The community survey and analysis was completed as an M.A. thesis through Trent University, in Peterborough Ontario. Copies of the thesis are available, and much of the material is presented here online.

The Alexander Mackenzie Voyageur Route:
A Community Perspective on Waterways and the Development of a Trans-Canada Heritage Route
by Peter Nelson Labor

Abstract

The Alexander Mackenzie Voyageur Route is a recently proclaimed heritage route which stretches from Quebec City, Quebec to Bella Coola, British Columbia. The purpose of this thesis is to examine community interest in the Route, emphasising the connection of the community to the adjacent waterway, in order to understand better the local and national heritage significance of the Route.

Five hundred and forty-eight questionnaires were sent to one hundred and thirty-seven communities located along the Route from Lachine, Quebec to Bella Coola, British Columbia. Thirteen percent of the questionnaires were returned, representing forty-three communities. Respondents indicated strong historic linkages to the waterway, emphasising the importance of Native culture, the fur trade and geological and natural history. Recreation, fishing and tourism were identified as dominant Route uses, with recreation and tourism identified as the most important future activities for the waterways associated with the Route.

The Alexander Mackenzie Voyageur Route reflects the local and national heritage significance of the inland waterways of Canada. Carefully managed promotion of the Route through community-based identification, education and selective development for recreation and tourism will benefit communities through which the Route passes.