The Federal District Commission wanted to protect public buildings, national institutions and green spaces from encroachment.

The FDC is now called the National Capital Commission. "...Comprehensive zoning---a municipal responsibility---is strongly recommended to control industrial, commercial and residential development in the best interest of each (Ottawa and Hull) to preserve the amenities of the area, and to protect the large and growing national investment in public buildings, national institutions and parks and parkways."

"By a special act of the provincial legislature, the City of Ottawa was empowered to pass a by-law to control the design of buildings fronting or abutting upon Federal Government property. The City of Ottawa has frequently sought the advice of the Commission prior to issuing building permits in such locations. Also noteworthy is a growing tendency on the part of private developers to seek advice on projects in order that their character and use might be in approved relationship with adjacent lands." (Federal District Commission, Ottawa. Fifty-Seventh Annual Report, 1956. Pages 17 and 18 of 61 pages.)

The National Interest "Up until recent years, the NCC and its planners were in effect the only long-range planners in the National Capital Region. But as Ottawa, Hull and their surrounding communities grew, other jurisdictions began to assume their own and proper responsibility for planning. Naturally administrative conflicts have resulted."

"Under the National Capital Act, the Commission is responsible for protecting and promoting the national interest in the Capital. The objectives and purposes of the Commission are set out in the Act: "To prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that the nature and character of the seat of government of Canada may be in accordance with its national significance."

"It has been argued by some that only municipal authorities have the responsibility for promulgating and implementing region-wide plans in the National Capital Region. The Commission holds that this view is unconstitutional."

"Provincial and municipal authorities have responsibility for local concerns in their respective jurisdictions in the Region. But their responsibilities cannot be construed as representing the national interest...If Parliament had not wanted to see a national character for the Capital it would not have created an agency for that purpose, and there has been such an agency since 1899." (1975-1976 Annual Report of the National Capital Commission, page 9/52.)

Senator wants NCC to have power to limit development near Parliament Hill by Tom Spears, Ottawa Citizen December 13, 2019.

1983.

 

Hog's Back Park encompassed 125 acres in 1957.

 (From the 1957 Annual Report of the Federal District Commission, page 17/49.) There were 400 picnic tables, 30 outdoor fireplaces, and drinking fountains.

Hog's Back Park is now 50 acres, and the woods are federal and privately owned. (Google: urban natural features strategy, City of Ottawa April 11, 2006.)

The Ontario Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario.

"The federal government has provided notice that the former Ontario Regional Headquarters located at 525 King Street West and 440-442 King Street West is surplus to its requirements . Public Works and Government Services will be launching the disposal of the site on behalf of the Correctional Services of Canada." "Joyceville and Pittsburgh farm land could be worth $2 million dollars while the Regional Headquarters at 440 and 442 King Street West in Kingston could net $17 million dollars." (A Roadmap to Strengthening Public Safety, 2007, page 208.) 

No housing will be permitted on the Farm and the Greenbelt.

The front page of the Ottawa Citizen, October 8, 1974.

House of Commons Ottawa October 7, 1974 Mr. Walter David Baker (Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition; Progressive Conservative Party Deputy House Leader) Progressive Conservative. (Grenville-Carleton): "Mr. Speaker, in view of the statement yesterday by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs about trade-offs in respect to green spaces in Canadian cities, will he inform the House how this trade-off principle will affect specifically the experimental farm in the city of Ottawa and the greenbelt surrounding it, and indicate whether the government is actively planning to intrude development into these areas?"

Hon. Barnett J. Danson (Minister of State for Urban Affairs): "Mr. Speaker, I was just speaking about the general picture in Canada, trying to make people aware of the necessary considerations we have in attempting to deal with growth in our cities. Certainly, the city of Ottawa in particular has to be treated with special sensitivity."

"There will be further discussions on this subject before the special joint committee of the House and the Senate announced in the Speech from the Throne, and in respect of other reports which are forthcoming. This will give us ample opportunity to deal with the member's concerns, which I share."

Mr. Baker: "Mr. Speaker, in view of the importance of the matter, as recognized by the Minister, would he be prepared to make a statement on motions at the earliest opportunity to clarify what he and the government mean in respect to the diminuition of the very precious green spaces in the urban areas of this country?"

 Mr. Danson: "...I put as high a priority on parks and recreation as on any other element in the housing field."

The biggest landlord in the world.

 House of Commons Ottawa February 23, 1982 Erik Nielsen (Official Opposition House Leader; Progressive Conservative Party House Leader) Progressive Conservative: "...As the President of the Treasury Board is aware-and I see his colleague the Minister of Public Works sitting beside him-Canada's Department of Public Works is probably the biggest landlord in the world with well over $40 billion of property, real and other, in its list of assets."

Bill S-203, An Act to amend the National Capital Act.

 I feel that it is important to update my blog post, because recent actions by all levels of government and foreign entities will negatively affect protected landscapes and heritage properties.

1.) Earnscliffe on 140 Sussex Drive.

2.) The Sparks Street Mall.

3.) Dominion Observatory, Queen Juliana Park, Historic Hedge Collection, Department of Agriculture Recreational Association (DARA) Tennis Club, Rideau Canal Hartwell Locks, Maple Drive.

