Colony Farm Regional Park Draft Colony Farm Sustainability ... · PDF filePreliminary...

Submitted to:

Metro Vancouver Parks, Central Area 9146 Avalon Avenue

Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4G8

Submitted by:

HB Lanarc Consultants Ltd. #200 - 420 Hastings Street West

Vancouver, BC, V6B 1L1 www.hblanarc.ca

August 2009

Colony Farm Regional Park Preliminary Sustainability Plan A C A D E M Y F O R S U S T A I N A B L E F O O D P R O D U C T I O N

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Attachment 4

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There are five documents that comprise the Colony Farm Regional Park Sustainability Plan:

Colony Farm Regional Park Sustainability Plan (July 2009)

Charrette Proceedings (May 2009)

Visioning Workshop Proceedings (October 2008)

Biophysical Summary (March 2009)

Additional Supporting Information (July 2009)

08/13/09 These reports are available for download by searching Colony Farm Sustainability Plan at: http://www.metrovancouver.org/Pages/default.aspx

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Acknowledgements Many people have contributed to the preparation of this plan. These groups and individuals are:

Consultants:

Frank Basciano Frank Basciano Landscape Arch. Costing

Pat Brisbin Golder & Associates Agricultural engineering

Janine De La Salle HB Lanarc Prime consultant

Rob Barr HB Lanarc Prime Consultant

Dave Matsubara Kerr Wood Liedel Flood proof engineering

Patrick Mooney UBC Environmental design

Mike Pearson Pearson Ecological Fish and farming

Michelle Revez Kerr Wood Liedel Flood proof engineering

Metro Vancouver Staff:

Alison Evely NRM Specialist Central Area Parks

Laurie Fretz Sustainability Academy Div Mgr Head Office

Lynn Castagner Interpretation Specialist Central Area Parks

Theresa Duynstee Developmental Services Head Office

Vera Gabrielson Administration Central Area Parks

Patrick Graham Engineer Central Area Parks

Kelly Hoskins Visitor Services Central Area Parks

Nancy Kramer Operations Central Area Parks

Deanne Manzer Research Technician Central Area Parks

Will McKenna Project Manager Central Area Parks

Markus Merkins NRM Specialist West Area Parks

Frieda Schade Area Manager Central Area Parks

Alberta Simone Administration Central Area Parks

Craig Sobering Park System Planner Head Office

Simon Walkley Operations Central Area Parks

Ron Wood Operations Central Area Parks

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Colony Farm Regional Park Draft Sustainability Plan

August 2009

This draft Sustainability Plan was created in collaboration with local experts, stakeholders, partners, local government, and associations, through a visioning exercise held in October 2008, followed by a design charrette in March 2009. It expands upon the Colony Farm Land Use Plan, the vision created for the land and covenanted against its title in 1996. The Colony Farm Sustainability Plan will enable this unique opportunity to develop the Sustainable Food Academy and park that respects and integrates wildlife protection, passive recreation opportunities, and sustainable agriculture.

This draft plan accompanies a report submitted to the Metro Vancouver Parks Committee on September 2, 2009.

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Executive Summary Colony Farm was dedicated as a regional park in 1996, set aside for wildlife, agriculture and passive recreation. The Colony Farm Land Use Plan, which is a registered covenant on the title, describes the goals and principles that Metro Vancouver (MV) uses in managing the site. The Colony Farm Land Use Plan gives MV a directive for agriculture on the site that does not exist in other MV regional parks.

The distinctive agricultural component at Colony Farm Regional Park offers an opportunity for linking into and demonstrating the growing grassroots movement towards more sustainable food systems. Colony Farm is well positioned to contribute to research and innovation associated with agriculture, health and nutrition, therapeutic gardening, farmer training, community learning, processing and preparing of local foods, and local economic development, as well as wildlife, fish and recreation.

The Colony Farm Sustainability Plan outlines a future where Colony Farm is a physical and virtual place for research, learning and experimentation by integrating sustainable food systems, wildlife, recreation and community. The on-site academy for sustainable food production is one of six sustainability academies proposed by MV. The academies will provide research, demonstration and education opportunities, visitor services, and a means to further the ideas and principles of the Sustainable Region Initiative and Framework, including increasing the amount of actively farmed land in the region.

The Plan provides a physical arrangement and functional statements for the buildings, facilities, and infrastructure and outlines management regimes necessary to achieve Park and Academy goals. The Plan provides estimates of capital costs and establishes a priority program for Colony Farm. Further feasibility, technical and design work will be needed to clarify the concepts and costs of the Plan and in many cases there are still options to explore. The Plan delivers extensive social benefits in its approach, enhancing the involvement and learning opportunities for existing and future Park visitors.

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The plan describes what Metro Vancouver aspires to with input from some of the community and a number of stakeholders. It is a guiding and enabling document against which future ideas and proposals may be tested. The sustainability plan identifies:

A vision for Colony Farm and Academy.

The Academy for Sustainable Food Production, a virtual and physical education hub for the community, academia, and working farmers to experience, study, work within and contribute to local sustainable food systems. The formation of a new organization, a broad-based, non-profit society, to manage the academy and its functions is a possible outcome of the plan.

The re-introduction of agriculture on Colony Farm, including allotment gardens, farming demonstrations and research, commercial agriculture, the establishment of sustainable agriculture on the Home Farm and Wilson Farm including integrated management areas, and therapeutic gardening.

New programs and facilities to support the agriculture, recreation, and wildlife programs on site. Two main centres are proposed in this plan that will provide learning spaces, farming functions, interpretation and displays, office space, and residences for one or more farmers. Rehabilitation of the existing two heritage listed buildings is considered an early priority.

Drainage, irrigation and flood proofing to enable farming, and protect new facilities from flooding.

Continued fish and wildlife conservation and biodiversity enhancement in the wildlife areas as well as the agricultural and integrated management areas. Potential expansion of fish habitat on Colony Farm is discussed in this plan.

An expanded and connected trail network that includes a perimeter trail, a new multi-use bridge over the Coquitlam River and increased connectivity within the site as well as to the surrounding community.

Implementation strategies for managing and governing programs and operations, order of magnitude cost estimates and phasing.

Metro Vancouver will be seeking potential partners and funding for the Academy for Sustainable Food Production and other plan elements.

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Table of Contents

1. Vision ......................................................................................1 1.1. VISION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................. 1 1.2. GOAL AND LAND USE PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................ 2 1.3. PURPOSE OF COLONY FARM AND ACADEMY ...................................................................... 3 1.4. PROVIDING INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP........................................................................ 3 1.5. OVERVIEW OF THE DOCUMENT .............................................................................................. 5

2. Background............................................................................6 2.1. REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT................................................................................................... 6 2.2. PLANNING CONTEXT................................................................................................................. 9 2.3. PLANNING PROCESS..............................................................................................................19

3. Program & Design.............................................................. 21 3.1. LAND USE OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................21 3.2. THE ACADEMY FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION ..................................................24 3.3. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE................................................................................................30 3.4. THERAPEUTIC FARMING & GARDENING.............................................................................37 3.5. FISH AND WILDLIFE................................................................................................................38 3.6. IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE.................................................................................................42 3.7. RECREATION............................................................................................................................44 3.8. HERITAGE CONSERVATION ...................................................................................................47 3.9. EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION.....................................................................................47 3.10. FLOOD PROOFING ..................................................................................................................47

4. Integrated Design Systems on Colony Farm .................. 50 4.1. TRANSITION / INTEGRATION AREAS ...................................................................................50

5. Implementation.................................................................. 52 5.1. CAPITAL COSTS & PHASING .................................................................................................52 5.2. FUNDING AND REVENUE GENERATION...............................................................................56 5.3. THOUGHTS ON GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT...........................................................57

Appendices .................................................................................... 61 APPENDIX A: COLONY FARM SPECIES AT RISK .................................................................................61 APPENDIX B: AREAS FREQUENTED BY GREAT BLUE HERONS ........................................................64 APPENDIX C: LAND USE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY............................................................................65 APPENDIX D: CO-OP FARM MODELS....................................................................................................69 APPENDIX E: AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED WITH RECREATION AND WILDIFE ..............................71 APPENDIX F: FARM DEMONSTRATION TOPICS ..................................................................................74 APPENDIX G: RIPARIAN DITCHES.........................................................................................................75 APPENDIX H: HEDGEROWS – COMPOSITION AND BENEFITS..........................................................77 APPENDIX I: WETLANDS, PONDS & DRAINAGE SYSTEMS...............................................................80 APPENDIX J CIRCULATION SYSTEMS & ACCESS NODES ............................................................82 APPENDIX K: FLOOD PROOFING OPTIONS.................................................................................84 APPENDIX L FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM (3% ANNUAL INFLATION).........................................87 APPENDIX M: MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE MATRIX ..............................................................88

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Table of Figures FIGURE 1: ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 1 FIGURE 2: GAPS IN OUR FOOD SYSTEM...................................................................................................... 4 FIGURE 3: COLONY FARM ORIENTATION MAP AND PLACE NAMES.....................................................11 FIGURE 4: POTENTIAL SALMONID USE OF COLONY FARM DITCHES....................................................17 FIGURE 5: PROJECT PLANNING STAGING AND MILESTONES................................................................20 FIGURE 6: LAND USE DESIGNATIONS........................................................................................................21 FIGURE 7: ILLUSTRATED CONCEPT PLAN ................................................................................................22 FIGURE 8: LAND USE DESIGNATION DESCRIPTIONS ..............................................................................23 FIGURE 9: BUILDING CONCEPT FOR ACADEMY CLUSTER ......................................................................27 FIGURE 10: ACADEMY CLUSTER DETAIL...................................................................................................29 FIGURE 12: FARM MARKET CLUSTER........................................................................................................36 FIGURE 13: TRAILS AND RECREATION......................................................................................................46 FIGURE 14: EXISTING DYKES, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD PROOFING (CONCEPTUAL ONLY) ...............49 FIGURE 15: AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED WITH RECREATION AND WILDLIFE.....................................73 FIGURE 16: VEGETATION CAN IMPROVE DRAINAGE..............................................................................76 FIGURE 17: SAMPLE OF HEDGEROW COMPOSITION FOR AND AGRICULTURAL FIELD ....................77 FIGURE 18: HEDGEROW IN FARM FIELD ..................................................................................................78 FIGURE 19: HEDGEROW WITH FARM FIELD + MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL. ..............................................79 FIGURE 20: WETLANDS, PONDS, AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION WITH RECREATION....81 FIGURE 21: WETLAND, PONDS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS – ALLOWING MAINTENANCE ................81 FIGURE 22: CIRCULATION - DYKE TRAIL NEAR WILDLIFE AREA ...........................................................83 FIGURE 23: CIRCULATIO - AGRICULTURAL FIELD TO TRAIL/DAY-USE AREA.......................................83 FIGURE 24: CIRCULATION- ROADS, PARKING AND FACILITIES AT THE ACADEMY CLUSTER...........83

Table of Tables TABLE 1: ACADEMY PROGRAM DETAIL AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS...............................................26 TABLE 2: ACADEMY CLUSTER - BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND FUNCTIONS .........................................27 TABLE 3: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM DETAIL AND DESIGN GUIDELINES ....................33 TABLE 4: MARKET FARM CLUSTER – BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND FUNCTIONS................................35 TABLE 5: WILDLIFE PROGRAM DETAIL AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS................................................39 TABLE 6: RECREATION PROGRAM DETAIL AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS..........................................45 TABLE 7: CLASS D COST ESTIMATE FOR COLSP......................................................................................52 TABLE 8: FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM (CONSTANT DOLLARS) ........................................................54 TABLE 9: COLONY FARM CAPITAL COSTS SHARING ASSUMPTIONS ...................................................56 TABLE 10: DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT CONSORTIUM FOR COLONY FARM AND ACADEMY ..57 TABLE 11: SUMMARY OF CONCEPT PLAN DETAIL ..................................................................................65 TABLE 12: AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED WITH RECREATION AND WILDLIFE: GUIDELINES...............71 TABLE 13: HEDGEROW DESIGN ELEMENTS AND GUIDELINES .............................................................78 TABLE 14: WETLANDS, PONDS & DRAINAGE DITCHES DESIGN ELEMENTS AND GUIDELINES.......80 TABLE 15: FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM (WITH 3% ANNUAL INFLATION) ......................................87 TABLE 16: GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT MATRIX .........................................................................88

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List of Acronyms ALC Agriculture Land Commission

ALR Agricultural Land Reserve

ARES Accommodation and Real Estate Services

CFAC Colony Farm Advisory Committee

CFCG Colony Farm Community Garden Association

COLRP Colony Farm Regional Park

COLSP Colony Regional Farm Park Sustainability Plan

LRSP Liveable Region Strategic Plan

LUP Colony Farm Land Use Plan

MV Metro Vancouver

MVRP Metro Vancouver Regional Parks

RPGP Regional Parks and Greenways Plan

SRI Sustainable Region Initiative

C O L O N Y F A R M S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y P L A N | A u g u s t 2 0 0 9 1

1. Vision The vision for Colony Farm consists of three main parts: a vision statement, overarching goals/ land use principles and a purpose. In later chapters, objectives, program detail and design considerations are also offered. The refreshed vision and purpose of Colony Farm and Academy have been developed to be consistent with the existing Land Use Plan (LUP) and to provide further program and design detail necessary to implement the LUP. Figure 1 below depicts the overall organization of information contained in this plan.

Figure 1: Organization of information

1.1. VISION STATEMENT Colony Farm Park and Academy are at the same time separate from each other and intrinsically connected. They both have a role in creating a more sustainable region while having unique functions and foci. The vision for the Farm Park and the Academy is presented here:

Colony Regional Farm Park is a dynamic place where people experience the integration of agricultural and ecological systems through classes and workshops, buying fresh produce from farmers, going on guided tours, walking or cycling along the many trails, or even being a community gardener. The rich cultural history of First Nations shapes the multitude of activities and programs on-site. The Farm Park hosts innovative agricultural operations, diverse wildlife areas, community celebrations, and is home to the Sustainability Academy.

The Sustainability Academy is a physical and virtual learning hub where the relationships between sustainable food systems and the rich ecology of our region can be studied and practiced. Learning institutions of all kinds use the Sustainability Academy to further understand, through discovery and experimentation, how to build a sustainable food system.

To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.

- Wendell Berry

VISION

GOAL & LAND USE PRINCIPLES

PURPOSE

OBJECTIVES

PROGRAM DETAIL & DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

IMPLEMENTATION: COSTING, PHASING, MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE


1.2. GOAL AND LAND USE PRINCIPLES The Colony Farm Land Use Plan (LUP) was visionary and thorough in its approach and continues to give sound overall guidance to decision making, planning, land use and operations. The following overall goal and land use principles are taken directly from the LUP and continue to guide the development and management of Colony Farm.

Overall Goal: To manage and protect Colony Farm based on its importance for wildlife, agriculture and passive recreation.

Land use principles for Colony Farm are:

Keep Colony Farm in public ownership

Keep Colony Farm open and accessible to the public

Preserve the agricultural capability of Colony Farm

Preserve and enhance the biodiversity of Colony Farm

Maintain and enhance passive recreational opportunities on Colony Farm

Ensure compatibility of land uses on Colony Farm

Provide opportunities for public awareness, education and research at Colony Farm

Minimize the loss of the land base from buildings, structures, roads, etc.

Encourage long-term, sustainable land uses for Colony Farm

Encourage sharing, stewardship, partnerships and voluntarism

Plan and implement land uses to be sensitive to adjacent communities and institutions

Ensure land uses are feasible to implement, based on current and expected regulations and policies.

Liz Thunstrom birdwatching on Colony Farm


1.3. PURPOSE OF COLONY FARM AND ACADEMY Colony Farm Regional Park and the Academy for Sustainable Food Production embody the hopes and dreams of the people involved and express what they want to achieve in the next 10 years. The plan presented in the following pages contains the preliminary program and design for realizing these dreams. The purpose of Colony Farm and Academy is multi-faceted and by 2020, Colony Farm Park and Academy will:

Improve local food security through sustainable farming practices including innovative techniques such as winter cropping and aquaculture.

