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The original version was signed by
The Honourable James Moore P.C., M.P.
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
1.1 Summary Information
Raison d’être
Responsibilities
Strategic Outcome
Program Activity Architecture (PAA)
1.2 Summary of Performance
Financial Resources
Human Resources
Contribution of Priorities to Strategic Outcome
Risk Analysis
Expenditure Profile
Voted and Statutory Items
The Government of Canada is committed to building a country in which all citizens have the chance to participate in our cultural and economic life. Our Government recognizes the importance of arts and culture in reaching this goal. The agencies and organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, such as the National Battlefields Commission (NBC), are working toward this goal of providing us with opportunities to celebrate and share our rich historical, cultural, artistic, and social heritage.
In 2008, the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the first national historic park in Canada. This centenary was commemorated through many special activities featuring the history and richness of the site. The Commission also closely collaborated to the success of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. In the spirit of their tradition, the Plains of Abraham welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from Canada and elsewhere who came to enjoy major events, exhibitions and other festivities related to these two important anniversaries.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, I am pleased to present the 2008-2009 Departmental Performance Report of the National Battlefields Commission. This report provides a detailed account of the NBC's accomplishments and demonstrates the ways in which it supports the priorities of our Government. I would like to highlight the efforts that its staffs have made throughout the year to strengthen the bonds that unite us as Canadians, thus contributing to our collective feeling of pride.
The original version was signed by
The Honourable James Moore P.C., M.P.
The National Battlefields Commission (NBC), as manager of Battlefields Park, enables Canadians to enjoy the first national historic park in Canada and one of the most prestigious urban parks in the world.
The NBC is responsible for the administration, management, conservation and promotion of National Battlefields Park (located in Quebec City) and manages funds allocated for this purpose.
The Commission takes its mandate from the Act respecting the National Battlefields at Quebec, 7-8 Edward VII, ch 57 and its amendments, passed on March 17, 1908. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. It is headed by a board of seven commissioners appointed by the Governor General in Council, and one member appointed by the provinces of Quebec and Ontario (currently vacant).
The Chairman and the Board set broad policy for attainment of strategic outcomes and exercise general supervision.
The Secretary, who acts as Director General, is appointed by the Governor General in Council and is responsible for implementation of policy and for day-to-day management of all NBC operations. He therefore strives for attainment of both strategic outcomes and program targets. This is the level where decisions are made on the allocation and re-allocation of resources for these purposes. The Secretary/Director General is aided by an assistant and supervises the managers in charge of all program activities.
The grounds of the NBC constitute one of the most important historic sites in Canada. Commonly called the Plains of Abraham, the site is the largest urban park in Quebec City and one of the most prestigious parks in the world. Its historical, cultural, recreational, natural and aspects make it unique. The NBC must thus reconcile the Plains of Abraham's historic significance with its mission as an urban park. The NBC must preserve this historic Canadian legacy for future generations and develop it so that the public fully benefits from these treasures and Canadians learn more about the major events in Canadian history associated with this important site.
The NBC works to achieve the following strategic outcome:
The Commission's role is to develop the great historic battlefields of Quebec City into a national park that is among the most prestigious parks in the world, with a balance between its historic and urban roles, which allows for safe use and promotes the assets of the park, its history and the history of our country.
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending |
---|---|---|
9,983 | 11,666 | 10,941 |
Planned | Actual | Difference |
---|---|---|
55 FTEs | 55 FTEs | 0 FTEs |
Strategic Outcome: The Battlefields Park of Quebec is a prestigious, accessible, safe and educational historic and urban site. |
||
---|---|---|
Performance Indicators - Client satisfaction with site conservation and improvements
- Evaluation of the quality of various elements
- Client satisfaction with activities and services - Number of visitors at exhibitions - Number of participants in activities - Number of spectators at shows |
Targets - Conserve and improve infrastructure and site amenities for the benefit of future generations
- Greater awareness of the history of Canada's first national historic park and of its cultural, recreational and natural assets
|
2008-2009 Performance - No quantifiable data could be compiled.1 However, the NBC received many comments from visitors and users who stated that they were very satisfied with the quality of the installed amenities and work carried out during the year (eg, public restrooms in the centre of the park and floral arrangements for the 100th anniversary). The Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec also said that it was more than satisfied with the installations and the potential use that could be made of them, given the heavy use made of the park in 2008. - The NBC assessed the quality of the maintenance and condition of the property following the events as well as the quality of the completed infrastructure work, floral arrangements, preservation of trees and monitoring of the site. The overall rating was 85%. - 93% of clients said they were satisfied or very satisfied with NBC activities and services. - Number of visitors at exhibitions was 78,247. - Number of participants in activities was 119,141. Plaines Lunes show = 14,500 spectators (1st edition). |
1 An in-house survey was planned for 2008-2009, but it could not be conducted because of conflicts with other priorities that arose during the year.
