TRIPPING the Niagara.

 The producers of the wonderful documentary "TRIPPING the Rideau Canal" created "TRIPPING the Niagara" which can be viewed on YouTube.

All of the roads near the Farm will be affected, to handle the increase in traffic from a hospital.

"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." (From:"Regenerating the Experimental Farm" 2016, page 30/74.)   This recommendation totally flies in the face of Agriculture Canada guidelines and it affects Maple Drive, Fisher Avenue, Cow Lane, Ash Lane, Birch Drive, Morningside Lane, the Observatory Crescent and the Scenic Driveway. By the way, Prince of Wales Drive is not being spared and Isabella Preston's crabapple trees that lined the route were dug up--savecfbrockcliffe.

Agriculture Canada guidelines: Fisher Avenue. "Analysis: Fisher Avenue is currently a two-lane undivided rural arterial with a sidewalk on the west side...A widening to four lanes is currently planned between Dynes Road and the NCC Driveway for transport priority purposes...Any widening of Fisher Avenue between Baseline and Carling, including improvements in support of public transit, will have visual and functional impacts on the Central Experimental Farm." Petition to Protect Fisher Avenue and Urban Forest in Ottawa's New Official Plan. 

Prince of Wales Drive. "Prince of Wales Drive should be maintained as a two lane road..(The Drive) is an integral part of the historic landscape of the Central Experimental Farm. It is a two lane undivided arterial with a proposed 26 m right of way. It is both a designated bicycle and transit route. Prince of Wales is identified in the City of Ottawa Official Plan as a Scenic Entry Route with a set of criteria related to future development applications along it." (Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan,18/20-Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.)

Future developments will affect Prince of Wales Drive. The image is from Reimagine Ottawa, a group headed by writer and mayoral candidate Clive Doucet.

Merivale Road. "Merivale is a four-lane divided arterial road. Although there are generally sidewalks on both sides of Merivale, only the west side has a sidewalk in the section through to the Farm...No further road widening should be permitted. The east side should be enhanced with a landscape appropriate to the Farm featuring a gravel shoulder, a double row of tall fastigiated trees, suggesting a windrow, within a minimum 4 meter grassed boulevard and no curb."

Merivale Road.

Maple Drive. An accurate prediction from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada:

"We are now in a phase where there is going to be a road and traffic study conducted. Already the South Azimuth is getting in the way of road widening plans."(From: Point 27:06 out of 32 minutes and 38 seconds on the RASC YouTube video.)

 Baseline Road. Agriculture Canada---Any future widening of Baseline Road will have an impact on the rural character of the fields.

Carling Avenue.

NCC Driveway.

Internal Roadways include the Arboretum pathways, Fletcher Wildlife Garden pathways, Observatory Crescent, NCC Driveway, Cow Lane, Birch Drive, Morningside Drive and Ash Lane.  Agriculture Canada stated that "No internal road widenings should be permitted."(From:Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan,18/20, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.) According to a May 31, 2021 CBC News article by Kate Porter about the Civic Hospital, Maple Drive will be an ambulance route. 

The South Azimuth, a Classified Canadian Federal Heritage Building located on Maple Drive.The photo is from Flickr.

Bayswater Drive.

Is more Farm land being privatized?

Yes. Proof 1.) A Member of Parliament suggested that land between Merivale and Fisher Avenue may be decommissioned: House of Commons Ottawa May 13, 1988. Hon. David Bruce 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?"

The 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 the four original experimental farms created 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."

2.) The Clyde/Merivale property which is directly beside Merivale and Fisher was sold to the Municipality of Ottawa in 1988:

  

3.) During the early 1970's the Trudeau government refused to give the National Capital Commission 700 acres of Farm land between Clyde Avenue and Prince of Wales Drive. A 7,000 unit housing development was proposed for the area:

The NCC wanted a 700 acre swath of Agriculture Canada land from Clyde to Prince of Wales Drive. For housing. An Ottawa Journal article from 1973.

