Question Period Note: Collections Consolidation Project

Collections Consolidation Project

• The collection under Parks Canada’s care reflects the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.
• Consolidation into a new, purpose-built and environmentally-controlled facility will ensure the long-term sustainable care and management of the collection.
• Cared for by a team of specialists, the collection will be systematically organized and easily retrievable. This will enhance Parks Canada’s ability to share the stories of these objects with Canadians.
• Parks Canada recognizes Indigenous communities have a vested interest in the collection and is engaging with those interested across the country to work together toward concrete actions for continued, enhanced access to the collection.
• Artifacts at Parks Canada places and those on loan to partner institutions will continue to be displayed across Canada for all Canadians to enjoy and will not be consolidated in the new facility.

OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
• Parks Canada is committed to working with all interested stakeholders to find ways to ensure communities can continue to access the collection under Parks Canada’s care, such as through long-term loans.

• In 2012, Parks Canada decided to consolidate its six existing collections storage facilities into one newly constructed special-purpose collection facility in Gatineau, Quebec.
• The national collection under Parks Canada’s care consists of approximately 31 million archaeological artifacts and historical objects. Approximately 25 million of these are presently stored in six warehouse spaces in five cities. The remaining are at Parks Canada’s national historic sites and national parks and will remain there for interpretation and visitor engagement. Objects on loan to other institutions or exhibited in Parks Canada places will not be moved to the new facility.
• Five of the six Parks Canada facilities do not meet required environmental and security standards, due to their age. It is estimated that 60 percent of the collection is under threat as a result of these conditions. Furthermore, it is difficult to access items in the collection in a number of the storage facilities.
• Consolidation into a new, purpose-built facility is the most sustainable way to secure, conserve and manage the collection. This was confirmed as the best value for money by Public Services and Procurement Canada’s 2015 Investment Analysis Report. The new facility will also allow Canadians, including Indigenous and other communities from across the country, to better access the collection for research, ceremonial and educational purposes.
• Land in Gatineau was acquired from Library and Archives Canada in January 2018. Design consultants Moriyama and Teshima Architects + NFOE in joint venture were hired in January 2018 to complete the design phase of the new facility. Design work is expected to be complete by Fall 2019, after which the construction phase can be tendered in early Winter 2020. Subject to the construction schedule, it is anticipated the collection will be moved by 2023-2024.
• Parks Canada has notified over 100 Indigenous communities and directly engaged with 37 groups based on their expressed interest. Through engagement sessions, Parks Canada is discussing ways to enhance access to objects that are important to communities.
• In 2017, Parks Canada decided to continue to house part of the collection in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, until the end of its lease (expires 2029), both because it is a purpose-built facility and to alleviate facility pressures at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, where there is a stored collection. The Louisbourg collection will be moved to Dartmouth by 2024. Storage needs beyond 2029 will be assessed at a later date.

Question Period notes as provided by the Department to the Minister’s Office