UPTON FARMLANDS UPDATE
October, 2011
Since the establishment of the Upton Trust Inc. the Board has had several regular meetings as well as several planning meetings. We invite you to visit the web site at www.saveuptonfarm.com or www.uptonfarmlands.com. There you will see the posting of the legal papers regarding this establishment, as well as the conditions, by-laws, the Agreement and the Vision Plan. The Vision Plan has been posted on the website for almost four years and became part of the legal papers.
You will note that the transfer of the land was conditional upon it being brought under the Natural Areas Protection Act. To that end, the Board has been and is working with the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry to prepare a plan for approval by the Board that decides on inclusion in the Natural Areas Protection Act. Aside from the condition of transfer, it is a necessity from a financial point. Under the Natural Areas Protection Act the property is exempt from provincial property tax, which otherwise would be approximately $ 30,000 annually.
The Board is also working towards accessing provincial programs for planting and improving the land. As well, the Board is in the process of applying to Revenue Canada for non-profit status, a cumbersome but necessary process. At this point the Trust has no funds. The Board has applied for an operating grant from the Provincial Government for the remainder of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. It appears approval is imminent.
As you can see, there are many time-consuming details to see to in setting up this Trust. In closing I would like to say that it is a privilege to serve with and be part of such a dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer group, (notice by-laws: no honorarium) who spares no time or effort in carrying on the business of the Trust and fulfilling the Vision Plan in a speedy and responsible manner. The Board welcomes thoughts and ideas and invites anyone to let them be known to the Board.
Greetings on behalf of the Board and myself,
Kirsten Connor, President, The Upton Trust Inc.
February 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm |
I have looked at the photo of the Board and none of the people use the Park. Heidi used to. The only time I have seen the members there is with bIue prints walking the property discussing their plans to “develop” the property.
This past week I have asked many different people at the park whether they have any knowledge of what is being done with the Farm. No one does. When I tell them of the proposed plans as I understand them, no one is in agreement with them.
I suggested to Mrs. Connor last fall that they hold a public meeting and advertise it in the Guardian so that she can have feedback from the users. She said they would not be.
This website is apparently the only means for anyone to find out about this development. I will therefore be writing to the new Minister of Innovation to review how this is being managed and ask him to establish a represenative board with a mandate to manage the property to maintain its pristine state which is what protection under the Natural Properties Act means.
February 20, 2012 at 12:59 pm |
Paula,
While I appreciate your comments, I wanted to clarify a few things.
First, when in the province, I use the park about 5 days a week. I also take every opportunity to talk with other users and keep them informed.
Second, The Upton Farm Trust now owns the property, not the PEI Government. The Provincial Government is, however, represented on the Board as per our bylaws.
Third, the reason that the land is available for public use is only because of the YEARS of work of the Upton Farm Preservation Network, led by Kirsten Connor, who worked tirelessly with Canada Lands and the Provincial Government to make this happen. Otherwise, you would be now be looking at apartment buildings. I’m not sure people realize how much time, effort and tanacity that went in to making this a reality, and by a group of volunteers.
Finally, as per your comments on the plans for development, there ARE no plans for development. Our primary mandate is for the preservation, under the Natural Areas Protection Act, of the land. We do hope to improve walking trails and maybe place a bench here or there. Otherwise, we only plan to enhance the current natural features of the property. For now, all of our time and efforts are getting the land protected under this act. It is a long and arduous task, but we feel it is the most important one.
I apologize for the lack of communication. Typically we only update the site when there is news. I will attempt to improve this as it sounds like there is some misinformation being circulated.
We have always planned on having a meeting in the late spring that will be open and we encourage everyone to attend.
The best hope for Upton’s future will be having a passionate group of people who love it as much as we do.
Thanks,
Heidi Hyndman
Board Member
Upton Farm Trust
PS. All pertinent information, such as our mandate, all legal documents, deeds, by-laws, etc., are on this site.