History rekindled at the site for major events on the Plains of Abraham
News release
August 3, 2021 – Québec – The National Battlefields Commission
Recognized internationally as an outstanding meeting place, this site for major events is, first and foremost, a site with a rich history. The National Battlefields Commission (NBC) wants to showcase the heritage of this area located behind the Plains of Abraham Museum by setting up a temporary display to set the stage for a permanent display next summer that will smoothly integrate the site’s historic past with present-day events held there.
The layout of the pedestrian path, in fact a reinterpretation of barbed wire and targets, marks the location of old buildings, a reminder of the site’s former military vocation. The Arsenal cartridge factory stood here from 1884 to 1939 and was built to manufacture cartridges and shells. The factory itself consisted of a series of wooden buildings isolated from each other by earthen ramparts to limit the extent of any damage, should an explosion occur. There was also a firing range nearby to test the quality of the ammunition.
NBC Secretary-General Manager Annie Talbot is pleased with this initiative that will contribute to preserving and showcasing the heritage of the Battlefields Park, Canada’s first national historic park. The temporary display was designed by the firm, Groupe A / Annexe U, and the work onsite was carried out by NBC teams. The start of the permanent phase is slated for 2022 and strategic planning currently underway at the NBC until December 2021 will allow the Commission to accommodate the needs and realities of park users and its partners.
The pedestrian path will be open until late fall. Thereafter, it will give way to winter activities and new things to come. Indeed, Mrs. Talbot has mobilized specialized stakeholders and formed an advisory committee that will table its recommendations shortly. The NBC invites those who cherish the Plains to see what will be happening this fall and, in the meantime, to take advantage of the exhibitions, escape games, family treasure hunt and, of course, the new temporary display at the site for major events!
Quotes
Since taking office, I have been amazed by the park’s rich heritage. The temporary display is a first step towards highlighting the history of an area of the Plains visited by many who are unaware of what took place here! The permanent display will offer a space that is eye-catching, noteworthy and adapted to the site’s various uses.
- Annie Talbot, Secretary and General Manager
Quick facts
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The NBC mandated the firm, Groupe A / Annexe U, to design the temporary display at the site of major events. The goal was to showcase the heritage and history of this area of the Plains in a significant manner. NBC teams then carried out all the ground work. The pedestrian path is accessible free of charge from now until late fall. An interpretation panel onsite offers visitors a brief history of the site; more information is available on the NBC website. The start of the permanent phase is slated for the summer of 2022.
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This summer, the Plains offer visitors vibrant programming to learn about the history of this mythical place: Battles and Identities exhibitions, escape rallies, escape game at Martello Tower 4 and a family treasure hunt. Users can also explore the park walking along trails and visiting landmarks.
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Canada’s first national historic park, the Battlefields Park, includes the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park. Since 1908, the National Battlefields Commission, a federal government agency, has been responsible for the preservation and development of this ideal gathering place where four million visitors are welcomed annually.
Associated links
Contacts
Media requests:
Nathalie Allaire
Communications Director
The National Battlefields Commission
nathalie.allaire@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418 648-4801
Information:
Plains of Abraham Museum
information@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418 649-6157
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