4.)The City of Ottawa wants to designate Fisher Avenue (outlined in red) a Minor Corridor.Is it a coincidence, that the Civic is already talking about expanding, and the government was willing to demolish 24 buildings including the K.W. Neatby Building and the Dominion Observatory campus.Is it a coincidence, that the City of Ottawa is promoting intensification and a plethora of condominiums could be built on "surplus" Agriculture Canada holdings.

5.)  The City is building more transit services on Baseline Road and is expropriating part of the CEF, a fast-food business near the Skyline Towers, land from 222 private properties and part of the Pinecrest Cemetery. (From: Baseline transit plan contributes to 'erosion' of Central Experimental Farm-CBC News, February 1, 2017.)

6.)  Councillor Riley Brockington referred to "future residential developments"." I do believe that the new corridor will reduce travel times, improve connections and provide better mobility. I also believe that this may promote new business and future residential developments.Riley Brockington concerns"I acknowledge and recognize that very little River Ward property is being used/expropriated for this project. As a trade-off, land from the Experimental Farm is being used...How much land is 'a strip' and what is the land currently used for by Agriculture Canada...I believe the federal government needs to clarify what the long-term plans for the Farm are." (From: Baseline transit plan contributes to 'erosion' of Central Experimental Farm-CBC News, February 1, 2017.)

The Experimental Farm between Merivale Road and Fisher Avenue, north of Baseline Road, Ottawa, Canada. February 2017 CBC News photo.

1949 Report of the Federal District Commission, Ottawa, Canada.

 The Federal District Commission is currently known as the National Capital Commission.

Parks and driveways maintained by the FDC in 1949. Bronson Park. Clemow and Maitland Avenue. Confederation Park. Central Park and Linden Terrace.  Dow's Lake Park and Playgrounds.  Echo Drive. Experimental Farm Driveway. Eastview Park. Island Park Driveway. King Edward Avenue Park.

Lady Grey Drive. Nepean Point Park. Lake Flora Park,Hull. Major's Hill Park. MacDonald Garden Park.  Nicholas Street Park. Parc Jacques Cartier, Hull.  Rockcliffe Park.  Rideau Canal Driveway. Strathcona Park. Dundonald Park, Somerset Street.  Val Tetreau Park, Hull. (From: Page 10 of the Federal District Commission report.)  "Whenever possible, the parks and driveways are and will be located along the banks of Rideau and Ottawa Rivers, the Rideau Canal and Dow's Lake." Dow's Lake Park - Many silver maples and elms were removed and in their place a total of 30 Red Oaks and White Pines (up to 20 feet) were planted.

The importance of green space in the National Capital.

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

Hon. Barnett Jerome Danson (Minister of State for Urban Affairs)Liberal: "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."

House of Commons Ottawa November 4, 1974. Mr.Walter David Baker(Grenville-Carleton) Progressive Conservative. (Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition; Progressive Conservative Party Deputy House Leader.) "Mr. Speaker, on October 7 I directed a question to the Minister of State for Urban Affairs (Mr. Danson) regarding...a theory he advanced in the course of "Question Period", that the government  certainly would have to consider the adoption of a trade-off in respect of green spaces in Canadian cities."

"...The minister, in the course of his answer, indicated that at least in so far as the two places I had mentioned in the National Capital Area, namely the Experimental Farm and the Ottawa greenbelt, he regarded these as areas of special sensitivity, and shared my view and the view of many other members of this House in respect of the necessity to preserve them." 

"...Government policy must look at green space in urban areas as a very precious commodity. It is becoming more precious each day as there is a tendency in our society...to pack more and more people onto fewer and fewer acres of land. Municipal development is becoming vertical rather than horizontal. Indeed we must consider the impact that this type of development will have on open space and particularily agricultural land.The green belt and the Experimental Farm in the National Capital Area are precious for the reasons I have mentioned."

Comments about the Experimental Farm, from a 1950 document by Jacques Greber:

                        The Agriculture, Scenic Beauty and Wealth of the National Capital Region.

