City of Waterloo council to look at future of Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park

A report coming to Waterloo city councillors is looking at the future of the Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park.

Staff are asking for authorization to look at more community engagement and research on whether to keep the enclosure or use the space for something else. The Waterloo Park Plan is expected to be updated next year.

There are nine animals in the herd; two donkeys, a miniature horse, two alpacas, three llamas and an appaloosa horse. The animals are in the farmstead from Victoria Day weekend to the Thanksgiving Day weekend. During the winter, the animals are kept on a private farm.

Some issues have been reported with the area, such as drainage problems, LRT running near the enclosure disturbing the animals and the space being available to the public 24 hours a day. Some of the animals, two donkeys, one of the llamas and an alpaca, are also older and approaching the average lifespan of their species.

Alternate uses for the space include covered picnic areas, water play feature, covered outdoor skating space, skating trail, gardens, small performance area, public washrooms, and a community orchard. In June 2023, the Waterloo Park Advisory Committee concluded that the public should be engaged before any alternate use is proposed.

The Eby Farmstead is located on the east side of the park and takes up 2.1 acres. It has been in the park for the last 57 years. Originally, the enclosure had deer and other wildlife animals such as black bears, cougars, and timber wolves. In 1990, the animals were changed to domesticated animals due to safety concerns.

The report will come before councillors on Monday.