Chapter 8
Canatara Park, 1970 – 1979
1 Highlighted #’s refer to those pages in the original binder. They may not be shown in sequence.
Summary of Changes, Proposals, Issues, Activities And Management Policies in Canatara Park: 1970 - 1979
During the decade a large number of changes occurred in the following six sections of the park.
The Beach: To minimize erosion along the shoreline in the 1972 – 1975 period when the water level in Lake Huron was very high, three major projects were completed. The breakwater at the west end of the beach was enlarged, eight groynes were installed along the entire shoreline and a gabion basket wall was built at the east end of the beach to protect the washroom and lifeguard station. In addition, the old change house at the beach was demolished and a washroom moved to the site in 1971.
The Dunes: In the 1970 – 73 period the sand dunes between the beach and the large beach parking lot were stripped of their trees, shrubs and dune grass, graded with a bulldozer, covered with topsoil and seeded with grass to create a manicured lawn. This “dune beautification project” resulted in a large amount of sand blowing from the beach into the parking lot. In the 1974 – 79 period a dune restoration project was initiated to reintroduce the native vegetation back into these dunes. 2
Lake Chipican: In the 1969 – 70 period a channel was dredged around the south end of the lake creating three small islands at this location. The marsh between this channel and the park road was filled with the dredged sediment and the reclaimed land was covered with topsoil and seeded with grass to create a manicured lawn. In 1975 the channel was extended northward up the east side of the lake to produce a large “island sanctuary for wildlife.”
In 1974 Lake Chipican and the area around it was designated a Nature Preserve. A nature trail that circles the lake was built and a large number of trees and shrubs were planted between the channel and the park roads to provide a buffer for trail users. A bird observation tower was also erected at the south end of the lake.
Tarzanland: In the 1970 – 73 period this woodlot was converted into a formal “Arboretum” consisting of large “specimen” trees, while most of the small trees and shrubs were removed. In addition several areas in the low ground on the west side of Tarzanland were filled with earth as part of the golf course project, as shown on Map Y1. However this Arboretum project came to an abrupt halt in 1974 when (3) Tarzanland was designated a Nature Preserve. In the 1974 – 79 period a large number of native trees,
shrubs and wildflowers were reintroduced into this woodlot as part of a forest restoration project.
The Landfill Site: In the 1970 – 73 period a huge amount of fill from city excavation sites was deposited in this section of the park. The fill was used to create several hills & swales for the Canatara Golf Course project. By 1974 the eastern half of this course had been covered with topsoil and seeded with grass for the golf fairways. Nine greens had been created and an irrigation system installed. However, in 1975 this project also came to an abrupt halt when the Parks & Recreation (P&R) Board learned that the course had not been designed properly and was not financially viable. In the 1976 – 79 period nature trails and cross country ski trails were laid out in the landfill and Citizen Garden Plots were located in the northwest section of the site.
The Children’s Farm: The following five buildings were located adjacent to the farm: a log cabin, carriage shed, smoke house, drive shed and washroom. Rail fences were also installed in and around the Farm and a channel dredged around the periphery of the enlarged Farm in 1974. In the 1970 – 73 period most of the (4) small trees and shrubs were removed from the woodland bordering the west side of the Farm. However, in 1974 this “under brushing” policy was completely reversed and a large number of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers were reintroduced into the area as part of a woodland restoration project.
Many changes & issues concerning the park roads and parking lots also occurred in the 1970’s.
Park Roads: Two traffic circles were constructed along the main road and the section of the original road between these circles were permanently closed in 1974 and converted into a pedestrian walkway. The section of the road that ran westward from the Children’s Farm parking lot to the main road at the south end of the ballfield was closed in 1977 and also turned into a walkway. In addition, the laneway adjacent to the west side of Lake Chipican was removed in 1977. New car barriers were placed along the roads and parking lots.
The following three proposals concerning the roads were discussed by the P&R Board but not implemented. One involved constructing a road through the landfill to link Front Street with Cathcart Boulevard. A second (5) concerned creating a new entrance road into the park from Michigan Avenue . A third proposal was to install speed bumps on the main road to control the speeding cars. Another proposal, which included blocking the main road, sparked a major controversy and is dealt with below.
In 1972 Charlesworth Lane was altered so that it intersected at right angles with the main park road, as depicted on Map Y1 and the same alteration was made at the east entrance road to the large beach parking lot in 1974, as shown on Map Y2. In July 1975 the P & R Board initiated the policy of closing the park roads to late night traffic and in 1977 an asphalt bicycle path & walkway was constructed beside sections of the park roads, as portrayed on Map Y2.
Parking Lots: The western section of the large beach lot was completed in 1970 and in 1974 cross-barriers were constructed to divide this lot into three sections in order to stop the drag racing as shown on Map Y3. The lot near the west end of the beach was enlarged in 1973 to accommodate the boaters who used the boat launching site at this location. In 1977 a small boat launching ramp was also installed here. In addition the small parking lot in the picnic grounds on the west side of the park was (6) removed and seeded with grass, as shown on Map Y.
Some of the other proposals, issues, and activities concerning Canatara in the 1970’s are outlined below.
Park Controversies: Several major disagreements involving the park erupted during the 1970’s. One concerned a 1973 proposal to construct an animal shelter adjacent to the Children’s Farm. Another was an attempt by several Sarnia aldermen in 1974 to lease the park to the St. Clair Parkway Commission. A third was a 1976 plan by the Parks Commissioner & P&R Board to control the flow of traffic through the park by barricading two of the park roads. As a result of vigorous protests and objections none of these proposals were implemented.
Miscellaneous Proposals & Requests: Various individuals and groups proposed that a diverse range of items from the bow section of a lake freighter to an antique stationary steam engine be placed in the park. Most of these requests were denied. A collection of old farm equipment however, was allowed into the park and housed in the so-called drive shed next to the Children’s Farm. (This equipment has since been removed from the park and the drive-shed converted (7) into a small picnic shelter.) The mill stones at the north end of the ballfield were also removed and sent to the Mooretown Museum in 1973.
Park Events & Activities: Three annual events that take place in Canatara – Christmas on The Farm, Easter in the park and Canada Day Celebrations – were all initiated during the 1970’s. The park staff continued to clear the snow from Lake Chipican for the skaters and the Citizens Band performed at the bandshell throughout the 1970’s. A pioneer village project proposed by the Sarnia Historical Society was never realized, but this Society and other groups mounted displays in the log cabin in the 1976 – 1978 period. In 1975 a fitness trail was established on sections of the trail in the Nature Preserves and in 1977 guided tours were conducted on the nature trails to explain the many features in the Preserves.
Park Land Acquisitions: In 1973 the Parks & Recreation Board requested that the city purchase a large section of the former Sarnia Cement Products Company property bordering the west side of the park where an apartment complex was planned. However, since this proved financially unachievable, in 1974 the city started negotiations to obtain at least a portion (8) of this property. (As described in Volume 9, 3.4 acres were acquired in 1984.) The city also attempted to purchase the CNR triangular land bordering the landfill site for an addition to the park. (This land was eventually obtained in 2000, as
outlined in Volume 9.) A small parcel of land in the former Phillips property adjacent to the east beach was added to the park in 1976.
Parks Administration & Management Policies: A fundamental change in the administration of the park occurred in 1973 when Bob Harrison was replaced by David DeShane as the P&R Commissioner. As noted in Volume 7, their management policies in Canatara were very dissimilar and even divergent. For example, in many sections of the park they established a dramatically opposite policy regarding vegetation management. Harrison’s policy involved keeping all sections of the park neat and trim with vegetation carefully clipped, groomed, mowed and manicured. In contrast, DeShane designated large sections of the park as Nature Preserves where the vegetation was allowed to grow and change without human interference. To improve the plant communities and wildlife habitat in these Preserves, he initiated a number vegetation restoration projects designed to undo the policy that Harrison had instituted.
9
As demonstrated by the 1969 Canatara Development Plan described in Volume 7, Harrison believed that the primary function of large urban parks such as Canatara should be to provide residents with a diversity of human-made facilities such as a golf course, sports fields, tennis courts and picnic grounds, as well as all the buildings associated with these activities. DeShane, on the other hand, maintained that such parks should provide large natural areas where urban residents could, as he wrote, “…enjoy the seclusion and detachment from the normal hustle and bustle of the urban scene.”
Although some residents in the 1974-75 period, who agreed with Harrison’s management policies, accused DeShane of turning Canatara into an, “unkempt wilderness”, most park users enjoyed walking along the wood-chip trails that were constructed in the Nature Preserves. Since subsequent Parks Directors have retained these very popular Preserves, Canatara Park, as it exists today, is largely the result of the management policies initiated by DeShane in the 1970’s. Approximately half the park consists of a Developed Zone where all the buildings and other (10) human-made facilities are located while the other half contains the Nature Preserves where people can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in a completely natural setting. (For the boundaries of the five nature Preserves, see map W4 in Volume 9).
In May 1977 DeShane resigned, and Bill Skerret became the Parks & Recreation Administrator. In December 1977, mainly because of the controversy over control of traffic in Canatara, Sarnia Council decided to disband the P&R Board. In January 1978 a P&R Committee was established to advise the City Council on issues concerning the management of the parks in Sarnia. However, unlike previous boards, the committee made no decisions regarding the parks. All decisions were now made by Council. The Committee initially consisted of five citizens, two aldermen and the P&R Administrator.
All these changes, activities, plans, proposals and issues are described in the newspaper articles, P&R Board minutes, maps, photos and other material supplied below. An (11) addendum that includes a large amount of material from the P&R Board minutes during
the 1971 – 1977 period is also provided. For more information regarding the activities and issues in the Lake Chipican Nature Preserve, see Volume 10).
Maps in Volume 8
Map Y: The Southwest Section of Canatara Park, 1970
Map Y1: Canatara Park, 1972
Map No.6: Generalized Concept Plan, 1970 (re: Cathcart Extension Through the Park)
Plan of Survey: Phillips and MacDougall Property: 1974
Map Y3:1970 1974 Canatara Management Proposals
Map Y4: Traffic Control Proposal in Canatara Park, 1976
Map Y5: Proposed Road Barricades in Canatara Park, 1976
Map Y2: Canatara park, 1978
12 1970
Mar. (1)
Board decides to proceed with Mitchell Associates plan for park.
May (2) Seaway Kiwanis Club donates pony and cart to Children’s Farm
June / Jly (3) West End of beach parking lot paving completed
Jly (4) Centerboard Club requests permission to locate a launching area for sailboats at west end of park. This request is denied by the Board.
Sept (5) Bathhouse is demolished
Sept - Nov (6) Large amounts of fill is deposited in the landfill site and graded in preparation for golf course project.
Nov (7)
2
Channel is dredged around the south end of Lake Chipican and islands for a bird sanctuary created.
CANATARA CONSIDERED ANSWER TO SOARING RECREATION NEED
September 1970
Rapid growth in municipalities and regions creates many problems that are rather costly to deal with. How to provide enough recreational services is one of these problems.
With the population within the city expected to increase to 75,000 people (barring annexation by 1985 the City of Sarnia and its parks and recreation department have already begun to take steps to solve the recreational problem before it begins.
The solution, in part, lies in the development plan for Canatara Park: a study which outlines $1,400,000 in additions, improvements and alterations for the park over the next four years.