"Speaking agriculturally, the Capital City is and should be the logical headquarters for research for the Ottawa region and the larger territory in this climatic zone. Equally, it is but logical that it should be the administrative headquarters for agricultural research, which is a Federal responsibility for all Canada. Thus, Ottawa is particularly favoured by having such institutions as the Central Experimental Farm, the headquarters for Science Services in Agriculture, including the most valuable research unit in animal diseases located in Hull, and the Biological Division of the National Research Council."

"It is of particular interest to note that these phases of research, which have grown with the years, have existed in or near the Capital City for nearly seventy years, while it is only within the last two decades that our great neighbour to the south has realized the great need of a similar federal institution and has established on the outskirts of Washington a tremendous and beautifully equipped research unit at Beltsville, Maryland.That institution, just as the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, is more and more appreciated by city and rural people as a research centre where valuable information is acquired for the benefit of the region itself as well as the nation as a whole." (Prepared by Dr. E.S.Archibald, Director of Experimental Farms Services, Department of Agriculture Canada.Pages 39 to 42/395, the Greber Report.)

                                            History of the National Capital.

"...The Capital revealed herself a tourist centre of rare attraction...Residence of the governor general, a university and episcopal city, she can offer convention members hotels with every modern comfort, to spcialists the Parliamentary Library, the National Archives and the scientific museums; to the ordinary tourists the Royal Canadian Mint, historical museums, the Archives and the National Gallery. For hikers here are Rockcliffe, the Driveway and the gardens of the Experimental Farm. On leaving the city, the visitor finds himself, within a few minutes, in the Gatineau Park, at the gateway to a hunting and fishing paradise..."(Prepared by Dr. Gustave Lanctot, President of the Royal Society of Canada and former Deputy Minister of the Public Archives, Page 58/395, the Greber Report.)

                                           From the Holt Report of 1915.

"...Extensive parks and playgrounds were strongly recommended, including the acquisition of lands in the Laurentian Hills for a National Park, and the development of Dow's Lake and its adjacent lands as a recreational centre was strongly urged..." (From Page 196/395, the Greber Report.)

Canada's Farm encompassed 1,200 acres in 1983.

The government of Canada was prepared to demolish 24 buildings for a hospital.

 The Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Sir John Carling location:

• On this site we have at least 24 buildings...including Buildings 1 to 9: Natural Resources Campus (including the Dominion Observatory.)
• Number 20, the K.W. Neatby Building and Oilseed Research Centre.
• Extensive demolition or relocation of buildings is required to allow for the new build to proceed.(From: The New Civic Campus:A 21st Century Hospital in the Heart of Canada's Capital, April 2016, page 10/76.) (There is no guarantee that the landmarks on the Farm will survive according to local councillor Riley Brockington---"Counc. Riley Brockington, who represents the newly leased land, has been trying to lock into the lease conditions that would preserve as many existing buildings as possible, such as the domed building that used to hold the Dominion Observatory.He was not invited to the signing, he said." From: "Reevely:Feds say they'll pay $11.8 M to clean up new Civic site" Ottawa Citizen, February 23, 2018.)

Boundaries. Located on the northeast portion of the CEF. The parcel is bounded by Carling Avenue, Maple and Birch Drives, Prince of Wales Drive and the CEF Pathway and Queen Juliana Park. Similar to CEF-Central, CEF-East has open area, existing buildings and the original pathways for the CEF.

Advantages of site #11. (1) Meets land criteria if outside the current boundaries of John Carling site-test fit shows how 60 acres fit and the boundaries of the outlines. 2.) Meets location criteria of being in the centre core.While not as close as CEF-West or CEF-Central sites, the access from Highway 417 via Carling Avenue or Parkdale Avenue is still very effective.Location overlooks Queen Juliana Park with potential for direct synergies for wellness amenities and recreational relationships within the neighbourhood and community. 3.) Meets land access criteria-access from Highway 417 and potential access from Carling Avenue and Prince of Wales Drive.

 4.)Meets transportation criteria-access from 417 and Carling Avenue.Will take longer as it is somwhat farther than CEF-Central and Cef-West. Potential access from both Carling Avenue and Prince of Wales Drive. Option integrates well with major road system for patient, visitor and emergency vehicle access.Public transportation runs along this route.Option allows for effective integration of mass transit plans in future (bus, light rail, etc.)

5.)Meets criteria to support future expansion. 6.)Minimal community impact. 7.)Potential to integrate existing mature trees. 8.)Meets infrastructure criteria. 9.)Meets patient access and proximity criteria. 10.)No impact on research plot-need confirmation from AAFC.

Disadvantages of site #11. 1.)Irregular boundaries. 2.)Located adjacent to a known fault line (need to confirm that the site will meet the hospital post-disaster building construction requirement.) 3.) Increase in height/depth of parking structure required based on tight density. 4.) Inability to maintain program adjacencies with connected buildings due to site configuration. 5.) Incompatibility with the scale of adjacent buildings.

6.) Traffic will increase on Prince of Wales Drive and the National Capital Commission Driveway. 7.) Will need to review impact of Prince of Wales Drive being used as the secondary access for service vehicles, etc. 8.)CEF is a National Heritage Designation. 9.)This location has the tightest site density. 10.)Potential impact to the community living near Prince of Wales Drive if the traffic volume increases. 11.) During construction neighbourhood may be impacted. 12.)Capital cost would be significantly higher in this option.

Dominion Observatory Building #1.,

South Azimuth Building #8.

Photo Equatorial Building #9.

Observatory House Building #2.

.A plaque honouring Sir Sandford Fleming is attached to the front of the Dominion Observatory in Ottawa.Sir Sandford Fleming was a surveyor and inventor, and he was present when Lord Strathcona drove the last spike into the Canadian Pacific Railway on November 7, 1885.

Seismology Survey Building # 7.

Geophysical Laboratory Building # 3.

Machine Shop Building # 4.

The Sir John Carling property is a poor location for a medical centre.

From: "NCC Federal Site Review for the New Civic Campus of the Ottawa Campus", November 2016, pages 67 and 68 out of 256 pages. 

Central Experimental Farm East.

Historical Context. This parcel formed part of the original CEF landscape when it was first established in 1886. While it was originally partly experimental fields and partly meadow, it was later the site of the Sir John Carling Building. That building was demolished in 2014, leaving only the West Annex (the former cafeteria.)

Formal Heritage Recognition. Part of the CEF National Historic Site of Canada. The Sir John Carling Building, a Recognized Federal Heritage Building, was demolished in 2014, but the West Annex was retained.The West Annex is planned for re-evaluation by the FHBRO.

Key Heritage Considerations. Only a portion of the proposed site is located within the National Historic Site boundary, but it would still affect the "present boundaries and spacial balance of the Farm." The site is also in the vicinity of several designated federal heritage buildings and this context would need to be considered in the design of a potential new building on the site.

Proposed Rating. Poor in that there are multiple heritage considerations including intrusion into the present boundary of the CEF National Historic Site of Canada and proximity to the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site and several Federal Heritage Buildings.

References

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The Province of Ontario will never permit the redevelopment of the Farm.The 2014 Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act, Page 28/56:

2.3. Agriculture 2.3.1. Prime agricultural areas shall be protected for long-term use for agriculture. (Construction of a medical facility will contravene) (i) The Ontario Heritage Act; (ii) The Planning Act; (iii) The Provincial Policy Statement. The 2014 Provincial Policy Statement declares that:"Significant built heritage resources and significant built heritage landscapes shall be conserved."

Definition of a Cultural Heritage Landscape in Ontario. "means a defined geographical area that may have been modified by human activity and is identified as having cultural heritage value or interest by a community, including by an Aboriginal community."

"The area may involve features such a structures, spaces, archeological sites or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationships, meaning or association. Examples may include but are not limited to, heritage conservation districts designated under the Ontario Heritage Act; villages, parks, gardens, battlefields, mainstreets, and neighbourhoods; cemeteries, trailways, viewsheds, natural areas and industrial complexes of heritage significance; and areas recognized by federal or international designation authorities (e.g.) a National Historic Site or a UNESCO World Heritage Site." (From:Dan Schneider, University of Waterloo, May 26, 2018.)