What we did

Based on what we learned during the extensive community engagement process, we recommended to Council that it's time to conclude the live animal display at Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park. Council approved this recommendation during the November 18 Council Meeting.

The animals will be re-homed, and the former enclosure space will be reimagined as part of the Waterloo Park Plan update in 2025.

The information we presented to Council included the results of the community engagement process. The report cites concerns about the age of the current herd, the changing conditions and activity levels in the park around the enclosure (including the addition of the ION route), as well as the potential cost of upgrading the infrastructure and adding full-time staff. While the current herd has been well cared for as agricultural animals, significant investment would be required to meet the expectations and care standards that other live animal facilities have.

Staff and Council took time to recognize the nostalgic connection people have to the Eby Farmstead and past live animal experiences in the park, while acknowledging the need to focus limited resources on other priority areas.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your feedback about this project and we look forward to your ideas about reimagining the space as part of the Waterloo Park Plan update in 2025.