Above is the link to the story in the Independent/Free Press regarding the potential sale of the Memorial Arena Site in order to pay for the new arena approved for Acton.
I raised this issue in Council because I felt that Council had not actually decided to sell the site as had been stated by the Mayor at our Special Council Meeting on February 28th. My goal had been to get this clarified for the public. I was astonished to learn that in the opinion of many members of Council a decision had been made to sell the property. Staff however, were of a different opinion. Staff read the recommendation and it clearly stated that there was no decision. At the meeting where this was discussed, staff were directed to explore options for selling 3 properties in Georgetown and to report back.
I was not at the meeting where this was discussed by Council but I had made my point of view known to Council on previous occasions when the subject came up.
My point of view is based on the understanding that the neighbourhood around the arena is underserviced for parkland right now. This area has been rezoned to encourage intensification. That means that the parkland needs will increase not decrease. Furthermore when one looks at the options available to meet these needs it is obvious that this area was built out long ago and so there are few opportunities. Yet we own this land now.
It would seem prudent to me to have a plan to meet the parkland needs of this neighbourhood prior to selling the parkland that we already own.
Although the options were never discussed I would present one option that could allow the town to achieve both goals.
The one opportunity that does exist is for the Town to acquire the Silver Creek Valleylands starting at Fred's Towing and going up stream to Ontario Street. It would be possible to create a linear park that would connect to Cedarvale Park and on through the existing trail system to Norval. If the new parkland that I am proposing had a paved multi use path then people would have access to a roller blade park, a cycling park, a dog walking park and an off road route to a community park at Cedarvale.
Linear parks of this nature are popular with all ages and offer great opportunities for people to relax and get some exercise at the same time. They allow people to escape the traffic and noise of the urbanized areas and to appreciate nature close to their homes. In addition it provides an alternate transportation route free from the hassles and safety issues associated with traveling along side cars and trucks. The benefit to the adjacent neighbourhood would also be felt elsewhere as people would be able to extend their walks from further downstream. The more robust the trail system, the more attractive it is to people.
I would be interested in your views on the potential sale of the Memorial Arena site.
Jane, I agree totally with your proposal and your respect for the environmental sustainability of this community's beautiful natural locations. More parks, large and small, are especially neeeded in the older areas of town. Your independent thinking is admirable and much needed. Thanks.
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