I’m sure each and every one of you have been inundated with letters and comments, both formally as members of Council and/or city staff as well as informally as individuals as you cross paths with the local members of our community, with regard to the “Stoney Orchard Parkland” issue.

I would like to add my voice to this issue as well.

To be blunt, I am not in favour of the potential sale of the “small piece (0.518 ha, 1.3 acres) of this parkland.” In fact, I am not in favour of this potential sale or any other possible sale of any piece, no matter how small, of any of our local parklands, to any developer.

Included with this letter is a collection of petitions that were placed in various local establishments throughout the city, signed by individuals who are also hoping that our city representatives will deny the “request before Council regarding the potential sale of a small piece (0.518 ha, 1.3 acres) of this parkland.”

My hope is, that this collection of petitions, along with the other letters that have been dropped off or mailed to The City of Owen Sound Mayor, Council and City Staff as well as those that have been published on line will encourage and hopefully succeed in getting our Council to refuse this current request before Council regarding the potential sale of the afore mentioned “small piece” of the Stoney Orchard Parkland.

To me, this collection of signatures is indicative of our local residents (along with many individuals from other areas), reaction to this potential sale. I truly hope that you will concur.

Considering the larger project that this particular developer, Barry’s Construction, has within a few blocks from The Stoney Orchard Parkland, the increase in population up in the north – east quadrant will make the “Stoney Orchard Parkland” even more of an asset to those living in that area.

From my perspective, this potential sale, if it succeeds in getting passed, will be the beginning of the proverbial “slippery slope”. If one developer is successful in getting the city to sell off a bit of it’s green space for his or her project(s), where, when or with whom, will the Council draw the line?

Green space, parkland large and small, is critical on so many levels and really needs to be considered as an essential, integral and indispensable component to any community. It is, at its essence, “Green Infrastructure” and needs to be protected, not broken up.

Ideally, I would like to see all green spaces / parkland, designated as “Green Infrastructure” and protected in perpetuity.

Respectfully yours,

M J (Maggie) Bishop
Owen Sound