New West residents can head to the petting farm – or online – to have a say about the future of the Queen’s Park farm.
The City of New Westminster is inviting people who are “interested in helping the city shape the future of a unique community space” to take part in two upcoming workshops, where they can help re-imagine the future of the Queen’s Park petting farm.
“These workshops will be an opportunity for you to learn more about the farm transition, and discuss your values, priorities and ideas for this part of Queen’s Park, in a respectful, facilitated dialogue,” said a notice about the workshops. “Following a short presentation, participants will work in small groups to answer a series of discussion questions.”
People can attend a virtual workshop on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m., or an in-person, outdoor workshop at the farm on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Space is limited, so people should register soon at www.eventbrite.ca (search for Reimagining the Future of the Queen's Park Farm workshops.)
The city is currently seeking feedback on the future of the Queen’s Park petting farm and expects to begin preparing conceptual plans for the site in the fall. During the summer, the space has been used for temporary programming, including outdoor concerts and an outdoor art gallery.
Animals, including goats, pigs, peacocks and rabbits, summered at the petting farm from 1960 to 2019. The city has determined that the petting farm, which opened annually from Victoria Day until Labour Day, doesn’t have sufficient space to comfortably house the animals.
Earlier this year, staff presented council with a report about a pilot project to transition the petting farm toward a space for local sustainable food production. The report noted staff is pursuing a partnership with the province and a non-profit organization to help transition the farm towards urban agriculture.
“Transitioning the Queen’s Park farm to local sustainable food production and cooking is important for educating and demonstrating local food resilience, as well as social and environmental sustainability in this prominent location,” said the report. “The transition also offers potential opportunities for year-round programming of the farm.”
According to the report, Phase 1 of that partnership would include repurposing two existing farm structures – one for a community oven and the other for a small events stage. Communal seating and tables for sharing food and social gathering would also be constructed.
For more information on the city’s plans for the Queen’s Park farm or to provide input, go to www.beheardnewwest.ca.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
