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