Visitors to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard National Historic Sites may have less time to get the full experience this year.

Federal budget cuts are forcing the reduction of two staff positions and the level of interpretation available for visitors throughout much of the year.

The Conservative government announced last week the elimination or reduction of nearly 4,000 federal jobs in Canada, nearly half of which are from Parks Canada.

For Fort Rodd Hill, this means shortening the high season, when staffing levels and services are highest.

Instead of running Feb. 15 to Oct. 31, the park now will only be fully staffed from July 1 to Labour Day. During the B次元官网网址渟houlder seasonsB次元官网网址� staffing levels and interpretive programs will also be reduced.

B次元官网网址淚n order to meet our deficit reduction obligations from Budget 2012, Parks Canada is aligning its season, hours of operation and personal service to better reflect patterns of visitation,B次元官网网址� said Laura Judson, spokesperson for Coastal B.C. Field Unit, Parks Canada.

During the shoulder-seasons B次元官网网址� May 1 to June 30 and Labour Day to Thanksgiving B次元官网网址� there will be a reduction in staff resulting in fewer programs, although special events will continue.

In the off-season, from Thanksgiving to April 30, the site will remain open but there will be no personal interpretation, programs or events run by Parks Canada.

Instead, information for visitors will be provided through exhibits, signage and brochures during this time of the year.

Field unit superintendent for coastal B.C., Helen Davis said, despite the cuts, visitors will still have many opportunities to enjoy the site and learn its history.

B次元官网网址淭hey can continue to expect a rich experience,B次元官网网址� Davis said. B次元官网网址淒uring the shoulder season, weB次元官网网址檒l continue to support the many community events that take place at the site.B次元官网网址�

There will be no impact on demonstrations or events already scheduled for this year and the high-season level of staffing is currently in place, though it could end early.

B次元官网网址淏y taking this action, we are focusing services when and where the majority of visitors use them,B次元官网网址� Judson said.

B次元官网网址淲hen visitation is at its highest during the peak season of operation at national parks and national historic sites, staffing will continue to be at its highest levels, and facilities will be fully operational.B次元官网网址�

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