The basic objective for the development plan for Canatara Park is to create an attractive, functional, relaxing and stimulating City Park with a regional function to accommodate, as far as possible, the significant anticipated patronage increase created by City and regional growth,” an explanation of the concept says in the plan prepared by Canadian Mitchell Associates, Ltd of Bramalea.
ACTIVITY AREAS
“The development concept envisages extension and distribution of the intensive use and activity areas served by a radically improved circulation and parking system separated by passive, vegetated zones providing screening and use defining.”
Existing facility resources in the park should be used as much as possible but some facilities, particularly the centre beach, washrooms and the pavilion, should be removed in the near future, this report indicates.
Beginning at the Christina-Cathcart Blvd. entrance, the plan envisages a six-acre entrance and administration area.
Lake Chipican will be dredged, and a reclamation program begun to rid the banks of weeds. A Wildlife Island close to the eastern shore is proposed to support a naturally vegetated environment.
A recreation island is proposed close to the west central shore to benefit from the lake views which will be created.
To achieve the Lake conditions proposed, it is estimated that about 50,000 cubic yards of fill material will be produced, which would be placed, shaped and compacted into place around the Lake at a cost of $65,000
NATIVE PLANTS
What is now known as Tarzanland will be developed into an arboretum, utilizing native plants.
To the west of the arboretum will be a proposed 18 hole par three golf course, located on what was formerly a sanitary landfill area.
A farmhouse would be added at the Children’s Farm and parking facilities throughout the park would be improved and enlarged.
The 1970 photo on the following page shows the view looking east from the north end of the ballfield. The canon has since been moved to Veterans Park. Notice the cars on the left that are parked beside the original park road, which was then still open to traffic. In the background on the right is the red brick washroom near the northeast corner of the ballfield.
Southwest Section of Canatara Park: 1970
Map Y: Southwest Section of Canatara Park: 1970
Notes for Map Y: The Southwest Section of Canatara park: 1970
Map Y is based on the 1970 aerial photograph provided above. The following features within the park are depicted on the map.
1. The traffic circle was constructed in the 1969-1970 period.
2. This section of the original park road was still used during the summer in the 1970 – 74 period to facilitate traffic flow through the park.
3. The small parking lot located here in the 1960’s was covered with topsoil and seeded with grass in 1970.
4. This is the western section of the 1.8 acre railroad right-of-way that Sarnia leased from the CNR.
5. Park staff deposited the leaves collected from the picnic grounds in this area.
6. This informal trail is located in the same area as the laneway that once led from Point Edward to the Quarantine House as portrayed on the 1912 Canatara map in Volume 3).
The following features located adjacent to the park are also shown on Map Y:
18
a) A small office building
b) A warehouse
c) The Rose Gardens parking lot
d) A filled-in gravel pit where the Pier 100 apartment building is now located.
e) A laneway on the railroad right-of-way used by both park staff and the public.
f) The CNR line into Point Edward
The Observer aerial photograph shown below, shows the view looking over the southeast section of Canatara Park in early 1970. On the bottom left is the channel at the south end of Lake Chipican that was dredged in September 1969. The two islands created at that time are also visible. On the bottom right, at the Children’s Farm, the barn, entrance building, pond and fenced enclosures for the animals are all discernible. In the center of the photo the landfill site appears as a large empty field. At the center left is the Tarzanland woodlot, or “Arboretum” as it was then called.
19
CHILDREN’S FARM SAYS ‘HELLO’ TO DOLLY
Andy Brandt, top left, president of the Seaway Kiwanis Club, which has sponsored the Canatara Parks Children’s Farm, since it opened May 24, 1964 officially presented the farm with transportation Monday with a pony and cart. Visitors Susie Thomas and her brother, Doug 12, took the first ride in the new cart, while citiy Parks and Recreation official Stan Stoka managed the reins. Looking on with Mr. Brant is Parks Commissioner Robert Harrison. The club raised $500 for the purchased of the pony, harness and cart. Mr. Harrison said the three year old horse, Dolly, will be in the Downtown Days Parade on Thursday.
21 This page has been removed from this volume. This article is in Vol. 10
22
Report of Parks & Recreation Board Meeting: July 15, 1970
(From Sarnia Gazette: August 12, 1970 p17)
Delegations: Mr. McKerlie was a spokesman for a delegation of the Centreboard Club. He said the club was formed in May of this year for sailing boats for racing and competitive sailing. It is composed of about 50 people. They have been using Sarnia Bay, but it is unsafe due to the power boats. They are interested in gaining access to Lake Huron to sail there, and the problem is that there is no access for small boats launching into the lake. Harrison said that he understood their problem but at this time of year there is no monies available from the Board. He is also concerned that if the Board puts in a launching ramp for sailing boats, it encourages others to ask for the same consideration. Also boating is not conductive to safe swimming and we are encouraging families to use Canatara Park.
Harrison also mentioned that there was no sign of disease in the oak trees in Canatara Park.
23
Sarnia Gazette article: November 4, 1970 p6
Harrison said that dredging operations are being conducted around the south end of lake Chipican to complete the work started last year. The city has so far expended about $4,000 on the project. He also hoped that sometime soon the buildings that are being donated by Mrs. Lorne hay will be moved to Canatara Park
1970 Aerial Photo of Landfill Site
The aerial photo below shows the landfill site in late 1970. Notice the numerous piles of earth in the landfill just south of the Children’s Farm. A bulldozer was used to spread this material over the landfill in preparation for the Canatara golf course. Also notice that grass for the golf course fairways had been planted on the east side of the landfill adjacent to Tarzanland.
Canatara Landfill Site: 1970
Mar (1) Plans are made to move the washroom building in Kiwanis Park (at present site of Water Treatment Plant) to Canatara
Apr (2) Plans are in progress to move three historic buildings from the Hay Estate at Lakeshore Road to Canatara.
May (3) Seaway Kiwanis Club request that the Children’s Farm be renamed The “Kiwanis Children’s Farm”.
(4) Three historic buildings moved to site adjacent to Children’s Farm
Aug - Oct (5) Addition to Maintenance Building constructed.
Sept - Oct (6) Sand dunes are graded and covered with top soil, ready for seeding.
Sept - Nov (7) Fill from city construction sites used to prepare golf course site in landfill area.
Dec (8) Washroom from Kiwanis Park moved to former bath house site.
LOG CABIN WHICH WILL CONSTITUTE NEW ENTRANCE TO CHILDREN”S FARM AT CANATARA PARK
April 20, 1971 p13
By Marcella Brown (Observer Staff Writer)
Canatara Park is about to receive some valuable early Canadians
A complex of log buildings which are estimated to be more than 150 years old are scheduled to start moving next week from a site on the lake shore in the Children’s Farm at the park.
They are the gift of Mrs. Lorne Hay, whose late husband was a former member of the Board of Parks and Recreation and a city alderman.
FITTING SITE
“We both were very fond of Canatara and thought it would be a fitting site for the buildings,” she says.
They include a log cabin, stable and guest house.
R. F. Harrison, the city’s commissioner of parks and recreation, says the cabin will be placed so as to constitute the new entrance to the farm from the west side.
“We’ll put our show horses and carriages in the stable and arrange the guest house to represent a smoke house,” he explained.
Concept is to create an early Canadian farm atmosphere, the commissioner said. Furnishings of the period may be added gradually, but not until a custodian and guides can be sustained.
HERB BED
A kitchen garden, possibly incorporating an herb bed, will develop more immediately, he indicated.
Cost of the moving, around $3,000 will be underwritten by the Seaway Kiwanis Club, President Robert Gordon confirms. The project was undertaken in consultation with Mr. Harrison, he says.
“The club was instrumental in starting the farm and has a continuing interest in it,” he points out.
Job of moving the buildings goes to Jim Abra.
“The big challenge will be getting them out ( of the former Spaulding property) without cutting up the laneway too badly and destroying the trees,” he says. He anticipates the move will take two weeks.
Mr. Abra pronounces the cabin as one of the best he has seen throughout the province.
BLACK ASH
The logs are of black ash, the workmanship is exquisite. Floors are put together with dowelling instead of nails 27
From Sarnia Historical Society Newsletter – Nov. 20, 1980
ABOUT THE LOG CABIN
By Eric Poersch
The log cabin in Canatara Park came from near Goderich, Ontario. In 1930, Mrs. Margaret Spaulding, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hanna (Mr. Hanna was an M.P.P. and President of Imperial Oil at one point), bought the log cabin from the Geddes Family,
dry goods stores. The log cabin was taken apart and floated down Lake Huron in a log boom to Lakeshore Road. Here it was reassembled, and a wing added. The Spaulding property at 1572 lakeshore Road was located next to Hanna’s property.
The log cabin had an upstairs with bedrooms and a downstairs with living quarters. Artistically landscaped with shrubs and flowers it presented an attractive appearance. In 1938, the Coach House was built. In reality, it was a garage with a billiard room and 28 guest room upstairs. The little log structure called “Smoke House” was in reality another guest house. In the late 1930’s Lakeshore property was used for summer cottages only, one reason being the road was an unpaved trail through the bush country.
When Margaret Spaulding died, her son Thomas Spaulding inherited it. Mr. Lorne Hay, builder, subdivider and City Alderman bought the buildings and tore down the added wing. (The addition to the log cabin.) After his death, Mrs. Hay fearing the threat from shore erosion, gave the log cabin to the City, to be a recreation feature.
Through the generosity of the Lorne Hay Family, the City of Sarnia received the Log Cabin, Carriage Shed and Smoke House that presently sit in the vicinity of the Children’s Farm at Canatara Park.
These buildings were moved in one piece (as opposed to being dismantled) from the Hay property East of Modeland Road on the lake side of Lakeshore Road, in May of 1971. The cabin was still being used as a residence up to the time it was given to the City. It is estimated that the original cabin would be close to 100 years old, however, through time, renovations have been necessary and some parts of the building are bound to be somewhat younger.
The cost of $3,500 to get the buildings from the Hay property to Canatara Park was borne by Seaway Kiwanis Club of which Mr. Hay was a member.
Some of the interesting features of the cabin are:
Peg flooring (2nd floor), two fireplaces (1st floor rebuilt after being moved to the present site), milled beams, wainscoting (2nd floor), cedar shingles (replaced after move to present site).
The fireplace on the ground floor was found to be a false one, built for appearance only, yet complete with a chimney. Mr. Cliff Widdup, a retired brick mason, voluntarily rebuilt it as a functional fireplace. At that time, a little grey brick building, west of the C.N.R. Station in Sarnia was being demolished. Its bricks had been made by one of the five brickyards on Blackwell Road, using native clay from Cull Drain. Mr. Widdup used this brick to rebuild the fireplace and chimney of the Cabin as his contribution to the children of Sarnia and area.
The Sarnia Parks and Recreation Department invites groups, clubs and individuals to make use of this community resource for meetings, displays and special events. Enquiries should be directed to Parks and Recreation, City Hall. Telephone 332-0330, Ext. 206.
29
SARNIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Through the generosity of the late Lorne Hay, the City of Sarnia received the Log Cabin Carriage Shed and Smoke House that presently sit in the vicinity of the Children’s Farm at Canatara Park.
