Since last weeks posting the Mother Canada Statue (pictured above) has been scrapped, seen as both infeasible by the architecture firm approached to construct it and a lack of funds available to complete the project.

While this puts this particular issue to rest for the moment I have no doubt there will be similar projects proposed in the near future. After some reflection I have a few recommendations for Parks Canada to help them boost attendance without needing to resort to the “disneyfication” of their spaces.

1. Create events, not monuments. This follows the same logic of giving experiences instead of material things. With an event patrons will create memories and be likely to return or pass the experience on to friends who may also enjoy it in the future. Events open up endless possibilities appealing to all different demographics, a classical concert in a natural amphitheatre, an adventure race taking advantage of the natural remoteness of these locations, family oriented education days, and week long festivals can all drive tourist traffic through the parks.
2. Remove barriers to entry. A great example of this is Parks celebrating 100 years with free entry into all parks next year, while this is not a long term goal combining this free year with some great events and activities will keep people coming back for more. Another barrier is having the right gear or experience to access some of these locations, partnerships with rental shops and providing guided tours or information nights for those interested in getting outdoors will benefit not only the Parks but the larger community as a whole as well. By offering course Parks Canada also opens up another possible revenue stream.
3. Using media to promote camping (not the glamping version that’s been popularized by main stream media). Camping is a great way to experience nature and an economical way to enjoy a vacation. By promoting the many amazing camping location available within Canada’s National Parks we can increase visitors, and perhaps even create the next generation of staunch supporters of the environment.
4. Finally, give more autonomy to each individual park to make their own decisions and partnerships. Being a government organization there are many levels and defined procedures, some of which need to be cleared by staff that have nothing to do with a particular Park. By streamlining this process, the smaller entities of individual parks would be able to operate more efficiently, letting them tailor their activities and events to the local population.

Parks Canada is already working towards some of these goals however, I believe they can do even more especially if the individual parks are given more autonomy. Either way the National Parks in Canada are a treasure that needs to be protected to inspire the same awe, passion, and patriotism in the next generation.