Another Shot In The Head For Heritage Preservation In Canada

By Pamela Minns for Niagara At Large

It has always been my belief that heritage preservation has to start at the top ….. That is, with support from all levels of government. That is where it started in Ontario, with the passing of the Ontario Heritage Act in 1974.

The long-lasting and maybe gone expermental farm outside of Ottawa, Canada.

And  where are we today, after 40 years ?

I just received from Heritage Canada National Trust, a respected and important organization, a communication in connection with the matter of one of our National Historic Sites in Canada – it is the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, established in 1886.

It is a rare example of a farm within a city, established as an agricultural and scientific research centre on land selected for its rich variety of soil types. Recognizing its historical, cultural and scientific significance, as well as a need to protect it from any future inappropriate development or encroachment, this site was designated a National Historic Site in 1998. Shortly thereafter a Management Plan was created to “sustain a cultural landscape of national historic significance through a reinvigorated and ongoing agricultural research program”.

The Management Plan recognizes the fact that the national heritage value of the Farm resides in its history and contributions to Canadian science and farming, its overall design, its rural qualities in an urban setting, its heritage buildings, its experimental fields, and its historic landscape elements.

Our federal government has made the decision to transfer 60 acres of this Farm to the Ottawa Hospital for development of a new hospital campus, and this decision was made without consulting the Central Experimental Farm Advisory Council which is the body created to engage the public more fully in the future management of the Farm. The Council is made up of representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), as well as community and heritage organizations —- including the National Trust.

How are we, at the bottom of this “chain of command” ever going to create an understanding in our own communities about the importance of preserving our heritage if we have our own government designating a National Historic Site as recently in 1998, and then taking a piece of it – and, WITHOUT consultation. It is obvious that they do not consider our heritage high on the “pecking order” !

This past year “a piece” of the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield Site in Niagara Falls – another National Historic Site, was taken for development. This was the site of a major battle during the War of 1812, where Laura Secord is buried; it was taken on the heels of an extensive recognition being conducted in Regional Niagara, of the Bicentennial of this war. This recognition just ended this past week at the Battle of Cook’s Mills….. the last engagement between the British and American forces.

I have always said that without our volunteers at the grass roots level, literally fighting to preserve Canada’s heritage, that the whole issue of preserving our built, cultural and natural heritage would fall apart. We have no support from the provincial or federal governments —- this case would even indicate that they are working against the committees and organizations created for the very purpose of preserving Canada’s heritage. We do not even have a Heritage Minister in Ontario – it is all buried in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport — and I’ll bet you know where the emphasis is put in this ministry —- we NEVER hear from the Minister.

We are losing ground, and have been for many years. I have made a list of reasons why I feel the matter of heritage preservation is weakening – and this case is another one to add to the ever-growing list !

Volunteers are getting tired – they have no support and their numbers are dwindling. I would urge you to write to your MP and our Prime Minister about the Farm – it is an outrage and a slap in the face to all of us who work so hard to keep our heritage for future generations. It is what gives our communities their character and uniqueness and what attracts visitors, tourists and residents to our municipalities. Our future lies in our past !

“As the steward of this nationally important site on behalf of the people of Canada, it is incumbent upon the federal government to protect the future integrity of this heritage treasure”.

I have taken the liberty of extensively quoting from the communication issued by Heritage Canada National Trust, to enable me to report accurately on this issue.

Pamela Minns is a Niagara, Ontario resident and long-time advocate for protecting and preserving heritage sites in the greater Niagara region. 

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