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Published - Nov 5th, 2009
By Gail Martin Weekend Editor
Woolwich councillors have voted to preserve a portion of Victoria Glen Park, and wish to have it declared open space.
However, they are still willing to investigate development options for two remaining parcels of township-owned land in the
natural area.
Residents once again packed council chambers on Nov. 3, giving impassioned pleas for councillors to preserve the park.
More than 1,300 signatures have been put on a petition to preserve the park. As part of the campaign, a blog has been set up by local residents. At the council meeting, stickers with “Preserve Victoria Glen” were handed out
by residents.
A staff report, prepared by township economic development and tourism officer Laurel Davies Snyder, recommended that the township further investigate developing three portions of township-owned land in the park, totalling 2.55 acres out of 12.35 acres.
That conclusion did not sit well with township residents.
Elin Edwards, who lives near the natural area on Snyder Avenue North, told councillors that she did not feel the information contained in the report contained sufficient justification for its recommendations.
Edwards noted that the proposed area of development would take away the bulk of the useable natural area for the residents’ use.
“These are the woods, and you are going to take most of it,” said Edwards. She pointed out that while the report showed other “green” spaces that are available in Elmira, not all green spaces are created equal.
“Victoria Glen Park is not a soccer field,” said Edwards.
Richard Petrone, a hydrogeologist at Wilfrid Laurier University, and an Elmira resident, told councillors that there would be serious logistical issues with developing the land in question.
He noted that many residents have their sump pumps running year round, and that the land itself is on a slope. Both the high water table and the slope of the land will pose problems.
“There is not enough land to do the engineering required, and still leave significant forest behind,” said Petrone.
Councillors heard from several more residents, all giving a unified message — they wanted the entire natural area of Victoria Glen preserved, regardless of the financial cost to the community.
When councillors debated the issue, it was clear they struggled their decision.
Councillor Mark Bauman told residents that he felt that Parcel 1, north of the unopened road allowance, should be completely “off limits,” but that he was prepared to look at developing the remaining portions.
Councillor Murray Martin said he wasn’t ready to make a decision that night, because he felt he needed more information.
“Before I make a decision tonight, I need more reassurance before making a decision,” said Martin.
Councillor Sandy Shantz, however, asked staff to provide the potential revenue for developing the land without Parcel 1 in the equation.
Davies Snyder said it would net approximately $500,000 or less, compared with $1.5 million if the entire area were to be developed.
“I think the amount of funds for developing half of the property is not worth it,” said Shantz, to cheers from the audience.
Mayor Bill Strauss told residents that he had been prepared to support the staff recommendation, but that comments from audience members had changed his mind. Strauss was supportive of Bauman’s suggestion of preserving Parcel 1, while investigating the remaining parcels.
Councillor Ruby Weber, speaking from the chair, told residents that she would not support development of Victoria Glen Park.
“This summer, I visited Victoria Glen. I walked the unopened road allowance,” said Weber.
“The experience is hard to describe. The place is magical, a true gem. Now I understand why you are fighting so hard to protect it. I can’t support the staff report.”
In the end, councillors supported Bauman’s recommendation to investigate further the development of the remaining parcels, while opting to protect Parcel 1. Shantz voted against the motion, emphasizing that the motion would take a tremendous amount of staff time, energy, and cost to the township, while Bauman, Martin and Strauss supported it.
A final vote will take place on Nov. 10, in council chambers. The meeting is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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