The Mile Circle controversy.

"Request for government directive prohibiting the sale of national parklands." Proposed sale of the Mile Circle for an embassy row.

House of Commons Debates  Ottawa  March 24, 1986. Jean-Robert Gauthier (Chief Opposition Whip; Whip of the Liberal Party.) Liberal. Mr. Gauthier (Ottawa-Vanier.):

"...My question is directed to the Deputy Prime Minister. Will he tell the House if it is federal policy to sell federally owned parkland? NCC Chairman Jean Pigott said she wants to sell part of an Ottawa riverfront park known as Mile Circle to the United States of America for an embassy compound. Is the government in favour of selling our natural parklands?" "Mr. Speaker, could the Deputy Prime Minister inform the House whether he intends to act responsibly and give clear and precise instructions to all those who are responsible for our national parks, indicating clearly that none of our national parks are for sale?"

As of the year 2020 Mile Circle near Rockcliffe is still a meadow, an open space. Another federal property was sold to the United States for an embassy, land that was earmarked for Major's Hill Park on Sussex Drive.

"Dreams of Major's Hill Park" 1969.