Maintain and enhance the ecological diversity and integrity of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats in all areas of the park.

Grow, process, and market agricultural products to the surrounding community.

Discover and demonstrate innovative ways to integrate agriculture, wildlife, and people.

Host community events and programs around healthy lifestyles, sustainable food systems, and others.

Train new farmers and help them to access land off-site in order to start-up their own farm operation.

Provide a full range of field and classroom based opportunities for learning about agro ecology, nutrition, therapeutic gardening, farm-oriented business training, and other broad and pertinent topics.

Have a fully connected trail system that has interpretive signage, learning, and opportunities for exploration and fun.

Re-establish therapeutic agriculture as a way to promote healing and wellness.

Develop new partnerships and new organizations to collaboratively realize the Farm and Academy’s goals.

Provide basic facilities to make a visit to Colony Farm convenient, enjoyable and safe.

1.4. PROVIDING INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP There is a clear need for leadership and investment in building sustainable food systems that are integrated with wildlife habitat (see Figure 2). Given the proposed program and design contained in this plan, Colony Farm is well positioned to provide leadership in this area. Colony Farm and Academy will lead by example in filling current gaps in our food system by becoming a centre for sustainable agro-ecology practices, farmer succession planning, food security, sustainable food production, food education, recreation, and wildlife protection.


Figure 2: Gaps in our food system

The framework used for understanding sustainability on Colony Farm is the idea and demonstration of balancing social, economic, and ecological capital on site. Colony Farm will achieve true sustainability by:

Building ecological capital- Colony Farm is clearly rich in ecological capital. The network of habitats and biological components of the site generate and support an abundance and diversity of life. The rich agricultural soils of the farm are also part of its ecological capital.

Building social capital- The social capital of Colony Farm is represented by the ancestral history and on-going relationship of First Nations, as well as the associations of people who continue to form strong bonds of friendship and respect, working and playing on this land. Colony Farm also represents an opportunity to address a number of issues associated with living in a densely populated urban area including; individual wellness; alienation from the sources of our food supply and methods used to produce it; and planning for healthy and attractive communities, and institutions. This social capital can grow and form new organizations and bonds to suit the ever-changing needs of the park and the community.

Building economic capital- The economic capital at Colony Farm is represented by: the effective and efficient use of local and community resources; by minimizing our dependence on agriculture and distribution practices that depend on chemicals and petroleum products for their inputs; and by the need to find viable models of agriculture that re-establish food productions importance and financial role in the community; and by the intrinsic value that Metro Vancouver residents ascribe to the very existence of the farm and the social and ecosystem services which it renders.

Sustainability is the balance of economic, social and environmental

Farmers & Farming

Processing

Storage & Transportation

Sales & Marketing

Eating

Waste Recovery

Education

Farmer succession and mentorship Sustainable agriculture integrated with ecology:

Agroecology Access to land

Increase local processing capacity

Decrease distance food travels

Direct marketing Central distribution hubs Marketing and labeling of BC local

foods

Celebrating food Preserving and preparing

food

Composting Gleaning Prevention of

waste


1.5. OVERVIEW OF THE DOCUMENT The Colony Farm Sustainability Plan (COLSP) has four main sections that outline how the above vision, purpose, and goal are to be achieved. These sections include:

Section 2 Background: Gives the background and context for the plan;

Section 3 Program and Design: Provides the core of the plan with a close examination of each of the program and design ideas for Colony Farm Park and Academy;

Section 5 Implementation: Considers the costing, phasing, management and governance necessary to implement the ideas in sections 3 and 4.


2. Background The planning process for Colony Farm Regional Park (COLRP) began with the preparation of the Colony Farm Land Use Plan (LUP) which was approved by the Province of British Columbia’s BC Building Corporation in April 1995. The LUP describes the significance of supporting the existing wildlife features of the site, while acknowledging the importance of enhancing the site’s agriculture, passive recreation and cultural heritage features. The LUP was approved by the province after extensive public and stakeholder input and then transferred to Metro Vancouver along with the land in 1995. The LUP became a binding document for Metro Vancouver to follow as part of the land transfer agreement.

While the LUP provides a guide for the site’s evolution over time, it lacks the detail necessary for effective implementation of programs and services. Since the fall of 2008, Metro Vancouver has undertaken studies, planning exercises and discussions to further develop the program and design details that will enable the objectives contained in the LUP to be more fully realized. Recent planning for COLRP is inspired by Metro Vancouver’s wish to develop tools for creating a more sustainable region.

This Plan – the Colony Farm Regional Park Sustainability Plan (COLSP) – represents a culmination of efforts and is one of the final stages of a park planning process. Approval of this plan by the Metro Vancouver Park Committee and Board Approval will be sought.

2.1. REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT Colony Farm Regional Park is owned by Metro Vancouver and managed by the MV Regional Parks Department for the benefit of all of the region’s citizens. MV is governed by a number of plans, policies and initiatives summarized below. The COLSP is consistent with these governing documents and contributes to achieving their goals and objectives.

2.1.1. REGIONAL PARKS AND GREENWAYS PLAN

The Regional Parks and Greenways Plan (RPGP) provides overall direction and priorities for parks and greenways programs and services provided by Metro Vancouver. The RPGP addresses key issues including:

Protecting natural resources while accommodating visitors;

Providing outdoor recreation and education programming;

Fostering stewardship/wellness and sustainable living values;

Expanding opportunities to meet the needs of people of varying ages and multi- cultural origins;

Funding of new and replacement facilities for residents and visitors.

Colony Farm Regional Park offers one of the greatest opportunities in the regional park system to fully explore the promise of the RPGP.

The RPGP will contribute to a healthy, sustainable region by providing outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities for residents and visitors while protecting important regional landscapes and biodiversity.


2.1.2. REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY

Adopted in 1996, Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), the Liveable Region Strategic Plan, is currently undergoing review, and will be replaced by a new RGS, Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping our Future. From the establishment of the region, in 1967, until 2006, Metro Vancouver’s population has grown from 950,000 to 2.1 million (2% growth per annum). The RGS provides a framework for making management decisions with four fundamental strategies:

Protect designated agricultural lands (Colony Farm is located within this area);

Build complete communities;

Achieve a compact metropolitan region; and

Increase transportation choices.

Within Metro Vancouver’s boundaries, about 60,000 hectares of the province’s most valuable agricultural land is located in the Agricultural Land Reserve, which represents 21% of the total regional land base. Given the priority to utilize these rich valley soils for the best purpose possible, Metro Vancouver has put a special emphasis on encouraging and promoting the retention and protection of this scarce resource.

2.1.3. SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE & SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK

The Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI) was first approved by Metro Vancouver’s Board in 2002 and a summary document was prepared in 2008 titled the “Sustainability Framework” which outlined and consolidated the practices adopted over the ensuing years. Overarching principles to guide corporate decision-making include:

Regard for both local and global consequences and long term impacts;

Recognition and reflection on the interconnectedness and interdependence of systems; and

Collaboration in practices and programs.

These principles provide the a basis for three sets of operating goals that guide Metro Vancouver in conserving and developing natural, economic and social capital of the region:

Protect and enhance the natural environment;

Provide for ongoing prosperity;

Build community capacity and social cohesion.

2.1.4. SUSTAINABILITY ACADEMIES

Colony Farm’s Academy for Sustainable Food Production (The Academy) has been proposed as one of six Sustainability Academies based on Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Framework. The Academy concept is intended to attract partnerships with academia, other governmental agencies and the private sector. The over-arching objective is to create a network of


Academies committed to innovation and sustainability throughout the region using Metro Vancouver resources and assets.

The Colony Farm Academy for Sustainable Food Production will provide an enhanced level of service in Colony Farm Regional Park and will undertake to deliver facilities and programs, focused on agricultural use of a significant portion of the site.

2.1.5. ECOLOGICAL HEALTH PLAN

The Ecological Health Plan is one of a collection of complementary plans that integrate sustainability principles into Metro Vancouver’s operations, outreach and collaborative governance. Preparation of the plan is underway. The Ecological Health Plan will identify Metro Vancouver’s role in protecting the region’s natural assets, including places like Colony Farm which is already dedicated as park land.

2.1.6. LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

The COLRP is located in both City of Coquitlam (Home Farm) and Port Coquitlam (Wilson Farm) with access and most of the developed and proposed facilities located in the Home Farm (See Figure 3).

The Cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are the main regulatory authorities for Colony Farm. Though the plan itself may be approved by Metro Vancouver’s Board, approval to implement individual projects are subject to City approval. Some permits and approvals may require statutory public hearings.

2.1.7. AGRICULTURE LAND RESERVE

Colony Farm is in the Agriculture Land Reserve. The Agricultural Land Commission has regulatory authority in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.

2.1.8. FIRST NATIONS

The Kwikwetlem First Nation (KFN) - Colony Farm is in the traditional territory of a number of First Nations. The Kwikwetlem First Nation lives immediately adjacent to the Park. The KFN are a unique people with specific cultural traditions and political interests. The group occupies two parcels of land adjacent to Colony Farm: Indian Reservation 1 (6.5 Acres) near the mouth of the Coquitlam River and IR 2 (202 Acres) farther upstream. Approximately 31 people live in these two areas. Colony Farm Road provides the only road access road for IR 1.

2.1.9. EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON THE PARK PLANNING PROCESS

The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) - A state of the art mental health facility with 190 beds and approximately 250 employees, the hospital is located adjacent to the Park on part of the original Colony Farm lands which are now severed from the Park. The Hospital serves individuals referred by the courts for treatment or assessment and others who require a secure inpatient facility because of the risk of harm to themselves or others. The Hospital offers vocational and rehabilitative programs. It is considered one of the most advanced treatment centers of its kind. FPH patients and employees use


Colony Farm Road to get to the facility. The FPH is a $100 million facility built on the Coquitlam River floodplain at an elevation that no longer meets the required flood protection standards. The Colony Farm dykes offer a secondary means of flood protection for the FPH as the facility is at or above the dyke elevation already. Emergency planning for the facility has been a concern in recent years.

Accommodation and Real Estate Services (ARES) - This section of the Ministry of Labour and Citizens Services owns the land occupied by the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital as well as the vacant fields around the Hospital, which are not used at present. They consider the Hospital their client.

ARES’ predecessor was the British Columbia Buildings Corporation (BCBC), who owned Colony Farm at the time that the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital was built. BCBC deeded the land to Metro Vancouver for Colony Farm Regional Park.

Major Transportation Routes - Colony Farm is surrounded by major roads, including Lougheed Highway, the Mary Hill Bypass and the Cape Horn Interchange. Only Lougheed Highway gives direct access to the Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway tracks run parallel to Lougheed Highway, adjacent to the Northern boundary of the Home Farm. A spur line serving nearby Mayfair Industrial Park runs along the Western boundary of the Home Farm. A gated CPR service road runs the entire length of the tracks. These roads and the railway constrain what may be done to address Park access and flood protection challenges.

Riverview- The future of the Riverview site, formerly Essondale, on the West side of Lougheed Highway is currently unresolved. ARES has agreed to participate in a study based on the City of Coquitlam’s Council resolution about the heritage value of the site. Maintaining physical links between Riverview and Colony Farm is important in the sense of environmental connectivity as well as physical connectivity for prospective Park and Riverview patrons.

2.2. PLANNING CONTEXT Many studies of Colony Farm have been undertaken over the years under categories including recreation, agriculture, fish, wildlife, servicing, and more.

Provided below are brief summaries, under major categories, of the existing conditions relevant to the preparation of the plan. Information gaps are noted in the Program and Design section.


2.2.1. SITE DESCRIPTION

Colony Farm Regional Park is located at the southern junction of the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and is bisected by the Coquitlam River (Figure 3). The Farm has a long history of being a valuable and productive food source, to both First Nations and subsequent European settlers.

Work therapy for psychiatric and developmentally disabled persons was introduced by the Crown with the purchase of the Farm in 1904 and continued until the facility was closed in 1982. During this period the Farm was distinguished by its prosperity and value to BC’s farm industry.

The site is comprised of ‘Home Farm’ on the west side of the river (City of Coquitlam), and ‘Wilson Farm’ on the east (City of Port Coquitlam). The total site area is 647 acres (262 hectares). Currently, the site consists of unused farm lands, two farm buildings, community gardens, recreational trails, dykes, and fields managed for wildlife purposes. Today, the Farm is valued for its natural assets, community gardens, and passive recreation use.


Figure 3: Colony Farm Orientation Map and Place Names


2.2.2. EXISTING PARK USES

Existing Park Use, Recreation Potential and Connectivity: Colony Farm is an attractive Regional Park within a densely populated and growing urbanized area. The agricultural landscape and mountain views give the site a welcoming feel. In 2008, the Park served over 345,000 visitors. Colony Farm’s use has grown very quickly from an estimated 25,000 visitors in 1995. It is now the seventh busiest park in the Regional Park system, which consists of 22 regional parks and 5 regional greenways open to the public.

People come to the Park to cycle, jog, stroll, and walk their dogs along the 8.5 kilometres of trails, largely composed of the Coquitlam River dykes. There are also open fields which are used to host public events about five times a year. The last amenity added to the Park was the Millennium Bridge, built in 2000, to connect the Home and Wilson Farms. It led to an immediate increase in Park use. Many people began cycling to and in the Park now that it was connected into downtown Port Coquitlam and to the Fraser River in the Mary Hill area, via the Traboulay PoCo and the Sheep Paddock trails. In 2007 the Kwikwetlem First Nation opened a very successful bicycle rental and tour business on their reserve next to the Park. They led 42 field trips totalling over 2000 participants during 2008 alone. By January of 2009, they had already booked 50 field trips for the coming year.

Bird-watching is another popular activity in the Park, especially on summer evenings. Expert birdwatchers come to the Park, some on a daily basis, to see the various birds at Colony Farm.

The recreation potential of the Park is highlighted above in its existing activities with trail-based activities predominating. There is a nearly unlimited demand for additional trails of varying lengths and types (not all of them open to bicycles) and these requests will have to be balanced by the need for separation of the public from agricultural activities and protection of areas for wildlife which receive little or no human use.

The recreation potential of the Coquitlam River itself remains undeveloped, as there is currently no formal access or use of the river from the park. The KFN “Pulling Together” event is the only activity to make use of the river connection.

2.2.3. PARK DEFICIENCIES

With all these people and activities in the Park, the following insufficiencies in public amenities are highlighted:

Insufficient Parking - The existing southern parking lot ( ~ 70 car capacity), combined with the northern parking lot ( ~ 10 car capacity) are not adequate to serve existing levels of use, with the lots filled to capacity most sunny weekends. The parking lots lack painted lines, which compounds the problem as cars are parked more efficiently in delineated spaces. Accommodating alternative forms of transportation in the site i.e. providing bike racks, transit stops and designated carpool parking stops is a critical way to reduce parking requirements.

Lack of toilet facilities - The existing portable toilets are not adequate to serve current levels of use with line-ups often forming during events.

KFN Pulling Together Event


There is only one pair of toilets, making access to the facilities difficult for those working in the community gardens or enjoying other areas of the Park.

Shade requirements - All picnicking in the Park is informal, and on hot sunny days, the lack of natural or built shade makes visiting the Park less appealing. The park user experience would be enhanced by the addition of gathering areas, picnic tables and shelters.

Trail closure - There have been many complaints about the closure of the Sheep Paddocks Trail with some people continuing to sneak past the fence and signs to get into the area. The trail has been washed out and is closed due to its current condition. The trail needs to be rebuilt, probably in a different location. Environmental and engineering studies are required to determine feasibility of constructing a new trail.

2.2.4. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS

Colony Farm benefits from a number of active non-profit societies operating within its borders. The community gardens, located near the main parking lot, are a lively and colourful Park feature. The gardens are operated by the Colony Farm Community Gardens Society which has approximately 220 members, each with a plot in the 7 acres of land licensed to the Society for gardening. They are entirely self-sufficient, carrying out their activities in accordance within the terms of their licence, and self-governed by their own internal polices and procedures which they have developed over the years. Gardeners are major Park users with some visiting nearly every day, especially during the growing season. They have an active volunteer component and sometimes provide volunteers to assist with mutually beneficial projects in the Park.

