To the Mayor of Owen Sound, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, and City Manager:
Regarding: Potential Land Sale – Stoney Orchard & Timber McArthur Parks

As a 30 year resident of Owen Sound currently living within 500m of this public parkland, I do not believe my concerns and opinions should carry more weight than any other resident.

This park does not belong to city council or any developer. It belongs to all the citizens of Owen Sound, and any life forms needing this habitat for survival.

I take issue with how this significant area has been described by city staff as “a small piece” in the backgrounder to the survey. The adjective “small” is unnecessary and misleading, as the portion in question actually encompasses close to 15% of the park block between 23rd and 25th Street East.

I visit this lovely place on a regular basis. Every time I go there I see quite a few others who are also enjoying the natural feel of this “urban wilderness”. Many families use the trail system for hiking, cycling and appreciating the flora and fauna found there. There are at least five or six 100 year old spruce trees and a historic old stone wall along the southern edge. Great horned owls, deer, foxes, coyotes and many other species can be found there.

The developer in question already owns the land for the 68 lot Ridgecrest Subdivision immediately south of 23rd Street East, and will have to extend 23rd Street further west before those lots are built upon. This will clear a lot of bush that currently exists on the road allowance as a buffer, negatively impacting the existing parkland. Selling off an additional 40 meter deep strip for housing will not only destroy that portion, but make an impact even further into this park.

Do growth projections for our city require these additional lots? According to the developer’s website, the company owns 85 vacant lots available to build on in Owen Sound alone. And this doesn’t include the Ridgecrest Subdivision.

Aside from the developer, who will benefit from the sale of this park? As a taxpayer, I understand the revenue from this sale and subsequent property tax is something to be desired. But is there a monetary value that justifies irreversibly destroying a part of our city’s natural heritage? Is there not enough existing vacant land to build on? Cutting down trees to build houses doesn’t seem like a good plan in a climate crisis. Selling off parkland sets a terrible precedent. Surely we can preserve this piece of property, protecting it from chainsaw and bulldozer for future generations to enjoy.

Jim Ansell, Owen Sound.