UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset June 2012 INTRODUCTION 3 ABOUT THE WESLEY CLOVER FOUNDATION 3 THE CONCEPT: GREENBELT STABLES 4 CHALLENGE 4 OPPORTUNITY 4 VISION 4 OBJECTIVES 5 EXISTING SITE 5 KEY NNEP SITE ISSUES 6 KEY FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES 7 1 | EQUESTRIAN PARK & IAN MILLAR HORSEMANSHIP CENTRE 7 2 | CITY OF OTTAWA ROYAL SWAN HABITAT 13 3 | OUTDOOR ATHLETIC AND RECREATION FACILITY 14 4 | FOREST SCHOOL CANADA 15 5 | SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL LEARNING GARDENS 17 6 | GREENBELT STABLES CAMPGROUND 18 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & MINIMIZED SITE IMPACTS 18 SITE PLAN 20 EVENTS AND RENTALS 25 FINANCIAL INVESTMENT & LEASE REQUIREMENT 25 CONCLUSION 26 UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL 2 Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset INTRODUCTION The Nepean National Equestrian Park (NNEP) has been part of the Ottawa community since the late 60’s run by municipal governments. The City of Ottawa has decided that it cannot continue to fund the capital and operating needs of the park. At the same time the NNEP has the potential to benefit a much larger group of residents and tourists, and make a much greater contribution to the National Capital experience – especially in Ottawa’s west end. The following document describes a concept to enhance the existing equestrian park to world-class standards, while also expanding the range of activities and opportunities to celebrate the National Capital Greenbelt. The aim of this document is to propose the creation of a vibrant “people place”, that promotes enjoyment of the outdoors and the natural environment of the Capital Region. Under a long-term lease agreement with the NCC, the Wesley Clover Foundation offers to provide approximately $20 million in capital improvements to buildings and landscape on the site and would operate the facility. ABOUT THE WESLEY CLOVER FOUNDATION Based in Ottawa, the Wesley Clover Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Matthews Family, and serves as the not-for-profit/charitable arm of Wesley Clover – the world-class investment group that has interests in high technology companies, real estate and leisure properties. The focus of the Foundation is to promote excellence in four areas within the local community: » Entrepreneurship » Education » Healthcare » Local community initiatives The foundation is committed to supporting advances in healthcare research, promoting excellence in education and creating the next generation of entrepreneurs. A key focus is also the creation of activities that enhance the welfare of our local community. UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL 3 Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset THE CONCEPT: GREENBELT STABLES CHALLENGE The existing facility presents the current tenant (The City of Ottawa) with a significant challenge. The lands and facilities are in need of upgrades, and the operation does not generate enough revenue to come close to funding the needed work. The required capital investments and financial viability of the equestrian operations requires a broader vision of the potential of the property for recreation and activity. Given the property location in the Greenbelt, the expanded uses of the lands must align with the vision of the NCC and should minimize the impact on the property. Any plan to achieve financial sustainability on the property must do so while protecting, celebrating and even enhancing the Greenbelt. OPPORTUNITY Under the stewardship of a non-profit foundation, the facility could be run as a social enterprise focused on maximizing community benefit. Revenue sustainability, including justification for significant capital investment, could be achieved by improving the infrastructure and operations of the equestrian facility and expanding activi- ties on the property to attract more residents and visitors to enjoy the natural environment in Ottawa. The ultimate opportunity is to establish a robust Greenbelt asset in the National Capital that will enhance the existing equestrian park, significantly expand the facility’s reach and public use, and deliver a focal point for celebrating the Greenbelt asset. VISION The Wesley Clover Foundation would establish Greenbelt Stables, an outdoor recreation and learning centre that promotes health and education through connections with nature and the outdoors, within the National Capital Greenbelt. Under this vision, the facility would grow into a robust community asset that elevates equestrianism in the National Capital Region, serves a much wider audience, celebrates the National Capital Greenbelt and ultimately benefits Ottawa residents with education, positive health effects and local economic impacts. UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL 4 Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset OBJECTIVES The vision would be supported with the following objectives: 1 | Elevate equestrianism in the National Capital Region 2 | Inspire and promote outdoor recreation 3 | Connect residents and visitors to nature and the outdoors 4 | Promote sustainable agriculture and food 5 | Enhance the National Capital experience EXISTING SITE The Greenbelt Stables concept is designed to include both the NNEP site as well as the adjacent Municipal Campground site. A proposal to the City will be made to takeover the City’s operations of the Municipal Camp- ground and include it in Greenbelt Stables. The City is currently reviewing its commitment to the Municipal Campground. While the entire concept will work on the existing NNEP site alone, it will be made even stronger through integration with the Municipal Campground site. The campground operations would be continued and leveraged to strengthen the Greenbelt Stables offering. UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL 5 Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset KEY NNEP SITE ISSUES The current NNEP site has a number of pressing problems that need to be remedied to ensure success of this project. Addressing these issues immediately would be done as part of the capital investment by the Wesley Clover Foundation. Immediate issues include: 1 | Drainage The site has a number of existing swales, but they are insufficient to effectively manage storm water. Most of the property with the exception of the main show ring is compromised by poor drainage. This leads to inadequate conditions for events after a rainfall, and makes much of the property unreliable for most uses – including agriculture. Drainage from the property needs to be dramatically improved, while being mindful of the adjacent wetland and targeting a better environmental outcome compared to the effects of the current drainage patterns. 2 | Traffic Flow The existing NNEP layout is disjointed and inefficient. Today it is unable to support equestrian events of any significance, much less world-class events and competitions. While the separation between the event area and the day-to-day equestrian operations will be maintained, it is important to allow for integration for larger events, and to maximize the utility of infrastructure between both uses. Furthermore, accom- modating world-class events requires better separation of the traffic flow for audiences and performers, as well as the traffic flow of motorized vehicles and horses. 3 | State of Existing Buildings A basic inspection during a tour of the facility found the existing building to be structurally sound, but in need of significant cosmetic renewal. The short-term needs for the buildings to prevent further decay are significant. Further, the existing building configuration is limiting for the growth of a school program and for hosting high-calibre events. There is currently not enough indoor space to make the park financially viable. 4 | Existing Rings The existing main grass ring is of premium quality and has been well maintained. However, all the other sand-based rings are far below the level needed for world-class events. Each of the sand rings need their footing replaced. 5 | Curb Appeal The current site is uninviting. Few even know the public space is available for them to enjoy. The site spans a significant drive along the Queensway and Corkstown Road, yet it challenges passers-by to grasp what it is, and does not compel someone to find out. Increased curb appeal will increase public interest. The current primary site entrance is not inviting, and the drive into the property doesn’t set a tone worthy of a world-class or national-class facility. UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL 6 Turning the National Nepean Equestrian Park into a self-sustaining, robust community asset DESIGN PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT This design of Greenbelt Stables will seek to maximize the use and benefit of the property while minimizing the extent of additional long-term structures, and increasing the long-term health and productivity of the lands. The design looks to maximize the use of temporary, or low-impact, buildings, in addition to the rejuvenation of existing structures. Where necessary to create permanent structures, steps will be taken to ensure sustainable design principles are followed and land impacts are minimized. KEY FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES 1 | EQUESTRIAN PARK & IAN MILLAR HORSEMANSHIP CENTRE The equestrian facility will be at the heart of the Canada National Equestrian Park. The existing infrastructure will be enhanced and expanded to establish a world-class facility, which will attract a series of larger equestrian events, and elevate all equestrian sports