Canadensis... is a new Latin term meaning of Canada. "Canadensis" is the brainchild of a creative team commissioned by the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society to develop a business plan with a realistic and rigorous assessment of the potential for a botanic garden in Canada's capital befitting the world UNESCO Rideau Canal site on the Central Experimental Farm. The "Canadensis" vision which is supported by extensive research into the operation of botanic gardens across North America, follows an entrepreneurial approach toward being self-supporting. The Garden will transcend the traditional roles and features of botanic gardens as a signature attraction of international significance.
This Business Plan for a national botanic garden in Ottawa was lead by a landscape architect, resulting in a strong creative vision supported by accountants rather than a vision dictated by accountants. For over a century, attempts have been made to realize the dream of an operational botanic garden on this National Historic Site and World UNESCO property. This business plan offers a fresh, new approach to a Botanic Garden attraction with experiential activities that embrace technology and sustainability. For instance, one may read about climate change but it is entirely different to see the effects as proposed in the Climate Change Laboratory. Canadensis creates a platform for a Canadian style of Garden which can then be exported to the rest of the world, demonstrating our country's passion for landscape.