These buildings were moved in one piece (as opposed to being dismantled) from the Hay property north of Modeland Road on the lake side of Lakeshore Road, in May of 1971. The cabin was still being used as a residence up to the time it was given to the City. It is estimated that the original cabin would be close to 100 years old, however, through time renovations have been necessary and some of the parts of the building are much younger.
The cost to get the buildings from the Hay property to Canatara was borne by the Seaway Kiwanis Club ($3,500.00).
Some of the features of the Cabin are:
Peg flooring (2nd floor), two fireplaces (1st floor rebuilt after being moved to present site), milled beams, wainscoting (2nd floor) cedar shingles (replaced after move to present site).
Events at the Cabin include: Christmas on the Farm, Easter in the Park, One Man Art Shows, Quilting Bees and occasional meetings by such groups as the Sarnia Weaver’s Guild and the Sarnia Historical Society.
30
KIWANIS CLUB LAUDED BUT CITY WON’T CHANGE FARM NAME
(the Gazette May 12, 1971 – Page 27.)
The Kiwanis Club, with some $20,000 invested in the highly popular Children’s Farm at Canatara asked the City if it would consider changing the name of the project to indicate the heavy participation of the Club in the funding. The matter came to City Council which acknowledged the work of the Kiwanians but chose to let the decision on the new name, if any, fall on the Parks Board. Following are items of correspondence which tell the story.
His Worship, The Mayor and Members of City Council Dear Madam & Gentlemen:
Over the past years, the Seaway Kiwanis Club, have contributed the following amounts to the Canatara Children’s Farm:
1963 - $2,503.73; 1964 - $200.00; 1965 - $408.38; 1966 - $4,760.62; 1967 - $4,500; 1968 - $2,728; 1969 – 0; 1970 – 4,000. The total - $20,100.73. Of this amount, $3,500.00 will actually be spent in 1971, for the moving of log cabins to the farm.
As you are aware, we obtain the funds for this project by appealing to the citizens of Sarnia through our various fund-raising programs, one of which is our annual door to door peanut campaign.
To ensure that our club can maintain this drive in the years ahead, we would respectfully request that the Council of the City of Sarnia, change the present name of this facility, to the Kiwanis Children’s Farm”. It is our intention to continue the upkeep and add facilities at the farm in the succeeding years.
A resolution endorsing the requested change of name, was unanimously approved at our board meeting.
Yours truly
ERNEST HERRON
Secretary Kiwanis Club of the Seaway
Report to the Board from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Madam and Gentlemen:
Re request from Seaway Kiwanis Club to change the name of the Children’s Farm. In 1963, the Canatara Park Children’s Farm was started. Bill Palmer, Superintendent of Parks at that time, was a member of the Seaway Kiwanis Club and I am sure through his efforts and the interest of the Club that the Children’s Farm was accepted as one of their projects.
They have contributed over $20,000 financially through the years to the development of the Children’s Farm.
During the latter part of 1967 and in 1968, a proposal was submitted by our department to the Seaway Kiwanis Club for their perusal. This proposal included enlarging and shaping of the parking lots, renovations of the pond area, adding to the corral section, and the purchase of and locating a log house, or early Canadian structure.
It was our intention that by adding a farm house we could complete the farm atmosphere of life on a Canadian Farm.
A considerable amount of time was spent in trying to acquire a building of suitable size and condition, but to no avail. This by the way is the only reason that there were no monies spent during 1969. The Club had in fact; set aside a sum of $4,000, for this purpose.
During 1970, a Pony and Cart were suggested to the Club for purchase for the purpose of parades and promotion. A sum not to exceed $500.00 was granted by the Club and Mr. Bill Reese, a Club member, secured the pony and cart for our purpose. During 1970, a plaque was installed in the entrance building to the Farm, stating Canatara Park Children’s Farm opened May 24th, 1964 sponsored by the Seaway Kiwanis Club, Sarnia.
The donations made by the Seaway Kiwanis Club have not been spent to cover any operating costs incurred and the money has been used solely for farm development. The Farm costs our department approximately $7,000. a year to maintain, including labour, animal feed and veterinary fees; with the installation of the log cabins, and other buildings donated by Mrs. Lorne Hay, this farm will be almost complete in its development for some time to come. The only additional structure that would be desirable at the present time is a small chicken house. This is not meant to be construed that all development would stop, and certainly small pieces of farm equipment or items of farm interest would be added from time to time.
I am sure that the Board and staff, and in fact the people of Sarnia are very appreciative of the generous work that has been done by the Kiwanis Seaway in the Children’s Farm, however, I do feel that with the amount of money that is being spent by the Board and Citizens at large for the operation and maintenance of the Farm, that the credits by way of plaques, etc., at the farm, stating that it is a continuing and co-operative project of Seaway Kiwanis should be sufficient, and that this Children’s Farm should maintain its identity with the park and that the name be kept the same. The Canatara Park, Children’s Farm.
Submitted by R. F. Harrison, Commissioner
31
1972
Feb (1) Proposal made by Point Edward that an additional entrance be made to Canatara (Commissioner’s Report and newspaper items)
(2) Board requests that city continue to negotiate with C.N.R. for purchase of triangular property. (Commissioner’s Report and newspaper item)
May (3) Board plans to have 4 groynes installed this year.
June (4) Request by Centerboard Club to have boat launching site is again denied by the Board.
Sept. (5) Large amounts of topsoil delivered, graded and seeded on site of future golf course.
(6) Sand dunes graded and covered with topsoil.
Sept – Dec (7) 4 ½ groynes installed along beach (newspaper item)
Oct (8) Barge beached at Canatara (newspaper item)
Oct – Nov(9) Proposal to use bow section of the wrecked hull of the Sydney Smith for groyne (Commissioner’s Report and newspaper item)
No. 2 February 16, 1972
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Gentlemen:
A joint meeting of Point Edward and City Councils was held on Thursday, February 3, 1972. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss items of mutual interest. One of the matters up for discussion was the small triangle of land owned by the C.N.R. and located north of the C.N.R. turn, west of the Canatara Golf Course, and south of the Cathcart St. extension, and an alternate entrance to Canatara Park as suggested by Point Edward Council some time ago. After some discussion it was suggested that the matter of the triangle of land and the alternate access to Canatara Park be referred to the Board of Parks and Recreation for further study and report to Council.
Early in 1969, a letter was received from the C.N.R. offering the triangle of property for sale and with the proviso that it must be maintained as open space. On the 5th of February, Mr. Given and Mr. Silliman met with Reeve Campbell and Deputy Reeve Richard to discuss the boundary roads and intersections between the municipalities. During that meeting the representatives from Point Edward asked if consideration might be given to another road into Canatara Park to relieve the Alfred St. of some of the traffic. The extension of Sarnia Road in Point Edward into Canatara Park was suggested. This extension would traverse the triangle of land in question.
With regard to another entrance into Canatara Park, a report was submitted to the Board at the regular March 1969 meeting which is as follows:
Re Another entrance road into Canatara Park
The Village of Point Edward has asked if consideration may be given to another road into Canatara Park to relieve the Alfred Street of some of the traffic. Point Edward plans to upgrade Alfred Street in 1970, and the extension of Sarnia Road in Point Edward into Canatara Park was suggested.
The extension of Sarnia Road into Canatara Park as an entrance should be considered very carefully, keeping in mind the proposed development of Canatara Park and the following points should be noted:
1) I would assume that the extension of Sarnia Road to Cathcart Boulevard would have to cross the C.N.R. right-of-way at a right angle which in turn would put the road through the centre of the C.N.R. triangle. At the present time the City is negotiating with the C.N.R. to purchase this triangle as additional land for the Par Three Golf Course.
2) The long range plans of the St. Clair Parkway show a fly-over on Front Street at Highway 402, and that the Sarnia Road extend to Cathcart and east along Cathcart as a major artery. It would appear that this would provide the main thoroughfare for residents in the north and east end of the City, down Cathcart to Sarnia Road and Front Street to the plants. This heavily traveled road would then sever Canatara Park and cause serious problems with its development 35
3) With regard to the heavy traffic of Alfred Street – at the present time it would appear that a lot of the traffic may be caused by the patrons to Rose Gardens Roller Rink, and further, that anyone enjoying the drive through Canatara Park may be inclined to exit on Alfred Street anyway. Because of the difficulty in getting back to the residential area of Sarnia from Point Edward, it has been our experience that most of the traffic from Canatara Park exits via Cathcart to Christina.
4) It seems unlikely to me that an entrance from Sarnia Road to Canatara Park would be beneficial. Anyone coming from Port Huron to Canatara Park would travel from Highway 402 to Exmouth Street and Christina Street to the park entrance.
Most residents of the City of Sarnia, I am sure, would use the Cathcart entrance from either Christina Street or Cathcart Boulevard. The problems caused by opening Sarnia Road as an entrance would be numerous.
In view of all of the above, I would strongly recommend that the Board submit a recommendation to Council that we are against opening of Sarnia Road to Canatara Park as an alternate access.
Respectfully submitted by R. F. Harrison, Commissioner rfh/s
March 14, 1969
The Board, after discussing the report, concurred in the recommendations, although they wanted to reserve their decision until the Master Plan being developed by Mitchell Associates was completed and submitted to them for approval. It was felt at the time that the Master Plan for the park would support the recommendations of the report. The overall plan and concept has indeed done that. The Arboretum and Golf Course are inextricably tied with Little Lake, the Children’s Farm and other facilities of Canatara Park, The entrance from Christina St., via Cathcart Blvd., provides easy access and egress to Central Parking areas for the facilities in that area. A connecting link of Cathcart Blvd., and Sarnia Road would be very detrimental to the tranquility of the park area, completely divorce the golf course and arboretum from the remainder of Canatara Park, and in my opinion destroy the concepts of the Master Plan as approved by our Board and Council.
In going over the disposition of the land owned by the C.N.R. it appears rather obvious that the addition to Canatara Park and extension of the Par Three Golf Course is the most
logical approach. Due to the use of the property as a Golf Course, we would not be encouraging anyone to cross the tracks and enter the property, in fact the boundary could be fenced if the Board felt it was necessary.
The Village of Point Edward would like to purchase the property for two reasons: 1) to provide a neighborhood park for the immediate area, and 2) to provide an extension of Sarnia Road to the extension of Cathcart Blvd., and another entrance to Canatara Park.
To comment on the disposition as suggested by Point Edward, first of all I must reiterate that in my opinion an alternate access to Canatara Park at this time is not that beneficial to the park area nor would it relieve the traffic on Alfred Street. It is natural if one were going on a Sunday (36) drive through Canatara Park, they would traverse the entire park along its longest road, and that would be from Cathcart to Alfred St. Furthermore it seems that a good amount of the traffic problem of Alfred St. is created by the patrons of Rose Gardens.
Secondly, the extension of Sarnia Road traversing the small triangle of land to the extension of Cathcart would cut the property in half and render it useless for a neighborhood park because of its size.
Thirdly, as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, I would be violently opposed to the concept of creating a neighborhood park in such an area that would encourage children to cross railroad tracks to attend the park.
In summary, I would recommend that the Board submit a recommendation to Council that the Board of Parks and Recreation oppose the opening of Sarnia Road to Canatara Park as an alternate access, and further that Council approach the C.N.R. with the intent of purchasing the triangle of land or entering into a long term lease arrangement for use of the property as an addition to Canatara Park and developed as an extension to the Par Three Golf Course that is presently under construction.
