The fate of the Dominican Gardens continues to rest on ongoing negotiations between the owners of the garden and the city, which had started in 2008 after its owners put the land up for sale. However, negotiations may come to an end in November.
The greenspace, located between Lorne Street and Empress Avenue, is owned by the Dominican Convent, whose officials declined to comment.
“We’re in discussion with the Dominicans regarding the sale of their property and we’ve been in discussions for a while, and I’m hoping that by November we may be able to conclude our discussions,” says Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes.
The decision to put the privately owned garden up for sale for $2.2 million created unease in the community in 2008 as community members felt it would attract condominium developers.
A petition to save the garden from being acquired was launched in late 2008. This petition was initiated by Sean Darcy, a resident who lives across from the garden, and was signed by 800 people.
The petition was then presented to Holmes, the Parks, Recreation and Culture department, and two other city committees that deal with parks and greenspace issues.
In a previous interviews, Darcy said the petition had gained goodwill support from the city park and recreation committee.
“It is still being considered. There are ongoing discussions and therefore we won’t be discussing it in the media,” says Michael Fitzpatrick, a media spokesperson for the city.
The plan to save the Dominican Gardens falls under the Tree, Reforestation, and Environmental Enhancement program the city launched to protect the diminishing greenspace in Centretown.
Somerset Ward has the least amount of greenspace in the city, about eight hectares,.
By November, negotiations may come to an end with a possible positive outlook for the Dominican Gardens and its surrounding residents.
“I am hopeful,” says Holmes.