CCFEW BIRD WALKS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER IN SAM SMITH PARK

CCFEW organizes a series of 8 to 10 bird walks through the year at Toronto waterfront parks. Winter walks are normally held at Humber Bay, while spring and fall walks are at Colonel Sam Smith Park. The walks are lead by experienced birders and are free for anyone who is interested in attending. Everyone is welcome! All walks are on weekends.

Future Bird Walk Dates:

Sunday, September 14th

9:00 - 11:00 am, Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: Glenn Coady

Meet in the south parking lot (where Sam Smith Park Drive ends) at 9:00

Saturday, October 4th

9:00 - 11:00 am, Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: Andrew Keaveney

Meet in the south parking lot (where Sam Smith Park Drive ends) at 9:00

Walks are held rain,or shine!

PUBLIC CONSULTATION - A THOUGHT.

The letter from Adelaide Bell about the Skating Trail in yesterday's Etobicoke Guardian shows the problem with the City's approach to public consultation. Is it right to simply dismiss a large body of public opinion, exampled by her thoughtful letter, that does not happen to align itself neatly with political and bureaucratic will or should public employees, like Councillors and planners, be required to moderate personal goals and, as city guidelines state, seek out compromise, consensus solutions that do not divide a community?

Many of us still oppose trail

August 21, 2008 03:28 PM

On June 5, I attended a public meeting regarding the proposed construction of a skating trail in the Colonel Samuel Smith Park in south Etobicoke.

At the meeting, we were asked to hand in a sheet stating our opinions. I strongly objected to this project, since it would require the removal of trees, the disturbance of tree roots in order to level the trail and artificial refrigeration which would be costly and would have to be constantly inspected to make sure it wouldn't leak chemicals into the ground and eventually into the lake. The Zamboni, lighting, and music would frighten the wild animals and the many species of birds that inhabit the park, driving them away, and maybe even causing wild animals to invade neighbouring gardens and prey on domestic pets.

The proposed hot chocolate concession would result in litter throughout the park.

Much of the park has been lost to large buildings and the small area left should be left in place. Several friends, acquaintances and neighbours of mine did not receive a notice of the meeting, or were unable to attend the meeting. We do not belong to any organized group opposing the trail, but we do wish that Colonel Samuel Smith Park remain a natural wildlife sanctuary and strongly object to the construction of a skating trail on this site.

Adelaide Bell

CC: Mayor David Miller, Project co-ordinator Lura Consulting, Steven O'Bright, Councillor Mark Grimes, Councillor Peter Milczyn, Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/etobicoke/letters/article/54176?thePub=etobicoke

SKATING TRAIL REPORT OUT!

LURA Consulting’s report on the Skating Trail public consultation held in June is now available.

	You can click here to read the full report in pdf format (916KB, 66 pages).

The document is 66 pages long and includes a covering letter from the City, comments and questions that came from the floor along with city staff responses where offered, a summary of points from the comment sheets sent in (180 pro, 175 con), results from two petitions (53 pro, 26 con) and an Urban Forestry Review indicating tree conflicts.

The City's covering letter contains the following ....."Some residents expressed excitement and support for what will become a great family destination in your neighbourhood. Others raised concerns regarding the potential impact of a skating trail in this area. Be assured that City staff are committed to developing this project taking into account the importance of the sensitivities of the park and community, and without disturbing the existing Wetlands-Wildlife Restoration Trail.

In proceeding with the project, the City will be issuing a proposal call in September for qualified and experienced firms to initiate the design phase. It is anticipated that the project would be complete and operational for the 2009 skating season. I appreciate the time and effort you have taken to be engaged in this process and providing your opinions and input. LURA Consulting will continue to receive your comments as the project progresses so please forward any comments to shall@lura.ca"

It appears that the City intends to go ahead with this project in spite of massive opposition and a call from a large part of the community for precious resources to be spent on more urgent community needs. Once again, another so-called "public consultation" turns out to be nothing more than a public relations gesture. Logic and fair play would suggest that a near 50% opposition from intelligent, reasonable and committed community residents would halt a project so that a thorough, overall review could be done before the City barrels ahead. Go figure!

NEXT TUESDAY - MIMICO'S "PARTY IN THE PARK"

Party in the Park - Tuesday, August 5th:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MIMICO RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MIMICO BAPTIST CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PRESENT THEIR 11TH ANNUAL MIMICO SUMMER FESTIVAL Tuesday August 5th, 2008 5:30pm - 8:30pm Mimico Memorial Park (Bordered by Hillside, Central and George Streets) GREENING OUR COMMUNITY: Displayed resources from various Ministries, Departments and Organizations to help our community be more environmentally responsible. Also featuring, Local Dignitaries, Police and Fire Depts, The Toronto Children's Concert Choir (TC3), Hybrid Auto Show, Hot Air Balloon rides, BBQ & Corn Roast, Kidz Zone, Senior's Tent. Donations accepted for Daily Bread Food Bank