a military fortification; a beacon for safe navigation; a space for recreation; and a unique system of ecosystems to protect and manage. Looking to the future, Parks Canada will create more opportunities to involve First Nations, partners and stakeholders in conserving, understanding, and presenting stories about these sites.

The management plan for Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites was based on input from Songhees and Esquimalt tribes, other partners and stakeholders, local residents, as well as visitors. Through this management plan, Parks Canada will protect an important example of cultural heritage in Canada, engage and collaborate with Indigenous peoples, and provide an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover history in new and innovative ways.