The Colony Farm Park Association has six executive and six active members in addition to the roughly 220 community gardeners who maintain membership in both the Park Association and Community Gardens Society. The Park Association carries out many volunteer activities in the Park and was instrumental in raising funds for the Millennium Bridge. They work very closely with the Burke Mountain Naturalists, another non-profit society active within the Park system, to organize bird walks and park events, and to carry out volunteer activities such as nest box maintenance and cleaning, as well as heron, raptor and bat counts. The heron count has been an annual event since its inception in 1999.

Another Colony Farm partner, the Honey Bee Centre, has kept bee hives in the Park for a number of years in an effort to help replenish the wild honeybee populations while producing honey.

The Vancouver Avian Research Centre began banding birds at Colony Farm in the winter of 2009. This volunteer organisation ran six weekend bird-banding workshops during the first six months of 2009 to train local bird enthusiasts. Groups of people band birds onsite at Wilson Farm most weekends, and have been impressed by the diversity of bird life they have found thus far.

At Colony Farm there are or have been ties with academic and community educational institutions such as BCIT, UBC, Douglas and Kwantlen Colleges.


Agriculture and the Academy bring in the possibility of ties to new organizations such as those associated with agriculture, animal husbandry, therapeutic and rehabilitative organizations, the food bank and many others.

The implementation of this plan, and particularly the development of the Academy, implies massive community development and partnership building effort. Community engagement has always been part of the Metro Vancouver Parks program, but the Academy offers the opportunity to diversify beyond traditional partners.

The implementation program for this plan must recognize and provide for the resources to undertake this effort.

2.2.5. HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

There are no known archaeological sites in the Park.

Two buildings remain on the Farm that date back to the establishment of Colony Farm. These buildings are extremely valuable as the sole surviving original buildings. Both are on the City of Coquitlam’s heritage register.

The Bunkhouse - The bunkhouse is the oldest building on site. Originally built as the Pumphouse or Tankhouse in 1911, this building housed a huge coal-fired, steam-driven pump that pumped nearly 500,000 liters of water per day from three sand wells into a three-storey water tower that was part of the building’s original structure. The water was used for farm purposes and fire protection. The wells silted up and the Farm was connected to the New Westminster water system, so the pump was abandoned. In the 1930s the tower was removed and the roof line modified. The shared bathroom and kitchen were retained; eleven bedrooms were created and the building was adapted into a bunkhouse. The original marble showers and mosaic-tiled bathroom floors, both materials imported from Italy, are still intact. The massive concrete foundation is the only remaining clue about the building’s former purpose. The building was designed by architect Henry Sandham Griffith. A colony of bats resides in the attic of this building from around April to October of each year.

Farm Manager’s Residence - Built in 1917, the Manger’s House was designed by Henry Whittaker, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works. It is an example of a standardized housing design provided by the Provincial government, and reflects the modest Arts and Crafts style that was considered appropriate for workers’ housing at that time. The building also has an association with one of the most successful Farm Managers at Colony Farm, Pete Moore. Pete was a skilled agriculturalist who started work at the Farm in 1917. He expanded an average Holstein herd into one of the most successful dairy herds in Canada and pioneered the science of artificial insemination. Moore and his wife lived in the residence until 1948.

Village Green – Remnant wrought iron fencing exists enclosing a small grassed area near the two buildings described above.

2.2.6. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Legal considerations - There are a number of restrictive covenants, easements, statutory rights of way, including utility rights of way and other

Managers House on Colony

Bunkhouse on Colony Farm

Village Green Fence on Colony Farm


agreements affecting Colony Farm. The land tenure environment is extremely complex and the park plan must respect rights held by others.

Transportation to the park - The main road access to Colony Farm is via Colony Farm Road which exits Lougheed Highway in the City of Coquitlam. Public transit stops at the foot of Colony Farm Road within Riverview.

Port Mann Highway 1 improvements and the new Fraser River crossing will considerably improve vehicular access to Colony Farm, especially for residents of the City of Surrey, the City and the Township of Langley.

Secondary access to Colony Farm is via Shaughnessy Street in the City of Port Coquitlam, where visitors may enter the park on foot. There are a few parking spots on the public road.

Population growth and demographics - the main demographic factors affecting planning for Colony Farm are population growth; the aging population and the diversity in languages spoken throughout the region.

Dykes - Metro Vancouver is the main dyking authority for Colony Farm- operating 6.3 kilometers of dykes on both the Home and Wilson Farms. These dykes are considered agricultural, or, non-standard in that they do not meet the elevation or design standards to withstand the Fraser River “design flood”. They range in elevation from 3.8m to 5.7 m. Metro Vancouver maintains and inspects these dykes in accordance with Provincial requirements. The dykes are adequate to protect current park improvements. Flood protection for agriculture and new facilities was explored as part of this plan.

The Cities of Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam each manage short sections of standard dykes within Colony Farm Regional Park.

Services - Municipal sewer and water are available on the Home Farm. Currently only the Community Gardens use the municipal water for irrigation. There is no other hook up to either utility. The Wilson Farm is currently not serviced. Electrical service is available at both the Home and Wilson Farms. Three phase electricity serves the Wilson Farm Pumphouse.

2.2.7. FISH, WILDLIFE AND CURRENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT

Habitat and Biodiversity: Colony Farm Regional Park protects some of the most ecologically diverse lands in Metro Vancouver. Colony Farm contains an array of ecosystem and habitat types, including cultivated areas, old-fields and hedgerows, riparian shrub, forest, ditches, wetlands and disturbed habitat. Although the lands have been heavily modified by human activity, the variety and juxtaposition of landscape types provides habitat for a unique assemblage of species. Some of the birds and animals seen at Colony Farm are rare in Metro Vancouver. A list of Red and Blue listed species found or thought to occur in Colony Farm is attached as Appendix A.

Old field habitat - Colony Farm protects the largest old-field habitat in the Northeast sector of Metro Vancouver. Although old-fields are based on non-native agronomic grasses, they function as natural systems, and fill an ecological void by replacing critical grassland and estuarine habitat lost to urban development. Old-fields are the preferred habitat of Townsend’s Vole, the principle prey for many wintering and resident birds-of-prey including the Great Blue Heron, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl.


Special species - In the winter, as many as 70 herons have been observed foraging and resting in the old-fields at Colony Farm. Areas frequently used are shown in Appendix B. Many species, including locally rare species such as Lazuli Bunting, Grey Catbird, Western Kingbird and Eastern Kingbird nest in hedgerows and field margins and forage in open fields. Northern Shrikes move into the old-fields in winter to feed on birds, insects and small mammals. Migrating Western Meadowlarks may spend several weeks at Colony Farm in late fall and early spring.

Hedgerows are a significant feature along field margins, dykes, ditches and fence lines on both the Home Farm and the Wilson Farm. Since acquiring Colony Farm Regional Park, Metro Vancouver Parks has planted over 5,000 trees and shrubs to increase diversity at Colony Farm and improve habitat for a wide range of birds, insects, amphibians and mammals.

Some animal species, such as Townsend’s Vole, are dependent on a particular ecosystem type, but many more utilize more than a single ecosystem type. Numerous song birds and birds of prey move from old-fields to hedgerows, river, riparian areas and wetlands many times over the course of a single day. Other animals move seasonally. For example, amphibians migrate from forest to ponds and ditches to lay eggs in early spring, while salmonids seek shelter in ditches and off-channel habitat in winter, but move to the mid to upper Coquitlam River tributaries when temperatures increase in summer.

Natural resource management programs at Colony Farm have sought to increase biodiversity and structural complexity in the Park by providing habitat for fish especially over wintering salmonids, amphibians and waterfowl through wetland and channel creation, by planting shrubs and trees for birds and other wildlife and by managing fields to enhance habitat for small mammals and birds of prey. Metro Vancouver has strived to ensure that the creation of one habitat has not come at the expense of another, but instead added to the diversity.

The Park is part of an ecological complex that transcends boundaries. Many birds, animals, insects and fish depend on areas outside of the Park during a part of their life cycle. For example, herons that nest in the Coquitlam River Wildlife Management Area at the mouth of the Coquitlam River depend on the Park as a hunting ground and for pre-nesting congregation. Raptors may perch or nest in trees outside of the Park, but use the fields for feeding. The Coquitlam River, the Fraser River and some parts of Riverview are especially important in this way, providing connectivity via land and water to areas outside the Park.

Fish Amphibians, Reptiles and Salmonids - A variety of small freshwater fish are found in Colony Farm ditches. Three-spined sticklebacks and prickly sculpin are the most numerous. The Brown or Northwestern Salamander and the Western Painted Turtle are two notable species whose presence is also confirmed.

Salmonids (salmon of various species) are present in the Sheep Paddocks channels which have specifically been enlarged and enhanced to accommodate Coho and Chinook fry over-wintering. The Mundy Creek Floodgate allows fish entry. Currently Salmonids are not present in the Wilson Farm ditches. The Pumphouse does not permit entry of fish from the River.


Salmonids are also not confirmed to be present in the Home Farm ditches. There is a floodgate there that may be an obstacle to fish. The Macabeque Pump House (operated by the City of Coquitlam) at the other end of the Colony Farm ditches also does not permit salmonids to enter.

Potential for Introduction of Salmonids into Colony Farm Ditches

Exploring the re-introduction of salmonids into the Colony Farm ditches on the Home and Wilson Farms is a key piece of the work of this plan. Figure 4 below depicts the seasonal timing and role of ditches in salmonid life cycle. The ditches would be used by Coho and Chinook Fry over the winter, starting in September and continuing through the spring. By the time the water temperature in the ditches reaches 16 – 18 degrees Celsius, the fish begin to move out of the ditches as it is too warm for them. This usually occurs in May. Shortly after that the lower reaches of the Coquitlam reach an inhospital temperature so salmonids seek shelter in mid to upper tributaries which are cool or in the Fraser or they move out to sea. Thus the salmonids are not present in the ditches between June and September.

The interface of the salmonid lifecycle with agriculture is as follows:

Figure 4 below illustrates how the needs of over wintering salmonids and agriculture overlap and salmonids are absent from the ditches during the peak growing season (June to September) when the ditches and the Lower Coquitlam are too warm. When they return to the ditches in October, the harvest is largely over. They remain in the ditches throughout the winter, when generally, the water in the ditches is not used for agriculture, although there may be a need to pump water out to prevent fields from flooding. It is in the spring when both the farmer and the fish need the ditches in different ways. The fish need water in the ditches, but the farmer wants to lower the water table so that the fields can be worked and prepared for planting.

This interface between fish and agriculture at this time needs to be explored more thoroughly to determine whether their needs are compatible, mutually exclusive or somewhere in between. The winter period also requires examination to determine whether the high water table required by fish would inhibit winter crops or winter cover crops. The fact that Colony Farm soils have organic components that require the water table to be kept high in some locations is a factor in favor of fish but more study is needed. Explicit trade-offs will have to be made to accommodate both fish and farming. Identifying those trade offs is part of the next phase of work.

Figure 4: Potential salmonid use of Colony Farm ditches


Topography and Soils: Most of Colony Farm is level to gently sloping except for steep slopes that occur on the Wilson Farm adjacent to Shaughnessy Street.

Soils are generally derived from Fraser River or Coquitlam River deposits. The Fraser River deposits have a higher silt and sand component providing better drainage, and are present in both the Home and Wilson Farms. The Home Farm soils consists of silty, poorly drained minerals soils with organic soils and deep peat soils in depressions. The Wilson Farm has mainly silt and poorly drained soils with stratified mineral and organic deposits. There are significant areas of shallow and deep peat which is very poorly drained. This leaves a combination of moderate to poorly drained soils.

Building construction and agricultural practices such as grading and filling, tilling and deposition of soils from excavation have resulted in an intermixing of soil profiles.

2.2.8. AGRICULTURE

Colony Farm contains some of the best agricultural soils in the Province. The soil capability rating for agriculture (if improved) ranges from Class 1 to 3, with Classes 2 and 3 predominating. Poor drainage is the limiting factor throughout the farm. Currently drainage is not adequate for most crops. Moderate to intensive management will be necessary for the farm to achieve its agricultural potential. Colony Farm is suitable for a wide range of crops including:

Vegetables (peas, beans, salad crops, root crops, cale crops, corn)

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

Potatoes

Cereals, grains

Nuts

Ornamental nursery stock

Forage (silage, hay and pasture)

Colony Farm is also suitable for animal husbandry; dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and horses were all kept on the farm at one time or another.

2.2.9. CULTURALLY MODIFIED LANDSCAPES

Colony Farm is a culturally modified landscape, highly influenced by human activity, especially agriculture. The Farm gives the impression of an expansive rural area within the middle of a city. It has not been actively farmed, however, since 1983. At various times there were a number of buildings on the site, some of them large and prominent, now only two are left. Many of the trees that had been planted on site during the Farm’s operating days are ornamental and are scattered in fields and hedgerows throughout the Farm.

Natural succession has been held back at Colony Farm by a combination of mowing and poor drainage which favors establishment of shrubs, grasses, rushes and herbs like buttercup. Trees have found it difficult to become established in this situation, except around the edges of fields.


The intent of the Sustainability Plan is to re-establish the pastoral agricultural landscape that once existed. Even areas that are not actively farmed will become or remain pastoral in appearance.

2.2.10. EDUCATION, INTERPRETATION & COMMUNICATIONS

At present, Metro Vancouver staff is responsible for education and interpretive programs at Colony Farm, though the Colony Farm Park Association also provides its own free guided walks and the community gardeners also provide education and training for their members. In general, less than 500 people are accommodated in Metro Vancouver educational programs most years, and often there are less than 200 a year. Metro Vancouver staff and the Park Association also provide support for a variety of special events in the park. There are five interpretive signs in the park.

The following facilities would be required to support a larger interpretive and outdoor program:

a shelter storage spaces short loop trails (no more than 1.5 km) an accessible pond a classroom a kitchen

2.3. PLANNING PROCESS The planning process for COLSP was carried out in three stages that will culminate in a final proposed plan that is anticipated to receive Metro Vancouver Board approval in July 2009. Public information sessions(s) on the plan will follow in the fall of 2009 (Figure 5). In brief, the planning phases for the COLSP are:

Visioning workshop (Aug 2008);

Design charrette (May 2009);

Plan preparation (July 2009);

Approval & Public Information (July - November 2009); and

Detailed designs and Implementation (2010 and beyond). Visioning - The first stage involved a visioning exercise. Some 40 participants that included persons with an interest in the Park, experts in a wide range of applicable fields, and a small contingent of Metro Vancouver staff met for one day to generate ideas and a vision for the Park and Academy.

Design Charrette - The second stage of the planning process was a 3-day charrette which involved thirty people with relevant expertise as well as key stakeholders. The charrette resulted in a Proceedings Report that contained recommendations to Metro Vancouver with more detailed plans and descriptions of activities and programs for the Park and Academy.

Colony Farm Sustainability Plan- The proceedings from the charrette were used as a base for the preparation of this Plan.

Visioning exercise participants on site- A t 2008

Charrette participants at Riverview, May 2009


Figure 5: Project planning staging and milestones


3. Program & Design Colony Farm and Academy have multiple layers of uses, activities and, by extension, design. This section looks at each of these layers independently and outlines their objectives, program detail, and design. The layers that are presented as central program and design characteristics of Colony Farm and Academy are:

The Academy for Sustainable Food Production and the Academy cluster of buildings which supports it.

Sustainable agriculture and the Market/Farm Cluster of buildings that supports it.

Irrigation and Drainage. Therapeutic Agriculture. Fish, and Wildlife. Heritage Conservation. Recreation. Flood Proofing.

All of the land-use and program elements of the COLSP are summarized in Appendix C Land Use Descriptions, which describes the uses of each of the spaces and the approximate area that they require.