Maple Drive "It is imperative that supplemental trees be planted to preserve the beauty and recreational nature of Maple Drive for the numerous pedestrians, cyclists and visitors passing the historic buildings, ornamental shrubs and greenhouses." (Submission on Civic Hospital Development Plan by Botanica Residents Community, Kitchissippi, Ottawa, August 12, 2021, page 7/15.)

4.) The National Capital Region Scenic Highways - The NCC Parkway on the CEF is being widened from 2 lanes to 4.

5.) The Ottawa Greenbelt, and federal urban parkland--- Commissioners Park and Major's Hill Park. "The  22-acre Commissioners Park is a part of the Greenbelt. Community organizations fear that the property will be converted to a parking lot." 

Mr. Al Speyers (President, Alliance to Save Our Green Belt): "...We support and share Minister Baird's concerns that the greenbelt should not be whittled away and serve as a land bank for municipal projects. A new statute protecting the greenbelt could be enacted, such as the NCC Greenbelt Act." (House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities-October 26, 2009.)

6.) Rideau Canal bridges and dams. 

Senator Serge Joyal talking about Bill S-203 in the Senate of Canada-A YouTube video from December 12, 2019. 

7.) The inability of any form of government to rein in the city of Ottawa---25,000 trees were clear cut on the Tewin lands in the dead of night, without a tree removal permit; more than 100 trees on Lansdowne were chopped down without a tree removal permit; 

A highway is being constructed on Mer Bleue in the Greenbelt; the City has the power to decide if vehicles are permitted on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill; federal land is being encroached upon for a municipal transitway project---Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada. The tallest building in the Capital has been greenlighted at Carling and Preston---a 60-storey condominium.

 

"Did the neighbours want a 45-storey building at Carling and Preston, with a new hospital across the street, complete with 3,400 parking spots in what is now green space? Not the ones I've spoken to. Are they getting both? Of course." (Kelly Egan, Ottawa Citizen-June 2021.)

National Tree Day.

National Tree Day was endorsed by the MP for Ottawa-Orleans Royal Galipeau.

House of Commons Ottawa September 21, 2011 Mr. Royal Galipeau (Ottawa-Orleans, CPC): "Mr. Speaker, six months ago the House proclaimed National Tree Day. That day has arrived. We have a worldwide reputation for our wildlife, clean air and beautiful communities. For that we should thank trees."

"We all have a role to play in planting, growing and protecting trees. However, there are leaders like Trees Canada that work tirelessly to improve communities with more trees. In the past 20 years they have planted 77 million trees and supported countless urban forest programs and they are not alone. I urge all Canadians to take time today to plant, to care for and to thank a tree for all they do to improve our lives. I invite all members to join me today at four o'clock today at the Canadian Museum of Nature to plant a sugar maple in symbolic reverence for all the mighty power of trees in our lives."

Land and buildings owned by the Government of Canada.

 House of Commons Ottawa May 20, 1980. Mr. Cosgrove (Minister of Public Works, Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing, Minister Responsible for the National Capital Commission) Liberal: 

• The Parliament Buildings
• office buildings
• postal terminals
• defence bases
• armouries
• national parks
• historic sites
• research laboratories
• airports
• marine properties
• warehouses
• communications stations
• experimental farms
• fish hatcheries
• penitentiaries
• police detachments
• residential properties
• hospitals
• schools
• libraries and it goes on...

"De-Pave the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway" - NCC interview with the Ottawa Citizen, February 25, 2014.

And sell the prime real estate. "The impending removal from the Parkway of hundreds of buses per day leads to the question of whether it makes sense to devote a huge portion of the city's prime real estate to a commuter roadway. It is a massive waste to keep the parkway as it is."The National Capital Commission's new CEO Mark Kristmanson seemed open to the idea of reassessing the value of the Macdonald Parkway in a recent interview: "(The Parkways) might have value as 'relics of the 20th century..." There are over 52 kilometres of parkways between Ottawa and Gatineau; how much of that need be preserved for heritage value?

The scenic parkways cannot be de-paved and sold, thanks to laws created by Prime Minister Mackenzie King and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and a document prepared by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau called "The National Interest." The Trudeau document confirms that major municipal and provincial projects cannot be constructed on federal properties, especially if the landscapes are protected by heritage designations.

The Ottawa River Parkway is now called the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. The road and adjacent land from Wellington Street to Carling Avenue, 254 ha., are protected by the designation National Interest Land Mass. 

"The National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway is a tree-covered route flanked with bike trails. All of the roads serving the site with the exception of Prince of Wales Drive are expected to be widened to account for a greater density of traffic." (Regenerating the Experimental Farm, 2016, page 30/74.) Note: Prince of Wales Drive is being widened from 2 to 4 lanes. Google: "Dow's Lake-Glebe Report, June 11, 2010". That is why Isabella Preston's 100 apple trees are being chopped down---savecfbrockcliffe.

Parkways were planned in Canada's Capital by Frederick Todd, Herbert Holt and Jacques Greber as coordinated parts of a continuous network. The parkway concept incorporated the goals of pleasure driving and moving large numbers of cars at a continuous speed. A meandering scenic roadway adjusted to topography and offers views and vistas of both immediate and more distant landscapes creating a pleasurable driving experience. (I cannot find out who the writer is.)