Respectfully submitted by R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner rfh/s
February 7, 1972
37 Extra Canatara Entrance Rejected by Parks Board
February 17, 1972 p17
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation Wednesday rejected a Point Edward plan to extend Sarnia Rd. as an additional access to Canatara Park.
The board agreed to acquire a small triangle of CNR – owned land, that the proposed extension would have cut across.
RELIEVE Traffic
Point Edward made the request to relieve Alfred St. of some of the present traffic. Village wanted to acquire the triangle in question to provide a neighborhood park for the immediate area.
The triangle of land is located exactly north of the CNR turn west of the proposed Canatara golf course site, and south of Cathcart St. extension.
The board supported Bob Harrison, the commissioner of parks and recreation who pointed out that if Sarnia Rd. was extended into Canatara Park and to Cathcart Boulevard the resulting traffic would make the road a main thoroughfare for north – city residents and sever the park, causing serious development problems.
THROUGH CENTRE
Secondly, he said he expects the extension would have to cross the CNR right-ofway at a right angle that would put the road right through the centre of the CNR triangle. He added the city is negotiating with the CNR to purchase this triangle themselves as additional land for the golf course.
Mr. Harrison outlined two additional points that “a lot of the traffic on Alfred St., may be caused by the patrons to Rose Gardens Roller Rink, and that anyone driving through Canatara may be inclined to exit on Alfred St. anyway”.
He said “it has been our experience that most of the traffic from Canatara Park exits via Cathcart to Christina, because of the difficulty in getting back to the residential area of Sarnia from Pt. Edward.
MAIN GATE
In his opinion, Mr. Harrison said, it was unlikely such a proposed entrance from Sarnia Rd. would be beneficial to the park, because American visitors would take the highway to Exmouth and then to the park entrance off Christina, and most city residents also use the main entrance gate.
“The problems caused by opening Sarnia Rd. as an entrance would be numerous,” he said.
Dave McPhail, vice-chairman of the board stressed he didn’t think they were “looking at the request with any vindicative attitude,” but that the additional entrance “wouldn’t add much to the park.”
38
No Second Entrance for Canatara
(The Gazette March 15, 1972 Page 26)
Council has backed the city parks board by submerging any hopes that Sarnia Road (the Front St. part of Pt. Edward) will ever become a second entrance to Canatara Park. It is felt that such a road would create enormous traffic which would effectively cut the park into two parts.
The idea, to link it up with an extension of Chipican Lane was first broached at the city-village meeting on mutual problems.
The Village asked consideration be given to another road into Canatara Park to relieve Alfred Street of some of the traffic. Point Edward plans to upgrade Alfred Street and the extension of Sarnia Road into Canatara Park was suggested.
“The extensions of Sarnia Road into Canatara Park as an entrance should be considered very carefully, keeping in mind the proposed development of Canatara Park,” said Commissioner Bob Harrison.
“An extension of Sarnia Road to Cathcart would have to cross the C.N.R. rightof-way at a right angle which in turn would put the road through the centre of the C.N.R. triangle. At the present time the City is negotiating with the C.N.R. to purchase this triangle as additional land for the Par Three Golf Course.
He added: “The long range plans of the St. Clair Parkway show a fly-over on Front Street at Highway 402, and that Sarnia Road extend to Cathcart and east along Cathcart as a major artery. It would appear that this would provide the main thoroughfare for residents in the north and east end of the City, down Cathcart to Sarnia Road and Front Street to the plants. This heavily traveled road would then sever Canatara Park and cause serious problems with its development.”
With regard to the heavy traffic of Alfred Street said Mr. Harrison, “it would appear that a lot of the traffic may be caused by the patrons to Rose Gardens Roller Rink, and further, that anyone enjoying the drive through Canatara Park may be inclined to exit on Alfred Street anyway. Because of the difficulty in getting back to the residential area
of Sarnia from Point Edward, it has been our experience that most of the traffic from Canatara Park exits via Cathcart to Christina.”
“It seems unlikely to me that entrance from Sarnia Road to Canatara Park would be beneficial. Anyone coming from Port Huron to Canatara Park would travel from Highway 402 to Exmouth Street and Christina Street to the park entrance. Most residents of the City of Sarnia, I am sure, would use the Cathcart entrance from either Christina Street or Cathcart Boulevard. The problems caused by opening Sarnia Road as an entrance would be numerous.
The Parks Board, concurred in the recommendations, although they wanted to reserve their decision until the Master Plan being developed by Mitchell Associates was completed and submitted to them for approval.
The Arboretum and Golf Course are inextricably tied with Little Lake, the Children’s Farm and other facilities of Canatara Park. The entrance from Christina St., via Cathcart Blvd., provides easy access and egress to Central Parking areas for the facilities in that area. A connecting link of Cathcart Blvd., and Sarnia Road would be very detrimental to the tranquility of the park area, completely divorce the golf course and arboretum from the remainder of Canatara Park, destroy the concepts of the Master Plan as approved by both Board and Council.
39
40
Sidney E. Smith Photo
On June 5, 1972 the coal freighter “Sidney E. Smith” was sunk in the St. Clair river just south of the Bluewater Bridge when it collided with the grain freighter “Parker Evans”. The Observer photo above and the one below show the Smith in the river after the collision. In October 1972, as recorded below, there was a proposal to use the bow section of the Smith for a large groyne to help prevent erosion at the Canatara beach.
Note: The Parks and Recreation Board members in 1972 were: R. Rothenbury (chairman), Ald. D. Boushy, Ald. R. Ford, D. Mcphail, J. Slobodnik, J. Manton, R. Casselman and R. Harrison, P&R Commisioner.
42
Sarnia Observer – June 3,1972 p2
October 11, 1972 p1
Stranded Barge Pushed and Pulled
While a bulldozer pushes, the tug Taboga from Marine City, Michigan, pulls a barge which has been stranded on the beach at Canatara Park since Friday night. Tied-up seven miles out in Lake Huron off the crib of the Detroit water intake tunnel, the barge broke from its moorings in high winds and waves and was swept onto the Sarnia shore, barely missing an unscheduled trip down the St. Clair River. According to James Cowan vice-president of Capital Dreve and Dock Corp., of Port Huron, the only loss was two days’ time. Capt. Keith Malcom, owner of the tug and president of Malcolm Marina, was in charge of the salvage operation.
Observer photo by John Hus
44
Canatara New Site of Wreck
By Wayne Lowrie – Observer Staff Writer.
Sarnia Observer - Oct 18, 1972 – P21
Canatara Park beach may become the final resting place for the bow section of the sunken freighter, Sidney E. Smith.
Bob Harrison, Commissioner of parks and recreation has been approached by Goodfellow Construction Co. with the idea of using the hull of the Smith as a groyne to protect the beach area at Canatara.
Under this proposal, Goodfellow Construction would move the bow section of the Smith and install it as a groyne at no cost to the city. A channel would have to be dredged before the bow section could be located in the water off Canatara.
The bow weighs 2,000 tons and is 300 feet long by 52 feet wide. The depth of the vessel is 30 feet. A channel would have to be dug off the shore so that the hull of the ship could be used as a groyne.
CLOSE TO SHORE
Mr. Harrison told the parks board that the closest the freighter could be located to the shore is 100 feet. This would mean that a 100 foot double groyne would have to be constructed out to the hull. The freighter would be capped with concrete and a railing would be built along the length of the groyne.
The bow section of the ship was the portion that was damaged in the collision and members of the parks board were concerned that the ship might not be able to stand as a groyne.
“We must investigate this further before any conclusions are reached,” remarked Mr. Harrison.
45 No. 11 Nov 15, 1972
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Gentlemen:
Re: Bow Section of the Sydney Smith
Following the Board’s direction at the last general meeting, I have checked further into the possibility of using the bow section of the Sydney Smith as a groyne and promenade feature of Canatara Beach.
The Bow section is 235 feet long, 50 feet wide and 30 feet deep. In order to raise the vessel the Corps of Engineers have to pump liquid foam into all of the forward holds of the ship and at that point she will have a floating draft of 24 feet. It was suggested that the bow section could be positioned in Lake Huron in alignment with the existing asphalt pathway that is located towards the centre of the park just west of the small park office and First Aid Station and runs from Lake Chipican Drive to the beach.
The feeling of the Board at that time was that if the bow section could be sunk off the beach at Canatara in such a manner as to provide a promenade from the shore that it may be considered a feature of the park as well as a groyne, providing that:
1) that the ship could be maintained and have the appearance of a lake vessel
2) That there is some assurance that it can be maintained in this manner and would not detract from the beach.
3) That the ship can be so positioned that it would withstand the pressure of rough water, winter storms and ice.
4) that the placement of the vessel would be approved by all necessary municipal and provincial departments,
5) that the positioning, necessary dredging and sinking of the vessel would be at no cost to the Board or City Council.
The damage done to the Smith in the collision occurred in the “bluff of the bow” where the deck of the ship raises to provide necessary space for crew quarters, wheel house, etc. The extent of the damage was not clear to me at the time, however it is certain that exterior plating would have to be done to cover the collision area, if it is to be maintained in the appearance of a lake vessel. The wheel house has been removed and Captain Smith of the Corps of Engineers, suggests that the crew quarters be removed from the upper deck.
Once the dredging has been done, and the ship positioned, a good percentage of the foam would have be removed from the hulls and back filled with sand and rubble to secure the vessel. From that point on the following would have to be undertaken at our expense:
a) the deck of the ship would have to be cleared and all hatch covers and other obstructions, and the deck surfaced with cement or some other media to provide a promenade area,
b) from the best of the knowledge that we can gather, it would appear that the ship could be floated to the area, but the final positioning would not likely be closer than 100 feet from the shore. Two groynes then would have to be constructed to extend from the beachhead 50 feet wide and run out to the vessel. The 50 foot center of the groynes would have to be filled with stone and rubble and capped with a suitable media for walking.
46
Railings would have to be constructed along the edge of the groyne area and the ship deck.
Ï have gone over several times to see the condition of the vessel and on the last visit was attended by the City Manager. At that time the ship was stíl1 not out of the water far enough to really survey the damaged section of the hulI .
I have discussed the situation further with the City Manager and Deputy and it is our opinion that considerable costs would be incurred for the placement of the vessel if necessary, approvals could be had from the various Provincial Departments.
In view of the above, and the urgency required to tender a bid on the bow section, I have advised the parties involved that at the present time we do not have any funds to go ahead with such a project and that due to the costs and uncertainty of the project, that we are not interested in their offer at this time.
Respectfully submitted by R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner rfh/s
November 14, 1972
47
1973
Jan. 1 Centre Board Club again requests use of western end of beach for launching small sailboats. Board agrees to allow this on a one year trial basis.
Feb. - Apr 2. Large amounts of fill from city excavation sites moved to landfill site in preparation for golf course.
March 3. High water levels in Lake Huron cause flooding of low area (newspaper item).
4. Major storm causes erosion at east beach (Commissioner's report and newspaper item).
5. SPCA requests that they be allowed to locate an animal shelter next to Children's Farm. 6. Mooretown Museum requests that they be allowed to remove mill stones from park. (Commissioner's report).
