Terra Nova Rural Park Plan
Part 1 Getting to know the land
The Surrounding Area North Side Airport, River, Trail East Side - Residential West Side- Sturgeon Banks, West Dyke Trail South Side:Terra Nova Natural Area
The Existing Site The City owns 63 acres of land in the Terra Nova North West Quadrant area. The land is rich in heritage, wildlife, and landscape character.
Ecological Context The Terra Nova lands are an important part of the larger : Fraser River estuary ecosystem Pacific Flyway 1.4 million migrating birds pass through the area
Ecological Importance Connection to the river and Sturgeon Banks Wildlife can move back and forth between these areas Habitat diversity on site: woodlots, fields, hedgerows, ditches Provides food, refuge and nesting areas for a diversity of wildlife
Heritage Highlights Pre-1868 The First Nations used this area for seasonal fishing camps. Sloughs were likely used for transportation.
1868 The first Crown Grant was given to non-native settlers. Early families were from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Unique to Richmond is the cluster of 5 buildings still in their original setting along River Road.
For 100 years farming has been the main use of the land. The dykes and farmland have shaped the land that we see today.
1892 the first cannery, Terra Nova Cannery, was built on the Middle Arm. Terra Nova cannery c. 1906 Remnants of the cannery pilings can still be seen. Cannery Remnants
The goal of the park plan is to tread lightly, respect and enhance the existing site features and assets.
Part 2 Terra Nova Rural Park Plan Creating a legacy park
Planning Process Three sets of Public Open Houses were held in February, April and June of 2004 An overwhelming 98% Liked or Very Much Liked the Vision presented as the Terra Nova Rural Park Plan
The Park Vision To preserve the unique rural character while providing a balance between agricultural heritage, wildlife conservation, and recreational uses.
The Park Plan The following outlines the highlights of the park plan. The supporting imagery provides the viewer with a flavour of the proposed park. Image source: www.picturequest picturequest.com
The Site Plan NORTH
1.Heritage District The intent is to preserve and interpret the rich story of the pioneer settlers, farming and fishing industries.
Highlights Heritage Settlement Site retain 5 heritage buildings establish creative reuses Heritage Interpretive Features provide interesting and creative interpretation The Cannery Wharf construct a boardwalk/ deck to interpret former cannery site
2. Site Interpretation Throughout the park there will be a wide variety of creative features to encourage learning and discovery.
Highlights Field Lookout Structure Ecology Centre/Outreach Facility reuse of a building for nature outreach programs First Nations Interpretive Site Seasonal Environmental Art temporary and seasonal crops forming patterns in the fields fields will be fallow in winter and provide food for wildlife
3. Farm Centre The goal is to build upon the agricultural heritage of the site and modern urban needs by creating an area for growing food and education.
Highlights Farm Management Centre utilize existing buildings to store equipment and provide meeting space Community Gardens food to be grown for educational and community benefits gardens to be integrated into park
4. Wildlife Habitats The goal is to protect and enhance the biodiversity and habitat values of the site.
Highlights Riparian Areas and Drainage Ditches daylight heritage slough connect to river construct additional wetlands Woodlots and Mature Trees expand woodlots and protect mature trees protect heron rookery Hedgerows connect existing hedgerows with new plantings Old-fields /Farmed Fields manage a seasonal crop field maintain a central fallow field
5. Passive Open Space The intent is to have areas and features that allow for informal leisure use. Picnic areas Creative children s play facilities Washrooms Open grass area for informal play
6. Park Infrastructure The goal is to allow people to access and circulate comfortably through the park.
Highlights Turnarounds and entry gates control access at night with gates Trails utilize existing lanes, farm pathways create a series of new trails Field and Riparian Boardwalks construct boardwalks over slough, wetlands, and fields Parking reorganize parking add more spaces along River Road
7. Dyke Perimeter The goal is to link the waterfront physically and through interpretation to the upland uses, maximize viewing opportunities and enhance circulation. Dyke, foreshore and cannery c. 1918
Highlights Heritage Slough connect slough to river with flood gate construct boardwalk with interpretation over slough gate Mouth of the heritage slough Lookout Structure construct a 2 level lookout for maximum view of river and estuary. Marsh Boardwalk proposed boardwalk into marsh adjacent to lookout Location of lookout tower
All these features and elements create layers of richness and a strong sense of place in Terra Nova.
In summary, Terra Nova Rural Park will be an incredible addition to the existing open space system. This will be a special place for people to experience Richmond s natural and cultural landscape.