The 84-acre Veteran's Park was part of the Greenbelt in Ottawa. The Greenbelt was supposed to be untouchable, a living memorial to Canadians who died fighting in foreign wars.
"It was also confirmed that the land in question was acquired by the federal government to commemorate World War 11 veterans and became NCC property in 1960. Mr. Lindsay indicated Moffat Farm was designated in the Regional Official Plan of 1977 and in subsequent amendments in 1988 and 1997 as Waterfront Open Space, which precluded residential development. The property was designated for federal land use as a capital park of national interest." (Google: "City of Ottawa planning and development Moffat Farm February 28, 2002.)
The City of Ottawa offered to pay $400,000 dollars for the property, to keep the land as a green space in perpetuity. The offer was rejected.
House of Commons Debates, Ottawa January 27, 2003.
John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance
Mr. John Reynolds:
"With regard to the vacant property called Moffat Farms, owned by the National Capital Commission and land commonly called Montfort Woods owned by DRC Phoenix Corporation: (a)
What Ministers of the Crown, Officials and Departments made representations regarding these lands; (b) to whom did they make representations; (c) what were the nature of the representations; (d) what was the response; (e) when were they made?"
Geoff Regan (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Liberal.)
Mr. Geoff Regan:
"I am informed that no ministers of the Crown, Secretary of State, officials and departments have made any representations regarding the vacant property called Moffat Farms owned by the National Capital Commission and the land commonly called Montfort Woods owned by DRC Phoenix Corporation."
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Point 1 - When a federal government property is divested it is routinely offered to other Crown agencies and departments; the province and the municipality. Then real estate corporations are permitted to buy the land in question.
Point 2 - Parks Canada should have intervened and halted the transaction, because the Farm was a park for more than 50 years; an important habitat for wildlife species and the land was too close to the Rideau River/ Mooney's Bay.
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There was fierce opposition to the sale of the Farm, Google: "City of Ottawa planning and development committee Moffat Farm February 28, 2002."
Subdivision - 1709 Prince of Wales Drive.
"(A representative from the Moffat Farm Citizen's Coalition) stated that this was not just a local issue and he said he was concerned that this was the beginning of a trend by the NCC to dispose of Greenspace that is not in the downtown area."
"The NCC appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board before studies were complete and elected officials had the opportunity to review them. This has forced the citizens to spend money to hire a lawyer and planner."
"Local citizens have been told from the beginning that this was a 'done deal'."
"Councillor Stewart noted that she and the community had tried desperately to get the NCC and the developer to revise their plans for the site."
"He said the intent of intensification never contemplated using publicly owned lands, and particularly lands adjacent to the River."
"He expressed his opinion that City Council sanctions the destruction of greenspace in Ottawa at a rate of three acres a day."
"She said to describe this area as vacant land is inaccurate.. She spoke of the benefits of being able to experience nature as 'Mother Earth' intended without manicured lawns, paths, etc."
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The petition to save the Moffat Farm contained 400 signatures.
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Similarities between Moffat Farm and the Experimental Farm
1.)They are both located in the City of Ottawa's River Ward, named because of their proximity to the Rideau River.
2.) Both of the properties were designated as open space forever.
3.) The NCC told the Moffat Farm Citizen's Coalition that the 1709 Prince of Wales transaction was a 'done deal.' The city of Ottawa said there would be 'no appeal' permitted on their decision to rezone the Experimental Farm.
4.) Parks Canada was notified about the Moffat Farm and Experimental Farm real estate transactions, and how they would affect viewpoints. Parks Canada recently received a warning letter from UNESCO because the construction of a new hospital will have a negative effect on the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5.) Both of the Farms are and were the focus of intense efforts to save the land...local politicians tried to intervene;neighbourhood associations; the Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital; Rideau Valley Conservation Authority...
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