The long-debated fate of the west lawn of the Canadian Museum of Nature is on its way to being cemented after a public information session earlier this month outlined the museum’s finalized plans.
Pending approval from the National Capital Commission on the temporary five-year plan, the museum will convert the west side, already in use as a temporary gravel parking lot, to a 96-space parking area with added landscaping, says museum president Meg Beckel.
If approval is granted by mid-November, the museum hopes to break ground next spring and have construction done by at least July 1, says Beckel.
“We’d like to have at least the parking ready, even if the garden isn’t done, by June because that’s when our numbers pick up.”
Previous plans to build an underground parking garage while maintaining the entirety of the west lawn’s green space were deemed too expensive after costs were estimated to reach $10 million. The new plan will cost $1 million, with $650,000 to $750,000 set aside for the parking area and the remainder for landscaping, said Beckel.
John Swettenham, director of marketing and media relations for the museum, says the new plan has reduced the proposed number of parking spaces to 96 from 140. The rest of the area will be converted into a diverse green space for visitors and the community.
To make up for the reduced number of parking spaces, the museum has pushed for alternate methods of transportation, including the installing of two Bixi bike racks and charging stations for electric cars.
“We’re looking at having a much more natural and environmental park with areas that represent different natural environments in Canada . . . there will be prairie grass, boreal forest, that sort of thing,” he said.
Part of the parking lot will include a pilot project of blocks that allow grass to grow through, added Swettenham. The area will be safe for cars to park on while still keeping some natural greenery.
Residents had the opportunity to walk through the museum’s proposal at the public meeting and voice their concerns or comments to museum officials.
“I appreciate that (the museum) needs to strike a balance between their operational requirements for running a business, but at the same time recognizes the needs and expectations of the community with regard to green space,” says area resident J. P. Caron.
“The (proposed park area) adds to the quality of the exhibits. It goes beyond the walls of the museum, and it’s something we can all be very proud of down the road.”
Allan Maslove, another Centretown resident, says while this plan is “better," he’s disappointed with the loss of the original park.