3.1. LAND USE OVERVIEW Colony Farm will be managed for agriculture, wildlife and integrated management based on the area designations and uses shown on Figures 6 and 7. These are consistent with the Colony Farm Land Use Plan. Recreation will be integrated appropriately throughout. Recreational access to agricultural, integrated management and wildlife land will be controlled. Facilities to support the Academy, farming and the park are mainly located on land designated as agriculture in the Land Use Plan, but also occupies some Integrated Management Area space.

Figure 6: Land Use Designations


The illustrated plan below depicts the overall program for the site including recreation, agriculture, demonstration sites, facilities, wildlife areas, special habitat zones and integrated management areas.

Figure 7: Illustrated Concept Plan


Each of the land use areas has a focus on high to low intensity uses that are relative to the types of programs and activities in these areas. Figure 8 below illustrates intensity of uses by land use type.

Figure 8: Land use designation descriptions

3.1.1. CORE FACILITIES

The illustrative plan shown in Figure 7 presents the overall lay-out and form of the Park and Academy and agriculture on site. In order to enable this expanded park program, several new and old core facilities are required. Facilities needed for Colony Farm and Academy include:

Entrance: The entranceway to Colony Farm will be updated to have a unique treatment to indicate a special place. In the past Colony Farm had an archway over Colony Farm Road, which if re-constructed would be an important link to the history of the site. Parking at the entrance to the Farm would be closed and relocated to the Market Farm Cluster.

Market / Farm Cluster: Located to the north of Colony Farm Road, the Market / Farm node would be comprised of a Farmers market retail

Entrance to Colony


centre, the operations center for both the farm and the park. This cluster and facilitates is discussed in more detail in Section 3.3.

Academy Cluster: Located in the existing building area at the foot of Colony Farm Road, the Academy cluster would contain both the Academy and Farm buildings. It is thought that the co-location of these facilities will present unique learning and exposure opportunities for students, community members, researchers, farmers, chefs, gardeners, etc. More details are found in section 3.2.

Other facilities and options are as follows:

Alternative Farm / Park Service Yard: This site is located on the existing fill area to the west of Colony Farm Road, along a gravel service road. The service yard would provide the capacity to maintain the Regional Park operations, and all farming operations. This is an alternative site to the Market / Farm Cluster site.

Parking and Gardens on ARES Land: Provision is made to provide additional parking and community or allotment gardens on this unused area which is near the current parking lot. This land is not owned by Metro Vancouver and a lease or purchase of the land from ARES would have to be pursued.

Shaughnessy Boulevard: potential access for park and farm operations

3.2. THE ACADEMY FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION The Academy is a research and learning hub around agro-ecosystems. A key function of the Academy is to link to the community and coordinate capacity-building initiatives around sustainable food systems. Key functions of the Academy are to:

Attract students of all kinds from K-12, university students, new and existing farmers, community members, and researchers.

Host a diverse set of educational programs such as test plots for research, labs for soil and water quality monitoring, and a centre for urban agriculture training, wildlife/agriculture training, therapeutic gardening/horticulture, and First Nation programming.

Provide or promote interpretive programs that will be delivered by Metro Vancouver and its partners. They will disseminate information and research results and deliver hands-on outdoor activities.

Act as a virtual academy for disseminating discoveries and new information around sustainability in food systems, permaculture, technology, and food security.

Promote special events and programs in conjunction with partners and others such as: classes, garden activities, health and wellness activities, harvest festivals, social and community events, among others.

Work with First Nations to develop interpretive programs/replica landscape, youth programs and traditional food demonstrations.


Ensure multiple interpretive learning opportunities from observation posts and interpretive signage to classes and “micro sludge” research.

Support research, demonstrations and experimentation of organic & beyond practices. For example, permaculture techniques, heritage varieties – seed & grafting, algae biofuel experiments, tank farm fish food production, etc.

Link urban and rural economies through direct marketing between producers and consumers.

Integrate agriculture use with fish, wildlife, and recreation uses.

Innovate and provide demonstrations, events and promotions of leading-edge technologies and practices such as using green waste to close the nutrient cycle, using biofuels for on-site operations, and experimental crop varieties such as wasabi.

Communicate and support national, regional and local planning and policy change to build sustainable food systems.

Oversee the agriculture and therapeutic farming / gardening components on site to maximize collaboration and social benefits and to ensure sustainability principles.

3.2.1. OBJECTIVES

The Academy on Colony Farm will be actualized over time as partnerships and alliances form to take on its programs and functions which are not seen elsewhere in the Regional Park System. To guide this development, key principles for the programs and functions of the Academy are offered here. At its core, the Academy will:

Bring together education-based partner organizations to fund and manage the Academy and implement its programs.

Provide a wide range of research, learning, and volunteer opportunities and facilities focused around how to create a more sustainable food system that is respectful and meaningfully integrated with ecosystems.

Minimize footprint on the land and utilize green building technologies to model energy, water, and waste efficiency.

Use a variety of learning opportunities and perspectives; provide direct approaches and interactive visitor experiences as well as static ones.

Develop major themes such as: agriculture, fish and wildlife, recreation management and integration, and history.

Where appropriate, incorporate a sense of play as a recognizable element within the landscape or facilities both indoors and outdoors.

3.2.2. PROGRAM DETAIL & DESIGN GUIDELINES

Table 1 below describes the program detail and the related design requirements and considerations for the Academy. Governance and management of the Academy are discussed in Section 5.3

Academy

Home Farm

Integrated Management Areas


Table 1: Academy Program Detail and Design Requirements

Program Detail Design Requirements & Other Considerations

Research Laboratory-based Wet and dry labs in the Academy

buildings. Research and

experimentation plots Open fields designated for research. Consider locating away from high pedestrian traffic areas.

Greenhouse(s) Water, power, good solar exposure. Education and Training

Demonstrations of sustainable farming

Locate throughout the site. Locate demonstration areas in high-pedestrian traffic zones.

Education programs and workshops (including degrees, diplomas, certification programs, and general community learning)

Classroom(s) – seek partnerships with educational institutions.

Displays and interpretive enhancements

Locate throughout the site along main pedestrian ways.

Volunteers Staging area for volunteers. Locate in Academy cluster.

Therapeutic gardening Land with healthy soil, and raised planting beds at a variety of heights.

Outdoor tables and chairs as working surfaces, with some shade.

Indoor classroom with sink. Accessible pathways throughout

the Farm. Greenhouse (shared). Kitchen (shared).

Link to the community Strong virtual presence Website development, and creation

of strong communications systems. Events & community festivals Public greens (area) located near to

washrooms, water, and parking. Farm market Locate within the market farm cluster. Community kitchen Locate within the Academy cluster.

Must meet health and safety regulations. Consider associating with cold, dry, and frozen storage facilities.

Volunteers Staging area for volunteers. Locate near to Academy/Farm building node.

Sustainable agriculture See section 3.3 Therapeutic Farming & Gardening See Section 3.4


Drawing by Neil Munro, IBI

Table 1: Academy Program Detail and Design Requirements


Fish, Wildlife & Heritage See section 3.5 Recreation See section 3.6

3.2.3. ACADEMY CLUSTER FACILITIES DESCRIPTION & DESIGN

The main Academy cluster (Figure 10), located in the heart of Colony Farm, will house the buildings that support education, training, teaching, research, office and Farm staff accommodation as well as the Farm functions, barns, equipment storage etc. Input throughout this planning process has clearly indicated that accommodation on site for the Farm manager and caretaker is important so that they are readily available at all times to safely operate the facility. Table 2 contains a list of buildings and facilities and their functions. Figure 9 shows a possible building design concept for this area which makes use of non-habitable space below the building for farm equipment storage.

Figure 9: Building Concept for academy cluster

Table 2: Academy Cluster - Buildings, Facilities and Functions

Building , Facility Function Building Program Main academy building Education, research,

volunteers and administration, community gardens support, public washroom accessible from outside

Reception and display area, classrooms (2), offices, lab; could be attached to bunkhouse or separate

Historic bunkhouse Restore as adjunct to main building functions

Display, events, office, kitchen

Farm Residence (historic Farm Manager's house)

Rehabilitated heritage building; residential use; small demonstration garden; chicken coop

Residence for use by Farm Manager, caretaker or employee

Farm building cluster Animal husbandry, feed storage, stable, paddocks, equipment storage

Barn, shed, research/volunteer space


Greenhouses (3) Therapeutic garden, community gardens and research

3 greenhouses for year round use

Therapeutic gardens Raised beds integrated with courtyard, gathering and sitting place, greenhouses

Parking Parking for academy, community and allotment gardens, staff and residence

Public parking- 80 spaces gardens parking - 90 spaces overflow parking- 80 spaces

Servicing Storm, water, sanitary, power, communications

Site preparation and Servicing

Clearing, preload, fill


Figure 10: Academy Cluster Detail


3.3. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Colony Farm has historically been used for agriculture. The LUP designates areas for Agriculture as well as Integrated Management Areas for the experimentation into integrating wildlife with agriculture systems. In reinvigorating agriculture at Colony Farm, the COLSP holds that the agriculture on the Home Farm will also be integrated with wildlife with ecologically sensitive farming, well-designed interfaces, and wide buffers around sensitive habitat areas.

3.3.1. OBJECTIVES

The farming and farmers on Colony Farm will evolve and change over time. As this plan needs to remain flexible and amenable to unforeseeable circumstances and opportunities, the following guiding principles for agriculture should be applied to all Farm operations at Colony Farm:

Use and demonstrate sustainable farm practices to maximize agriculture and ecosystem integration and manage the entire agricultural use as one farm including animal husbandry. These practices are described in more detail in section 4.

Focus primarily on local food production. Farming should be geared primarily towards fresh, healthy food production for local consumption.

Consider soil management at every stage by improving soil structure and nutrient quality over time using a variety of practices such as green and brown manure application, composting, low- or no-till practices, good drainage, crop rotation, ley crops, cover crops, encouraging of beneficial insects and microbes, among others.

Encourage agriculture at multiple scales but coordinate all agriculture as a whole farm system.

Provide for delivery of agriculture education and research. Farm education can happen on many levels, for example farmer training and mentorship, community learning, academic-type research and monitoring.

Facilitate mentorship, training and expertise. A mix of experienced, intermediate and novice farmers will ensure that the primary focus is on learning and apprenticeship. It is essential that the experienced farmers have long tenure in order to fully understand the land and its constraints.

Minimize building footprints on farmland. Encourage shared facilities, equipment, and reuse existing buildings. Provide central facility for equipment repair/ storage, food processing and cold and refrigeration storage, cold frames and greenhouses as required to support soil based agriculture.

Use good design principles, fencing and buffers to carefully integrate recreational use and wildlife with agriculture. There will be different degrees of accessibility to farm fields. Most fields will be closed to public access.

Be economically viable where appropriate.

A poor farmer grows weeds, a mediocre farmer grows food, an exceptional farmer grows soil.

Chinese proverb

Agriculture area.


3.3.2. ONE FARM, MANY FARMERS

Whole farm approach: While Colony Farm will have a principal farmer responsible for whole farm management of the agricultural areas, there is also opportunity for smaller scale farms to operate within the Home Farm. These farmers, along with the principal farmer, would form farmers’ cooperatives and receive returns based on how much their particular crop fetches on the market. Benefits of operating agricultural and integrated management areas as one farm are:

Crop rotation coordination is simplified by treating all agricultural/integrated management areas as one area to pre-determine what range of crops can be grown in a given area for that season, or multiple seasons.

Grassland set asides, ley crops, and cover crops can also be better coordinated on a larger, whole farm scale. These techniques are essential to good soil management.

Less experienced farmers who are being mentored by other farmers will experience a wider range of farm operations and develop a core understanding of farm systems (crops, livestock, pest management, seasons, marketing, water and nutrient management).

Farmer co-op models: There are infinite ways to organize a farmer co-op.. Appendix D gives three co-op models from North America. Key elements of a successful farmer co-op are: Clear farmer access agreements (leases, profits a prendre, memorandums of understanding, licenses etc.), conflict resolution mechanisms, equitable profit sharing, system for sharing equipment; and a solid agriculture plan, which in this case must be responsive to wildlife and fish needs.

Sustainable plan: A key responsibility of the principal farmer and farmer co-op is to develop a whole agro-ecosystem plan that defines:

Crop rotations;

Watering schedules;

Coordination of shared equipment;

Wildlife integration strategies;

Pest management strategies;

Conflict resolution mechanisms and profit-sharing; and

Long term goals for seasonal, annual, daily and weekly activities.

Farm access agreements: In operating Colony Farm as one unit, access to the land for farmers will need to be formalized as a lease or some other legally binding document that ensures:

Sound practices that are consistent with the Colony Farm agricultural objectives (listed above) that value fish and wildlife;

Long-term tenure for long-term farmers; and

Valves and attitudes consistent with working in a public park setting and collaborating with others.

Example of a three-year crop rotation

Plowing-in of cover crops. (Source: madronafarm.com)

Cover crops are winter crops typically planted after harvest of summer grown cash crops. Up to 60-80% of a farm is cover


There are several ways for multiple farmers to have access to the land on Colony Farm. Leases offer the most attractive option to farmers as they provide long term tenure security. However, subleasing to individual farmers can be time consuming and expensive.

Explore formation of a farmers’ co-operative that has a single lease agreement with Metro Vancouver. Within this cooperative, farmers may purchase shares in the co-op upon entry and sell shares back upon exiting the co-op. Memorandum of understandings would need to be established with all farmers on the land.1

Organic practices, not certification- Organic certification for a farm is viewed by some farmers as unnecessary to actually growing organically. For small producers especially, the fees and paperwork involved can seem onerous, even prohibitive. While there are clear benefits to organic certification such as customer assurance that what they are buying is organically grown, healthy and nutritious food can be produced without certification. Further, organic certification may interfere with potential agriculture research and experimental programs envisaged for the site. As a result the question of organic certification of agriculture operations at Colony Farm has not been resolved and remains under review. In any case, Colony Farm agriculture producers will use methods that support ecological processes and strict organic practices whether their operations are certified organic or not.

Figure 11 depicts the multiple scales of agriculture that are anticipated on Colony Farm. These various types of farming activities from community gardening to

principal farming must be considered and coordinated as part of the whole farm plan as well as part of the farm access agreements (i.e. who is farming what).

1 For more information on farmer access agreements please refer to A Guide to Farmland Access Agreements: Leases, Profits a Prendre, Licences and Memoranda of Understanding. 2009. The Land Conservancy, Farm Folk City Folk. Community Farms Program.

Collaborate with local universities and educational institutions to conduct research projects and biological inventories that contribute to adaptive management goals.

Figure 11: Multiple Scales of Agriculture


3.3.3. PROGRAM DETAIL & DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Sustainable agriculture is the primary focus on the Home Farm fields and Integrated Management Areas, including some commercial elements, education and training, and demonstration. Many of the same principles that apply to natural resource management in the Park will apply to agricultural and park developments. However the need for integration of facilities leads to some immediate challenges given what is already known about the wildlife values of some areas. These challenges and strategies are further explored in section 4. Special care will be needed up front to identify habitat use by a number of species and to develop strategies for their protection despite the introduction of agriculture and facilities. Table 3 provides an inventory of the full set of program activities and their related design considerations. Also, Appendix F highlights eight farming innovations that could be adopted into the sustainable agriculture program.

Table 3: Sustainable Agriculture Program Detail and Design Guidelines


Farming Principal farm Locate on best quality soils on-site.

Also may include IMA areas. Principal farmer residence Principal farmer residence could be

integrated into the farm market academy cluster

Micro farms Smaller farms where farmers who want to work a smaller piece of land (e.g. small plot intensive farming) may do so.

Livestock, Equipment and tool storage

Large barn with power and water.

Apiculture A designated area that is set-back from high activity areas.

Storage (dry, cold, frozen) Associated with processing facilities in the market cluster.

Wildlife Integrated with Agriculture Provision for wildlife integration on the Home farm and Integrated Management Areas

Grassland set-asides Ley crops Establish hedgerows Riparian ditches Crop rotation

Recreation Integrated with Agriculture

Further design details in Appendix E

No-go areas Some areas in the farm will not permit public access. Fences, gates, plants and signing will be provided accordingly.


