A Proposal Regarding Future Directions for the
Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead
Respectfully submitted to the Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Tourism and Culture
March 18, 2010
Foreword
The Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation has recently completed an in-depth review of its existing function and mandate and has sought ideas on how to preserve and operate our heritage property in 21st century Prince Edward Island. Over the past two months we have met with, consulted with, and listened to the local community and other potential stakeholders.
With financial assistance provided by the Department of Community, Cultural Affairs and Labour and under the professional guidance of Dr. David Keenlyside, Director of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, we were able to access the facilitation services of Jill Lightwood for this extensive process. A copy of her full report is included (See Appendix 1) The Board of Directors of the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation appreciates the valuable contributions of everyone who participated in developing this proposal.
Despite the admirable efforts of past Directors of the Foundation, various provincial governments and a supportive local and provincial community, the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead continues to be in financial difficulty. The efforts and focus of the past 19 years have been remarkably constant and there is no logical reason to assume that maintaining the current focus will change the economic outlook. As a result, the Foundation believes that there needs be a fundamental change in the operation of the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead and that its focus should reflect our changing times and current issues.
Sir Andrew Macphail was an innovator, a researcher, an educator and a gentleman with a strong social conscience and vision for his community. The Board of Directors was strongly encouraged by all those involved in our recent workshop to ensure that the “Spirit of Sir Andrew Macphail” be maintained as we move forward. Therefore, although the following proposal involves significant change in focus and direction, we believe that our future goals embrace the need for innovation, education and public engagement, while preserving and recognizing the property’s historical significance. The proposal moves the site from being a museum with inanimate artefacts to a property that celebrates and investigates the dynamics of nature. It will provide local people, as well as tourists, with an opportunity to explore the changing world we live in and the natural challenges that we currently face.
The proposed multi-project facility will work cooperatively with and expand on the successes of the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project, currently operated on the property. The proposed eco-center component would be used as a demonstration site and provide opportunities for the establishment of multiple partnerships in forestry, sustainable agriculture, energy and natural history, all enhanced by the site’s original culture and heritage.
With this in mind, we have developed a vision for the future that consists of two separate phases. The first phase is a transition and planning phase, which must begin immediately, so as to lead to the implementation of a new business model, with a new lease agreement and a new operating structure in the summer of 2011.
While our plan for 2010 is to open the Homestead’s doors in May for the upcoming season, without the immediate infusion of funds proposed in Phase I, the site will be unable to operate at any capacity. This will seriously hinder the Foundation’s ability to generate income to cover basic costs such as utilities and showcase this cultural gem of historical significance.
Phase I - Transition and Planning Phase
Timing:
This phase will start immediately and continue until August 2011, at which time the original lease with the Province of PEI expires.
Goals:
1. To complete the design and planning stages of developing the site into an eco-centre and begin implementation of a new business model (see Phase II).
2. To hire a qualified Executive Director to ensure the meeting of Goals 1 to 3 of this phase.
3. To negotiate a new lease between the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation and the Province of Prince Edward Island by May 2011, so that it may be presented to the members at the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting.
4. To pay off current creditors and pay regular bills. (See Appendix 2)
5. To complete significant repairs and infrastructure improvements to the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead. (See Appendix 3)
6. To open for the 2010 summer season only to the extent that the required property maintenance, as listed, is covered by grants and contributions.(See Appendix 4)
Proposal:
For the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation to achieve the identified goals, the Board requests:
1. That the Province of PEI funds a qualified individual to fill the role of Executive Director for a period of 15 months. This person will report to the Foundation’s Board.
2. That the Province of PEI commit to the following changes to the lease arrangement:
a. That the owner of the property, the Province of Prince Edward Island, assumes the responsibilities for the structural integrity, major maintenance, repair and other costs of the property including, but not limited to security, heating, disability access, road and parking areas, snow removal, lawn maintenance and pest control;
b. That the Province carries out or funds urgently needed repairs and the infrastructure upgrades required to implement a new business model. (See Appendix 3)
Phase 2 - Operation of Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead under New Business Model
Timing:
This phase will begin July 1, 2011, upon execution of a new lease between the Province of Prince Edward Island and the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation, and continue for the duration of the renegotiated lease.
Goals:
After much deliberation and in response to initial research and consultation, the Board believes that the following goals are achievable, sustainable and reflect the integrity of the “Spirit of Sir Andrew Macphail”:
1. The Foundation changes its business model and focuses on natural history, sustainable forestry and agriculture, energy innovation, education and community engagement, in addition to social and cultural heritage.