House of Commons Ottawa March 3, 1977 Mr. Walter Baker (Grenville-Carleton): "Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary question to the same speaker. In view of the importance of roads, which was mentioned by the hon. member who has just resumed his seat, and in view of the importance of the quality of life, the movement of traffic and the general enhancement of the national capital, would the minister look into reactivating plans for the completion of the National Capital Commission parkway along the Ottawa River?"

"I understand that the engineering has been completed and this parkway is important to the development of facilities at the corner of Baseline Road and Woodroffe Avenue in Township of Nepean."

House of Commons Ottawa July 22, 1960 Mr. Thomas Miller Bell, Carleton, Progressive Conservative (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada): "...Among the new projects to be undertaken, I believe the Ottawa river parkway takes highest priority. Properly designed, it will be an almost revolutionary addition to our parkway system. To the whole capital it will give new character, added personality and distinction."

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at the Tulip Festival---a video.

"When I first came to Ottawa many years ago looking for a job, it wasn't springtime and I was delighted to see all the greenery and the flowers. And this is indeed one of the great pleasures of living and working in this city, is that it is truly a beautiful city. And in the spring at this time of year, the beauty is enhanced by the tulips. When the tulips come it is a sign that summer is coming, and though the weatherman doesn't seem to have heard about it the tulips have. And they are here right on time." To see the video Google: CBC Archives|Trudeau talks tulips in late 60's.

May 18, 1967. CBC News photo.

"City files rezoning application for new Ottawa Civic Campus" CBC News, August 18, 2017.

"The City has filed an application to re-zone five hectares (or 12 acres) of land on the CEF to be used for the future Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital. In a filing on Friday, the City said it wants to amend the Official Plan to re-designate the land from "agricultural research area" to "general urban area" and relinquish the green space from the farm." 

THE 14-ACRE QUEEN JULIANA PARK WILL BE LEFT AS MIXED-USE INSTEAD OF BEING REZONED AS INSTITUTIONAL LIKE ALL OTHER OTTAWA HOSPITALS. Mixed-Use Central permits the construction of offices and post-secondary schools; large institutional buildings; recreation and leisure centres; restaurants and high and medium residential condominiums." (Ottawa Hospital Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendments, May 9, 2017.) The Dow's Lake parking lot will be rezoned as Mixed-Use instead of Institutional.

The tallest building in Ottawa is being constructed on 829 Carling at Preston Street, 60 storeys. One of the Wall of Condos that will inhabit "my street." Say goodbye to Commissioners Park, the Dows Lake parking lot, Queen Juliana Park, the former Dominion Observatory, the grounds of the Neatby building and Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab. 20 years ago a councillor predicted that Carling Avenue would be "Ottawa's Wall of China."...I did not believe her, because I never imagined that Agriculture Canada would give up Canada's Farm. 

The people of Ottawa need the Experimental Farm.

 "Councillors call on City to reopen park green space." "Ottawa closed all city parks and amenities on March 27 amid pandemic" by Hillary Johnstone, CBC News May 5, 2020.

"Seven Ottawa city councillors have co-signed an open letter calling on the city and province to reopen green spaces in Ottawa's parks. Many residents have been struggling with physical and mental health without adequate space to physically distance while getting outside."

"Access to nature, open spaces and room for exercise are important and necessary coping strategies that are well documented to increase well-being and physiological resilience. For families with small children and those who have little or no green space on their properties, the closure of parks has been especially difficult." Note: At least one National Capital Commission property was off-limits, during the Tulip Festival the only people permitted on Commissioners Park were neighbours; the rest of us were told to enjoy the event virtually.

The councillors who signed the open letter were Shawn Menard, Riley Brockington, Catherine McKenney, Carol Anne Meehan, Rawlson King, Jeff Leiper and Theresa Kavanagh.

The NCC's Plan for Canada's Capital

• Lands east of Prince of Wales are Capital Urban Greenspace.
• Prince of Wales Drive north of the traffic circle and NCC Driveway are Capital Parkway.
• Prince of Wales Drive south of the traffic circle is Scenic Parkway.
• Experimental fields west of POW are designated as Agricultural Research.
• Remaining lands west of Prince of Wales are General Urban Area and Urban Natural Features.
• Rideau Canal and nearby shore lands are Waterway and Shore Land.
• Canada Agricultural Museum lands are National Cultural Institutional.
• Research Fields are Rural Lands.
• Lands near Carling are Federal Node.
• Recreational pathways running through the property are part of the Capital Network Pathway.

Crown Assets.

 A recent statement from the Department of Public Works: "Much of the government-owned Ottawa-Gatineau portfolio is obsolete. There is room for the private development sector to create new space."

Yesterday in the House of Commons (March 22, 2023) MP's were discussing the future of 6,000 "ugly" federal government buildings that could be converted to residential housing. As I mentioned before, my husband was a PWGSC employee for nearly 28 years and I visited the so-called "ugly" Place du Portage Phase 4 building. Who is running the National Capital Region? Developers with deep pockets? Federal politicians and the NCC, you represent all Canadian citizens from coast to coast to coast.