Table 3: Sustainable Agriculture Program Detail and Design Guidelines


Controlled public access during events and programs

Public access provided only at specific times and usually with a guide examples demonstration plots, research plots.

Public access adjacent to farmed areas

Good design techniques used to achieve a suitable separation.

Community Gardens Allotment Gardens Access to water, tools, equipment

and storage, picnic table. Organization allotment plots Larger allotment plots for non-profit

organizations. Education and Training Mentorship program Staging area for farm interns. Farm tours Appropriate trails around agriculture

for tours. Demonstration plots and Activities Many possible demonstration topics.

See Appendix E for examples. Gardens on non-park land Explore availability of unused non-

park land for gardens and parking (e.g. ARES land)

Processing and direct marketing of farm goods

Processing: field edge (top and tailing, rinsing, bagging)

Requires cover, water, and road access.

Processing: community kitchen (preserves, dehydrations

Included in Academy cluster.

Market garden centre Water and power servicing, covered-permanent area for farm marketing.

Composting Staging area Covered area with tables. Loading zone for drop-off and pick-up

Requires turn round area for trucks.

Equipment storage Associated with main cluster, requires access to Farm roads.

Research Bird Surveys Bird studies should begin. Two

species of concern are the Lazuli Bunting and the Great Blue Heron. The Bunting is present in the Park during June. Great Blue Herons gather in old-fields over the winter. See Appendix B.

Agricultural research Designated areas where experimental crops, organic pest management strategies among other things may be tested and monitored.


3.3.4. FARMERS MARKET/FARM AND PARK OPERATIONS CLUSTER

The market cluster would serve as the retail center for the farm at a visible and convenient location close to the park entrance. Farm operations would be centered here with some processing and storage facilities. Park operations would also work out of this area. Combining farm and park operation avoids the costly duplication space. Public facilities at this location include washrooms, parking areas for cooking and farm demonstrations. Table 4 lists facilities and functions more completely and Figure 12 shows a preliminary site concept.

Table 4: Market Farm Cluster – Buildings, Facilities and Functions

Building , Facility Function Building Program Market building, farm and park operations building

Sales of produce, seasonal tailgate market, refreshments, demonstrations and programs

Retail sales, demonstration kitchen, offices(2), lunchroom (staff & farm workers), workshop, equipment storage, public washrooms

Landscaping Ornamental landscaping, pasture-like area

Plantings, walkways and paths

Field-edge processing

Prepare, wash, store, freeze harvested crops

One room building with potable water, counters and storage facilities such as a drying shed

Farm residence Residence for farmer on site; small garden

Residence for use by Farm Manager, caretaker or employee

Parking Parking for market, community and allotment gardens, staff and residence

Public parking-100 spaces Staff and worker parking- 25 spaces; overflow parking- 100 spaces

Servicing Storm, water, sanitary, power, communications

Site preparation Clearing, preload, fill


Figure 12: Farm Market Cluster


Providence Farm 2008

3.4. THERAPEUTIC FARMING & GARDENING Restorative engagement with nature at Colony Farm Regional Park includes horticultural therapy, therapeutic gardening, and farming. The entire natural setting of the Farm, and all activities that take place on the Farm have the potential to provide restorative experiences, however for purposes of this discussion there is a focus on strictly therapeutic forms of agriculture.

Therapeutic programs are high value programs with a high cost per client served. Clients can participate in providing some necessary functions on the farm such as working in greenhouses. Providence Farm on Vancouver Island provides an excellent model of therapeutic program. 3.4.1. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Seek partnerships to develop therapeutic farming and gardening facilities and programs, including for example:

Vocational programs that focus on improving employment skills and work habits;

Rehabilitative or therapeutic programs that focus on recovery from mental or physical illness or injury; and

Social Programs that focus on improving general health and quality of life.

3.4.2. PROGRAM AND DESIGN DETAIL

Therapeutic farming and gardening on Colony Farm will mostly utilize the same resources as outline in the sustainable agriculture section. Therapists and clients will need access to:

A passive therapeutic garden for contemplation and rest.

Suitable farming and gardening areas close to support facilities; including:

o Land with healthy soil, and raised planting beds at a variety of heights

o Outdoor tables and chairs as working surfaces, with some shade

o Shared Indoor classroom, greenhouse, and kitchen

o Accessible pathways throughout the farm


3.5. Fish and Wildlife Wildlife management and conservation at Colony Farm is a long-standing practice that has proven to be successful in protecting and providing key habitats. MVRP has committed to an ecosystem approach which considers the entire ecosystem, including humans, and is based on principles of sustainability, adaptive management and interconnectedness. The principles of ecosystem management apply to the whole site, including the wildlife, integrated management, and agricultural areas. Ecosystems management and conservation programs at Colony Farm are based on the following principles:

Biological diversity and structural complexity strengthen ecosystem function and increase an ecosystem’s resiliency and ability to tolerate disturbance and climate change. Ecosystems are managed for sustainability, ensuring that ecosystem function and process is conserved over time.

Management is science-based relying on sound ecological models and up-to-date understanding of ecosystem function and components. Our understanding of ecosystem processes and interactions is evolving.

Ecosystems change and evolve over time and this is part of the natural process. However, in urban systems the factors that drive change and or maintain systems in equilibrium are often impaired. Management practices that simulate natural disturbance regimes may be required to maintain an ecosystem or promote change.

Humans are an integral part of the ecosystem. Community involvement, stewardship and opportunities for learning are important elements of habitat management, enhancement and restoration.

Natural resource management must be adaptive. Habitat management, restoration and enhancement projects are largely experimental. Each project should be viewed as hypotheses to be tested through monitoring and research.

Objectives

Manage old fields to preserve ecosystem function and to conserve critical habitat for grassland birds, small mammals and birds-of-prey.

Protect critical habitat for rare species, especially red and blue listed species.

Prevent the spread of invasive plants and agricultural weeds that threaten biological diversity, ecosystem function and or agricultural viability using an integrated approach that includes early detection and response.

Re-introduce fish habitat into Colony Farm in ways that are complementary to the existing old-field and riparian habitat and overall biodiversity of the site.

Wildlife Area


Increase biodiversity and structural complexity by providing habitat features such as wetlands, hedgerows and refuges for invertebrates, amphibians, birds and mammals.

Integrate wildlife and agriculture in the agriculture and integrated

management areas through the creation of habitat and refuges for beneficial birds, insects and reptiles.

Provide opportunities for stewardship and education in research and

habitat enhancement projects.


Table 5: Wildlife Program Detail and Design Requirements


Old Field Management Periodic mowing of old fields to limit succession, remove and prevent the spread of invasive species and maintain a diversity of grasses and forbs

Renovate fields on a rotational basis to and minimize short term impacts on wildlife and maximize diversity by allowing fields to develop at different stages of succession

Protect critical habitat Implement a monitoring program to identify critical habitat and important habitat components for Lazuli Bunting. Develop a management plan for the most critical area and provide identified important habitat components throughout the park.

Protect critical habitat for Great Blue Herons. Provide winter foraging opportunities by planting cover crops and set–asides that attract small mammals.

Follow and promote best practices for activities around nesting barn owl; monitor nesting activity during implementation of agricultural activities.




Confirm presence of Western Painted Turtle, determine critical habitat for protection.

Integrate Wildlife and Agriculture Utilize grassland sets asides, naturalized field margins, and winter cover crops to create habitat for small mammals and grassland birds in agricultural areas.

Plant native species in hedgerows to provide food and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial birds and insects.

Use brush and rock piles to create refuges for garter snakes and other predators.

Manage Invasive Species Continued research and monitoring on invasive species

Control blackberry , thistle and other invasive species in wildlife fields and sheep paddocks

Use biological controls where appropriate (e.g. Galerucella beetle to control purple loosestrife).

Promote and utilize an early detection and response approach to agricultural weeds to limit their spread.

Develop guidelines and support research on organic practices for control of agricultural weeds

Ensure that crops and plants in agricultural areas, and gardens are non-invasive. Maintain a list of “forbidden” plants

Increase biodiversity and structural complexity

Plant trees and shrubs, add coarse woody debris and rock refuges for reptiles to increase habitat diversity In Sheep Paddocks 2.




Create hedgerows throughout the site to increase structural diversity and provide habitat for resident and migratory birds.

Evaluate function of two existing habitat compensation areas to determine if the wetlands should be maintained as-is, restored to function as off channel habitat for salmonids as originally intended, or enhanced for other species.

Enhance ephemeral wetland in agricultural area. Look for opportunities to create and or enhance small ephemeral wetlands in areas where drainage is poor. Ephemeral wetlands provide habitat for tree frogs and red-legged frogs.

Reintroduce Fish habitat Conduct necessary engineering, hydrological and environmental studies to determine feasibility of Sheep Paddocks 3.

Adapt existing ditches and where appropriate create new multi purpose drainage ditches that provide off-channel habitat for native fish in winter – especially coho.

Plant trees and hedgerows adjacent to ditches to provide shade and nutrients for fish.


3.6. IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE A sub-surface drainage system along with improvements to the existing ditch network, together with an irrigation system, is critical to the re-introduction of agriculture to the site. The interweaving of aquatic and terrestrial habitat into a functioning agricultural unit makes design decisions more complex as one needs rationalize field and crop requirements as well as that of the needs of fish and wildlife as it is introduced, or in some instances protected and maintained. Making a controlled connection between the internal ditch system to the Coquitlam River as a measure to create salmonid over wintering habitat is an example of one of those measures. 3.6.1. GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Drainage improvements and irrigation are required for Agricultural and Integrated Management Areas. Consideration should be given to whether such improvements might benefit Wildlife Areas. Drainage and irrigation systems must be flexible and effective to enable agriculture to be successfully re-established within the context of the integration of natural habitat systems. There are many factors and alternatives for consideration and further study. 3.6.2. PROGRAM DETAIL AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Irrigation and Drainage is a complex area requiring engineering and further study. This is a high priority area for further action because the success of the farm program depends on it. The points below summarize what has been learned so far and outlines next steps and alternatives. Drainage: Due to naturally occurring high water tables, soil type and character, a subsurface drainage system that draws down the water table to a more favourable elevation for crop production and field management is required. Further study is required to determine the adequacies of, and the preferences to convey sub drainage flows into field ditches and channels. Accurate and current topographic information will be required to help determine a final design. Water Table Control: Constituent soils are highly organic and need to be maintained as naturally wet as possible in order to reduce the rate of decomposition with resultant subsidence while balancing the need to support a variety of unsaturated soil depths for the crops grown. To accomplish water table control on a field by field basis and given the natural gradient of the property, water level control structures will be required at the outlets to field sub-drainage sub systems. Accurate and current topographic information will be required to help determine the number and location of control structures. This is a topic for further study. Sub-Irrigation: Given that water table control structures are incorporated into the design of the sub-drainage system there may be opportunities to achieve some degree of sub-irrigation. This does not preclude the need for surface irrigation to support a sufficient moisture regime for germination or for when


fields are planted with a complex matrix of crops with different rooting characteristics. Sub-irrigation may reduce or eliminate the need for surface irrigation in some instances. Drainage Pump Station: As the elevation of the Coquitlam River relative to the Colony Farm lands precludes the river as an outlet, it will be necessary to pump surplus storm and drainage system water to the river or to an alternative outlet. On-site storm storage or detention facilities, together with current ditch and channel storage capacity may reduce the need to pump to peak flow capacities. An analysis of the management of storm water will be required to fully understand a final direction and design. Irrigation: Although some crops such as forage and grain crops can be grown without irrigation, consideration ought to be given to an irrigation system that is flexible enough to accommodate surface (sprinkler or trickle) irrigation over the extent of the agricultural and integrated management land use areas of the Farm. Water Sources: Sources of water for irrigation and agricultural uses are primarily from the Coquitlam River, internal ditches and channels fed from the Coquitlam River, well water, and domestic water. Each has its’ own set of advantages and disadvantages and a combination of sources may ultimately be the best answer to the question of source. Surface water poses some constraints related to water borne microbiological contamination and may not be suitable for crops at certain times or for livestock. Ground water from a well system may meet water quality standards, but may not be able to provide sufficient quantities of water when required. Lastly, domestic water used for large scale irrigation may not be permitted by the authorities, or subject to availability schedules, or prove to be expensive to consume. This is a topic for further study. Environmental Considerations: The existing ditches and channels currently host suitable habitat for amphibians, reptiles, aquatic mammals, waterfowl and fish. A proposal to open the internal ditch and channel system to the Coquitlam River has the potential to subject the internal ditch system to the tidal flows of the Coquitlam River so as to create over-wintering habitat for the Coho salmon. This is a desirable direction to take, however is not without its complexity and would need to be designed and operated accordingly. Salmonid over wintering in ditches: Further study is required regarding the competing requirements of agriculture or salmonids in ditches. Between February and May they require opposite conditions. Presence of salmon and the associated drainage regime must be reconciled with the requirements of winter cover crop. Innovation: A well coordinated, highly motivated multidisciplinary approach will be required for this multifaceted project. Under these conditions there is the greatest possibility for innovation. Legal Requirements: Metro Vancouver’s obligations to neighbors who share drainage ditches and those conditions found within the Combined Storm Drainage Agreement with the City of Coquitlam need to be well understood in making drainage decisions.


3.7. RECREATION Over 300,000 people per year enjoy the recreation trails at Colony Farm. People on foot or with bikes cruise along the dyke trails, bridges, and field trails. Also, community gardeners are a permanent facet of the recreation program on Colony Farm. The COLSP looks to expand the community gardens, improve connectivity of trails both within the site as well as to the surrounding community provide for basic facilities including washrooms and picnic facilities. Consideration is given to wheelchair accessible recreation options as well as interpretive signage for trailways to provide education opportunities along points of interest on site.

3.7.1. OBJECTIVES

Colony Farm has a long history of public use and enjoyment. The guiding principles below outline the key parameters for recreation on Colony Farm. Recreation at Colony Farm will:

Be thoughtfully designed with wildlife and agriculture to maximize learning experiences and minimize negative impacts.

Provide universal accessibility, wherever possible.

Be appropriately located and provide for bikes, wheelchairs, pedestrians and dogs as appropriate.

Connected both within the site and to other trails in the surrounding community.

Be primarily focused on passive recreation opportunities such as trails, picnicking, gardening, and enjoyment of nature.

Provide basic facilities to enable the park to be used in a safe and convenient way including washrooms, drinking water, and parking.



The recreation program on Colony Farm consists mainly of a connected trail system, day-use area, and outdoor education. Table 6 outlines the program detail and consequent design requirements and other considerations. Figure 13 illustrates the trail system for Colony Farm includes a new bridge crossing the Coquitlam River.

Table 6: Recreation Program Detail and Design Requirements


Trails and bridges

Perimeter trail, secondary loop trails

Adequate buffering from sensitive wildlife areas

Connections New pedestrian bridge over Lougheed highway

Restoring the Sheep Paddocks Trail joining Mundy Creek (Slough) and Pitt River road is a priority.

Access to Macquabeak Park and beyond

Bridges New bridge over Coquitlam River, north of the Mundy Creek confluence to connect the perimeter trail system.

Day-use

Day-use Parking, Washrooms, picnic area, Public greens

Overnight area Camp-area (could be a portion of public greens) used on a special permit basis.

Education and training

Interpretive signage Locate throughout the site, especially along trails

Farm tours Appropriate trails around ag for tours

Observation posts Locate in areas of interest with benches and interpretive signage

Circulation around the park

Trail, road and path purposes and guidelines

A variety of different types of trails, paths and roads will be required for different purposes. See Appendix J.


Figure 13: Trails and recreation


3.8. HERITAGE CONSERVATION

Guiding Principle: Heritage features within the park will be protected and the sites history will be drawn upon in programs and design.

• Bunkhouse – Will be rehabilitated as the core of the Academy for sustainable Food Production. A sympathetic addition will be required to provide for all the Academy needs.

• Farm Managers House – Will be rehabilitated to serve as a residence on site.

• Village Green – Will remain an open area for public use. The wrought iron enclosure will be restored.

• Design Theme for the Park - The rich and varied architecture of the Farm is well documented in photographs. Though the farm buildings varied in architectural quality, some of their appealing features may be captured as design elements in structures to be built for the Academy and Park, in fences and site furniture. This will add an important dimension to the site.