2. The business model reduces the emphasis on the museum component and reduces its reliance on the restaurant as being the main income generator.
3. The Foundation changes the operating name of the Homestead, to reflect its new business model (e.g. The Sir Andrew Macphail Eco-Centre).
4. The Macphail property becomes a year-round destination of interest to a wide spectrum of people, both Islanders and tourists alike. It works closely with, but does not compete with, other public and private interests in Southern Queens County (e.g. Point Prim Lighthouse, Belfast mini-mills, Orwell Corner Historic Village, Rossignol Winery) to market the region and coordinate activities, tours, and events. We will continue to work closely with Island East and other tourist operations in the area. We will focus on the “authentic” Prince Edward Island experience in our partnership initiatives and look forward to continuing some of our traditional activities, such as our Canada Day festivities in partnership with Orwell Corner and our traditional Scottish Dinner in partnership with the Belfast Highland Games.
5. The successful partnership between the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation and the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project continues and is expanded. This may include additional workshops, summer camps, and elder-hostels. The trail system is upgraded and promoted for year-round use. Phase 1 - The Transition and Planning Phase will be used to assess the feasibility and sustainability of various ecological offerings.
6. The Macphail Homestead and Ecocentre will strive to regain its former organic certification. This would provide an opportunity to utilize the fields beside the Homestead for demonstration sites and leased garden plots.
7. The Foundation develops partnerships in sustainable agriculture (e.g. ACORN, PEI ADAPT Council, PEI Certified Organic Producers’ Co-op, University of Guelph, Nova Scotia Agricultural College) The Foundation will seek projects and partners to use the cleared 15 acres and some of the forest areas around the Homestead for demonstration projects and for permanent installations that attract visitors and will benefit other aspects of the operation. Products from the property's gardens and orchards and from local producers will be used to create event-based dining experiences, workshops and educational opportunities.
8. The Foundation develops partnerships in the area of energy alternatives. In the true “Spirit of Sir Andrew Macphail”, we believe that this property should be used to demonstrate such things as alternate forms of energy and sustainable energy sources. Energy conservation exhibits within this heritage-sensitive house would be of great interest to those striving to be more energy conscious in their own older homes. This could include the use of solar panels for heating and electrical generation, small wind turbines and/or electrical generation from the Orwell River. Other options to investigate could include greener heating alternatives and more energy-efficient building materials, such as insulation and double-paned windows. Opportunities to use the property as a demonstration site will not only attract visitors but also decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, be socially conscious about our carbon footprint and reduce operation costs.
9. The Foundation develops partnerships in ecological and environmental issues (e.g. Natural History Society, Island Nature Trust, ECO PEI, Holland College's Environmental Applied Science Technology and Wildlife Conservation Technology programs, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, and private sector funding bodies such as Mountain Equipment Coop and Irving). The property consists of approximately 140 acres, with only 15 occupied by the Homestead and its surrounding cleared grounds. This open acreage can be used as a demonstration area for such projects as alternatives to high maintenance turf grass, composting, backyard vegetable gardens, and landscaping using native and non-invasive species. The best ideas would be explored during the Transition and Planning phase, including the feasibility of establishing a botanic garden focussing on an arboretum, heritage plants and native flora. The forest and Orwell River will provide additional opportunities to showcase PEI's natural history and low impact outdoor recreation. The multiple project facility would create fascinating teaching initiatives, workshops and lectures.
10. The Foundation develops partnerships in medical, social and cultural spheres to reflect Sir Andrew Macphail's accomplishments as a medical doctor, writer, a staunch federalist and historian (e.g. Medical Society of PEI, medical schools at Dalhousie and McGill, Canadian Medical Association, Veterans Affairs, writers' groups, UPEI faculties of History and English, Scottish Society). These partnerships will be used to develop workshops, educational events, and offer readings, and lectures as well as provide a venue for meetings, conferences, music and theatre.
11. The Macphail buildings (the House, carriage house and outbuildings) are reconfigured to permit the spaces to be used for workshops (e.g. photography, crafts), lectures, conferences, research, studies, education, and community gatherings including receptions, dinners and weddings. The potential for leasing office space, providing a live-in experience to visitors (e.g. for elder-hostels) and for a live-in winter caretaker will be explored during Phase 1 – The Transition and Planning Phase.