April 7. Additional groynes will be needed to prevent further erosion of beach (Commissioner's report)
May – June 8. Gabion wall built at east beach to protect parking lot and concession booth from erosion.
June - July 9. Parking lots at west beach extended to accommodate boat launching.
June 10. Board approves additional groynes. (Commissioner's report)
48
August – Sept 11. Top soil delivered to landfill site for construction of greens at golf course.
September 12. Proposal to place traffic bumps in park roads (newspaper item).
13. Board approves animal shelter in park (newspaper item).
14. Channel dredged part way around east side of Lake Chipican
November 15. Proposal to purchase former Lambton Tourist Center building for golf Club house. (newspaper item)
16. Board decides to retain area around Lake Chipican in its natural state. (newspaper item)
December 17. Children's Farm remains open during winter for the first time
18. Board approves proposal to extend Cathcart to Front Street through the landfill site.
19. Proposal to construct apartment complex to west of park opposed. (newspaper item)
20. Point Edward objects to rezoning landfill site for golf course. (newspaper item)
21. Board again discusses locating animal shelter in park. (newspaper item)
Ducks Know a Pond When They See One
Annual spring flooding has created another “Little Lake” in Canatara park. The pond really is a small reservoir which would be at the end of the natural drainage of the park on an open ditch system. From there it is piped to the lake. But the pipe gets clogged with ice and sand at this time of year, with the resultant back-up. Whatever the explanation, the not-so-wild fowl denizens of the park are enjoying the extra scope the enlarged pond provides. Observer staff photo.
Both
52
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Madam and Gentlemen:
Re Storm Damage
to the Shoreline. Canatara Park . March 17th & 18th, 1973
I have been advised by Mr. Laurie Wright, our Director of Parks, of the storm damage at Canatara Park as follows:
“On March 17th and 18th, high water levels and strong north winds, estimated between 50 and 60 miles per hour, caused Lake Huron to wash out large sections of the beach from one end of Canatara to the other.
The worst damage was caused where the north-east corner of the parking lot extends to within 30 feet of the water's edge. A groyne had been built and rubble had been placed to prevent, erosion of this corner which proved successful during the storm. The area up to 400 feet west of this was badly eaten away, undermining the parking lot 21 feet from the north-east corner for a length of 64 feet. Of the 64 feet damaged, 13 feet is just curb that fell. The remaining 51 feet, curb and 7 feet of asphalt collapsed. Further west out front of the bathhouse, where once there was 32 feet of built-up area in front of the north-east corner of the building, there is now 11 feet remaining.
Damage has been caused to three of the groynes to the extent of all having the last 8-10 feet of sheeting torn off. Extensive washing out of the sand behind the end of the westerly groyne to a distance of 33 feet has eaten heavily into the dune area.
The asphalt path laid last summer has been broken up at the beach end. The actual amount will not be known until sand, snow and ice have been removed. At the westerly end of the beach, the water flowed over the dune area and flooded the entire west end of the park behind the Culture Centre.
No apparent damage has been done to either the change house or washroom building, and in order to prevent more erosion, concrete rubble will be placed along the beach.”
Immediate Remedial Action
As pointed out in Mr. Wright's report, concrete rubble is being placed along the east shoreline of Canatara Park from approximately the tree in front of the change house, east to the groyne abutting the east end of the parking lot. 53
According to recent Marine Reports, the high water will stabilize itself sometime in June. However, March and April could be rather unsettled with spring storms. Apparently this last heavy snow fall will cause some increase in the Great Lakes levels and this, along with another heavy wind from the north-west, could cause considerable more damage. The rubble is being placed along the areas of immediate danger in an effort to impede any further erosion.
Gabion baskets have been ordered predicated on Ontario Municipal Board approval for the projects as approved in our Capital Budget; however, I would suggest that extra gabion baskets be ordered and that a gabion basket wall be constructed in the area of the
change house and parking lot where the severe storm damage has occurred. There has been some monies approved in our Current Budget by the Board for development work in Canatara Park, and I would respectfully recommend at this time that this project be deleted or cut down sufficiently to allow the monies to be spent in the remedial work of the shoreline. The rubble that is being placed along the shoreline can be broken up and used to fill the gabion baskets when they are placed in approximately the same area.
At the same time we are looking into the further erosion along the shoreline of Canatara and discussing what steps should be taken by way of gabion basket retaining wal1, etc. Further information will be supplied to the Board as soon as it is available.
Respectfully submitted by R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner Parks and Recreation rfh/s
March 21, 1973
54
Animal Shelter Slated for Park Sarnia Observer – March 22, 1973 P21
The animals at Canatara Park could be getting and next door neighbours in the future.
The parks board approved in principle a proposal to establish an animal shelter in Canatara Park just east of the Children's Animal Farm.
Don Silliman, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said the location of a shelter at Canatara Park would be an asset to the animals as well as to the community.
The present shelter is located on Campbell Street on property leased from the CNR. Mr. Silliman said the railway refused to sell the land to the SPCA or to give a long-term lease.
The parks board's approval was subject to a number of provisions which have to be met before the proposed new shelter could be located in the park.
The final location must be given the stamp of approval by the parks board before construction starts. Don Silliman said the shelter would be very quiet and all the “runs” would be inside the building.
Get Rezoned
The SPCA must obtain the proper rezoning of the park to permit the usage of an animal shelter and a suitable lease agreement must be entered into with the city.
An attractive building should be built by the shelter which fits in with the other buildings in the area. Alderman Dick Ford said the shelter should have indoor walkways, so the public could stroll through to look at the animals.
Mr. Silliman said the SPCA would not be building the shelter for quite some time and the association is in the midst of a campaign to raise funds for its shelter.
The new shelter would put increased emphasis on the education of children in the care and feeding of animals, according to Mr. Silliman.
Parks commissioner Bob Harrison agreed with the location of a shelter in the park and pointed out that increased traffic in the shelter should up the adoption rate of animals.
55
An Animal Shelter Would Suit Canatara –But Not a Dog Pound
Sarnia Observer – March 24, 1973 P4
While we are 100 per cent in agreement that the Sarnia and District Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is in desperate need of new facilities, we can’t agree that Canatara Park is the place these facilities should be.
Such proposal was made this week to the Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation, suggesting that the location of a building to shelter animals, serve as a showplace and also a dog pound, should be next to the animal farm in Canatara Park
Certainly, we recognize that the park is a public place and that public buildings are there and that the animal shelter would be partly performing a public service and there would be a certain amount of attraction to a shelter operated on a basis far more liberal than the one now in existence.
We find no fault with the SPCA other than the charge that it and the city are not doing enough to establish a spaying program for pound animals.
However, we see the drive in having a building in Canatara as a panic solution on the part of the SPCA and a shirking of duty on the part of the city and all the other municipalities involved with the Association.
The SPCA currently has premises on CNR land and has been asked to find another location. The organization has looked but found properties scarce and funds insufficient. Financial backing is largely begrudged by municipalities – they pay for dog catchers but pay no heed to space demands made for internment of dogs, cats and other animals.
If the Sarnia and district society decide to go out of the dog pound business, it would mean some outlandish expenditures for area municipalities. Arrangements would have to be made and buildings built, sites purchased, and operators hired. The SPCA currently takes care of most dog receiving in the area, although the individual municipalities are responsible for their own stray gathering.
When we think of SCPA in this area, we think of animal shelter and dog pound. As a shelter to animals harmed, and hurt, we have no objections to it being in Canatara Park. It would indeed be complemental, and would not require large premises. As a dog pound, it is a shelter that handles scores of dogs a week putting them up for adoption and killing them as necessary, and large premises are necessary. This part of the operation is done as a service to the city and other municipalities making use of its disposal services. It must be done by someone, and somewhere we agree, but not at Canatara Park. Far beyond the fears that a disturbance will be caused by barking (the sound could travel all around the park unless super soundproofing steps were taken), and the smell which is much more violent than that of the usual farm animals, we believe the crux of this matter is municipal responsibility.
It is convenient for the city and others to agree to the Canatara park site for a dog pound because it eliminates the responsibility that is theirs and that they have been ignoring for years – animal disposal.
That convenience for municipalities amounts to a hardship for others who really care for animals. They must provide the buildings and the means of taking care of the problem while handicapped minimal grants for operating and capital expenses.
If the city agrees to the use of Canatara Park as a site for this operation, it will be no less than a sloughing of responsibility. What it and others involved should be doing is agreeing on a site and footing the capital expense of the shelter, and site.
Location must not be a matter of financial convenience, with contrived stories how animals fit with animals (not many dogs get along with farm animals on a first time basis), it should be a matter of agreement between areas with perhaps the only convenience geographical.
Canatara Park is one of the few remaining public playgrounds that the city owns. We must think carefully about what we put into it. There are hopes that this will be an area where wildlife might return. It is to be a natural area, not a service area.
Sarnia’s job should be to find a more fitting location for the animal shelter, and with all the other municipalities in the area should be willing to foot the bill for that shelter.
The SPCA, if it must stay in the dog pound business, should put more stress on municipal participation, and put more efforts in its real job which is, as it says, prevention of cruelty to animals.
56 Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Madam and Gentlemen:
Re: Mill Stones - Canatara Park
On February 22nd, I met Mrs. Bedggood and went to the site of the Mooretown Museum. The Museum is located on the 6th Concession of Moore Township in a renovated school building. At the present time they are in the process of cleaning, renovating and painting to be ready to open as soon as they can. A number of artifacts have been collected and many more promised to the Museum.
Mrs. Bedggood advised me that there is a committee of three working with the Museum although they have many supporters and people interested in the project. They are vitally concerned in collecting articles that are of interest to the immediate area and, of course, this is the reason for their request to have the mill stones relocated at the front of the Museum property, from Canatara Park.
The site of the Museum is north about 300 to 400 yards from the location of the original mill where the stones were used.
I am sure that the Board could agree that the location of the mill stones near the original site of the mill would be most appropriate; however, before making a decision, a few factors should be taken into consideration.
a) our previous Board members, under the leadership of Bill Germain, could see the historical value in preserving the mill stones that were used at the grist mill in Mooretown, and took whatever steps were necessary to secure them and have them maintained in Canatara Park for posterity. This was in 1937 and they have been kept for the pleasure of all for the past 35 years.
b) some day we may have a Museum of our own and would like to have the stones kept there.
c) in the renovations of Victoria Park, 1959, the historic cannon was moved from there to Canatara Park in an area with the mill stones and the old anchor. Along with it was moved one of the horse watering troughs from Christina Street. Although there are only a few artifacts there, it would be a shame to start disposing of them at this time.
If the Board were to accede to Mrs. Bedggood's request, we should also consider the following:
a) a ceremony of some type should be staged if the mill stones are to be relocated in the front of the Mooretown Museum.
b) recognition should be provided by way of a suitable plaque put near the stones or in the Museum recording the fact that the stones were given by the Board of Parks and Recreation and were kept at Canatara Park for some 35 years since the grist mill was torn down.
c) some agreement should be provided to ensure the safe keeping of the rnill stones, and in the event that the Museum ceases to exist, that the mill stones would be returned to Canatara Park at no expense to the Board.