• Trees and Landscape Materials – Because it is a culturally modified landscape, the farm is suitable for ornamental trees and plans and fruit trees that might not be planted in most Regional Parks.

3.9. EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

The Academy for Sustainable Food Production will provide opportunities for a scope and scale of program not seen elsewhere in the Regional Park System.

Guiding Principles

• Use a variety of learning opportunities and perspectives; provide direct approaches and interactive visitor experiences as well as static ones.

• Develop major themes such as: agriculture, fish and wildlife, recreation management and integration, and history.

• Where appropriate, incorporate a sense of play as a recognizable element within the landscape or facilities both indoors and outdoors.

3.10. FLOOD PROOFING Most of the Home Farm will be used as active farmland with two clusters of buildings incorporated to support the objectives of agriculture and the academy. It is well understood that permanent buildings will require the highest level of protection (200-year return period) and that farm and park areas may be maintained at a lower level of protection (50-year return period level) The Wilson Farm will be used for agricultural field activities, together with wildlife and natural habit objectives and passive recreational pursuits. Both Farms are afforded some protection from potential flooding of the Coquitlam River and are characterized by the City of Coquitlam as “Local Authority Non


Standard Dyke” (also known as an Agricultural Dyke). This level of protection is sufficient for the protection of farm, wildlife and recreation lands but not for the new proposed facilities.

The Inspector of Dykes will not require Metro Vancouver to raise the dykes at Colony Farm and they currently meet the standards required by the City of Coquitlam.

Given the proposal to construct new infrastructure and buildings on the Home Farm a number of flood protection options have been discussed and a variety of issues associated with each of them was considered. Options discussed included:

Option 1: Raising existing dykes to a elevation commensurate with “Standard Dyke” protection. (Estimated at $14.7 million)

Option 2: Constructing a new “Standard Dyke” on the Home farm parallel to the existing inside drainage ditch while maintaining the inside ditch. (Estimated at $18 million)

Option 3: Reconstruct Colony Farm Road to an elevation corresponding to a “Standard Dyke” level of protection. (Estimated at $13.8 million)

Option 4: Raise or elevate facilities requiring protection to the appropriate level of protection on a site specific basis. (Estimate of $1 million)

Other options: Develop a building form that meets protection requirements by designing flood sensitive occupancies at levels above target flood elevations AND Combinations of several options.

These options are outlined in more detail in Appendix K. For the purpose of this plan the option(s) chosen is a combination of option 4 and building form that meets protection requirements. These are the most practical, cost effective and have the lowest impact for the Regional Park, but do not address the flood protection needs of neighbors, particularly the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.

3.10.1. FLOOD PROOFING CONSIDERATIONS

The new facilities that are proposed for Colony Farm (market farm and academy clusters) require some level of flood proofing. At this time, the flood proofing option that is most cost effective and therefore desirable is to create building clusters and buildings at or above the target 200 year/ design flood level. This option would meet City of Coquitlam flood protection requirements for occupied facilities by raising the ground surface; by constructing a floodable, non habitable floor below the main habitable space; or by a combination of the above. The raised facilities option also has greater flexibility for phasing and timing of expenditure for capital works.

Metro Vancouver would consider a common approach that benefits neighbors if this can be agreed upon in a timely fashion relative to plan implementation and if an equitable cost sharing can be achieved. Metro Vancouver will invite continuing discussions with neighbors about a common approach to flood protection. Flood proofing approaches will be evaluated


and adjusted as new information about capital investment, costs, design flood elevation and risks becomes available. Flood protection approaches have to be carefully analyzed for their visual, environmental, park and agricultural impacts, as well as cost relative to risk.

Non habitable space below buildings can be used for storage of tools and farm equipment such as tractors.

Additional topographic survey and geotechnical investigation will be required to ascertain the amount of fill required and its likely cost. Having an accurate assessment of this is critical to confirming the wisdom of the preferred option.

Given that all of the available land for dyke development is located on the Home Farm, it will be difficult to establish rights-of-way for future flood protection works. After the Sustainability Plan investments are in place, it will be extremely costly and disruptive to then install comprehensive flood protection works. Figure 14 below depicts conceptually the main dykes, drainage channels, natural flooding and raised buildings for Colony Farm

Figure 14: Existing Dykes, drainage, and flood proofing (conceptual only)


4. Integrated Design Systems on Colony Farm

4.1. TRANSITION / INTEGRATION AREAS Transition areas are identified as points of integration between agriculture, recreation and fish and wildlife uses. Integrating these uses is a key component in the Colony Farm concept and is considered in the detailed design of the Park. Design elements such as landscape features, buildings and structures, required facilities (parking, etc.), signage, as well as dedicated spaces, edge spaces, buffers and circulation systems, are key opportunities for integration of agricultural, fish and wildlife and recreational park uses.

4.1.1. OBJECTIVES FOR TRANSITION / INTEGRATION AREAS

The concept of integration applies to the entire Park area. However, each physical area, program or physical design element will be treated differently and express unique aspects of integration. The guiding principles listed below provide the general parameters for integration of uses at Colony Farm.

Areas of intense integration should be treated appropriately; design elements should reflect a hierarchy of components ranging from those inviting interaction and full integration of uses to those areas that need more controlled use or priority of use to be successfully integrated.

All design elements should seek to maximize opportunities for interaction of uses.

Design elements should accommodate some flexibility and cost-effective adaptation for evolution of programming and changing of infrastructure needs.

All design elements should seek to reflect and augment the aesthetic values of the Park’s history, programming and overall vision.

4.1.2. INTEGRATION DESIGN IDEAS AND GUIDELINES

Key integration areas on Colony Farm can be classified into the five categories outlined below. These areas should be guided by the principles outlined above and are unique places where physical design and attention to details must focus on authentically integrating elements of use.

Categories and location of further reference material:

1. Hedgerows (Appendix H) 2. Wetlands, Ponds and Drainage Systems (including riparian areas)

(Appendix I) 3. Agricultural Production & Integrative Management Areas (Appendix

E) 4. Circulation Systems & Access Nodes (Appendix J) 5. Programming - Interpretive Sites 6. Facilities & Designated Event Spaces

Integrated Management Areas


4.1.3. CLOSED LOOP SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS FOR COLONY FARM

Figure 14 below graphically depicts how water, energy, and nutrients could flow on Colony Farm with an emphasis on closed-loop systems.

Figure 15: Energy, Water, and Nutrient Flows


5. Implementation The full implementation of Colony Farm and Academy is a major undertaking requiring significant investment, new management and governance structures, partnership creation, and strategic phasing. Table 7 summarizes the costs of all program elements. This section provides as much detail as possible at this stage of planning around these issues.

5.1. CAPITAL COSTS & PHASING

5.1.1. CAPITAL COSTS

A five year capital program is presented here for construction of the Regional Park and Sustainability Academy facilities described in this plan. This is an ambitious program and it could be spread over more than five years if

Table 7: Class D cost estimate for COLSP

Colony Farm Academy Capital Cost Estimates

Academy Centre $7,561,250

Events area $350,000

Therapeutic Garden/ Farm $590,000

Animal husbandry $1,968,100

Market/Farm and Park Service Centre

$7,884,250

Road improvements and parking $1,534,250

Utilities/ Infrastructure $791,250

Field Improvements $2,164,000

Wildlife and Environmental Improvements

$2,435,000

Recreation, trails bridges $2,562,900

Education/Interpretive & enhancements

$575,000

TOTAL $28,416,000

Optional / Alternative Items

Overflow Parking/Gardens FPH Land $908,125

Alternative Farm Centre/Service yard Site

$935,000

Environmental Improvements – Phase 2

$1,050,000


needed. The program needs to be submitted and prioritized along with other capital requests for Regional Parks in Metro Vancouver’s portfolio management program. Priority projects are then submitted and approved by the Metro Vancouver Board as part of the budget process. Table 8 summarizes the 5-year program.

The capital program as presented is a representative improvement and building program. As a precursor to the initiation of the capital program proposed, there is an expectation that there will be an intensive analysis of feasibility of the various elements of the plan, together with a detailed exploration of site conditions and topography, the preparation of concept plans, a refinement of program elements, and detailed plans for review and approvals. It is anticipated that this step in project implementation would be at least a one year period. Since partnerships are required to implement this program, Metro Vancouver will take this time to decide at what point partnership and funding contribution arrangements are suitably in place to start.

The program is based on the premise that it is important to get farming started early at Colony Farm, hence the field, wildlife and environmental improvements (including drainage and irrigation) are scheduled early-on and spread over a three year period on a geographic basis. These important elements will enable Colony Farm to be a farm again. The recreation improvements scheduled early in the program consist of re-establishing the now closed Sheep Paddocks Trail. All these components are regarded under current thinking as exclusively Metro Vancouver’s financial responsibility, so partnerships can continue to be developing during this time.

Road improvements, parking, and infrastructure/utilities begin in Year 2 to set the stage for the building program. The service component of the Market/Farm Service Centre should be the first building to start as it provides support infrastructure for the functions of farming and park operations, such as places to store and maintain tractors, tools and equipment and facilities for the storage and primary processing of crops, etc. This Centre would not be finished until Year 4 of the program. The Farmers’ Market might have to operate out of temporary quarters such as tents or portable buildings until that time, or other arrangements made for sale of produce off site.

The Sustainability Academy along with the therapeutic gardens and other surrounding outdoor spaces may be the last large facilities to be constructed. If partners are in place and the design of the facility is complete, it could be completed in about one year and be operational by the end of Year 3.

Recreational improvements continue throughout the program in accordance with this plan, with conventional interpretive signing and interpretive enhancements added in Years 2 through 5. The therapeutic gardening component and animal husbandry are the last program elements to be added.

The two heritage buildings are scheduled for rehabilitation in Years 2 and 3. However, as their use remains to be integrated with other aspects of the plan, this could change.

While a ten year capital development is typical in most Park plans, the wish to get the whole Farm/ Academy package operational and the amount of


construction involved makes a consolidated construction period most practical.

The program is costed-out in constant dollars; an alterative program with 3% cost escalation per year is presented in Appendix L. An ambitious capital program such as this could be greatly affected under inflationary conditions.

Table 8: Five Year Capital Program (Constant Dollars)

Facility or Project Cost Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Field Improvements $2,164,000 $1,029,667 $629,667 $504,667

Academy Centre $6,911,250 $6,215,333 $557,583 $138,333

Events Area $350,000 $87,500 $87,500 $87,500 $87,500

Therapeutic Garden/Farm $590,000 $590,000

Barns, Structures and Animal Husbandry $1,968,100 $1,968,100

Market/Farm and Park Service Centre $7,884,250 $2,628,083 $2,628,083 $2,628,083

Road Improvements and Parking $1,534,250 $1,430,750 $103,500

Infrastructure - Utilities $791,250 $791,250

Wildlife and Environmental Improvements $2,435,000 $920,000 $920,000 $595,000

Recreation, Trails, Bridges $2,562,900 $287,000 $673,975 $673,975 $673,975 $253,975

Entry feature and landscape elements $650,000 $650,000

Educational/Interpretive Enhancements $575,000 $143,750 $143,750 $143,750 $143,750

Totals $28,416,000 $2,236,667 $7,304,975 $10,951,808 $4,680,891 $3,241,658

Optional/Alternative Items (not funded)

Alternative Farm/Park Operations Centre $935,000

Alternative Parking/Gardens FPH lands $908,125

Environmental Improvements Phase 2 $1,050,000

Park and Academy Operations


Park Operations: As the functions of Colony Farm expand and become increasingly complex, the number and type of staff involved in Park Operations will increase. The following positions will be needed on site:

Park Operations Supervisor

Park Operator

Park Assistants (2-3)

Seasonal Park Workers

Resource Management Technician

Administration

Caretaker

Academy Operations: The functions of the Sustainability Academy are also broad and the following positions will be needed:

Academy Director

Farm Manager

Educator (Farmer Training Program)

Farmer’s Market Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator (academy, farm and stewardship activities and events)

Therapeutic Program Coordinator

Therapeutic Gardening Leaders

Community Coordinator (gardens, outreach, market liaison)

Education and Interpretation Specialist (public and school programs)

Researcher

Principal Farmer (1-2)

Farm trainees, students or interns (8 per year/ 3 year program)

Farm workers

Administration

An estimate of future operating costs has not been prepared.


5.2. FUNDING AND REVENUE GENERATION Metro Vancouver is seeking partners to build and operate the Academy; however Metro Vancouver will retain responsibility for building Regional Park amenities. For the facilities that are expected to be built on site as described in this plan, some capital costs will be cost shared with partners and others will be Metro Vancouver’s alone and others the sole responsibility of partners. Table 9 (below) illustrates some possible funding sources & leadership options.

Table 9: Colony Farm Capital Cost Sharing Assumptions

Building or facility Assumptions about who will pay

Academy (and Visitor) Centre Partners

Events area Partners & MV

Therapeutic Garden/ Farm Partners

Animal husbandry Partners

Market/Farm and Park Service Centre Partners & MV

Road improvements and parking MV only

Utilities/ Infrastructure MV only

Field Improvements Partners & MV

Wildlife and Environmental Improvements Partners & MV

Recreation, trails & bridges MV & Partners

Education/Interpretive & enhancements MV & Partners

Entrance Arch Partners & MV

Optional items/alternatives

Overflow Parking/Gardens FPH Land MV only

Alternative Farm Centre/Service yard Site MV and partners

For purposes of Academy operation, core funding will have to be provided on an annual basis by Metro Vancouver and major partners. Metro Vancouver will continue to use grants and senior government funding programs to fund its share of the costs. There are a number of revenue sources implied in this plan. These are:

Principal farm rental or % gross revenue Micro farm rental or % gross revenue Farm Market sales Allotment gardens plot rental Educational program tuitions Therapeutic agriculture contracts


Miscellaneous program fees Farmers’ residence rental (3) Grants and donations

The magnitude of these revenues has not been determined. A business plan should be prepared at an early stage to determine both revenues and costs.

5.3. THOUGHTS ON GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Sustainability Plan does not have to resolve governance of the Academy for Sustainable Food Production and farming or its integration with current parks functions and operations. The following ideas are presented for consideration to show that there are viable and practical ways of handling this matter.

Metro Vancouver is currently responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Regional Park and facilities within it. The current operating budget is $300,000 per year and there are two full-time and one seasonal staff.

Colony Farm Regional Park and the Academy for Sustainable Food Production will most likely be separate entities that work closely together to realize the common vision and goals. The main organizing principle that is being used to delineate the Park from the Academy is to look at their respective mandates. Generally, the Parks Department of Metro Vancouver functions to ensure the public use and enjoyment of parks under their jurisdiction. The proposed Academy exists to support and facilitate exploration and discovery around healthy food systems that are integrated with wildlife in our region. Using these basic mandates, Table 10 delineates the role of the Park and Academy based on their program focus, main user groups, facilities, location, and management systems and role of Metro Vancouver in each. Figure 16 presents a graphic representation of the relation between different parties on site.

Table 10: Description of management consortium for Colony Farm and Academy

Management group

Description and composition

Metro Vancouver Would continue their mandate to ensure the public use and enjoyment of Colony Farm.

Cooperation and collaboration with the Academy will be necessary and may require a broadening of the roles and responsibilities.

Would potentially fund and or coordinate all of the initial capital investments for buildings, infrastructure, and flood protection in order to facilitate that the Colony Farm Park and Sustainability Academy vision.

Park Caretaker Would be supported by Metro operations staff in the day-to-day maintenance of the Park.

Would live on-site and coordinate with the principal farmer.



Management group


Academy for Sustainable Food Production

Would consist of a board of directors from groups that provide core-funding to the Academy or serve a core-function of the Academy (e.g. principal farmer).

Representation from First Nations is invited. Would report to its own Board - Metro

Vancouver would sit on this Board. Would maintain all buildings and grounds

associated with its operation. Would fundraise for operation and capital funds

(to add to Metro Vancouver core funds). Would provide volunteer coordination

Colony Farm Academy Director

Would be employed by the Academy Board. Would be responsible for coordinating Academy

activities including educational programming, fundraising, major events, partnerships etc as well as ensuring the vision and goals for the Academy are realized.

