Minutes of Meetings
Central Experimental Farm Advisory Council (CEFAC)
May 6, 2021 (Virtual meeting Zoom)
Present:
- Eric Jones, Friends of the Central Experimental Farm (Chair)
- Chris Wiebe, National Trust for Canada
- Elizabeth Jarvis, 4-H Canada
- Leslie Maitland, Heritage Ottawa
- Rajbir Sian, Canadian Institute of Planners
- Richard Coote, National Farmers Union
- John Zvonar, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
- Joel Wilkin, Agriculture, and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Cory Reaney, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Absent:
- Klaus Beltzner, Federation of Citizens’ Associations
- Sandra Garland, Fletcher Wildlife Garden
- Kerry Leigh-Burchill, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Call to order/Chair remarks
- Eric Jones welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.
Observers Comment/Questions
- None
Review of previous meeting minutes November 5, 2020
- Adoption of the previous minutes was approved.
Business arising from the previous minutes
- None
Chair
- Eric reported that he is still seeking a replacement as chairperson. Eric mentioned that he will contact the Federation of Citizens’ Associations member about representation on Central Experimental Farm Advisory Council (CEFAC).
Ottawa Hospital update
Preliminary information on the design
- Eric shared a few slides on plans for the New Ottawa Hospital. The Campus Engagement Group had submitted a number of questions to gather more information on the focus of transportation, and access to the surrounding area.
Area of concern to CEFAC
- There was discussion about impacts the Ottawa Hospital could have on Maple Lane and other routes on the farm, also questions about the parking. Also mentioned were the location of a heating tower near the perimeter, and potential effects the new facility will have on the Dominion Observatory. Eric noted as well that the CEO of the Hospital had spoken of meetings between TOH and AAFC Research on possible shared projects. Further info will be sought.
New Business
- Eric reported on the recently-shared Master Plan for the Canadensis botanical garden. It was noted that if there are new developments for this initiative, CEFAC should be involved in the review. There was also some discussion of CEFAC’s role.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada updates
- Cory reported on the Baseline Expansion Project which will likely be delayed another two to three years as the result of the LRT Phase 2. Cory mentioned that there is minimal to no impact on the Arboretum with the construction of the LRT 2. Cory also reported that as of September 1, 2021, Building 39 will be repurposed for indigenous meetings, ceremonial events and indigenous events. Cory mentioned that the Labs Canada Initiative Project was getting underway, including functional reviews of the program components of AAFC.
- Joel reported on a change in administrative responsibilities and introduced Shirley Jocko to all CEFAC members.
Update from members
- John Zvonar mentioned that the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects had a committee on Cultural Landscapes and Legacy, which would be looking at impacts the Canadian farm system has had over time. Chris reported on work by Parks Canada on legislation to better protect heritage properties. Eric mentioned that the Friends of the Farm expect to be launching a new book on the Buildings of the Farm later in the year. The Friends have also printed a pamphlet on the Ornamental Gardens.
Next meeting
- Scheduled on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 1:30 pm (1.5 hr. length) - ZOOM Meeting
Adjournment
- All present were thanked for their attendance.