Program |
Actual |
2008-2009 ($ thousands) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Estimates |
Planned |
Total |
Actual |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcome Area |
||
Conservation and Development |
5,644 |
6,768 |
6,768 |
7,779 |
6,863 |
A vibrant Canadian culture and heritage2 |
Public Education and Services |
1,294 |
3,215 |
3,215 |
3,887 |
4,078 |
|
Internal |
5,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
12,926 |
9,983 |
9,983 |
11,666 |
10,941 |
|
* In 2007-2008, Internal Services came under the former Program Activity Architecture component of “Administration”. In 2008-2009, Internal Services was divided between two program activities: 60% to Conservation and Development and 40% to Public Education and Services.
2 The NBC's strategic outcome helps to provide an accessible and educational historic site promoting a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage. The NBC ensures the conservation and development of the Battlefields Park, Canada's first national historic park; helps to raise awareness for Canada's history and the battles fought on its grounds; provides a pleasant entertainment venue; and encourages the public to participate in various interpretive activities, to visit the exhibitions and various attractions featuring the history of the park and events in Canadian history, and to attend concerts supporting up-and-coming artists in the cultural scene.
Discrepancy of $1,683,000 ($11,666,000 - $9,983,000) between Planned Spending and Total Authorities is explained by the following:
|
$351 539 |
---|---|
|
$744 201 |
|
$187 757 |
|
$400 000 |
$1 683 497 |
As for the difference between Total Authorities and Actual Spending, it is explained by:
|
Operational Priorities |
Type |
Status |
Linkage to Strategic Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Conduct the festivities planned in 2008 for the centenary of the NBC and creation of the park |
Previously Committed |
Meets expectations. |
Strategic Outcome 1 |
Provide the public with quality educational, cultural and nature-related services |
Permanent |
Meets expectations. The NBC continued to provide its usual services while maintaining a high degree of quality in its exhibitions and interpretive activities. It also put on special activities to mark its 100th anniversary. |
Strategic Outcome 1 |
Ensure first-rate general maintenance and carry out certain infrastructure repairs |
Permanent |
Meets expectations to some degree. |
Strategic Outcome 1 |
Organize the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the historic battles of 1759 and 1760 in 2009 and 2010 |
Previously Committed |
Meets expectations to some degree. |
Strategic Outcome 1 |
2008-2009 was a truly outstanding and significant year in the NBC's history. The NBC's 100th anniversary and the creation of the Battlefields Park were commemorated in an original and monumental way in accordance with the budget at its disposal. The involvement of all of the program activity units and meticulous planning contributed in large part to the success of the commemorative activities that were held.
The events of Quebec City's 400th anniversary contributed to an increase in the number of events and use of the Battlefields Park site. The NBC demonstrated its willingness to help out and offered to work with various site users. However, as mentioned in the 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP), the NBC anticipated unforeseen developments and problems. They were bound to arise under the circumstances. Despite some constraints, the NBC believes that it successfully co‑ordinated all of the activities on its site. It had to be flexible to meet its objectives. It was able to demonstrate its expertise, its effectiveness in finding solutions and its ability to ensure compliance with its requirements.
In addition to managing all of the regular operations and celebrating the 100th anniversary, the NBC organized the commemorative activities for the 250th anniversary of the historic battles of Quebec City (1759 and 1760). Several events intended to raise awareness of these historical events were planned. However, changes had to be made to some projects. Owing to a controversy concerning the presentation of the major event scheduled for August 2009—historical re-enactments of the battles—the NBC was forced to cancel the event. It was no longer possible to ensure the safety of spectators and re-enactors. This was a major reversal because over 2,000 volunteers from many countries were expected. This situation resulted in the withdrawal of a few partners and the expenditures on some preparations proved to be unnecessary.
Overall, NBC kept close track of projected expenditures and of the budget allocated for the fiscal year. The total amount of the budget that was used was $10,941,000, including generated revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,344,000. In the area of human resources, the retirement of some employees made it necessary to hire replacements during the year.