Would be an excellent networker and be able to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholder groups.

Knowledgeable about farming. Hold sustainability values.

Farmers’ Cooperative

Would be a consortium of independent operators including the micro farmers, principal farmer, and potentially the agricultural research and training people.

Would operate within parameters and values established in a lease that are based on farming principles outlined in the Colony Farm Sustainability Plan

Would collectively manage shared equipment and on-site sales of produce.

Would have representation on the Academy Board.

Principal Farmer Would be chosen through a competitive process and would have a strong commitment to the vision and goals of the Park and Academy.

Would be part of the training and mentorship programs on site focused on farmer succession.

Would live on-site and coordinate with the Park caretaker.

Colony Farm Park Association

Would continue independently OR become part of the Academy. This decision would need to be made by the CFPS.

Colony Farm Community

Would continue independently OR become part of the Academy. This decision would need to



Management group


Garden be made by the CFCG.

For further detail on roles and responsibility including some areas of uncertainty is found in Appendix M. Further detail on Farmer’s Cooperative models that could be used on site is found in Appendix D.

Figure 16 below graphically depicts the management and governance structure for Colony Farm and Academy. This is subject to change as the management of the Park evolves from this point forward.

Principal Farmer

Micro Farmers

Learning farmers, students,

researchers


Figure16: Governance and Management structure for Colony Farm and Academy


Appendices

APPENDIX A: COLONY FARM SPECIES AT RISK

Common Name

Scientific Name BC COSEWIC Comment

Birds

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentals

Red Casual, on river

Double crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

Blue NAR Coquitlam River, Mundy creek. Occasional.

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

Blue Resident, marsh and ditches.

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias fannini

Blue SC Resident, important staging ground in winter.

Green Heron Butorides virescens

Blue

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus anatum

Red SC Casual

Short-eared Owl.

Asio flammeus Blue SC Formerly in old-fields. Not seen for several years.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Blue SC Fields, marsh

Band tailed pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

Blue SC

Purple Martin Progne subis Blue Stop over in migration

Barn Owl Tyto alba Blue SC Resident. Old-fields and buildings.

Mammals

Pacific Water Shrew.

Sorex bendirii Red E Potential along riparian corridor. Not confirmed.

Reptiles

Western Painted Turtle

Chrysemys picta Red E Pacific Coast population

Amphibians

Red-legged Frog

Rana aurora Blue SC Likely, not confirmed

Plants

green-sheathed

Carex feta Red


sedge

fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea

Blue

Large St John’s wort

Hypericum majus

Blue

purple leaved

Epilobium ciliatum

Blue Wet old-fields, willowherb


Definitions:

COSEWIC: Committee On the Status of Endangered Species In Canada

Ranks (COSEWIC)

E = ENDANGERED: A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction

SC = SPECIAL CONCERN: A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. NAR = NOT AT RISK: A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

Ranks (BC LISTINGS)

Red Listed: Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened

Blue Listed: Special Concern


Co

quitla

m R

iver

A6

W2

W8A5

W4

A4

W3

A3

W7

W5

A1

W1

IMA4

IMA3

IMA1

IMA2

A2

A7

W6

A4a

SP3

SP2

SP1

Community gardens

±

0 0.5 1 1.50.25 Kilometers

Colony Farm Regional Park - Heron sightings

Heron-Pt CountRoute ARoute B

herons Most frequent sightings

Colony Farm Park BoundaryditchesField name

Colony Farm Heron Survyes - Most frequent sightings

APPENDIX B: AREAS FREQUENTED BY GREAT BLUE HERONS


APPENDIX C: LAND USE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Table 11: Summary of Concept Plan Detail

Management Area

Sub-area Description of land use Acres (Ha) includes dykes, roads, ditches, and buildings

Agricultural Management

Home Farm

Primarily agriculture. Includes multiple sub-areas and uses detailed below.

Total: 187 (75)

Program space: 142.2 (57.1)

Agriculture Academy Cluster

The Academy will act as a hub for Colony Farm activities. It will be a place to educate (classrooms, etc.), research and provide programming and administrative space for educators, interpretive staff, partners and volunteers.

3 (1.2)


Class rooms Included in above area calculation


Office space Included in above area calculation


Volunteer staging area Included in above area calculation


Residence for Park caretaker Included in above area calculation


Storage: cold, dry, and frozen Included in above area calculation


Processing: Field edge and community kitchen

Included in above area calculation


Livestock barn with green-house on-top


Agriculture

Market Farm Cluster

Residence for principal farmer




Management Area


Agriculture Academy cluster

Interpretive/visitor function includes demonstrations and exhibits on sustainable agriculture at Colony Farm, First Nations, urban agriculture, and new farming technologies/techniques.



Shared equipment storage Included in above area calculation

Agriculture Market Farm cluster

Farmers Market Centre with permanent tailgate sales and u-pick of Colony Farm produce (if possible).

3.4/8.4

Agriculture Principal Farm

Principal Farm ~ 40 Acres would allow the core farm to grow grain, berries, and livestock and market garden crops.

40 (16)

Agriculture Micro Farms

Micro Farms ~ 5-10 acre parcels. The intent for this area is to show it is possible to earn a livelihood on small well-managed parcels of land and produce products that can be direct marketed to businesses and consumers.

66 (27)

Agriculture Research and training plots

Research and training plots areas and facilities provided in conjunction with universities, colleges and district school programs. Includes: training, research and student practicum plots.

10 (4)

Agriculture Community gardens

Community and Allotment Gardens Demonstrates models for setting up community and allotment gardens. Crops grown are for household consumption, small business and NGO food programs.

20 (8)

Agriculture

Therapeutic gardening

Therapeutic agriculture and gardens provide opportunities for stress-relief as well as a source of connection to

2 (0.80)



Management Area


nature for people with physical or mental disabilities. Associated with Academy Cluster.

Agriculture Riparian ditches

Hedge rows, grassland margins and other features to ensure high-quality for wildlife in agricultural areas.

% of total programmable space- to be determined

Agriculture Integration and soil management

Crop rotation, cover crops, ley crops, grassland set asides and margins, 30m riparian ditches

% of total programmable space- to be determined

Agriculture Outdoor Recreation Event Space

Open space, picnicking, and event space.

5 (2)

Wildlife

Wildlife areas managed for biodiversity and have the least human activity out of all the areas on the site. Proposed changes include creation of fish habitat.

274 (111)

Wildlife Sheep Paddocks

Proposed trail and potential to develop Sheep Paddock 3 with additional fish habitat.

20 (8)

Wildlife Riparian forest

Maintain, monitor for invasive species and quality of habitat.

46 (18.6)

Wildlife Wilson Farm

Primarily wildlife area -managed to maximize fish and wildlife habitat benefits.

208 (84)

Integrated Management

Experimentation area for integrating agriculture and wildlife.

114 (46)


South Wilson Farm

Crop varieties may include perennials, shrubs, trees, grains, legumes, seed crops, vegetables, etc. (Review)

84 (34)


Northwest corner of Home

Experimentation in this area with new techniques for wildlife-agriculture integration is

30 (12)



Management Area


Farm encouraged.

Recreation trails Perimeter trail and various locations throughout the park

The primary routes proposed are to establish North-South and East-West trail connections to municipal trails and communities and completion of a perimeter trail around the Park. A multi-use trail and bridge to Riverview Hospital over Lougheed Highway is proposed with some form of safe wildlife crossing provided as well.

Interpretive sites

Throughout the park

Interpretive sites with signs, seating and exhibits for birds, wildlife, and agriculture techniques and technologies.

n/a

Historical, natural, or cultural sites

Throughout the park

Special sites highlighting pre and post contact history, therapeutic agriculture and area geology.

General Site Requirements

Other uses - Allocation estimate for uses such as access roads, event areas, recreation trails, and riparian set-backs and farm sheds/barn uses.

22 (9)

Total Total Acres / Hectares


APPENDIX D: CO-OP FARM MODELS Below are three examples of working cooperative farms and their main defining features are described.

Farming Model # 1: The Land Conservancy – Keating Community Farm Cooperative

Structural Organization

A Co-op Board of Directors is responsible for agreeing to on farm business activities and determining financial outcomes. They review farm business plans prepared by applicant farmers.

Conflicts are addressed with a meeting notice within 15 business days. Parties should attempt to resolve the issue within 30 business days. If this is not accomplished, then an external mediator should be brought in.

Access to Land

The land is owned by TLC. A profit a prendre is the legal agreement that allows the Keating Community Farm Cooperative to use the land for agricultural purposes. This type of agreement is useful when multiple agreements on one piece of land are sought.

Profit Distribution

Each member (to a maximum of 150 members) pays a $5000 share.

6 to 10 members will be farmers; the others will have primary access to the farm products.

As far as is evident, each farmer member submits an individual business plan.

Overall Management

A general schedule is prepared annually by TLC that outlines activities, events, hours of operation and public access during the year. The Co-op Board will comment and make adjustments.

Both parties have shared access and right of way to all the tillable, conservation and orchard lands.

Web Link http://www.conservancy.bc.ca/content.asp?sectionID=173&pageID=646

Farming Model # 2: Growing Power, Inc. – Rainbow Farmers Cooperative


Established in 1993, it is a membership driven marketing and education coop that allows small-scale farmers to band together and sell their produce to the community – which was previously difficult because they could not complete with wholesalers.

The Cooperative provides cash on delivery for farm products and sells to local restaurants, farmers’ markets and the community.

Access to Land

In this case, the farmers appear to own their own land or have made their own arrangements for land tenure.

Profit Distribution

The farmer gets: (quote from website)

⇒ Cash on delivery for their products, which they can immediately invest back into their farms;


⇒ Marketing of individual farms through growing power’s web site and word of mouth at multiple markets throughout Illinois and Wisconsin;

⇒ Transportation from farm to rfc’s storage warehouse in milwaukee;

⇒ Access to restaurants and small-scale wholesalers; and

⇒ Cooler storage space to assure quality control of produce.

Overall Management

The farmers’ products are purchased by RFC who then sell them locally.

Web Link http://www.growingpower.org/rainbow_farmers_coop.htm

Farming Model #3: Share to Farm


This model represents a much larger scale of farming than would be done on Colony Farm, but it highlights some ideas around sharing farming capital and operational jobs, which could be applied on a smaller scale.

Access to Land

Each farmer typically has their own land, but they are encouraged to work collaboratively with neighbours to share equipment, farm management and financial management/bookkeeping tasks.

“Collaborative agreements could range from anything between a simple machinery sharing arrangement, through to more complex arrangements which could include block cropping, shared gross margins and division of product output. The agreement and legal partnership should be appropriate for the activities of the group and must be fair to all parties.”

Profit Distribution

This will be arranged by contract between farmers. Share to Farm describes the basics of a well structured joint venture to follow these basic business principles (quote from website): ⇒ The laws of marginal costing or marginal economics.

In other words what is the return from the last few acres, not the average of the total acres.

⇒ The law of diminishing returns which is a relative reduction in returns for an ever increasing amount of input.

⇒ Partial budgeting to financially assess a change in the business by quantifying the costs saved and additional income compared with additional costs and less income.

Overall Management

The main element to consider for joint ventures is that in-built returns to the individuals are defined "to enable them to be automatically rewarded for their capital, effort and expertise at differing profitability levels.”

Web Link http://www.sharetofarm.com/


APPENDIX E: AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED WITH RECREATION AND WILDIFE There are many opportunities for integration in farming practices. The following elements in Table 12 should be carefully considered to encourage an integration of uses (shown in the following section-elevation Figure 17).

Table 12: Agriculture integrated with recreation and wildlife: Guidelines

Design Element Detail Large and small farm plots (including integrated management areas) should be managed together in rotational production – ley crops

Once these areas have become established, they can be placed on rotational production or mowing patterns. A portion of crops can be produced as lure or dedicated crop to wildlife needs.

Allow field edges to be ‘naturalized’ or gradual growth, especially those that are adjacent to woodlots

Field borders containing trees, shrubs or grasses provide food for birds, small mammals, and fox and provide nesting cover for many animals or birds. Field borders adjacent to woodlots may be particularly productive for wildlife. An attempt to retain a more natural or gradual field border will encourage use by different animals.

These are also good pathways for pedestrian recreational use year round and locations for viewpoints or ‘windows’ into farming.

Orchards of fruit trees must allow grassy herbaceous understory

Understory attracts wildlife by providing food, cover, and nesting areas. Birds might nest in grassy understories, while songbirds nest in fruit trees.

In addition, fruit allowed to fall to the ground is an excellent food source.

These locations are also ideal spots to incorporate limited areas for picnic sites or rest stops with interpretive-educational elements (without major disturbance to wildlife).

Designate public access areas or pathways through or adjacent to community gardens and orchard areas

Community – Allotment gardens may provide some wildlife support, but are more ideal locations to incorporate smaller event and interpretive spaces

Snags or standing dead trees, where safe, should be left and not removed, especially in old field areas. If leaving dead trees is not an option adjacent to old

Snags are good for wildlife to use for food, shelter, and nesting for birds and a variety of mammals or amphibians.

Snags and dead limbs also are an important source of perches for birds. Eagles, hawks and other raptors that


Table 12: Agriculture integrated with recreation and wildlife: Guidelines

Design Element Detail fields, artificial nest cavities should be created, for example, nest boxes are commonly used by some birds and tree swallows in open fields.

forage or nest in old fields use high perches to survey the land for prey. Low perches, less than 3m high, can provide sites for singing and catching insects by songbirds.

Reduce mowing frequency (especially roadside ditches, except for maintenance) to once every 3-5 years

These areas can be allowed to grow to

provide habitat to a variety of animals These are excellent locations to plant

native wildflowers and grasses. Keep farm buildings and structures free of toxic materials and/or create guidelines for appropriate storage

Barns, sheds, or other structural covers for equipment, etc. are another good place to attract wildlife, such as barn owls.

Allow brush piles - 1 to 3 meters tall and from 3 – 8m in diameter Locate piles close to other food and cover sources, preferably along forest edges, or field corners.

Brush piles can provide dense cover for ground-nesting birds, rabbits and other small mammals. Stack layers of logs at right angles to each other to make a base for the pile.

Place treetops, limbs, stones or stumps on top of the base to complete the pile.

Isolated piles may receive little use or could be detrimental if long distances between piles and suitable habitat make animals vulnerable to predators.

Grass land set aside Set-asides can provide good wildlife habitat as well as allowing the soil to regenerate over a long period of time.

Cover crops Up to 80% of a farm can be cover cropped in the off-season to protect soil from erosion and replace nutrients lost during the growing season.


Figure 15: Agriculture integrated with recreation and wildlife


APPENDIX F: FARM DEMONSTRATION TOPICS Demonstration Sites: Interpretive sites and demonstration sites are by nature integrative sites and should be designed to consider aspects of value to agriculture, fish & wildlife and recreational/educational value. These sites are unique and should be designed according to the guiding principles outlined above (4.1.1). The following is not an exclusive list but a general overview of the types of demonstration sites that are possible on Colony Farm. These concepts are outlined in agricultural innovations fly sheets.

Types of Demonstration Sites:

Container Gardening Vertical Gardening / Hydroponics Aquaculture / Aquaponics Edible Water Plants Apiculture / Beekeeping Mushroom Production Growing Algae for Fuel Winter Gardening


APPENDIX G: RIPARIAN DITCHES Measures must be taken to ensure that the riparian ditches receive the appropriate treatment in terms of shade trees to moderate temperature, ditch depth to ensure viable fish habitat, grassland margins, adequate water flow and dissolved oxygen, fish friendly farming practices and management access.

Vegetation for Riparian Ditches- 2 Native riparian vegetation along ditches greatly increases their value as habitat for fish and other native wildlife. The vegetation shades the water, moderating summer water temperatures, and reducing reed canary grass growth. It filters sound, sediment, nutrients and pollutants from adjacent land uses, and provides high quality food and nutrients in the form of insect drop and leaf litter. The roots stabilize ditch banks and deadfalls increase cover and habitat complexity. Ideally the ditch will flow through a tunnel of vegetation created when the canopy from each bank meet and close over it.

