Agriculture Canada is sacrificing more Farm land.

 

A 1974 front page article in the Ottawa Journal. 

The National Capital Commission wanted 700 acres of the Experimental Farm in 1974 because of a housing shortage. Agriculture Canada minister Eugene Whelan told the NCC that the land was untouchable and would be sold "over my dead body."  

The word compromise means "To make a deal between two parties whereby each party gives up part of their demand." Agriculture Canada told City of Ottawa politicians that compromises will be made regarding property on the Farm. (From: "A great central park. Tower debate turns to the future of the experimental farm" by Arthur White-Crummy, CBC News, November 29, 2023.)

Federal politicians who tried to preserve the Farm in its entirety.  Reposting.

Prime Ministers of Canada Mackenzie King, Louis St-Laurent, John Diefenbaker, Pierre Trudeau and Brian Mulroney.

Agriculture Ministers Sidney Fisher, James Gardiner, Douglas Harkness, Eugene Whelan, Bud Olson, John Wise and Gerry Ritz.

Ministers of Public Works Erik Nielsen, Howard Green, 

Senators

• Senator Anne Cools - "The public fears that many other parklands, like the Experimental Farm and the Arboretum are on the National Capital Commission's list for sale."
• Senator Mike Duffy Debates in the Senate of Canada December 12, 2019 Mr. Duffy: "Congratulations Senator Joyal on your two pieces of legislation...Do you think it would be a good idea to expand your bill, or would it require another piece of legislation, to preserve the unique nature of the capital, so that the Greenbelt will be protected and that places like the Experimental Farm, which is in the middle of the city of Ottawa will also be protected. Because of this pressure for urban development we have developers looking at this land and saying "Hey, there's millions of dollars to be made here".

Members of Parliament

•  Speaker of the House Lloyd Francis. House of Commons Ottawa October 10, 1974: SPEECH FROM THE THRONE-CONTINUATION OF DEBATE - Mr. Francis (Ottawa West, Liberal) "...I do not think that (Mr. Fullerton) was right when he proposed that part of the Experimental Farm should be used for housing. Despite the fact that there is a serious housing shortage in this area I do not think that my constituents would choose to sacrifice an open space which is such a precious thing for the community."

Some Hon. Members: "Hear, hear!"

• MP Marlene Catterall
• MP Elizabeth May   
• MP Monique Pauze
• Minister of National Defence Barnett Danson
• MP George McIlraith 
• MP David Daubney
• MP Walter Baker House of Commons Ottawa November 4, 1974 Mr. Baker (Grenville-Carleton) Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition; Progressive Conservative Party House Leader "...There really is no open or green space available for those who live in high-rise housing, in condominiums or densely populated areas. The green and open space which normally is provided by one's backyard or by the neighbourhood park, must be provided in those urban areas by green belt areas such as the Experimental Farm."