The Future of Inner-City Farming: Through the Urbanization of the Central Experimental Farm

Abstract

The Central Experimental Farm, a 988-acre plot of farmland for agriculture research, is located within the suburbs of Ottawa. The city is evolving but the farm is living in the past. Land developers will start looking to the farm for available land following the approval of the new Ottawa Civic Hospital on the farm’s property. To prevent this the identity and cultural landscape of the farm will be redeveloped, and new urban farming systems will be introduced to modernize its agricultural practices. Programs are created to engage the farm with new urban actors such as local organizations, community groups, and local wildlife. Refocusing the farm provides the facility the opportunity to reconfirm its position within the city and continue to provide necessary resources to the provinces and territories of Canada. The new programs will develop solutions to climate change issues, food insecurity, and green infrastructure to unify the farm.