To the Ecole Saint Dominique-Savio ‘Club de l’environment’ students, parent volunteers and staff:

At the meeting of the Owen Sound City Council this past Monday evening Nov 30th 2020 I found a booklet at my seat entitled “A Message to Owen Sound City Council from Local Students”. It was prepared for the Owen Sound Council by the Saint-Dominique- Savio school’s Environment Club.

The intent of the booklet was to thank the Council for their recent decision to not develop the parkland in the Timber McArthur and Stoney Orchard Park areas, to tell us how much they value this natural land and their intention to use the park to learn about nature beyond the classroom walls. This type of learning, they reminded me, is encouraged by the Ontario Curriculum for health, physical education and to foster a connection to local places.

I would like to send back a message to the local students and those who supported and assisted them.

Thank you for taking the time to create this amazing booklet and to express your appreciation. Just as you spoke up to make a difference, Council also wants to make a positive difference as well. Making decisions is often not easy. It is like being in a push-pull contest with many interests and perspectives competing with each other. It is important for you as students and also the members of the public to know that your voices really do matter in helping us to make these decisions and to find a balance.

Sometimes we also have to speak up for the wildlife and the environment since they have no other voices but ours to speak for them. Next time you are outdoors observing the plants, animals, birds and trees remember that your actions made a space for them. In the future, please remember there is always a space for you and your voices at the Council table.

Take care, stay safe and thank you.

Carol Merton
Councillor
Owen Sound