Other municipal animal display comparators

As part of the initial review of the Farmstead, staff investigated how other municipally owned farms were operated. Five active municipal farms were reviewed, and the summary shows that all comparators provide controlled access to their animal enclosures that includes a secondary perimeter fence, and all comparators have set operational hours for viewing. :

The City of St. Catharines operates “Happy Rolph Animal Farm,” where visitors can enjoy opportunities to see a variety of farm and domestic animals. Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm is located outside of a residential area in an agricultural setting on the shores of Lake Ontario and has a secondary perimeter fence and admission gates that allows for controlled access with posted operating times of 10am to 8pm for the public to enjoy. Staff are present at the farm during public hours.

The City of Toronto operates three community level animal displays including “Riverdale Farm” in the heart of Cabbagetown, an urban neighbourhood in Toronto. The farm specializes in pioneer breeds of farm animals. The farm is staffed full time during public hours and staff are visible and present to interact with the public. The farm has a secondary perimeter fence that allows for controlled access with posted operating times of 9am to 5pm. Staff are present at the farm during public hours.

The City of Brampton operates a petting zoo at Chinguacousy Park, Brampton’s flagship park. The park is located in an urbanized area and is considered one of Brampton’s busiest parks. Their petting zoo is staffed fulltime, staff are uniformed and easily identifiable for public interaction. There is interpretive signage that is installed throughout the petting zoo for each animal on display. The petting zoo has a secondary perimeter fence that controls access with operating hours of 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a large barn on site that the animals are moved to once the petting zoo is closed for the day. Brampton has heat and weather restrictions in place that trigger a closure of the petting zoo when threshold is reached.

The City of Cambridge marked the end of the Churchill Park animal displays when it found a home for its two remaining peacocks in 2022. The City was quoted as saying “Moving the peacocks out of the park is significant, not only because it is best for their welfare, but it also marks the end of the City’s history of keeping animals penned up in parks.”

Conservation Halton operates an animal display at Mountsberg Conservation Area. Mountsbergs operation closely represents a working modern farm with large pastures and paddocks, they also have a Raptor Centre where they offer educational interactions and presentations. The area has a controlled entranced with public hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.