I was disappointed to read about your decision concerning Windsor Park.
However, now that the decision has been made, Windsor Park should be the
focus for redevelopment. To my mind, the Guelph Country Club has
certainly come out ahead. To satisfy my curiosity, do you know if it
was the City who initiated the redevelopment of Windsor Park or the
Guelph Country Club? At this point, Windsor Park is to be redeveloped. I know other parks in
the city go through a planning exercise with public input, a master plan
process if you will. I believe this is now happening with Waverley
Park. Will Windsor Park receive a similar master plan exercise with
public input? Perhaps the active playground area of the park is not
suitably placed and should be relocated further east in the park to be
more visible and accessible to those who use it the most. Perhaps
another area of the park would benefit from a naturalization planting.
Maybe immediately adjacent residents would like to have some input into
how Windsor Park will be redeveloped.We are losing an interesting area of Windsor Park and I think that the
redeveloped park needs to be properly planned.As a final comment, I would like to point out to Vicki that absolutely
every natural area in the city has invasive, non-native plant species
growing in them to greater or lesser extents. All along the Speed River
through Guelph you will find the species that occur in the naturalized
area of Windsor Park. All of the large willows along the Speed River
are non-native. And it is impossible to prevent many of these
non-native species from re-colonizing areas as they are spread by
people, wildlife and wind. Non-native species are now part of our
environment and they will eventually achieve a balance in the ecosystem
we live in. CC
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CC I could not say wither “absolutely every natural area in the city has invasive, non-native plant species growing in them to greater or lesser extents” as I’ve not walked every area of this city, as for the words “natural area” that is such a ubiquitous term which seems to have a different meaning depending on who the speaker is or what label your reading. So by natural do you mean land that was never settled by Europeans, undisturbed land, land that is left and not cultivated for some time, land that is parkland and not disturbed or a garden that is cared for and the owner is removing all non-native species and replanting with native species. You could be correct but unless I have proof if I agreed I would be an making an assumption. Also let me be clear I’m not completely against non-native species as we presently need as many plants that will provide habitat for pollinators due to our loss of that habitat.
From your interpretation of what you’ve heard I said I believe you’ve missed entirely the point I trying to make. My point isn’t wither or not its possible to prevent or control non-native species. It was related directly to what is growing in the area in question and what could be growing there instead. As well, what kind of habitat the could exist if we planted the native plants that would support fauna that need the bio-diversity found in areas not overwhelmed by non-native species.
During the times I’ve walked that area I’ve neither saw or heard frogs, as well no life to support frogs. I realize fast running water doesn’t always promote frog habitat but that water is not running fast enough to stop frogs living there at this time of the year if a healthy environment was available . Much of the plant material I found was buckthorn which was crowding out seedlings of tree species which would provide more pollution control and habitat even in their immature forms that mature buckthorns would. The buckthorns well eventually form a mono culture which will provide very little if any habitat for any of our animal population. Mono culture also leaves the area wide open for disease. Although I will admit if I found a disease that affected only buckthorn I would be very happy.
I also found only one game trail. It was at the storm gate nearest the road and it looked much like a raccoon trail using the underground culvert to gain access to garbage pick-up day across the road.
My point being, this place could be so much more. We could plant a bio-diverse habitat support numerous species that can’t live there due to the limited group species there now. This area could educate school children and the neighbourhood about what a wet land is all about.
Its also up to the schools, neighbourhood and city to work together using the city guidelines to develop an environment safe for both people and animals. You have a chance to say what kind habitat you want to see instead of just complaining about want is happening. This land was sold before the present council was in. To rezone it at least will make the park and storm sewers safe according present guidelines as well as give the neighbourhood a chance to be part of a process that will provide a bio-diverse habitat that is not there presently. Councillor Beard
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In response to your request:
The Country Club initiated this proposal.
The City’s land is not developable into six lots on its own and additional lands are required from the Club to make the creation of these lots possible.
The City’s land is currently subject to a storm water ditch that impacts its use and value. Relocation of the ditch and creation of a storm water system has a significant cost attached to it ($200,000 was the original estimate by the Club), all of which cost, including costs for design and approvals, will be borne by the Club. The City will be the owner of the newly implemented storm water system and will also be receiving a significant permanent easement over the Club’s that is impacted by the storm water system.
The City will receive a triangle of land from the Club to connect the remaining Waverley frontage to the balance of Windsor Park located behind existing houses on Waverley Drive. This will allow for direct connection from Waverley Drive to the rear portion of the park. All grading, fencing, sodding, and sidewalk work will be completed at the cost of the Club.
In summary, although the two land parcels being exchanged differ in size and utility, this arrangement is good for the City when the costs associated with revising the storm water system and finishing the new park are considered.Staff