In the area of occupational health and safety, the inventory of equipment for the purposes of implementing the NBC accident prevention program was compiled, as planned. A survey of all potential risks in each unit was carried out. The next step is to draw up an accident prevention guide based on the collected information by 2011.
Various external and internal factors had an impact on the implementation of programs and achievement of the strategic outcome.
The events of the NBC's 100th anniversary and of Quebec City's 400th anniversary helped to increase the amount of use made of the park and to exceed the usual annual estimate of 4,000,000 visitors. The Paul McCartney concert (250,000 people) and Céline Dion's concert (over 200,000 people) on the Plains of Abraham, in addition to major recurring events attended by higher numbers of people than in previous years, had a significant impact on program activities. Heavy demands were placed on all of the NBC's units. NBC employees devoted considerable effort, time and energy to ensure the success of all of the planned activities. Special measures had to be taken to ensure the safety of users. More substantial repairs to the grounds had to be carried out after the events because of the large number of installations, high attendance rates and abundant rain that fell during the 2008 summer season. This required a much greater amount of co‑ordination on the part of NBC employees, and several meetings were held to sort out unforeseen developments that had resulted in an overload of work and had caused employees to accumulate compensatory time.
In addition to having a negative impact on site conditions, the poor weather conditions resulted in the cancellation of some concerts at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. There was also a decrease in the number of people attending the concerts because of program cuts resulting from the production of the Plaines Lunes show (1st edition) for the 100th anniversary.
As in previous years, the City of Quebec carried out an estimated $100,000 of maintenance work. Various services were provided, such as the loan of equipment such as barricades and cleaning services after many events. The Quebec City Police Department made a significant contribution during the major events held on the Plains by ensuring a higher level of safety for Park users.
Several partners contributed to the success of the NBC's 100th anniversary. The National Film Board collaborated on the production of a documentary highlighting the Park's 100th anniversary. The documentary was screened in a large tent specially set up for the 100th anniversary near the Joan of Arc garden and in Brown Basin. Nine federal organizations showcased their organizations and services under the tent awning called Espace Canada. Park visitors and users were able to meet with representatives of the federal organizations and learn about their mandates, services and programs and to visit the NBC exhibition detailing the history of the buildings that once stood on the Plains of Abraham site over the years.
The organizing of the commemorative activities for the 250th anniversary of the historic battles of Quebec City was well done. Arrangements were made with several partners to hold various activities to raise awareness of this period in history. The planned large‑scale project to hold historical re-enactments provoked a major controversy among population. The partners either reassessed their involvement or withdrew from some projects. Out of a concern for public sensitivity and above all to avoid endangering the safety of visitors and re-enactors, the NBC cancelled this event and made changes to some of the planned activities.
The fluctuation can be explained as follows:
Vote or |
Truncated Vote |
2008-2009 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main |
Planned |
Total |
Actuals |
||
55 |
Program expenditures |
8,009 |
8,009 |
8,009 |
8,135 |
55 |
Program expenditures |
|
|
851 |
|
(S) |
Expenditures pursuant to paragraph 29.1 (1) of the Financial Administration Act |
1,600 |
1,600 |
2,344 |
2,344 |
(S) |
Contributions to employee benefit plans |
374 |
374 |
462 |
462 |
|
Total |
9,983 |
9,983 |
11,666 |
10,941 |
For explanation of discrepancies between Planned Spending and Total Authorities, refer to this link.
Strategic Outcome:
The Battlefields Park of Quebec is a prestigious, accessible, safe and educational historic and urban site.
The role of the NBC is to make the great historical battlefields in Quebec City a national park numbered among the most prestigious parks in the world where the use of historic park in an urban setting is balanced and safe and where the awareness of the assets of the area, as well as its history and the history of the country, is assured.
As part of this activity, the NBC preserves the legacy and integrity of the Battlefields Park for future generations by maintaining infrastructure, the horticultural landscape and a protected site for Canadian and foreign users and visitors.