12. To work closely with the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation to set up a display at the Orwell Corner Historic Village with many of the period artefacts currently found in the Homestead. During the public consultations, members of the community felt strongly about the need for both locations to work more closely together (See Appendix 1). The Foundation’s Board of Directors believes that much of the historic content from the house would be suitable for the Museum at the Orwell Corner Historic Village because of its local historic and cultural value. The Museum at Orwell Corner can also provide much greater security in a controlled environment with knowledgeable historical curators. Under the careful guidance of family members, some of the historic content may be de-accessioned or returned to its original owners.
Period reproductions of chairs, tables, decorations and non-museum quality items will be used in the house to reflect the character of the historical period. The house itself, the historical information regarding Sir Andrew Macphail, his family ancestry and his contributions will be retained possibly in the library, which will be wheelchair accessible. The period architecture, the site’s resurrection and ultimately its designation as a National Heritage Place will continue to serve as the major historical focus.
13. Income is generated from grants for demonstration projects, research and development grants, and from admission/donations for various visits and events. Revenue also comes from events and rentals such as tour groups, wedding receptions, lectures, workshops, ceilidhs and elder hostels. A key part of Phase 1 will be to assess market opportunities. The kitchen will be used primarily for community dinners and culinary tourism events related to sustainable agriculture or cultural activities.
(See Appendix 5)
14. Develop partnerships with federal government departments and agencies such as Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada, Environment Canada, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and ACOA.
15. Develop more interactive partnerships with the Province of Prince Edward Island to provide opportunities for the following departments to meet their goals and mandates by using the Homestead as a showcase and venue:
a. Department of Tourism and Culture and the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation: This partnership has already been in existence, but not to its full capacity. The Department of Tourism can use the Macphail Homestead experience as a cornerstone for their new initiative for increased tourism to the Southern Queens and Kings areas of Prince Edwards Island.
i. The September 2008 report "Charting a Course: A Study of Heritage in Prince Edward Island", makes several references to the “neglect of the natural heritage" part of the provincial museums mandate.
(See Appendix 6)
We can assist the government in implementing Recommendations 21, 23, 25 and 26 of this comprehensive report. The internationally recognized work of the Macphail Woods Project has greatly enhanced the natural heritage collection on Prince Edward Island. The property was referred to as a "hidden gem" during our Community meeting. With adequate interpretation and the government's commitment to protect the site, the full potential of what this unique property offers can be realized.
b. Department of Education: Provide learning opportunities in virtually any set of curricular outcomes from across the grade levels from the areas of social studies, science, environmental studies, language arts or ecology.
NB: In grade 6 social studies, one of the specific curricular outcomes is to study a famous person from Prince Edward Island. Every grade six student should visit the Homestead as a part of their curriculum, to understand the contributions this Islander made provincially, nationally and internationally. The Homestead will continue to provide a knowledgeable tour guide and lunchroom facilities.
c. Department of Agriculture: The potential as a unique demonstration site for a variety of small scale agriculture projects is unlimited. The recent increase in public awareness to buy local produce and support local farms will attract the public to a venue that explains and demonstrates sustainable agricultural practices.
i. In 1990, George MacRobie completed a study for the Institute of Island Studies entitled Macphail Farm: Demonstrating Sustainable Agriculture, in which he recommended that the Macphail Homestead property be used as an organic research and demonstration site.
(See Appendix 7)
ii. The 2009 Report of the Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food on Prince Edward Island states that, "The industry is entering a “third wave,” a post-industrial, knowledge-based agriculture highlighted by research, new technologies, and local and regional food systems that can feed the world with a smaller environmental footprint." By utilizing the Homestead's land base as a public demonstration site, several of the Recommendations throughout this report can be addressed.
(See Appendix 8)
d. Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry:
i. Environment: The publication “Prince Edward Island and Climate Change – A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of Global Warning” (See Appendix 9) also has several government actions that can be supported through this proposal. These include the adoption of advanced energy and environmental standards on all publicly owned and leased buildings and to include climate change into the science curriculum. The utilization of this public space for education and awareness of local climate change issues will engage Islanders on the importance of energy efficiency, conservation and ethical management of our environmental resources.
ii. Energy: The Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy – Securing our Future: Conservation and Renewables (See Appendix 10) contains an energy strategy objective of Research, Development and Demonstration of New Technologies. The development of comprehensive public awareness and educational programs for Islanders is one of the government actions that can be met by utilizing the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead and proposed Ecocentre as a demonstration site.
iii. Forestry: The Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project continues to help the Department of Forestry meet its mandate of providing education on sustainable forestry practices.
e. Department of Rural Development: In 2010, the newly formed Department of
Rural Development released the Rural Action Plan - A Rural Economic Development Strategy for Prince Edward Island. (See Appendix 11) This proposal directly supports most of the goals in the Rural Action Plan through augmenting rural areas as tourist destinations, increasing community participation and capacities, promoting environmental conservation and for providing opportunities to invest in education and developing human resources.