Value of land and buildings in the Capital. This evaluation does not include the parks and playgrounds that were managed by the Federal District Commission, now called the National Capital Commission:

House of Commons Ottawa March 2, 1939 Mr. Cardin (Minister of Public Works): "According to the assessment commissioner of the city of Ottawa the figures as of March 1938, the latest we have, were:

• Land - $8, 332, 375.
• Buildings - $35, 609, 209.

"That is the total assessed value of the properties in Ottawa. I am informed unofficially that this valuation will shortly be increased substantially."

The uncertain future of the Astrophysical Observatory.

The photo zenith transit telescope is gone, as well as the North Azimuth. A 1963 photo.

The Civic Hospital will destroy the South Azimuth because it is adjacent to Maple Drive, a major entranceway. "Maple Drive has served as the north entrance of the Farm for over 120 years. We are told its buildings will be protected and yet they will be greatly affected by the planned hospital construction. Its historic landscape will be altered beyond recognition."

Submission on Development Plan by Botanica Residents Committee, Ward 15, Kitchissippi, August 12, 2021:

• Building 12 (1904)-historic Animal Laboratory and Forage Crops Building at Maple and Carling.
• The Bee Building (1915) is near the corner of Maple Drive and Winding Lane.
• The former Poultry Building #34 (1920) at what is currently the intersection of Maple and Birch. Behind is a collection of smaller poultry houses, one of which is currently being renovated for Ceremonial use.

Dominion Observatory Ottawa-Ability to Receive Radio Emissions from Outer Space. House of Commons Ottawa April 13, 1965. MP John Angus Maclean (Queens): "I would like to direct a question to the Minister of Mines and Technical Services and ask him if the Dominion Observatory has the ability to listen to and evaluate radio transmissions from outer space, which a Russian astronomer claims are transmitted by intelligent beings?"

Hon. W.M. Benidickson (Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys) Liberal: "I want to assure my hon. friend that up to now the Observatory has not indicated to me it has such capabilities."

Return the Telescope  House of Commons Ottawa April 29, 1974. Mr. Peter Reilly (Ottawa West) PC: "Mr. Speaker, this question should be directed to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources but in his absence I will direct it to the right hon. Prime Minister. It has to do with the telescope at what used to be called the Dominion Observatory at the experimental farm, and for all I know may now be called Stars Canada. Why has the government decided to deny further access to this telescope by the general public, including as many as 10,000 students each year, by packing it up and getting rid of it?"

Right Hon. P.E. Trudeau (Prime Minister): "Mr. Speaker, calling it Stars Canada shows the little regard that the hon. member has for bilingualism in this country. As for the rest of the question I am afraid I must refer it to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources who is addressing the Canadian Manufacturers Association in Montreal today, but his parliamentary secretary will be glad to refer this interesting question to him." Note: My classmates and I visited the Parliament Buildings and the Farm in 1965, and we all had the opportunity to look through the telescope-savecfbrockcliffe.

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The Dominion Observatory is an annex of the Parliamentary Precinct, but that apparently means nothing. The Sparks Street Mall and Lebreton Flats are also Parliamentary Precinct annexes.

The Gonzales Observatory in Victoria BC was sold for $35,000 and housing developers scooped up the nearby land.

work in progress

Children are suffering from nature-deficit disorder.

"Nature-deficit disorder is the idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors than they have in the past and the belief that this change results in a wide range of behavioral disorders." 

Causes of nature-deficit disorder:

• Urbanization without nature.
• A culture of fear.
• Silicon faith.
• Cultural devaluing of nature.
• The post-apocalyptic view of the future. ("LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS:SAVING CHILDREN FROM NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER" by Richard Louv, September 13, 2014.)

House of Commons Ottawa February 28, 1928 Miss Agnes Macphail (Southeast Grey) Progressive: "...This great mass of people is disappearing from the open spaces into crowded cities...Agriculture is still the main business of the Canadian people. The nation's prosperity depends on a bumper crop. The following words were used by Aristotle: 'The first attention must be paid by that which is in accordance with nature; for by nature agriculture is first, next come all those things which are derived from the earth'".

House of Commons Ottawa February 28, 1928 MP Abraham Heaps (North Winnipeg) Labour: "With regard to what my friend the mover of the amendment (Miss Macphail) has just said, I would point out to her and to the House that with respect to large, open spaces in the centre of cities, it is an experience the world over that those who benefit most in the end are those who, unfortunately are in limited circumstances and who as a consequence are precluded from having the enjoyment of homes and grounds such as those more well-to-do are able to afford."

"They are the ones who perhaps more than others derive the major benefit of the large parks in the great cities. At the rate at which development is taking place in Ottawa, I am confident that it will not be long before this city will become congested in the matter of population, and I do not hesitate to say that the ones who more than any others will appreciate what this Parliament is doing day-to-day are the mothers of little children who will find it possible to enjoy advantages for their families in this way ." 

They want to take away our cars.

 House of Commons Ottawa May 15, 1970 Mr. Duncan Gordon Blair (Grenville-Carleton) Liberal: "I would like to direct a question to the Acting Prime Minister, and I regret that I was not able to give him notice. Is the government aware of a statement or statements to the press by the Chairman of the National Capital Commission to the effect that he might close the national capital parkways in this region for a week, for the strange inquiry of proving their importance in carrying traffic."

"The second part of my question is whether the Acting Prime Minister can assure the House that the government will not permit the people of this area this inconvenience (created) by the disruption that this extraordinary and senseless experiment will cause?"

Hon. George J. McIlraith (Acting Prime Minister, Solicitor General of Canada): "The statement has caused concern. I am very doubtful that the Chairman has any such authority under the National Capital Act passed by this Parliament."

House of Commons Ottawa June 1, 1970 Mr. Skoberg, NDP: "Is the Government of Canada, through the NCC, giving favourable consideration to the development of a plan which would eliminate automobiles from the downtown of Ottawa?"

Mr. Martin O'Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Regional Economic Expansion): "At present no plans exist for the elimination of automobiles from downtown Ottawa."

The Greber Report of 1950 "Federal, scenic parkways and parks in the National Capital Region are dedicated to the memory of Canadian soldiers who died fighting in foreign wars." (Page 228/395.)

The scenic driveways are protected in perpetuity by the designation National Interest Land Mass:

• Ottawa River Parkway Wellington Street to Carling Avenue.
• Airport Parkway.
• Eastern Parkway, Hemlock Road to Highway 417.
• Eastern Driveway and Rockcliffe Park from Sussex Drive to Greenbelt.
• National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway.

Report of the Federal District Commission, 1949 "The Federal District Commission is justly famous for the utilization of the scenic beauty of the federal capital area. Wherever possible, parks and driveways are and will be located along the banks of the Rideau and Ottawa rivers, the Rideau Canal and Dow's Lake." (Page 14/75.)

The federal government is giving away real estate.

1.) A flower garden in Commissioners Park.

2.) Prince of Wales Drive that runs through the CEF is now a city of Ottawa property. "The parkways which now run through the Farm, the Driveway which is owned by the National Capital Commission, and Prince of Wales Drive which is owned by the Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton are scenic roadways which link the Farm to the city and reinforce the distinctive character of the historic place." (The Ottawa Hospital-Official Documentation for the Hospital Master Plan, pages 7 and 8.) The former Scenic Entry will now be a route for service vehicles including linen and food trucks and sanitation vehicles.

"Prince of Wales adjacent to the Farm is being widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes." (Google: Dow's Lake-Glebe Report, June 11, 2010.)

 "Every spring, blossoming  crabapple trees transform Prince of Wales Drive as it winds through the CEF. On either side of the road standing north and south of the roundabout, stand roughly 100 mature trees. Planted in 1952, they represent the better part of the CEF's Collection of the Lake Series of Rosybloom crabapples originated by Isabella Preston. This is part of the Arboretum. AAFC is moving the Historic Hedge Collection but the row of fruit trees along Prince of Wales appears to have no future." (The Sir John Carling Site. Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital, March 17, 2017.) 100 trees are being chopped down. 

In the year 2021 Canada Post honoured Isabella Preston, David Foster Cameron and Dexter Reid Sampson for their contributions to horticulture.

3.) Heron Road and Riverside Drive that are part of Confederation Heights are being transferred to the Capital.

4.) The British Embassy on Sussex Drive is taking over part of the National Research Council land on 100 Sussex Drive and: "The individual lots that make up the property include sections that were formerly streets-namely McKay Street (also called Earnscliffe Avenue), Lady Grey Drive and Bellevue Terrace". (Cultural Heritage Impact Statement for 140 Sussex Drive Earnscliffe.")

A 1920's photo of Lady Grey Drive.

5.) Part of Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada will be included in a tram project.

6.) Two bridges that cross the Rideau Canal were donated to the municipality.

7.) Eventually the NCC parkways that were created by Jacques Greber will be off-limits to vehicles, and either paved over or used for active transportation---walking, running, cycling.

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney created the National Interest Land Mass designation to prevent the takeover of federal Ottawa real estate, by provincial, municipal and foreign entities. Protected landscapes include:

• Parliament Hill
• Ottawa's Greenbelt
• the scenic parkways
• the entire CEF
• 24 Sussex Drive
• Rideau Hall
• 7 Rideau Gate
• the Rideau Canal and shore lands from the Chateau Laurier to Hog's Back Road". more

The Greenbelt  House of Commons Ottawa November 26, 2007 Mr. Marcel Proulx (Hull-Aylmer) Liberal: "Mr. Speaker, the Greber Plan gave us the Greenbelt to create a green, modern and avant-garde capital. The greenbelt contains farms, forests and wetlands, which provide opportunities for recreational and outdoor activities as well as learning. The value of greenbelts in large urban areas has been appreciated in Europe for a long time."

"Now the President of the NCC wants to promote urban development in the greenbelt. Does the government plan on letting him do what he wants and permit the destruction of our precious greenbelt?'

Hon. John Baird (Minister of the Environment) CPC" "Mr. Speaker, as a member from the Ottawa region, from the NCR I am well aware that this was a very good policy. I completely agree with the member."

The National Capital Commission wanted to preserve the Carling Building, Observatory Campus and the research fields. Reposting.

A May 1998 letter.

The document is called "Interim Report on the Results of the Public Consultations on the Future of the CEF in Ottawa"-May 1998. ( Ottawa Public Library, Laurier Avenue.)

 

Agriculture Canada refused to give a botanical garden society 108 acres of the Farm in 2002.