57
d) that since the Museum is just opening up, that any consideration of relocating the mill stones should be held in abeyance until the Board can assess the Museum, its scope and success before giving approval to the relocation of the mill stones.
My own opinion is that although I agree it would be more appropriate to have the stones at Mooretown, I would rather they be left at their present location. The Board has always tried to collect items of historical interest to the general area and have them located at Canatara Park, so they can be maintained in perpetuity for the enjoyment of future generations as a reminder of the past, and particularly so these items of historical interest are not lost.
Respectfully submitted by
R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner
Parks and Recreation
rfh/s
March 7, 1973
58
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re: Storm Damage - Canatara Park Shoreline March l7th and l8th, 1973
Further to my report of March 21, 1973, re the above-mentioned matter, I would have the following comments:
On March 29th, Thursday, Mr. D. Silliman, Commissioner of Works; Mr. G. DeLugt, Engineer; Mr. H. Reidt, our north end foreman, and I made a site visit to the storm damaged beach area at Canatara Park. It was readily apparent that the shoreline of Canatara Park can be divided into two areas of concern.
1) the east section of the beach in the immediate area of the bathhouse and parking lot, and more particularly from the poplar tree in front of the bathhouse, east to the existing groyne. This is an area of acute erosion and one that requires immediate remedial action.
2) the remainder of the shoreline which would run from the poplar tree in front of the washroom west to the west limit of the park.
It was the consensus of opinion after reviewing the situation, that in the area of immediate concern, a retaining wall be constructed from the poplar tree east to the existing groyne as shown on the attached map. As was pointed out in our earlier report, concrete rubble has been dumped in that area now to prevent any further erosion should another storm occur. Although a lot of this rubble is far too heavy for filling of gabion baskets, some of it can be used and the remainder will be put behind the gabion retaining wall for further structural support. Gabion baskets have been ordered and the construction of the wall can be done by the men already employed under our L.I.P. If the task has not been completed prior to their termination at the end of May, we would like to carry on with the project by utilizing the local militia students during the summer months. In order to construct the wall properly, an excavation 7 ' deep and approximately l0 ' wide at the bottom will have to be made. Blanket baskets 3' wide and 9' long are placed at right angles to the line of the wall and the first row of baskets placed at the back end of the blanket end to end. Rubble is then filled in behind the baskets to the top of the second row and the third row basket is placed a little more than half overhanging on the second row, and back-filled with rubble. A foot or so of sand is placed to the top of the baskets which at this point will be level with the top of the curb in the parking lot.
Steel retaining walls were discussed; however, it was felt that at the eastern end particularly, it would be better because of the close proximity of the water, to use the gabion basket method. This allows for the wave action to hit the basket, take out some of its velocity, and because of the blanket on the bottom, will prevent wash out in front of the baskets which would cause the wall to topple over. The steel wall construction stops the wave action; however, part of the water is then thrown up into the air and comes down with a suction action that actually creates deeper water immediately in front of the wall.
The remedial action to be taken in the area of the beach, west of the poplar tree, would be somewhat different. As pointed out in our earlier reports of groynes, the Hydrologists claim “that the only protection of a bank or a dune area is a good beach, and the only way to create a beach is through a groyne system.”
59
Although there was some erosion to the banks along the west section of the shoreline, the water in most cases went right over top of the dunes because of the rise in elevation of the beach area. The groynes are doing the job and in most cases, there is a fairly good section of beach, even though the groynes would have to be extended back into the bank in some cases up to 35 or 40 feet. lt is suggested that during the groyne work done this year, the extensions, where necessary to the bank, be completed and that the groynes be extended to the full 200 feet into the water and that the new groynes constructed would be in the manner recommended, i.e. from the toe of the bank to approximately 200 feet into the water. So that each of the groynes may collect its share of literal drift, it is also recommended as was earlier, that the groynes at the west end of the park be the longest, and that each one reduces slightly in length as you progress toward the east end of the park. lt is recommended that we do not do any gabion basket work or steel retainer wall in any of the beach area at this time other than the immediate east section which is mentioned above.
We have approved by our Board, Council and the Ontario Municipal Board, $17, 920.00 in our Capital Budget 1973, for groyne and gabion work at Canatara Beach, and although we have not received approval from the Province, we have applied for a grant of $17, 920.00 for the same project, making a total of $35,840.00. There should be sufficient funds for the purchase of the gabion baskets if we do not need to purchase the rubble fill. With regard to the groynes, it is suggested that rather than put the extensions into the water on the existing groynes, that the money be used to extend the groynes on the beach end and that for this year only, the existing groynes will be repaired where necessary. The new groynes will be built to the full length of 200 feet from the toe of the bank into the water.
If the project is carried out in the above manner, there should be sufficient funds already approved in capital expenditure. If additional monies are required, I would suggest that the landscaping tò the west end of Canatara Park be deleted from our Park Development Budget, and the money used for shore protection; however, if this is necessary, a further report and approval will be requested from the
Board.
Submitted by R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner Parks and Recreation
rfh/s
April 3, 1973
60 Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re: Construction of Groynes and Shoreline Protection - Canatara Park
Madam and Gentlemen:
The high water levels and strong north-west winds last March 17th and 18th caused considerable damage to the shoreline of Canatara Park. Earlier reports from myself to the Board dated March 2lst and April 3rd covered the extent of the damage in more detail and immediate remedial action that was necessary. As a result of discussions held by the Board at the April meeting, the construction of a gabion basket retaining wall was undertaken, and the Board was aware that due to this, some additional funding would be necessary to carry out the project and it was recommended that some $5,800.00 may be directed from current funds to the project by deleting the landscaping of the west end of Canatara Park.
In addition to the retaining wall, it was recommended that some of the existing groynes might now have to be extended to the south to the toe of the bank where the high water had caused erosion around the end of the groyne. Some repairs are necessary to the groynes extending into the water, and I understand that this will be carried be out by the contractor under a warranty agreement.
The original estimates as proposed for the construction of groynes and gabion baskets for Capital Budget 1973, was $35,840.00. This amount was approved by our Board, Council and the Ontario Municipal Board, and at that time we were anticipating a grant from the Province to the amount of $17,920.00. I have since been advised by the Province that although they approve of the work to be done, we only have $13,509.00 left in grant monies available to us, which will bring us to the maximum amount allowed of $100,000.00.
We have been fortunate enough to have the Gabion Retaining Wall Project approved as a Winter Incentive Program and under the terms of that project, the labour is completely recoverable, and 20% of the gross labour cost can be spent as additional funding towards materials.
Keeping in mind the groyne construction that is necessary, the extensions to the existing groynes, and the construction of the gabion retaining wall, and in view of the fact that less monies are available than anticipated from the Province, it is necessary for us to look at the entire project again to see what funding is available and how much of the complete project can be accomplished this year.
61
APPROVED FUNDING
REVENUE
Capital Budget 1973, City $17,920.00
Provincial Grant $13,509.00
Directed from Current Funds Acct. 622547 $5,806.00 $37,235.00
EXPENDITURES TO DATE
Gabion Basket Retaining Wall Materials Total $7,363.00
Other expenses (bus program, forestry, etc) $ 788.00 $ 8,151.00
To be charged to W. I. P. $ 2,800.00 Money required to complete project $ 5,351.00
BALANCE OF FUNDING $31,884.00
PROPOSED PROJECT
Groyne #1 - extend southerly 31 ' @ $40/lin. ft. $1,240.00
Groyne #5 - extend northerly 75 ' @ $50/lin.ft. $3,750.00
New Construction
Groyne #6 - total length 174 lin.ft. @ $50 lin.ft. $8,700.00
Groyne #7 - total length 178 lin.ft. @ $50.lin.ft. $8,900.00
Groyne #8 - total length 185 lin.ft. @ $50.lin.ft. $9,250.00
Total Cost of project $31,840.00
R.F. Harrison
R. F. Harrison, Commissioner
Parks and Recreation
rfh/s
June 7, 1973
62
Park to Get Pet Shelter
Sarnia Observer – September 20, 1973 P4
Sarnia and District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had plans for a new animal shelter sanctioned by the city's parks and recreation board Wednesday. After viewing a plot plan of Canatara Park, the board voted approval of design and location of the shelter.
Approval in principle was given last March. At that time, the Board asked for formal plans which were presented by an SPCA delegation at Wednesday's meeting. The proposal must now go before city council. Its next step would be to go before the planning board, then to council again. Final approval could take two or three months.
Parks Board Delays Decision On Canatara Park Road Bumps
Sarnia Observer – September 20, 1973 P4
Smooth sailing and smooth driving will continue at Canatara Park at least momentarily.
The city's parks and recreation board voted Wednesday to postpone consideration of installing “car bumps” on park roadways.
It will await finding of the Ontario Traffic Committee, which is examining effects and problems arising from that form of traffic control.
Some municipalities have attempted to control traffic speed by constructing asphalt bumps on roadways. Although in some cases it has been effective, in others the bumps have been removed because of damage in vehicles.
In Woodstock, a man who fell from his bicycle after hitting a bump has brought a legal suit against the city.
In a Toronto park, the bumps have operated effectively as a traffic control and there have been no legal actions against the municipality in the past five years.
In Point Edward, barriers were installed on Bridgeview Marina Road, a private road.
63 Sarnia Gazette, November 28, 1973 – P4
Recently hired from the borough of York, Mr. DeShane said there are two major concerns he has with the Sarnia Parks Department: the development of the neighbourhood parks and natural areas. He said Canatara is the only natural park area in the city and more are needed.
Mr. DeShane said most municipalities have failed to recognize the need to preserve our natural environment.
In other business, the Board approved in principle purchase of the tourist booth at Reece's Corners owned by the Sarnia Lambton Tourist Council. The Hut was built for $6,900 under a local initiative's grant last year and was used as a tourist information center. But response was poor and the Council wants to get rid of it.
The “A” frame structure was listed for $6,900 but the Parks Board has offered to buy it for $2,000 and the Council is interested in the deal. The Board wants it as a club house for the new three par golf course under construction at Canatara Park.
Meanwhile Commissioner DeShane says he is opposed to locating the Sarnia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' shelter on the east side of the Canatara Park animal farm. He said the location is close to Lake Chipican which is heavily treed and should be maintained in a natural state. He has suggested the shelter be located west of the animal farm.
64 NOTE: newspaper photos on this page not useable
Feathered, Hairy Fellows On Display Through Winter
Sarnia Observer – December 6, 1973 p25
by Larry Gilbert, Observer Reporter
For the first time in its existence, the Seaway Kiwanis Children's Animal Farm at Canatara Park will be open year round.
There is no reason now why every one of Sarnia's little people can't take a gander at those hairy and feathered fellows at the farm.
The farm will be open every weekday this winder from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. When spring rolls around, the farm will remain open Saturdays and Sundays and at that time the hours will be 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
L. A. Wright, director of Parks for Sarnia, said a lot of work is in progress at the farm, including landscaping and a new cement floor for the drive shed. A bridge will be built across the creek to connect the cottages to the farm and fencing around the perimeter is being mended.
Mr. Wright said that due to a lot of vandalism through the year, more work becomes a necessity and the cost of upkeep rises.
There is a problem with the pond with no easy solution. Mr. Wright explained that because of recent rain, the water level has increased “overwhelmingly.” He said there are plans to rebuild around the pond, but as long as the level remains as high, nothing can be done.