Conservation and Development | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008-2009 Financial Resources ($ thousands) |
2008-2009 Human Resources (FTEs) |
||||
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
Planned | Actual | Difference |
6,768 | 7,779 | 6,863 | 23 | 23 | 0 |
Expected Results |
Performance Indicators |
Targets |
Performance Status |
Performance Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quality maintenance (condition of site) provided overall | Assess client satisfaction with site preservation and improvements | Provide quality maintenance overall | Somewhat satisfactory | Periodic assessments were carried out to obtain a partial idea of client opinions. The NBC gave a 6/10 rating to the quality of the major events site and the sports field after the events were held, but the sites have been cleaned up. Had it not been for these areas, the site cleanliness rating would have stayed at 9/10, despite the higher traffic volume.3 |
Improvements to some of the infrastructure | Assess improvements to the infrastructure in order to ensure the health and safety of users | Continue marking improvements to some of the infrastructure | Fully satisfactory | The NBC completed the installation of public restrooms (public restroom building) in the centre of the Park, thus improving quality of life for Park users. The NBC gives a 9/10 rating for the improvements made for the benefit of Canadians and visitors |
Special horticultural arrangements for the 100th anniversary | Assess the quality of the special horticultural arrangements | Create special horticultural arrangements for the 100th anniversary | Fully satisfactory | A floral arrangements plan was drawn up. Meetings were held to agree on the special arrangements and co-ordinate them with the other units. The NBC gives a 10/10 rating for the quality of the arrangements. |
A safe site | Assess the safety of the site | Provide a safe site for all Park users | Fully satisfactory | Thorough monitoring and inspections were carried out to ensure that the site is safe at all times. The NBC gives a 9/10 rating for site safety. |
3 In-house method based on repairs carried out, compared with previous years.
This activity makes it possible for the NBC to offer people one of the world's most prestigious historic parks in an urban setting and the opportunity to use and enjoy it in complete safety.
The activities carried out benefited Canadians and foreign visitors, who could use and enjoy the infrastructure and services provided in the Park, such as green space, flowers, trees, historic buildings, footpaths and cross‑country ski trails. In 2008-2009, they could also enjoy a very activity‑filled park because of the many special activities put on in a safe environment for the NBC's 100th anniversary and Quebec City's 400th anniversary.
In 2008-2009, the NBC believes that it achieved most of its objectives for the Conservation and Development program activity. The set objectives for making improvements to some of the infrastructure, creating special horticultural arrangements for the 100th anniversary and improving site security were satisfactorily met. As for overall Park maintenance, maintenance work was planned on the basis of traffic volume. Several meetings with various units and with the partners were held in order to co‑ordinate all of the planned activities. The large number of activities on the site had an impact on the condition of the site. The NBC had to devote substantially more time to those activities than expected and provide support for site cleanups for some events. For example, there was considerable wear and tear on the grounds of the major events site and sports field because of the major events held on the Plains for Quebec City's 400th anniversary. Despite the precautions that had to be taken in setting up the installations, major repairs had to be carried out. Poor weather conditions were also a contributing factor. Although planning had been done and activities were co‑ordinated, there were unforeseen developments nonetheless. There was substantial damage and the NBC had to co‑ordinate some of the repair work that was done to its satisfaction and at user expense.
In addition, the NBC completed the construction of a public restroom building to meet the needs of Park users. This area had not been well served up until then, although it had a high volume of traffic. Other work was carried out, including the five‑year program to restore the Park's street lamps in order to extend their service life and increase Park user safety.
The 2008 floral arrangements (nearly 60,000 plants, including annuals and perennials) was a huge success. It was a big project, given the more than 225 plant varieties that had to be provided, including varieties with different cultivation requirements. The NBC also received a perfect score of five flowers in the national Communities in Bloom competition for community involvement, as well as a special citation for outstanding achievement. The judges were impressed with the Park's overall cleanliness and commended the horticultural quality and exemplary maintenance of the floral arrangements.
As a new form of Park decoration in honour of the 100th anniversary, the NBC erected three monuments: busts of Frederick G. Todd and Lord Grey and a bas‑relief of Abraham Martin. It also planted the Louis Hébert Orchard in honour of New France's first farmer colonist, who lived on what he harvested on his lands located in the Quebec City's upper town. In addition, during the Great Celebration of Nature, the Abraham Martin rosebush, the rosebush emblem of the Plains of Abraham, was unveiled. In the Joan of Arc garden, 22,000 plants, including over 150 varieties, were planted along with special formations associated with the 100th anniversary. Special arrangements were also planted at the Canada tent, for the Plaines Lunes show and at the Park entrances. The Green Space unit successfully decorated the Park for its centennial using vibrant 100th anniversary colours.
