Hendrick Farm is well known locally for its beautiful setting and scenery.  Recently, Ottawa photographer Anne-Marie Bouchard (http://ambphoto.com) used the farm – and the barn in particular – as the backdrop for a showcase on bridal photography.  After all the attention that that other wedding across the pond had, the horses were flattered that there [...]

Six years ago we began discussions with the Hendrick family about the sort of development that they would like to see happen on their farm. The farm has been in their family for more than 100 years, occupies a critical portion of Old Chelsea village and serves as a buffer between suburban Gatineau and rural Chelsea. The Hendricks feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect the heritage of their farm and are equally concerned that whatever happens on the land is in keeping with the wishes of the community. We share this sense of responsibility both as business people and as long-time residents.

More than three years ago we began discussions with fellow Chelsea residents and community groups about citizens’ wants and needs and about their hopes for potential uses of the Hendrick farm.  In listening to the community we heard the following:

-Protect the rural character of Old Chelsea village;

-Conserve as much green space as possible;

-Enshrine Old Chelsea as a destination unto itself – not simply as a through point to the Gatineau Park;

-Enhance the number of retail and restaurant services available locally to Chelsea residents;

-Create opportunities for housing a mix of demographics: young families, singles, seniors;

-Enhance recreational opportunities for citizens and visitors by linking the village with surrounding communities and the Gatineau Park;

-Enhance the community and village focal point for all residents of Chelsea, and;

-Protect the existing buffer between Gatineau and Chelsea.

Over the course of this same period, we were heavily involved in the founding of the Chelsea Visioning process and were actively involved in the Visioning Committee’s work – participating in, volunteering with and organizing the many consultative activities of the Committee.

We are entirely confident that our development proposal is a reflection of the concerns of citizens and with the findings of the Visioning Committee. Not only will our development plans accomplish all of these goals, it will re-establish an important farming presence on the Hendrick farm.

We strongly believe that this Comprehensive Development Plan (PAE) will not only protect and enhance the rural character of Chelsea, but it will be held as a model for how a community came together to build something better. Chelsea will have stopped suburban sprawl in its tracks, increased agricultural and recreational use of prime village real estate and dramatically increased the variety of housing and service options for its citizens. Chelsea will be able to add “conservation development” to its list of environmental and planning accomplishments.