The Arboretum on the Experimental Farm covers 64 acres of land between Prince of Wales Drive, Dows Lake and the Rideau Canal. A January 6, 2018 letter from Judy Dodds, President of the Friends of the Central Experimental Farm, to Federal Minister Catherine McKenna: "It has come to our attention that the City of Ottawa is proposing to claim (several) meters of the Farm's southern border along Baseline Road for a rapid transit route. Moreover, it is understood that a portion of the Arboretum next to the O-Train line will be dug up to double track that portion of the transit route, although this area will be replanted."
The Ottawa hospital is planning to ban private vehicles from entrances to the property: "Emergency Vehicles Only signs will be posted at the Carling Avenue and Maple Drive intersection, Maple Drive and the Site entrance and Prince of Wales Drive and the Site entrance." (Google:" 2021-05-10 Design Brief and Planning Rationale-DO7-12-21-0059-friendsofthefarm.ca" page 25/76.)
A February 1, 2016 letter from Judy Dodds to Minister McKenna: "Representatives of the Friends of the Central Experimental Farm (FCEF) would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the importance of the Central Experimental Farm as a national heritage site, a renowned research facility and a public green space. We understand from recent media reports that you may review the previous government's decision to provide 60 acres of Farm land for a new hospital. We are also aware that City of Ottawa officials have suggested taking a strip of Farm land along Baseline Road to improve the city's East-West Transportation Corridor. We believe that any decision to radically change the nature of National Historic Sites such as the Farm should consider the full impact of that decision on the intrinsic value and significance of that site."
"The FCEF has been a supporter of the Farm for over 25 years. Our group of approximately 500 members and volunteers generously donates 10,000 hours annually to working in the gardens and through events or other activities, such as our quarterly newsletter that promote awareness of the beauty, scientific value and historical importance of the Farm and the work done there. As a tenant on the Farm we cannot take a position on the land transfer or other decisions regarding Farm property but we can share with you concerns our members have expressed."
"We are approaching you because of your interest in the transfer of Farm land for a new hospital and because the Farm is within your riding. We fully appreciate the tremendous demands on your time but hope that your schedule will permit an opportunity to meet with us to discuss the value and contribution of this wonderful heritage site. Thank you for your consideration."
A brand-new book about the Arboretum "A new book, Pathways to the Trees, highlights the hundreds of tree species at Ottawa's Dominion Observatory and the stories behind them. The CBC's Celeste Decaire met with one of the book's co-authors." (A video.)
Books
- Building Canada's Farm - An Illustrated Guide to Buildings at the Central Experimental Farm. (A video that I created is on YouTube, "Buildings on the Experimental Farm, Ottawa Canada.")
- Ottawa's Farm by Helen Smith and Mary Bramley.
- Our Farm in the City - is a children's book by Kalli Dakos and Erin Mercer.
- Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Garden at the Central Experimental Farm by Richard Hinchcliff.
- Ode to the Grand Central Experimental Farm of Canada by Susan Geraldine Taylor, 1987.
- Guide to the Central Experimental Farm by William Saunders. "This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization."
- Ottawa prepares to hand over Historic Federal Farmland to Corporate Developers (Vimeo)
- RASC 2019 GA-The National Heritage of the Dominion Observatory
- RIP Queen Juliana Park-Reimagine Ottawa
- "The Perfect Assistant" with Josie Davis, Chris Potter and Rachel Hunter.
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