Botanical Garden Feasability Study

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Botanical Garden Feasibility Study May 5, 2008 Township of Langley, BC LEES + Associates Township of Langley

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Presented to Township of Langley Council May 5, 2008

Transcript of Botanical Garden Feasability Study

Page 1: Botanical Garden Feasability Study

Botanical Garden Feasibility Study

May 5, 2008

Township of Langley, BC

LEES + Associates

Township of Langley

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Erik LeesCatriona HearnHeidi Redman

Who are we?

OUR TEAM

LEES+ASSOCIATES Landscape architects and planners

G.P. Rollo & Associates Land Economist

Botanical and Horticultural Consultant

Paul Rollo

Douglas Justice

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What was our process?

PHASE 1: Review of exemplar

gardens

PHASE 2: Site selection

Criteria

PHASE 4: FinancialAnalysis

PHASE 5: Final Report and

Recommendations

PHASE 3: Opportunities

and Constraints

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PHASE 1

What is a botanical garden?

• Have played evolving roles throughout history.

• Today, botanical gardens are called upon as key players in plant conservation and education.

• In 2000, the UN recognized botanical gardens as playing an important role in the conservation of plant diversity.

• No agency gives legal accreditation to botanic gardens – anyone can call any garden a botanic garden.

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What is an arboretum?

•An arboretum is “a specialized collection of woody trees and shrubs that are cultivated for scientific, ornamental, or other education purposes.”

- American Public Gardens Association

• Like botanical gardens there is no certifying body for arboreta.

PHASE 1

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1. Documented collections with species of known provenance;

2. Aesthetic display, public education;

3. Conducts scientific research on the collection;

4. Is open to the public;

5. Employs at least one professional staff member (paid or unpaid).

Criteria for a botanical garden

PHASE 1

1. Contains documented collections with species of known provenance;

2. Provides educational and aesthetic display;

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Garden Exemplars

1. Tofino Botanical Gardens (Tofino, BC)

2. UBC Botanical Gardens (Vancouver, BC)

3. Van Dusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver, BC)

4. Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (Saanich, BC)

5. Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (Saanich, BC)

6. Centre Creek (Surrey, BC)

7. Milner Gardens and Woodland (Qualicum Beach, BC)

8. Minter Gardens (Chilliwack, BC)

9. Darts Hill Garden Park (Surrey, BC)

10. Royal Botanic Gardens (Hamilton, ON)

11. Devonian Botanic Garden (Edmonton, AB)

PHASE 1

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Site Selection Criteria

1. Size: a minimum of five hectares.

2. Soil Capability: friable, well-drained, weed and disease free soils.

3. Spatial Context: connections to residential neighbourhoods; appropriately zoned; a range of environmental conditions and habitats on site.

4. Infrastructure: serviceable with access/egress, parking, circulation, irrigation and potable water, sanitary and hydro.

5. Views: provide scenic views; if possible, direct access to water.

6. Landscape Character: an area that reflects the natural character of Langley.

PHASE 2

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Assessment of candidate site

PHASE 3

Proposed site at 21200 block Fraser Highway

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Opportunities & Constraints

Opportunities:Lookout to creek and fish spawningHigh visibilityProximity to Kwantlen and Trinity WesternPotential for salmon habitat partnershipsOn proposed Arbour RibbonOpportunity for expansionScenic views to surrounding area and northwards across the region.

PHASE 3

Constraints:•Silty/clay soils with poor drainage•Airport height restrictions and future expansion of airport•No existing buildings or facilities• Possible access issues off Fraser Highway•Beavers present on site•Lack of topographic variation•Some plant families will not tolerate site•Noise from highway and airport traffic.

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Soil Analysis

PHASE 3

Bill Herman,

Pacific Soil Analysis

• Soils on site are predominantly a finely textured silt (78.2%) with poor drainage capabilities.

• Considered unsuitable for growing a broad variety of temperate species.

• An amendment of 2 parts river sand for every 1 part of existing soil would improve the soil, but would exacerbate summer drought conditions.

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Financial AnalysisPHASE 4

Scenario 1: Traditional Botanical Garden:

A traditional botanical garden requiring the highest level of organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.

Scenario 2: Sustainable Horticulture Centre:

A public garden with a focus on stewardship of local wetlands, sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture, and aesthetic display. Requires mid-level organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.

Scenario 3: Wetland Arbouretum:

A public nature park and arbouretum, with a focus on wetland ecology and the interpretation of the Langley prairie requiring the least amount of organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.

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Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3

Traditional Botanical Garden

Sustainable Horticulture Centre

Wetland Arboretum

PHASE 4

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Financial AnalysisPHASE 4

Summary of 15 Year Totals

Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3

9.0 Year 15 Totals (Cumulative) Year 15 Year 15 Year 15

Total Revenue 2,709,109 1,405,716 1,081,617

Total Operating Costs 2,852,993 1,817,698 1,566,351

Total Capital Costs 2,143,808 1,069,204 863,101

Total Operating Subsidy 2,991,478 1,712,641 1,522,234

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Next StepsPHASE 5

Although a classic botanical garden is not recommended as feasible, an alternative garden model may be a viable option.

It is recommended to initially pursue Scenario #3 Wetland Arbouretum, with the intention of developing Scenario #2 Sustainable Horticultural Centre when there is sufficient interest and funding.

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Next StepsPHASE 5

1. Adopt a formal vision for a public garden.

2. Undertake a business plan for the garden.

3. Integrate the business plan and the site selection criteria.

4. Consider the lands at the 21200 block of Fraser Highway with possible annexation of the rural farmland south of this location.

5. Construct a building on site to serve as an interpretive centre/ classroom/office.

6. Document any plant collection developed on the site with acquisition and provenance records.

7. Form a non-profit society to oversee operation of the garden.

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LEES + Associates

Thank you!