Planting Considerations: Taller vegetation should be planted on the south or west side to provide maximum shade to the stream and minimum shade on the fields. The other side should be planted with lower growing species that re-sprout readily (e.g. willows, red osier dogwood, hardhack, native roses, and twinberry). These provide excellent habitat, but can be cut back to permit machine access if necessary.

Other habitat features: Excavation of deeper pools, the installation of large woody debris and construction of spawning riffles (where grade permits) will further increase the value of ditches as fish habitat. The addition of logs snags and stumps to the riparian area provide cover and perches for a wide variety of other native wildlife.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of plantings is generally required for at least five years, and can be labour intensive if invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry are present.

2 Content provided by Mike Pearson, Pearson Ecological

Willow being planted to provide shade and other benefits to the drainage channel.

Photo courtesy and © Mike Pearson 2009.


Figure 16: Vegetation can improve drainage.

Courtesy of Mike Pearson 2009


APPENDIX H: HEDGEROWS – COMPOSITION AND BENEFITS Hedgerows (field edges and within agricultural areas): Hedgerows are groups of trees, shrubs or grasses planted along field edges or other areas. They are a long term characteristic of agricultural lands, historically used to delineate land ownership, provide wind protection and most recently required under regulations as ‘buffers’ to separate land uses (both physically and visually) from noise, smells and sprayed chemicals.

In Colony Farm, hedgerows should be considered key sites with variable degrees of integration for wildlife, agriculture and human uses. Hedgerows can be specifically designed as wind breaks with many tall-growing shrubs and trees for agricultural use. They can suppress weeds by providing competition, and are less susceptible to wind and water erosion than bare soil. They can also filter surface runoff water, preventing silt, and nutrients from entering nearby waterways. Additionally, these areas can offer shady rest stops, a picnic area or act as a circulation system for both people and wildlife

traveling, nesting, roosting and for cover from weather and predators.

Figure 17: Sample of hedgerow composition for and agricultural field

The following design elements shown in Table 13 should be considered to encourage an integration of uses (shown in the following section-elevations, Figures 18 and 19).

Courtesy of Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust 2009


Table 13: Hedgerow design elements and guidelines

Design Element Detail Vary hedgerow width - 5m minimum width

Maintain a minimum width of 10m as habitat or habitat corridor

To create a physical barrier (for people) – ensure a dense shrub layer in a minimum width of 5m

Delineate or separate crops or farmlands (different farmers)

Windbreaks or for shade/recreational areas

Use a variety of native grasses, perennial forbs, shrubs, and trees – always in stratified layers

To create wildlife areas that attract different types of beneficial insects, mammals, reptiles, and birds

Provide competition against invasive weeds in areas and minimize the weed seed source in otherwise ‘unfarmed areas’

Have deep roots that hold soil, reducing erosion and increase water permeability

Ensure hedgerows will require minimal care after establishment (approximately 3 years) to lessen the level of disturbance needed for maintenance

Choose appropriate plant species Prohibit continuous scraping, spraying, or

cultivation of field edges and destruction of hedgerows

Figure 18: Hedgerow in farm field


Figure 19: Hedgerow with farm field + multi-purpose trail.


APPENDIX I: WETLANDS, PONDS & DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Wetlands, ponds and drainage systems are highly attractive sites as interpretive opportunities for people, for wildlife and fish, and are necessary for drainage in agricultural practices. The most valuable integration areas at these sites are the riparian zones.

In Colony Farm, these zones are one of the most intense areas for integration; the degree of integration will depend on design elements, such as landscape elements, structures, signage, as well as buffers and circulation systems adjacent to these areas to help clarify the relationship of Park components or uses.

The following design elements in Table 14 should be carefully considered to encourage an integration of uses (shown in the following section-elevation Figures 20 and 21).

Table 14: Wetlands, ponds & drainage ditches design elements and guidelines

Design Element Detail Required riparian zones –to support wildlife and provide cover for aquatic habitat for fish

Maintain permanent vegetation along the edge and surrounding all waterways – including drainage ditches to stabilize the edge, and protect against erosion

Ensure waterside overhang (shrubs) to provide shade, food for aquatic habitat and birds

Do not remove in-stream woody structures

Floating logs or rafts should be maintained and not removed, to allow sunning areas for salamanders, turtles and ducks.

Use a variety of native species within the riparian zone

Native plant species should be chosen specifically to provide food and cover for wildlife (herons, ducks and fish may be attracted to these ponds for food resources)

Allow minimum 3m access for maintenance – cleaning irrigation - drainage ditches

Machinery requires access to fields and field edges

One side of ditch should be kept clean of vegetation to allow for maintenance

Grass margin benefits wildlife Ensure suitable soil conditions

Soil conditions should be suitable for plant species and also consider how well they will perform for intercepting pollutants, reduce erosion, and improved water quality


Table 14: Wetlands, ponds & drainage ditches design elements and guidelines

Design Element Detail Controlled access by people and dogs to waterbodies

Installed buffers should be used – fences,

berms, vegetated buffers, or other features, such as large rocks, etc. to control water entry

Trails should be set-back from the water’s edge – minimum of 3m

Restrictive signage and interpretive signage should be utilized

Figure 20: Wetlands, Ponds, and Drainage Systems Integration with Recreation

Figure 21: Wetland, Ponds and Drainage Systems – Allowing Maintenance


APPENDIX J CIRCULATION SYSTEMS & ACCESS NODES

A central framework element in the overall design of Colony Farm is the circulation systems. Although agriculture and recreational or educational-interpretive circulation have separate and specific types of circulation requirements, some of these requirements can be accommodated within a single circulation element or tandem circulation elements and also serve as places for wildlife – especially along edges or buffers. Types of circulation elements needed are listed below.

Agricultural program:

o Heavy farm equipment roads; light farm equipment roads; animal paths (e.g. to and from pasture, where applicable); walking paths for farmers; utilities rights-of-way.

o These systems need to be all-weather.

Recreational & Educational- Interpretive program:

o Bike and pedestrian trails, horse trails, service, maintenance, fire-lane roads, vehicle roads for accessing public program areas.

Wildlife program:

o Corridors for movement.

o Human circulation should attempt to avoid becoming a barrier to wildlife movement, where possible.

The following design elements in Table 10 should be carefully considered to encourage an integration of uses (shown in the section-elevations in Figures 24-26).

Facilities and lnfrasfructure: All facilities and infrastructure in Colony Farm will take an integrated approach to planning, development and design expression. This should take into account and maximize opportunities for integration with site location, building layout, musing, use of materials, Infrastructure systems, signage, lighting and landscaping. All of these aspects should be included in the design and not as an afterthought. Each node — the Farm node and the Sustainable Academy node — will be unique and should refer to the guiding principles outlined above (4.1.1).


Figure 22: Circulation - Dyke trail near wildlife area

Figure 23: Circulatio - Agricultural field to trail/day-use area

Figure 24: Circulation- Roads, Parking and facilities at the Academy cluster


APPENDIX K: FLOOD PROOFING OPTIONS There are two flood protection standards for the Colony Farm site based on land use, as discussed previously. Four flood protection options were discussed and examined for the Colony Farm’s Home Farm based on the design charrette and meetings with Metro Vancouver. The first two options would provide 200-year flood protection for the entire site. The third option would provide 200-year flood protection to about half the Home Farm and would address the needs of Coquitlam, FPH and the KFN, and the final option would only address the proposed Colony Farm facilities to the 200-year level, leaving the remaining site at a 50-year level or protection.

The options include:

raising the existing dyke and reworking drainage channels;

constructing a dyke parallel to the existing dyke, avoiding conflicts with the drainage channel;

raising Colony Farm Road to the design flood level; and

raising the proposed buildings to a flood construction level for the 200-year design event.

For the purposes of assessing options, it is assumed that the Wilson Farm Dyke is constructed to the 50-year return period flood event plus freeboard, which is sufficient for a dyke protecting farm lands.

The following sections describe the four options in detail, and the options are shown on Figure 1.

1. Option 1 – Raise Existing Dyke

The scope of this work would involve raising and widening the existing dyke to meet the standard dyke criteria, which could also include additional measures to improve stability and seepage performance. The estimated budgetary cost to raise the existing dyke to the 200-year return period flood


level is approximately $14.7 million of which $2.2 million is to construct the FPH portion of the dyke.

The benefits of raising the existing dyke to the design flood elevation include:

200-year return period flood protection can be achieved for Home Farm, City of Coquitlam, FPH and KFN access;

dyke can be upgraded if the flood levels are revised;

less fill may be required to construct the dyke; and

current corridor can be enhanced with wider trails.

Issues with raising the existing dyke to the design flood elevation include:

the existing drainage ditch will need to be filled and relocated in at locations to accommodate the improved dyke; and

high costs associated with the project.

2. Option 2 – Parallel Dyke

The scope of work for Option 2 would be to construct a 200-year return period dyke parallel to the existing dyke, but that does not disturb the existing internal drainage ditch. The estimated budgetary cost for Option 2 is approximately $18 million of which $2.5 million is to construct the FPH portion of the dyke.

The benefits of constructing a dyke parallel to the existing dyke include:

200-year return period flood protection can be provided for Home Farm, City of Coquitlam, FPH and KFN access;

dyke can be upgraded if the flood levels are revised;

existing internal drainage ditch will not need to be filled to accommodate dyke; and

existing drainage ditch can be developed as an aquatic habitat resource.

new dyke could provide additional trail corridors parallel to existing.

Issues with constructing a parallel dyke include:

internal drainage will be redeveloped with the farm planning; and


Extremely land consumptive as new dyke and ditch remove land from agricultural use.

3. Option 3 – Colony Farm Road Dyke

Option 3 provides for a new setback dyke constructed along the Colony Farm Road right-of-way, extending to the Mary Hill Bypass along the existing dyke alignment. The estimated budgetary cost to raise the existing road and


extend the dyke is approximately $13.8 million of which $2.5 million is to construct the FPH portion of the dyke.

The benefits of constructing the Colony Farm Road dyke include:

200-year flood protection can be provided for a portion of Home Farm, City of Coquitlam, FPH and KFN access;

dyke can be upgraded if the design flood levels are revised; and

Colony Farm Road can be upgraded.

Issues with raising Colony Farm Road include:

services (water sewer, gas, tel, hydro) may need to be moved or modified; and


4. Option 4 – Raise Building footprint

The final option would be to raise the proposed building(s) up to or above the design flood level to an appropriate flood construction level. The buildings can be raised either by constructing a floodable non-habitable floor below the main habitable space, or by raising the ground surface around the building. Habitable space is generally defined as any room or space within a building or structure that is or can be used for human occupancy, commercial sales, or storage of goods, possessions or equipment (including furnaces) which would be subject to damage if flooded.

The estimated budgetary cost to raise) building foot print is being recalculated. From the Colony Farm’s charrette, some of the rough concepts included building footprints that added up to as much as 4.0 ha (40,000 m2).

The primary benefit of raising the buildings as opposed to upgrading dykes is the potential lower cost per building, which can allow the flood protection costs to be delayed until buildings are constructed.

Issues with raising the proposed buildings include:

200-year return period flood protection is not provided to Home Farm, City of Coquitlam, FPH and KFN access;

building elevations can not be easily upgraded for increased flood levels once constructed; and

access or egress is not available during floods.

This option appears to be the most feasible for the development of Colony Farm and may be attractive to maintain the current character of the site and trails. If this option is selected, some consideration of integrating the needs of Coquitlam, FPH and KFN is necessary.

It is also advisable to include an additional freeboard when determining the flood construction level for any proposed building site to allow for climate change effects or other factors that could increase design flood levels.


APPENDIX L FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM (3% ANNUAL INFLATION)

Table 15: Five Year Capital Program (with 3% annual inflation)

Facility or Project Cost Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Field Improvements $2,164,000 $1,029,667 $648,557 $535,401

Academy Centre $6,911,250 $6,593,847 $609,286 $155,695

Events Area $350,000 $90,125 $92,829 $95,614 $98,482

Therapeutic Garden/Farm $590,000 $644,709

Animal Husbandry $1,968,100 $2,215,114

Market/Farm and Park Service Centre $7,884,250 $2,706,926 $2,788,134 $2,871,778

Road Improvements and Parking $1,534,250 $1,473,673 $109,803

Infrastructure - Utilities $791,250 $814,988

Landscape elements and entry 650,000 $731,580

Wildlife and Environmental Improvements $2,435,000 $920,000 $947,600 $631,236

Recreation, Trails, Bridges $2,562,900 $287,000 $694,194 $715,020 $736,471 $285,851

Educational/Interpretive Enhancements $575,000 $148,063 $152,504 $157,080 $161,792

TOTALS $28,416,000 $2,236,667 $7,524,126 $11,618,774 $5,114,937 $3,648,514

Optional/ Alternative Items (not funded)

Alternative Farm/Park Operations Centre $935,000

Alternative Parking/Gardens FPH lands $908,125

Environmental Improvements 2 $1,050,000


APPENDIX M: MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE MATRIX

Responsible Table 16: Governance and Management

Matrix

Text in green indicates unresolved areas

MV

Park

Car

etak

er

Aca

dem

y Bo

ard

&

Dire

ctor

Farm

ers C

oope

rativ

e

Prin

cipa

l Far

mer

CFP

S

CFC

G

Program Element Park Operations and management Washrooms X Grass-cutting X Dyke maintenance and inspection X Park patrols- dog off leash

enforcement X

Road maintenance X Participation in events and programs X X X X X X X Parking lot X Irrigation and drainage

management?

Recreation Maintain trails X Build new proposed trails X X Maintenance of small campsite for

overnight youth visits X

Wildlife Management Wildlife protection & management on

Wilson Farm (e.g. mowing and planting, removal of invasive weeds of old fields)

X X X

Wildlife and river fish X X X X X X Ditch fish? Academy

Agriculture and Farming

Oversight X X Allotment Gardens X X Incubator farms X X



Matrix


MV

Park

Car

etak

er

Aca

dem

y Bo

ard

&

Dire

ctor

Farm

ers C

oope

rativ

e

Prin

cipa

l Far

mer

CFP

S

CFC

G

Program Element Demonstration plots X X X Research plots X Shared Equipment storage X X X Principal Farm X Livestock &barns X X X On-farm sales X Composting X X X X Processing: field edge X Processing: community kitchen X X X Volunteers X X X X X Irrigation and drainage

management?

Education and training Demonstrations of sustainable farming X X X X Integrated agro-ecological systems

experiments X

Research and experimentation plots X Certificate programs X Education programs X X X X Displays X X X Events &community celebrations X X X X X X Volunteers X X X X X X X Wildlife Management Wildlife protection & management

(on agriculture and integrated management areas)

X X X X

Aquatic habitat and riparian ditches (on agriculture and integrated management areas)

X X X X

Old-field management? Ditch fish? Therapeutic Gardening Passive Garden X X X Active gardens X X X



Matrix


MV

Park

Car

etak

er

Aca

dem

y Bo

ard

&

Dire

ctor

Farm

ers C

oope

rativ

e

Prin

cipa

l Far

mer

CFP

S

CFC

G

Program Element Contracts with health care, social

services, and rehabilitative orgs X X

Volunteers X X X X X Recreation & Interpretation Interpretive signage along trails,

agriculture areas, integrated management areas, etc.

X X

Construction and maintenance of observation posts

X X

Coordination and sponsorship of community events and festivals

X X X X X

Construction of historical, natural, or cultural sites

X X X

General Oversee implementation of license or

lease agreements X X

Political accountability for what happens on site

X

Initial development and membership to the board

X

Core funding contributions, along with other partners

X X

Problem solving- conflict resolution X X X Maintenance and upkeep of Academy

Buildings and facilities X

On-site residence for principal farmer and Park caretaker

X

Off-site residence for seasonal farm workers or incubator farmers

X

Outstanding questions: Would Metro Vancouver abandon onsite

programming? Educational and interpretive. Old field management?

Future of the Farm Park and Community Garden Associations

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