The year 2008 was also a very busy time for the NBC Security Unit. Much more planning had to be done than in previous years because of the large number and scale of the events held on the site. The events associated with the 100th anniversary, such as the tent and the Plaines Lunes show, and the events associated with the 400th anniversary, such as the Paul McCartney and Céline Dion concerts, meant that employees and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires had to be on hand more often and that a greater amount of organizing and monitoring had to be done. The operating budgets for monitoring activities and for site use requests (264 in 2008) were respectively increased by 18% and 20%. The number of internal requests for assistance4, for example, assistance provided for the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and for the Maintenance Unit, increased by 4%, while external requests for assistance, such as requests from the Quebec City Police Department, the Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, increased by 68%. No major incident was reported during 2008-2009.
4 Requests for assistance that concern the Battlefields Park site
The NBC learned the following lessons in 2008, a year that was noteworthy for the festivities marking the NBC's 100th anniversary and the activities held in the Park to celebrate Quebec City's 400th anniversary:
The purpose of this activity is to raise awareness of the history of the site and its cultural, recreational and natural assets so as to emphasize its dual role as both a historic and an urban park. In support of this activity, the NBC carries out improvements, welcomes visitors, provides quality exhibitions, activities and public services, and disseminates information to Canadian and foreign users and visitors.
Public Education and Services |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008-2009 Financial Resources |
2008-2009 Human Resources |
||||
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
Planned |
Actual |
Difference |
3,215 |
3,887 |
4,078 |
17 |
17 |
0 |
Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Performance Status | Performance Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
Successful staging of the festivities for the NBC's centenary | Number of activities offered | Provide activities to raise awareness of the site's history and its cultural, recreational and natural assets | Fully satisfactory | The NBC put on about 10 activities for its 100th anniversary, notably the Plaines Lunes show, a special edition of the Great Celebration of Nature, the unveiling of monuments and the opening of an orchard, the 100th anniversary exhibition in a large tent, and the Big Picnic with Abraham, etc. |
Planning and organization of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the historic battles | Number of activities offered | Provide programming to raise awareness of the site's history | Somewhat satisfactory | More than 10 or so activities were planned, such as historical interpretive activities, various conferences, a symposium and exhibitions. Changes had to be made to some to them because of controversy concerning the historical re-enactment of the battles, which was cancelled. |
Diversified activities (for both the general public and schools) | Number of activities offered | Put on a variety of theme-based activities | Fully satisfactory | Over 50 different activities associated with school programs, classroom activities, childcare services and playgrounds were provided. |
Quality public services | Assessment of client satisfaction with activities and services | 80% of the clientele was satisfied with all of the activities and services provided | Fully satisfactory | 93% of clients were satisfied |
Increased attendance at activities and services | Count the number of visitors at exhibits | 1% increase in the number of visitors at exhibitions | Exceeds expectations | The number of visitors at exhibitions was 78,247, an increase of 95%. |
Count the number of participants in activities and services | 1% increase in the number of participants in activities provided | Exceeds expectations | The number of participants increased to 119,141 an increase of 33%. Overall attendance (214,833 people) at activities and services provided increased by 5% compared with the year before, including attendance at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. | |
Count the number of spectators at shows | 1% increase in attendance at shows provided | Does not meet expectations | 17,000 people attended 24 shows put on at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand, a decrease of about 70%. There was also a significant decrease in attendance at shows because of the lower number of shows offered and the cancellation of some shows because of bad weather. | |
Generated revenues | Total of generated revenues | Estimated revenues of $1,600,00 | Exceeds expectations: $2,344,000 in revenue generated | Revenue increase because of higher attendance at NBC 100th anniversary and Quebec City 400th anniversary activities. |
This program activity enables Canadians to learn more about the history of Canada's first national historic park and the historic events that occurred there. Through exhibitions, educational interpretive activities, guided tours, concerts and promotional activities, Canadians and foreign visitors were able to learn about or to increase their knowledge of how the Park and NBC came into being over 100 years ago. They also benefited from the historical information provided in the Plaines Lunes show about the 400 year history of the site since the founding of Quebec City.
1. The 100th anniversary
The NBC believed that it had to celebrate its centenary in 2008, which was an ideal opportunity to raise greater awareness of the site's history and cultural, recreational and natural assets. New activities were therefore added to the regular array of activities offered each year to users and visitors. The NBC believes that it achieved its objective. To implement its program, the NBC put on new exhibitions, for example, an exhibition on the NBC's 100th anniversary, an exhibition in the big tent on the buildings that once stood on the Plains of Abraham, and an exhibition about the Brown Basin. In addition, special event days were held, such as the Sports Day (Plains in Action), the 200th anniversary of the Martello towers, the Big Picnic with Abraham, and the landing of Erik Lindbergh in honour of his grandfather Charles Lindbergh. In addition, two publications on the history of the founding of the NBC and the creation of the park were produced. Some new interpretive activities were also provided for visitors, including The Convict's Last Drink and The Chambers Gang. For the occasion, expanded versions of regular activities for the general public, such as the Great Celebration of Nature and Halloween were put on. The big triumph was certainly the Plaines Lunes show, which was presented over five consecutive days and involved an impressive team of nearly 650 volunteers, including 150 from France, over 2,000 characters in costume, 32 horseback riders, 44 dancers, performers from the École de Cirque de Québec, 1,300 costumes put together in part by 13 circles of the Quebec City region Cercles des Fermières du Québec organization, and gigantic sets of scenery constructed by the NBC maintenance staff. The five presentations of the show drew more than 14,500 spectators, for an attendance rate of about 85%, and generated net revenues of $256,000.
The NBC's various units and the many volunteers involved in preparations and putting on the Plaines Lunes show and its series of historical tableaux made an invaluable contribution to the success of the show. People proved to be available, involved and creative to ensure that this show met requirements and expectations
The federal government allocated a supplementary budget of $235,000 to put on the festivities for the 100th anniversary of the NBC and the Park's creation. The budget for the festivities amounted to $1,075,130.
More revenues were generated than expected, as mentioned in Section III, Other Items of Interest.
2. Preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Battles
In 2008-2009, commemorative activities marking the 250th anniversary of the historic battles of 1759 and 1760 were also planned and organized. Activities were put on to raise awareness of the events of the Seven Years War that took place in Quebec City, including the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the Battle of Sainte-Foy.
The NBC had planned a large scale project involving historical re-enactments of these battles that was expected to be the biggest event of this type ever held in Canada and to involve between 2,000 and 3,000 re-enactors, or history buffs who travel the world to participate as volunteers in period re-enactments. Also expected for the occasion were 100,000 visitors. However, this project caused controversy among population and received considerable media coverage. After a period of consultations and listening to opinions, the NBC realized the degree of people's sensitivity to some components of its programming. It therefore decided to cancel the historical re-enactment and to make changes to some activities in order to provide a more restrained and respectful type of programming that reminds people of the importance of historical events and the tragic consequences of the siege of Quebec City for the civilian population. Another factor in the decision to cancel the re-enactment was the risk of not being able to ensure the safety of re-enactors and spectators.
3. Regular Activities
Overall, the NBC believes that it achieved its objectives in terms of providing activities for the general public and the school clientele. Over 50 different activities with themes associated with Plains of Abraham history, culture and nature were offered, compared with about 30 activities in 2007-2008. According to an in house survey, 93% of the clientele said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the activities. The total attendance (214,388 people) for all of the activities, exhibitions and services was higher in 2008-2009 than the year before, for an increase of 5%.
Attendance at the Edwin Bélanger Bandstand was much lower in 2008-2009 than in the previous year (a decrease of about 70%), the reason being the decrease in the number of scheduled shows: 24 shows scheduled in 2008-2009, compared with 35 in 2007-2008. The reasons for the decrease in the number of shows were the production of the Plaines Lunes show and the production of some shows for the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. Moreover, five shows had to be cancelled because of bad weather, and one show out of two was put on while it was raining.
The NBC acquired the following experience when it implemented its Public Education and Services program:
($ thousands)
Condensed Statement of Financial Position For the year ending on March 31, 2009 |
% |
2009 |
2008 |
---|---|---|---|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
Total Assets |
-8% |
15,330 |
16,626 |
TOTAL |
-8% |
15,330 |
16,626 |
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
Total Liabilities* |
-52% |
1,314 |
2,756 |
EQUITY OF CANADA |
|
|
|
Total Equity of Canada |
1% |
14,016 |
13,870 |
TOTAL |
-8% |
15,330 |
16,626 |
($ thousands)
Condensed Statement of Operations For the year ending on March 31, 2009 |
% |
2009 |
2008 |
---|---|---|---|
EXPENSES |
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
-1% |
11,111 |
11,279 |
REVENUE |
|
|
|
Total revenue** |
35% |
2,407 |
1,787 |
INCOME FROM THE TRUST FUND |
|
|
|
Total *** |
-52% |
52 |
106 |
NET COST OF OPERATIONS |
-8% |
8,652 |
9,386 |
* In 2008-2009, there was a provision for contingencies in the amount of $489,019 and accruals at the end of the 2008-2009 fiscal year were higher because of the construction of the public restroom building and preparations for the NBC's 100th anniversary.
** There were higher revenues in 2008-2009 because of the NBC 100th anniversary and Quebec City 400th anniversary activities held in the Park.
*** The NBC has had a trust fund since 1984 for receiving donations from individuals, municipal corporations, and provincial and other governments. This fund is managed according to the provisions of section 9.1 of the National Battlefields at Quebec Act.
Financial Statements can be obtained by clicking the following Internet link:
http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/rapports.php?section=8
The following tables are posted on the Treasury Board Secretariat Web site at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca :
For information purposes, the NBC had prepared a table outlining the Sustainable Development Strategy for inclusion in the 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities; however, this table was not required. The NBC is not included in Schedule 1 of the Financial Administration Act and not mentioned in the Auditor General Act, which states that departments must develop a sustainable development strategy for 2008-2009.
The NBC administers the Battlefields Park site and the allocated budget in accordance with government policies, its mandate, vision and incorporating legislation. Internal services include administrative services, financial services including revenue generation, property management and communications services.
Internal Services |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008-2009 Financial Resources |
2008-2009 Human Resources |
||||
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Total Authorities |
Planned |
Actual |
Difference |
5,980 |
7,638 |
7,757 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
It should be noted that financial resources include payments in lieu of taxes. Also, the financial resources for internal services were distributed on a pro rata basis to program activities, with 60% going to Conservation and Development and 40% to Public Education and Services.
In 2008-2009, the NBC achieved its objectives. It was able to provide sound management while demonstrating transparency and accountability. It stayed within the allocated budget, and the sum of $400,450 was carried over to the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
The revenue objectives were exceeded. In fact, the generated revenues amounted to $2,344,000, an exceedance of $744,000 over the estimates ($1,600,000). In that regard, 2008-2009 was a truly outstanding year. This can be explained by the much higher volume of visitors to the Plains of Abraham site, particularly in terms of the occupancy rate in some parking areas. Also helping to increase revenues was attendance at the interpretive activities and exhibitions put on as part of the events of the NBC's 100th anniversary and of Quebec City's 400th anniversary.
As planned, the NBC drew up a communications plan to promote all of the activities and events. The plan was a partial contributing factor in achieving the NBC's objectives and raising awareness of the site's history and assets. The NBC plans to review this plan in order to obtain a maximum amount of assistance for events. However, many visitors and users were able to follow the special 100th anniversary programming. The NBC Internet site (www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca) was very popular in 2008-2009, receiving over 400,000 hits, a 25% increase from 2007-2008 (320,000 hits). In 2008-2009, 70,480 Internet surfers visited the 1759 Internet site, an increase of 10% from 2007-2008 (64,000 surfers). In addition, posters and signage effectively informed visitors and users of the special occasion highlighted in the Battlefields Park.
The NBC made use of partnership agreements with various media organizations to promote activities and events, particularly with the Le Soleil and the Journal de Québec newspapers, the TVA/LCN television station, the CITF Rock Détente and the Radio-Classique radio stations, and the Reprografic compugraphics firm.
All of the promotional activities provided by the media for the 100th anniversary (special 100th anniversary edition) during events held on the Plains of Abraham as part of Quebec City's 400th anniversary, particularly during the Quebec Carnival, the International Québec City Summer Festival, Quebec's Fête nationale and Canada Day, helped raise awareness of the NBC centenary and created a high level of visibility for the Government of Canada and the NBC.
Act respecting the National Battlefields at Quebec | 1908, 7-8 Edward VII, c 57 and amendments |
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By-law Amending the National Battlefields Park By-law | SOR/2002-186, 9 May 2002 |
Internet Address: www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
André Beaudet, Commission Secretary
e-mail: andre.beaudet@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
Louise Germain, Assistant Secretary
e-mail: louise.germain@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
Anne Chouinard, Executive Assistant
e-mail: anne.chouinard@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
Paule Veilleux, Financial Services Agent
e-mail: paule.veilleux@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
The National Battlefields Commission
390 de Bernières Avenue
Quebec City, Quebec
G1R 2L7
Telephone: (418) 648-3506
Facsimile: (418) 648-3638