The raccoons have a new home for the winter. Previously, they resided in a log that sheltered them from the weather, but now a sleeping chamber has been built underneath the log, deep into the ground. This will keep them safe and warm through the winter months.
There are three donkeys, two ponies, four or five goats, two cats, six rabbits, a host of ducks and lots of geese.
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Madam and Gentlemen:
Re Cathcart Extension through Canatara Park
Attached ls a letter received from Don Hunter, Chairman of the Lake Chipican Drive Resident s' Association.
It is my understanding that plans are now being formulated to extend Front Street, north from Exmouth Street, over 402 Highway, terminating with the westerly extension of Cathcart Boulevard.
As you night well appreciate, this proposal would not be in the best interests of the Parks and Recreation Department, or more importantly, the interests of the citizens using Canatara Park.
This plan, would in effect, divide the park so that we would then have two parks rather than one contiguous unit.
I would suggest also that the presence of a four-lane major artery would be most disturbing to golf course users and would have a disruptive effect to the animals in the Children's Farm and the natural beauty of the area.
I would ask the Board's support in adopting any recommendation that Cathcart Boulevard not be allowed to slice through the park and, furthermore, that the northerly extension of Front Street be terminated at Michigan Avenue.
Very truly yours, David De Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner December 7, 1973
67
Map No. 6
Generalized Concept Plan: 1970
Showing connecting link between Front Street & Cathcart Boulevard through Canatara Park
City Parks, Recreation Board Opposes Highrise Proposal
Sarnia Observer – December 20, 1973 P25
The Sarnia parks and recreation board has voted to oppose a multi-million dollar high rise complex proposed for an area west of Sandy Lane in the City’s north end, on land the City once had an opportunity to buy for park space, but couldn’t afford at the time.
The development on land owned by D-Vel-Mor Co. Ltd. which lies east of the Sarnia Yacht Club basin, and north of the CNR tracks, calls for construction of 5 high rise apartment buildings, capable of housing 1150 people approximately half of the population of the adjoining Village of Point Edward.
One of the apartment buildings containing 70units has already been constructed and the developer has asked city council for approval to go ahead with the construction of a second, 140 unit building, even though a plan of subdivision has not been registered.
D-Vel-Mor’s property is registered as two separate lots and the Committee of Adjustment decided that development should proceed by subdivision rather than lot severance.
Since the area is zoned for (multiple family dwellings, the City, which was indicated by some officials at Monday night’s council meeting, may have no legal grounds for refusing one more building on the other lot.
HAD OPPORTUNITY
Ironically the city had an opportunity in 1963 to zone the land (which is adjacent to Canatara Park) as open space when the city’s present zoning bylaw was being drafted. The planning staff at that time recommended against zoning the area for multiple-family dwellings and suggested it be acquired for addition to the park.
Deputy City Manager, Maurice Engels told the parks board Wednesday night the property could have been purchased for about $250,000.00, but the city felt it could not afford the price at the time.
Now the price is probably three or four times that, he said.
The area was subsequently incorporated into the zoning bylaw as a multiplefamily area.
City Parks and Recreation director, David DeShane, who recommended the Parks Board oppose the development and ask the city to acquire all or at least part of the land said that the proposed development would be a serious encroachment on the natural characteristics of Canatara Park and Lake Huron,
APPRECIATION
“At the same time we are recognizing the value of our riverfront by acquiring much of it from private ownership, and preserving it for public use, it would seem there is a total lack of appreciation for our lake front property.” He said in a memo presented to the board.
Mr. DeShane said the park was a major refuge for people seeking to escape the city and obtain recreational experience in natural surroundings.
“Can you imagine the effect of these 14 and 16 story buildings would have on families picnicking anywhere in the west end of Canatara Park.” He asked.
He said the city should be protecting an conserving and where necessary,, acquiring those lands which would ensure continuous recreational zone along the lake front
OPPOSES PERMIT
Ald, Richard Ford, a member of the Parks Board, said he didn’t want the development company to be issued a permit, but also said he didn’t know if he could support spending the money it might cost to acquire the land.
“But I’ll support the city fighting this in any way I can” he added,
D-Vel-Mot has asked the city if an agreement could be made to allow the company to go ahead with further construction of the second apartment building and at the same time have the city install the necessary water and sewage services while the company drafts a plan of subdivision.
Lawyers for the company said in a letter to city council Monday night the company has spent a considerable amount of money buying property in the area and needs to go ahead immediately with the other building.
ECONOMICS
“The resultant cost – to our client has been such that it cannot await the registration of a plan of subdivision to proceed with the second building, which makes the whole project economically possible,” their letter said.
A draft plan of subdivision has to pass through the city planning board, city council and the provincial municipal affairs department before it can be implemented, a process that can take up several months.
In addition, the development plans also include building parking garages for some of the apartment buildings, garages which may be over the height limit set in the city’s present zoning bylaw.
A Site-zoning change would have to be granted to allow the two buildings on one lot, which requires Ontario Municipal Board approval.
City council has again instructed administration officials to meet with D-VelMor representatives in an attempt to resolve the problem. Two previous meetings between the company and the city planning, building and works officials failed to produce any agreement.
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Parks Vehemently Opposed to Canatara Hi-Rise
Sarnia Gazette Dec 27, 1973 P5
By Chris Cooke
The Sarnia Parks Board is opposed to a multi-million dollar development scheme along the west side of Sandy Lane adjacent to Canatara Park and is going to recommend City Council take steps to block it. Ivan Mater Construction is proposing to build a total of four high-rise apartment buildings beside pier 100 with a total capacity of 580 units on a 13 acre site housing 1150 persons or more.
Parks commissioner Dave De Shane said he” is still trying to recover from the shock” He told the board “It is inconceivable to me that this municipality would allow the type of apartment development proposed to occur on land that must be considered one of the municipality’s most unique natural resources. The development would be a serious encroachment on the natural amenities provided by Canatara Park and the lake itself.”
Commissioner De Shane said he “is afraid to imagine the effect these 14 and 16 story apartment buildings would have on families picnicking anywhere in the west end of Canatara.“ And he suggested “this municipality should be protecting and conserving and where necessary acquiring those lands which would insure a continuous recreational zone along the lakefront”
Ald. Dick Ford, City representative on the Board, said the City had an opportunity two or three years ago to acquire the land in question, but rejected it because of the cost involved. “However,” he said, “I intend to fight this every inch of the way.”
Deputy City Manager, Maurice Engels said the administration is hoping to persuade the developer to scale down the project. “The owners have certain rights but they do not extend to what is proposed here.” He pointed out Mr. Mater will have to seek permission to subdivide the property before proceeding. Mr. Engels also noted the site may be difficult to service and suggested “if the park is to be viable in the future, volumes of this magnitude can’t be allowed.
As a result, the Parks Board is going to oppose the development and recommend the City attempt to acquire the site or if that’s not possible force Mr. Mater to minimize
the project. Mr. Engels said “I hope Council will support us in case an amicable solution can’t be worked out.”
Commissioner De Shane said:” we have to place ourselves in the position of the public who go to the park to escape the urban environment and find themselves faced with a high concentration of apartment buildings. It’s undesirable.”
The Commissioner has released the initial draft of his Open Space Study. In it he outlines the area south of the 402 Highway, and west of Russell Street as the prime park land deficient area. Commissioner De Shane said the Study’s purpose is to support the Parks Department claim for more land acquisition, “The southern part of the City is considered a top priority by the Department and we hope to express our concern to Council in a reasonable manner.”
He recommends the goal of the City to provide 20 acres of park land for every 1,000 population. Commissioner De Shane said:” it is something for us to aim for.” He admitted the City is a long way from the goal. Alderman Ford was critical of the report saying it was too complicated and difficult to understand. He suggested the Commissioner do a summary of it for presentation to Council. Alderman Ford said in its present form he doubts the report would convince Council. In other business, the Parks Board is opposed to any extension of Cathcart Boulevard as an arterial road through Canatara Park. Commissioner De Shane urged the Board to take the stand to prevent future development in that area.
Alderman Ford said the Village of Point Edward, a year ago, made a request for Front Street to be extended to Cathcart in an effort to take pressure off Alfred Street. However, the request was denied.
Meanwhile, Commissioner De Shane has expressed concern over the cost of Workmen’s Compensation benefits to the Parks Department. He suggested the Departments work practices leave something to be desired and that some employees are taking advantage of the system. Deputy City Manager Engels said a safety program has been undertaken and Commissioner De Shane promised to investigate the situation.
The Parks Department is going to establish five outdoor skating rinks this year. Commissioner De Shane noted there were only 12 skating days last season….
Village Vetoes Dump Rezoning
Sarnia Gazette December 12, 1973 P2
Point Edward Council isn’t going to budge on its definition of parkland as far as 60 acres owned by the city of Sarnia within the Village limits is concerned. The land is the location of the old Sarnia dump across from Davies Motors and the city has been trying to get the village to change its mind for about 2 years now.
City Planning Board and Council would like to make the land available for use as a football stadium or a par 3 golf course, along with allowing some commercial uses such as hot dog stands and lunch counters.
Village council wants the land left the way it is, open space. And Sarnia City Council will get a letter from the village saying so in the near future. Deputy Reeve Bill Boyd told council “I don’t agree with their (the city’s) definition of parkland. We have little old ladies that want to go over there in the bushes and listen to the birds sing, and they want to make it commercial. No way.”
The city can appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board for a hearing concerning the rezoning of the land and has indicated to the village it intends to do so, if the village doesn’t go along with the rezoning definition.
The parkland is currently maintained by the Sarnia Parks and Recreation Board. Reeve Stan Campbell said that because the land is within village limits, the village has a right to zone it. “But because the city owns the land they have the right to object” he said. The village offered the city $60,000 for the land several years ago when Zellers Department Store and Carrother’s Clinic wanted to locate there.
In other business, village council will suggest to the Sydenham Valley Conservation Authority that it hold a joint meeting with municipalities that will be affected by including parts of Moore, Plympton, and Sarnia Townships and the City of Sarnia within the Authority limits. The village received a letter from the Authority requesting it go along with the inclusion of those municipalities.
A letter from St. John’s Ambulance was referred to the Arena Board, along with a question of whether the Board had made a donation this year.
The village will continue to operate on a ten year old agreement with the city of Sarnia for the supply of water until it starts getting water supplied via the West Lambton Pipeline.
It will also tell the West Lambton Pipeline committee that it doesn’t agree with a 2 percent surcharge on water rates from the pipeline to take care of loses due to normal leakage, and wants further discussion on the matter.
Other municipalities being served by the pipeline will be assessed as high as 4 percent for this contingency. Reeve Campbell pointed out “the village has a better argument“ than other municipalities because it is at the head of the system and village losses will be metered.
He said that it was also the feeling of the village Public Utilities Commission that 2 percent surcharge should not apply to the village.
70
An Animal Shelter is Needed – But Please , Not in Canatara.
Sarnia Observer, December 1, 1973
On Dec. 12 Sarnians could face the possibility of having approval given for the planting of a wart on the face of one of the city’s few remaining beauty spots.
