Beaubears Island Management Plan

Hi All,

I just wanted to share some great news from Parks Canada and the Friends of Beaubears Island. The management plan for Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada, J. Leonard O'Brien Memorial has been tabled by parliament. Below is the full Parks Canada press release detailing the momentous step forward for Beuabears Island:

 Honourable Peter Kent Tables Management Plan for Boishébert and

Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada,

J. Leonard O’Brien Memorial

Parks Canada and its partners to provide opportunities for visitors to establish a

personal sense of connection with these treasured historic places.

Miramichi, New Brunswick, November 7, 2011 - The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, tabled in Parliament the management plan for Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada, J. Leonard O’Brien Memorial, located in Miramichi on Friday.

The purpose of the management plan is to provide clear direction for the management and operations of the two national historic sites for 10 to 15 years, with a review every five years. This plan is Parks Canada’s key accountability document to Canadians.  It outlines key actions to ensure the integrated delivery of Parks Canada’s mandate for the two national historic sites.

The participation and contribution of the Mi’gmaq and Walostokyik, local area stakeholders and partners and the Acadian community have helped shape the management plan.  Parks Canada will build on these relationships to integrate the national historic sites into the regional heritage tourism offer and to provide opportunities for visitors to establish a personal sense of connection with these treasured historic places.

The national historic sites have significant cultural value. While Boishébert commemorates the Acadian refuge established at Wilsons Point from 1756-1760, Beaubears Island Shipbuilding is the only known, extensive, undisturbed archaeological site associated with the national significance of the 19th-century wooden shipbuilding industry in New Brunswick.

Parks Canada’s key priorities for the sites include the protection of the cultural resources at Beaubears Island and to work collaboratively with the Province of New Brunswick to ensure the protection of cultural resources at Wilsons Point.  The Agency will also work with Mi’gmaq and Walostokyik peoples to present relevant Aboriginal history at the sites, including their relationship to other Aboriginal historic sites in the area.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

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-Jason