 Why did Agriculture Canada abandon their land use policy, in order to benefit a mega hospital and another botanical garden? MP Yasir Naqvi promised that he would save what was left of the Farm after the medical centre decimated 700 trees and built their towers. 

 The letter to OBGS: "Please be advised that on May 8, 2002 Agriculture Canada wrote to Mr. Ian Efford of the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society informing him that AAFC would not consider their application for a garden at the Central Experimental Farm as a number of conditions had not been met in their application. These conditions were as follows:

1.) It must not include any use of land on the west side of Prince of Wales Drive.

2.) The use of any land or facilities on the east side of Prince of Wales Drive must meet the Canadian Heritage (Parks Canada) criteria (e.g.) it must not have a negative impact on the heritage values of the Canal nor impede the operation of the Canal, specifically at Hartwells lock station but also navigation in general.

3.) The Arboretum, if included, must remain free and open to the public.

4.) The Fletcher Wildlife Garden must remain as it is.

5.) The Commemorative Integrity Statement must be observed.

6.) The land use must be compatible with other jurisdictions (e.g. NCC, Parks, City of Ottawa, etc.) and designations (National Interest Land Mass (NILM) of the Central Experimental Farm and

7.) It must clearly demonstrate financial viability/self sufficiency.

(Greenbelt Alliance of Canada's Capital General Meeting June 12, 2002.)

Commemorative Integrity Statement  The boundaries of the designated place are:

• bounded on the north by Carling Avenue
• on the west by Fisher Avenue as far as Kingston Avenue, excluding the complex of Fisher Heights
• by Merivale Road as far as Baseline Road and
• on the south by Baseline Road north to Prince of Wales Drive (Highway 16) and on the east by Prince of Wales Drive as far as the bend in the road
• by the western edge of the Rideau Canal property as far as Queen Elizabeth Drive.

 

Willow, Dora and Lola near Peace River, Alberta.

Willow in Jasper National Park.

Sue and Brandy.

My grandmother.

Me.

Why does the government not sell the House of Commons?

House of Commons Ottawa May 23, 1991 MP John Nunziata (York South-Weston) Liberal: "The Conservative member opposite says there is nothing wrong with the federal government selling public parkland in order to benefit the rich and wealthy....A lot of residents of metro Toronto have the waterfront for their recreation during the summer months. The government is proposing to sell that very valuable asset."

"Why not sell the House of Commons? Why does it not sell the lawn in front of the Peace Tower to private interests? One would have all kinds of private businesses interested in securing the rights to the lawn in front of the House of Commons. We can still have the right to debate in the Chamber but the money could be used in order to pay for MP's salaries or expenses. It is nonsense and it ought not to be done. We should not be selling public land or parkland in order to finance programs. The waterfront is for the people of metropolitan Toronto, the people of Ontario and the people of Canada and it should be developed as such."

The Chateau Laurier and UNESCO.

 "In May 2019 the World Heritage Center, in accordance with paragraph 174 of Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, contacted the State Party regarding information received on a proposed addition to the Chateau Laurier Hotel, a building which, together with the Canadian Parliament Buildings, frames the Ottawa Locks where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River."

"Of concern was that the proposal included elements that could negatively impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. In June of 2019 the State Party provided comment:

Government of Canada comments:  "The Chateau Laurier Hotel is a privately-owned building. The proposal is for the construction of a seven-storey, 147 room addition to the rear of the building, overlooking Major's Hill Park. The proposed addition partially overlooks the Rideau Canal at Ottawa Locks, and is planned in a contemporary style, connecting to limited areas on the Chateau Laurier's east and west wings. The development retains the Chateau Laurier in its entirety and will be built on the site of the former parking garage. The Chateau Laurier parking garage existed at the time of the Rideau Canal's inscription on the World Heritage List on 2007. The proposed seven-storey addition is located in an area immediately adjacent to the Ottawa Locks, a highly significant and iconic component of the the property. The Ottawa Parliament Buildings and Chateau Laurier contribute significantly to the setting for the Ottawa Locks and one of the most significant views of the World Heritage property."

   "Parks Canada has, in the role of adjacent landowner, provided comments and input since 2015 on the proposal and application. As the Chateau Laurier Hotel is within the view-shed of the Ottawa Locks, feedback has been focused on compatibility of the proposed hotel addition with the historic setting of, and the visual impact to, the Ottawa Locks."

     " Evolutions to the proposed design reduced the height and increased the setback of the addition from the historic Chateau Laurier to support the prominence of the heritage building in the landscape; to minimize the visual impact on the approach to the locks from the Ottawa River, and to open up the view into the hotel's original rear courtyard and out to the Ottawa Locks and Parliament Hill."

   "On 27 June 2018, on recommendation from the City's Planning Committee conditionally approved the application to alter the Chateau Laurier building, advising that more work was required to make the addition more visually compatible with the existing hotel. On 13 June 2019, the City's Planning Committee approved the Site Plan control application. On 10 and 11 July 2019, the City Council upheld the heritage permit approval."

UNESCO Letter The construction of a proposed addition to the north side of the Chateau Laurier building adjacent to the Rideau Canal World Heritage property hold the potential to negatively affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. It is therefore essential that utmost care be taken in assessing potential impacts before any irrevocable decisions are made."---------------------------------------

Impact on NCC lands. "While the majority of the work will be situated within the existing Chateau Laurier property limits, there will be implications to the adjacent NCC lands and assets which surround the proposed addition to the north, east and west sides:

• Alterations to Mackenzie Avenue (Confederation Park.)
• Alterations to Major's Hill Park including hard and soft landscape.