We refer to the application by the Sarnia and District Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to amend a portion of Canatara Park for the construction of a building. While we admire the dedication of Society members and respect them for their work – we feel a mistake is being made in considering Canatara as the site of an animal shelter. The group proposes a 60 by 104 foot building, T-shaped and situated just north of existing farm buildings at the Seaway Kiwanis Children’s Farm.
Not only do we see the proposed animal shelter as uncomplimentary aesthetically, cluttering up valuable open space which gets maximum use in the summer months, but
we see it as an assault on the principles which have been held as almost sacred at the park for years – those which forbid the location of commercial establishments on the grounds.
We may be stretching it to describe the shelter operations as a commercial establishment – let’s make that business instead, for that’s how it is run. Instead of fees and charges, there are compulsory donations. We don’t argue with the method it uses to survive, but simply point out that it strikes us as contrary to the principles of the park. It takes us one step closer to the day the city will accept an amusement park franchise and turn the park into one big fun land.
As for the aesthetic aspect, we have a zoning bylaw which is meant to protect Canatara Park from such impositions as this made by a group that seized the opportunity to latch on to a cost-free site when all other efforts to obtain land proved too exhausting.
We can only guess at how the Canatara site proposal came about, but, we wonder if the fact that so many city officials are involved with the society had anything to do with the ready approval given by the Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation.
Certainly we are not suggesting that anyone had anything to gain from the park location except the society itself.
We might suggest however, that so many city officials on the Society would give it a degree of influence on the matter. For instance, how does a parks board turn down a request made by a group headed by associates?
How will a Planning Board vote on the requesting zoning change, when the planning director, his wife and an employee are or were members of the group making the request? Those officials have, we are pleased to note, abstained from participation in the matter, but aren’t we still asking a lot of board members who must come up with a decision?
The only suggestion is that the public must help. The board has sent notices of the application to homes within 400 feet of the park, but, in our view that is not enough. A decision such as this involves more than just the neighbouring residents. It is a park that belongs to every citizen in Sarnia and as such it is the duty of every citizen who feels one way or the other about the animal shelter in Canatara, to let it be known.
The time to do it is Dec 12. in Sarnia City Council Chambers at 7:30 pm. An Ontario Municipal Board ruling ensures that all present at a hearing of this nature should have an opportunity to be heard if so wished.
If the board approves the application, it will then go to council for final approval and the opportunity to speak will be more difficult.
We have no hesitation in agreeing that the society’s animal shelter is a sorely needed in the city, but we will never accept that it should be at the expense of our Canatara.
71
Two Strikes Against Canatara
Sarnia Observer – December 14, 1973
There are a good many people opposed to the establishment of an animal shelter in Canatara Part and that was made quite clear at a Sarnia Planning Board meeting Wednesday,
Yet, the decision of the board went against them, despite the fact that few other than Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals members were actually in support of the proposal.
Why was that we wonder?
One thing the meeting did was reduce the matter to basic arguments. Those opposed generally did not want such a shelter in their park, because it wasn’t compatible with other features of the park, because it was an infringement on much needed space and it would possibly mark the start of a “plucking” that would leave Canatara bare.
Those behind the proposal admittedly chose
Canatara for a site because there were no others available to them free of charge and because it seemed suitable.
It would seem then, that the best way to keep the shelter out of Canatara is to suggest and alternative site. Since it would have to be a free site, there is no choice but to look to City Council for direction.
The matter will be discussed by council at the last meeting in January. Council will have the final decision to make. We trust that in making it council might realize the injury it would do to the public and Canatara park by approving the site and yet, not ignore its share of responsibility to keep the SPCA an independent operation and equipped with a proper premises,
In our view, both can be done if we take the time and effort. Canatara Park must be preserved as we know it and residents who agree have a duty to attend the coming council meeting and let it be known.
72
Jan 1/74
1974
Board again discusses animal shelter issue. (Newspaper item)
Jan – Mar. 1974 3-1/2 groynes installed. (Newspaper item)
Feb 3/74
Feb 4/74
Mar 5/74
Apr 6/74
Apr 7/74
City reaches agreement on size of proposed apartment to west of Canatara. (Newspaper item)
City decides to bid on Phillips property at east end of beach. (Newspaper item)
Board decides not to lease park to St. Clair Parkway
Future improvements and changes to park outlined (Commissioners report, map and newspaper item)
Negotiations with CNR over triangular land now in limbo because of opposition from Point Edward.
May 8/74
July 9/74
Board decides to divide beach parking lot into three sections (Commissioners Report)
Board passes amendment to park bylaw prohibiting boating on Lake Chipican. (Newspaper item)
July 10/74
Board decides not to go ahead with pioneer village concept. (Newspaper item)
July 11/74 Commissioner submits Nature Preserve Concept Report.
Aug 12/74
Drewlo Construction purchases property to west of park; plan (73)to build apartment complex on site. (Newspaper item)
Aug 13/74 Point Edward refuses to approve building permit for golf course storage shed. (Newspaper item)
Aug-Oct Golf course irrigation system installed.
Sept 15/74 Board decides to have consultant evaluate golf course project.
Sept-Oct Water course around Children’s Farm dredged.
Oct 18/74 The Robinson Report casts doubt on golf course project. (Newspaper item)
Nov 19/74 Board endorses “Citizens Gardens” project for next year report.
Nov 20/74 Board recommends that City purchase Phillips property (Commissioners Report)
Dec 21/74 Board approves proposal to construct a system of fitness trails in the park.
74
Sarnia Gazette Jan 2/74
WE HAD AN INTERESTING long distance call from a man once highly connected with the Sarnia Parks Board who is a Gazette subscriber although absent for some years from the city. He read our stories on the Canatara Park encroachments proposals by the SPCA and more latterly by an apartment complex and had quite a bit to say about it. He pointed out that Sarnia has lost three park sites already by allowing buildings on them…. The site where SCITS stands was a park…. But penny-pinching robbed the south-end of the city by building a school on it in the days when City Council was the last word in education costs. That park sure would have been an asset today now that the heat is finally on to create park space in that area.
THE SECOND SOUTH END site lost was in the near slum area maintained today by Imperial Oil which is the landlord to many of the terrible houses just over the Donohue Bridge. Where the new building stands was once a park, our caller explained. It was virtually given away in years past (as was the River Road) to appease industry in the times when Sarnia was truly the puppet of the oil business.
He points out that the third encroachment as building the fire hall on Germain Park (and the city even considered a board of education warehouse at one time there as well).
The point made is that once you start chipping away at Parklands, you never get them back. Or if you do, it is at terrific price.
He recalls that Canatara is protected by law as a bird sanctuary too. What bear this has, we do not know, but it could be that legalistic red tape could prevent any further encroachment on the park.
If I were still on Council, I am sure I would be torn with such a decision. It will come to City Council shortly, but on reflection I would agree that the dog pound, no matter wat you may call it, should be out in the country mid-way to the many municipalities it serves, other than the city of Sarnia.
It is too late to do much about the huge apartment complex. But somehow I feel that this isn’t too bad. If people want to pay the rents to see the lake. O.K. with me so long as their living near the park does not, in any way, curtail or limit the use of the park by the public. It is going to be a very hot potato for council as petitioners against both proposals gear up for the fight.
75
Commissioner Has Doubts About Shelter’s Location
Sarnia Observer – January 17, 1974
Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Dave De Shane said Wednesday night he has some reservations about locating an animal shelter in Canatara Park.
He told the board in reply to a question by Ald. Marie Coulter, that he failed to see how it could benefit parks and recreation “or citizens for that matter”
“On the other hand I can’t see any great harm other than from the standpoint of the need for new zoning.” Mr. De Shane continued.” It is not a recommended use of parkland and could be dangerous in that two authorities would be working side by side without any agreement as to how they should function”
“What happens from an operational standpoint if our people don’t happen to agree with their people?” he asked. “Start throwing rocks across the fence.”
RELATIONSHIP
He qualified that although the relationship between the commission and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is proposing the shelter, might be the best, with the “guy in the field” it might be a different story.
Ald. Richard Ford who re-introduced the matter in case Members might have changed their minds since approving the proposition at a previous meeting said the commissioner’s point was well taken. The areas of responsibility should be stipulated in the agreement, he said
PROTESTS
He said he had received numerous telephone calls from citizens protesting the location of the shelter in the park.
R. R. Galloway said 1000 telephone calls out of 18,000 households wasn’t a very high percentage.
“What do the rest want?” he queried.
Ald. Coulter admitted she had been aghast when the idea was first put forward, but since then has been neutral.
She said she hadn’t received any phone calls, but if there were people against it, she philosophized “that’s always the way things are I guess.”
SNOBS
J. E. Manton said he had attended a meeting of the Lake Chipican Drive residents association at which Donald Silliman president of the SPCA explained the proposal, as well as a meeting of the planning board at which the group made a presentation and failed to see their objections, other than the fear of barking dogs.
“They are snobs that don’t want dogs down there.” he concluded.
Donald Holmes saw no benefit in re-opening the issue at the commission level.
It is now at the council level and it has the prerogative of rezoning the site or voting against it.“ he said.
Supporting his position were John Slobodnik, who subsequently was elected chairman for 1974. While he was also middle of the road, he said he would go along with the commission’s original motion of approval.
BETTER SITE
Mr. De Shane pointed out that the decision had been made before his appointment as commissioner. His only involvement was looking at the original site and suggesting a better one could be found, still within the park. He is satisfied that the site now being considered is a better one, he said.
The SPCA’s rezoning application to permit the location of the animal shelter in the park as a legal non-conforming use will be considered by city council Monday night. The brief which the society will present at the time was in the commissioner’s kit Wednesday night.
76
GUEST EDITORIAL
A Canatara Park Mistake
Sarnia Observer – January 17, 1974
About 10 or 12 years ago city council zoned the land beside Rose Gardens for apartments. About the same time the local Kiwanis club introduced the animal farm to Canatara Park. Neither group was looking very far ahead.
Let us not fall in to the same trap in considering the proposed location of an animal shelter beside the animal farm.
First of all we must decide what kind of a park we want. The one we had was a unique and tranquil natural park with all the wildlife and birds that that implies. We believe it’s not too late even now to get back to that ideal. Does it make any sense to bring in these domestic animals and in the process drive out the fast disappearing remnants of the native variety? Are there really children here who have no other opportunity to see domestic and farm animals? Remember this is Sarnia, not Detroit. It is difficult to imagine that anyone would think of suggesting the proposed location, but for the fact that the animal farm is already there. This serves to illustrate how easily one thing can lead to another and how insidious the process is.
It is near certainty that the apartments will go up –one is there now. Add to that, an animal shelter, plus whatever else might creep in on the heels of the precedents already set. Include the pressure that could very well brought to bear to extend Cathcart Blvd. through the park to Point Edward and pretty soon the traffic density will be such that there’ll be a need for traffic lights!
Obviously the SPCA is facing real problems; its need to relocate is unquestioned, as is the importance of what it is trying to do. However, we see no reason why those involved can’t do it all just as well somewhere else. Has every other possible location been thoroughly researched? We are not satisfied that it has. If they are able, as they claim to be, to raise the money needed to finance the kind of building that would be aesthetically acceptable in Canatara, then why can they not afford to buy land and put up a less elaborate structure? The fact is, they would prefer to locate in Canatara Park. They don’t have to.
As time goes by and the city grows our need for park land will increase. