Guardian letter by Errol Nicholson

Editor:
We should keep the experimental farm land public. All cities around the world have set aside large tracts of land as public spaces — our capital Ottawa is no exception.
A study and proposal has already been published. It is very comprehensive and well thought out by land use experts. The bottom line is we need some open space for future generations to live in harmony with nature as our city continues to grow.
My parents’ home and the school I attended were close to this land. Our teachers took us on walking (no school buses then) nature trips to the Lily Pond and if we were lucky we got a glimpse of milking time. This was a wonderful experience for city children. Also our families used this property for weekend picnics.
It would seem that in this busy world we need space ‘to just enjoy being’ and not always ‘doing’. I realize times have changed and we can’t always look back, but we must be prudent in the planning for this land jewel for the future. In addition to the completed study and the several speakers brought in to discuss its future use, I have some suggestions to consider.
First the P.E.I. Department of Education and UPEI should see this land as a natural area for teaching our youth environmental skills. Many of our schools are very close.
With increased tour boat traffic to our city the many visitors may want a place within walking distance to enjoy nature and a break from organized tours.
Music and the performing arts are an important part of our cultural heritage so some of this land could be used for outdoor concerts and necessary parking.
The experimental farm was an important part in the evolution of the agriculture industry so some thought and planning should go into preserving its history.

06/11/09