The proposed Ecocentre can assist in the implementation of the Rural Action
Plan’s Transformative Action #3 by providing a public showcase for investments
in innovation, research and development in an agro-environmentally sensitive
area. It will provide the government with an opportunity to demonstrate how
they are successfully reaching their commitment to the goals outlined in the
Rural Action Plan.
Action #13 for the Rural Action Plan’s Goal #2 suggests that "the provincial
government will convert a number of suitable buildings across the province so
they can be heated by biomass." The Homestead should be considered as one of
the government buildings that can demonstrate the use of biomass heat for
traditional Island homes. Islanders could then visit the Homestead, which has
the capabilities of putting on informative workshops, to understand how they
could benefit from this knowledge and innovation.
Please note that following
further assessment in Phase 1 – Transition and Planning Phase, that some of
these goals may be altered.
Proposal:
For the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation to achieve the identified goals for the new business model established in Phase 1, the Board requests:
1. That the Province of PEI provides support for developing this property into a unique Ecocentre that will become a destination for both Islanders and tourists alike. The Province must share the vision of the Macphail Homestead property becoming the premiere site on the Island to come and learn about natural history, culture, alternative energy and sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. This would require a collaborative effort between the Provincial Departments listed in Goal 15 to develop and implement identified projects and programs that would help them meet their mandates.
2. That the Province commit to funding an energy audit and provide the resources to retrofit the culturally sensitive Homestead to create a state of the art, energy efficient historic home.
3. That the Province commit yearly funding for the salary of a full time Operations Manager from May to October each year and a half time manager from November to April.
4. That the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation remains exempt from all property taxes.
5. That the Province provides enhanced signage to clearly direct the travelling public to the site.
6. That the Province covers the cost of advertising in the provincial Tourist Guide and other Provincial marketing initiatives.
Appendix 3
Proposed Repair and Infrastructure Improvement Requirements
1) Repair Required – Building Repair and Maintenance
2) Additional Requirements Needed To Meet Our Proposed Business Model
- Entrances
- Washrooms
Appendix 4
Estimated Operating Budget for Proposed Government’s Required Maintenance
$
Insurance 3,000
Heat 4,000
Electricity 1,000
Security 500
Pest control 500
Telephone & Internet 500
Grass Cutting 2,000
Other 500
TOTAL $12,000 annually
This proposal also requests the Salary for an Executive Director for Phase 1 and a full time seasonal/part-time off-season Operations Manager in Phase 2. The Foundation would assume that this salary cost would be equivalent to a Level 21 provincial employee.
Appendix 5
Planned/Proposed Income Sources
1) Special Events: Meetings; Receptions; Workshop Site
2) Art and Craft gallery – including the sale of specialized Wood Products from an on-site Artisan woodworking shop. A small mill operated by the Macphail Woods project will provide the creation of unique wood products from our own Acadian forest.
3) EcoCenter and Ecolearning Projects:
a. Research and Demonstration Opportunities
b. Sustainable Energy Projects
i. Solar Electrical Generation
ii. MicroHydro Electrical Generation
iii. Wind Turbine
iv. Geothermal Heat Pump
c. Organic Farming Demonstration Sites and Plots available for lease
d. Chemical-Free Lawns and Turf Demonstrations
e. Flower Gardens
f. Composting Demonstration Sites
4) Work closely with the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project to expand offerings.
a. Workshops that could utilize our kitchen as a demonstration area for cooking products found in our gardens and woods.
b. Botanical orchard site, which grows historical varieties of edible fruits.
c. Extend the summer camps that currently run from 9-3pm to provide more flexibility for working parents.
5) Winter and Summer Outdoor Activities
a. Snow shoeing
b. Cross Country Skiing
c. Horseback riding trails
d. Hiking and interpretive nature trails
e. Geocaching and orienteering experiences
6) Natural and cultural history workshops and speakers
7) Macphail Homestead brand developed and used for marketing organic blueberry, currant and other products grown on site or locally.
8) A fixed allowance from the Department of Education’s budget to bring students to the Homestead. (See Goal 14 (b))
9) Lease of rooms in Homestead for small organizations, artisans or other interest groups on seasonal or year-round basis.