Ottawa's Hyde Park.

House of Commons Ottawa June 18, 1954 Mr. Gardiner (Minister of Agriculture): "...I find that no matter where I go, whether I am in Europe or in Washington, a great deal of attention has been paid to keeping areas in their natural state. For example, when I go to London and look out over Hyde Park, I wonder why we do not have areas like that in our cities in Canada. The experimental farm in Ottawa is the nearest that we could possibly have to that."

"Even if it becomes necessary at some time to move some of the activities a little farther away, I do not believe that farm should be closed up or eliminated by allowing people to build on the area or do anything else with it. I believe it should remain there just as it is now." 

  House of Commons Ottawa June 18, 1954 MP Alexander Malcolm Nicholson (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, C.C.F.) Mr. Nicholson: "I want to draw the Minister's attention to the applause he received a few minutes ago when he intimated the experimental farm in Ottawa would not be made available for subdivisions. I think it is a great pity that in the development of Canada we have kept so little park land in our centres. I am sure I speak for every member in the House when I say that the experimental farm is one place that everyone who visits Ottawa would like to see and agrees that it is a place that should give us a great deal of pride."

House of Commons Ottawa April 12, 1961 MP Hazen Robert Argue (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, C.C.F.) Mr. Argue: "There has been a good deal of discussion in the House regarding the government's policy in respect of construction of buildings on the experimental farm and I think it has been accepted at least it was by the ministers predecessor and by former ministers of the Department of Agriculture, particularly the Right Hon. J.G. Gardiner that the CEF should not be encroached upon by the construction of buildings....It is considered to be a valuable piece of property with historical records built up over many decades. It was felt that any reversion or change of this land to some other use would destroy the continuity of these records, and that the farm should remain intact at its present location."

The Natural Open Space System (NOSS) report, prepared by the City of Ottawa, identifies a number of significant natural resources on or adjacent to the Central Experimental Farm site. The Arboretum ranks in the highest category for social value, reflecting the importance Ottawa residents attach to this area for its visual and natural relief and for its contribution to the quality of life in an urban context. The NOSS study recommends protection of the Arboretum, an adjacent open water wetland habitat, two nearby watercourse reaches and the CEF woods near Fisher Avenue. 

The 4.500 acre Greenbelt Research Farm was protected by the designation National Interest Land Mass (1988) and by Prime Minister Mackenzie King and Jacques Greber "The Greenbelt will be a memorial to Canadian soldiers."

Parliament Hill - protection of views.

The Lebreton Flats and Dominion Observatory are annexes of the Parliamentary Precinct. Tall buildings are not permitted in the vicinity:

Lebreton Flats-House of Commons November 23, 1967 The Hon. George McIlraith (Minister of Public Works): "The Lebreton Flats were envisioned as a western extension of the Parliamentary Precinct. Buildings on or near the Parliamentary Precinct cannot be any taller than the Peace Tower."

Dominion Observatory - "The popularity of the Observatory occurred when it opened in 1905, due to the support of Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Laurier's advocation reinforced the idea that this Observatory was to be considered an arm of the parliamentary precinct." ("Journal of the Study of Architecture in Canada" "Astronomer Mary Grey and the Architecture of Canada's Dominion Observatory." RASC-Sharon Odell, page 10/67.)

House of Commons Ottawa May 7, 1970 Mr. Stanley Knowles (NDP House Leader, Whip of the NDP) Winnipeg North Centre: "Mr. Speaker, may I direct a question to the Minister of Public Works? In view of the increasing number of tall buildings being constructed in close proximity to Parliament Hill, would the Minister say whether the government is taking any steps to protect the view of the Peace Tower and to protect the environs of Parliament Hill for the sake of all the people of Canada?"

Hon. Arthur Laing (Minister of Public Works): "Mr. Speaker, a committee has been set up to deal with the requirements of Parliament and to bear in mind the necessity of protecting the Hill. There is an opinion that the Hill be protected and that if necessary we must look across Wellington Street to do that."

House of Commons Ottawa November 2, 1967 Mr. Stanley Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre): "Mr. Speaker, may I direct a question to the Minister of Public Works. Now that the commencement of construction of the national defence tower in Lebreton flats has been postponed, will the government reconsider the height of this proposed building in the hope that it will not be as tall as the Peace Tower?"

The Dominion Observatory Complex will be negatively affected by the new medical centre. The Ottawa Hospital's Tower A cannot be constructed if it creates an "irreversible and permanent" loss of views from the Observatory to the sky:

• Potential construction impacts
• Isolation of the complex from its surroundings
• Obstruction or diminishment of significant views of the Dominion Observatory
• Obstruction or impact to views of the night sky from the dome
• Impact of the lighting plan (Page 2/87, City of Ottawa Application #D07-12-22-0168.)
• Impacts to views from the Dominion Observatory dome to the sky---should a telescope ever be reinstated---will be irreversible and permanent once Tower A of the Hospital Building is realized.  Also, light spillage and pollution can reduce the amount of stars and astrological features visible. (Page 8/87, City of Ottawa Application #D07-12-22-0168.) 

