The 1,200 acre Farm in 1983.

 

The land at Clyde and Merivale was sold to the City of Ottawa. Despite the objections of Agriculture Minister John Wise.  

House of Commons Ottawa May 13, 1988 MP David Daubney (Ottawa West) Progressive Conservative: "Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture. He will agree that the Central Experimental Farm partly located in my riding is the flagship of Agriculture Canada's excellent research effort and contributes greatly to the unique beauty and character of the nation's capital. Will he confirm for the House that the Government has no intention of disposing of any part of the Experimental Farm proper and in particular that part bordered by Merivale and Fisher Avenues in the city of Ottawa?"

Hon. John Wise (Minister of Agriculture): "Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Hon. Member's continuing interest in the future of the Experimental Farm here in Ottawa. I want to take this opportunity to indicate to him that Agriculture Canada, my Department, has no plans or thoughts whatsoever concerning disposing of any portion of that property at any time. There is no question about that."

"I appreciate also the complimentary remarks the Hon. Member made with reference to that very unique facility. It has made a tremendous contribution to Canadian agriculture. It is one of four original experimental farms established across Canada over 100 years ago. In fact, next to the Parliament Buildings, the Experimental Farm is the second most popular tourist attraction here in Ottawa."

Some Hon. Members: "Hear, hear!"

Agriculture Canada refused to give the National Capital Commission 700 acres of the Experimental Farm in 1974. From Clyde Avenue to Prince of Wales Drive. The NCC told the federal government that the land was needed because of a "housing emergency."

(Reposting) Politicians who wanted to save the Experimental Farm:

• Prime Ministers of Canada Louis St-Laurent, Pierre Trudeau, Brian Mulroney...
• Agriculture Ministers Eugene Whelan, Bud Olson, Douglas Harkness, James Gardiner, John Greene, John Wise, Gerry Ritz
• Minister of National Defence Barnett Danson
• MP Marlene Catterall
• MP Richard Cannings
• MP David Daubney
• Senator Anne Cools
• Senator Mike Duffy
• MP Elizabeth May
• Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson
• Ministers of Public Works George McIlraith, Howard Charles Green, Lucien Cardin 
• Speaker of the House of Commons Lloyd Francis
• Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition Walter Baker 
• MP Monique Pauze
• Governor General Adrienne Clarkson