Charting a Course: A Study of Heritage in Prince Edward
Island
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/heritagestudy.pdf
An Excerpt taken from the George McRobie Report
Macphail Farm: Demonstrating Sustainable Agriculture
A Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center for Prince Edward Island
To open up feasible choices for Island farmers, a resource and support centre is needed which can mobilize information, conduct field trials, and collaborate with. farmers in working towards sustainable husbandry systems and methods. The opportunity to create a centre of this kind is presented by the Sir Andrew Macphail farmstead, a property of some 150 acres, of which about 40 acres have been cleared as farmland and the rest is forested. The property includes a very large and soundly constructed barn and storehouse which could house the offices, library and other facilities required for such a Centre.
Currently, the Friends of Macphail Board of Directors have plans for the Macphail mansion house and a small piece of land around it: these include refurbishing the house as a heritage centre and building a hostel nearby. Together with Orwell Corner, already laid out as a heritage village, this would preserve and keep alive a unique piece of Island history and culture, as a place for public recreation and education.
During my visit to the Macphail property in June, the Friends of Macphail discussed the possibility of an organic agriculture centre being developed on a 15O-acre site. There was general support for this idea, in the light of the critical role that such a centre would perform, and of the contribution it would make in. fostering good health and community self-reliance, two ideals powerfully advocated by Sir Andrew Macphail. It was also felt that a centre for sustainable agriculture would attract many visitors through its educational and public information functions, and thus adds to the attraction of the heritage site. As a centre of excellence in matters concerning sustainable agriculture, the centre should, of course, build up facilities for public education, including appropriate literature, farm visits, films and lectures and the like.
New Ways with Forest Lands
The fact that some two-thirds of the Macphail property is woodland opens up the possibility of including, parallel with the Farm activities, an experimental and demonstration unit specializing in woodlot management. Its purpose would be to promote and enhance the sustainable development of forest resources, through environmentally sound forest management. It would concentrate on designing systems that are not dependent on chemical pesticides, and would use native plants to help rebuild the soil as well as provide good habitat for flora and fauna. At the same time it would be accessible to the public and the educational system"
Thus taken as a whole, the Macphail property would serve three purposes:
No one who is seriously concerned about the environment, about health, and, about the sustainable use of resources can doubt that a publicly accessible agro-ecological centre on these lines is essential for the future well-being of Prince Edward Island.
A Proposal for Action
This paper is not intended to provide a detailed blue-print of an agro-ecological farming and forestry centre. Its purpose is to argue that such a centre is needed now, if farmers and woodlot Owners and rural communities are to be in a position to exercise choice about their futures: to be able to decide-rather than simply to react to external pressures--what systems and methods of growing food and timber suit them best in the light of contemporary, rapidly growing concerns about health, the environment and resource use.
If it is accepted that the Macphail property offers an ideal opportunity to create a centre of this kind, and is a good place to start it, many questions arise. What would be the capital and recurrent costs involved? How should the centre be organized, operated and financed? What are the priority functions, and hence the staffing requirements?
As a first step towards creating the Macphail Farm for Sustainable Agriculture, it is proposed that an Advisory Council be set up, to advise and guide the Friends of Macphail Board of Directors about initiating the Farm, and to draw up an outline plan of operations, including the priority functions of the Farm, estimates of cost, staffing and timing. and indications of funding sources. The next stage would be a detailed feasibility study.
The Island is especially well-endowed in terms of people knowledgeable in this field and capable of organizing and running the proposed Farm. There should be no problem putting together an effective Advisory Council.
There is also the experience of the Prince Edward Island Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program to be drawn upon; and, along with the help that could be expected from Dalhousie University, and McGill University’s Macdonald College, there would undoubtedly be support from a number of local and national environmental organizations.
My concluding observation is simply this: the environmental, social, scientific and political pressures against chemical and in favour of biological, sustainable husbandry are rapidly building. Within a few years they will be translated into legislation, into farmers' costs and food markets and prices. To set up a centre: such as the Macphail Farm would be no more than a prudent anticipation of what farming and community needs will be within the next few years. The Institute of Island Studies' initiative in pursuing this possibility with the Friends of Mcphail could make a major contribution to the economy of Prince Edward Island and the self-reliance and welfare of its communities.
George McRobie August 1990
2009 Report of the Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food on Prince Edward Island
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/af_commofagri.pdf
Appendix 9
Prince Edward Island and Climate Change – A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of Global Warning
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/env_globalstr.pdf
Appendix 10
The Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy – Securing our Future: Energy, Conservation and Renewables
http://www.gov.pe.ca/publications/getpublication.php3?number=1464
Appendix 11
Rural Action Plan - A Rural Economic Development Strategy for Prince Edward Island.
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/FARD_REDS.pdf