  

  Building Number 4 is the South Azimuth, and it will most likely be removed because Maple Drive is being converted to an emergency vehicle route with more than 100 trips a day. 
  
  

  "We are now in a phase where there is going to be a road and traffic study being conducted. Already the South Azimuth is getting in the way of the road widening." (From: Point 27:36 minutes out of 32 minutes of the RASC YouTube video---

  

  The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada video.

  
  

The Rideau Canal cannot be privatized.

During the year 2017 the government of Canada was informed that several waterways were non-core federal assets and should be divested. However, selling the Rideau Canal infrastructure would be unconstitutional:

Rideau Canal - Role of the Government of Canada - the government of Canada is the owner of the property by virtue of:

• the British North America Act (1867);
• Protective designations - Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada (1926); Historic Sites and Monuments Act (1952-1953); Department of Transport Act (1985); National Interest Land Mass (1988); UNESCO World Heritage Site. (2007).

House of Commons Ottawa February 21, 1977 Mr. B. Keith Penner (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development): "The bed of the (Rideau) river is considered vested in Canada by the Rideau Canal Act of 1827, the BNA Act of 1867 et al."

House of Commons Ottawa June 1, 1950 Mr. Fulford, Leeds (Liberal): "...The great chain of Rideau lakes form an integral part of the Rideau canal system. As we all know, the Rideau canal is of particular historic importance. It was built after the War of 1812 by British army engineers. There was a rather quaint treaty signed between Great Britain and Canada when the Canal system was handed over to Canada. One of the clauses of the treaty said that Canada would maintain the canal system so long as the grass was green and the skies were blue above."

House of Commons Ottawa December 21, 1963 Legal Title of Parliament Hill. Notes on civil law respecting the ownership, management and control and rights and interests therein of Federal and Provincial Crown Parliamentary and Judicial authorities.

"Since 1823, the Crown has always held these lands for public purposes-either of defence or generally...In 1823 the Earl of Dalhousie, the Governor, purchased the Hill from Hugh Fraser on behalf of the British Crown and, by letter, entrusted its control and management to Colonel John By with instructions that the Hill, together with Major Hill and Nepean Point be reserved for military purposes."

"About 1857 the British Crown transferred the Ordnance (or military) lands---these including the Hill, together with the Rideau Canal lands---to the Government of Upper Canada. With Confederation the Hill and the buildings then thereon were included in those public land and works transferred from Upper Canada to Canada by section 108 of the B.N.A. Act..."

UNESCO is removing the honour UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Rideau Canal, if the Chateau Laurier extension is built and if the Civic Hospital is built near Dow's Lake. Projects that should not proceed because of concerns by the United Nations agency called UNESCO:

• Chateau Laurier Hotel extension. (Ottawa)
• Third Bridge Crossing (Kingston)
• Rideau Marina (Kingston) - The City of Kingston rejected the development.
• Former Davis Tannery (Kingston) - the project was cancelled.
• New Ottawa Civic Campus. (Ottawa) (From: SAVE OUR RIDEAU: Built Heritage---go to "2019 Letter from UNESCO regarding inappropriate development.)

Agriculture Canada and Public Works refused to give 104 acres of land east of Prince of Wales Drive to a botanical garden society, partly because of the potential to damage the Hartwell Locks and interfere with navigation:

1.) The botanical garden must not include any use of land or facilities on the west side of Prince of Wales Drive.

2.) The use of any land or facilities on the east side of Prince of Wales must meet the Canadian Heritage (Parks Canada) criteria (e.g.) it must not have a negative impact on the heritage values of the Canal, specifically at Hartwell's lockstation but also navigation in general.

3.)The Arboretum, if included, must remain free and open to the public.

4.) The Fletcher Wildlife Garden must remain as it is.

5.) The Commemorative Integrity Statement must be observed.

6.) The land use must be compatible with other jurisdictions (e.g.) NCC, Parks, City of Ottawa, etc.) and designations (National Interest Land Mass of the Central Experimental Farm) and,

7.) It must clearly demonstrate financial viability/self-sufficiency. (Google: General Meeting 12 June 2002---Greenspace Alliance.)

Affected Visual Presentations if a medical centre is built on the Farm.

• views from Prince of Wales Scenic Entry---includes view toward proposed loading docks.
• views from entrance to Queen Elizabeth Drive/Dows Lake (at Preston/Prince of Wales.)
• views from Dows Lake to main hospital building.
• views from Carling Avenue, both east and west of the main hospital building.
• views identified in the Commemorative Integrity Statement for the Central Experimental Farm.
• views from adjacent CEF heritage buildings (e.g. Dominion Observatory Complex, Saunders Building, along Commissioners Drive and/or Maple Drive.)
• views identified in the NCC Visual Assessment Views Analysis (2009 and 2013.)
• view from/along the Rideau Canal including from Commissioners Park, Hartwells Lockstation and Colonel By Drive (that were assessed for the Campus Master Plan and parking garage applications.) (From: City of Ottawa Development Applications Search---Cultural Impact Statement-Addendum 2-D07-12-22-0168. Date Received: 2022-12-07. Address: 930 Carling, 520 Preston.)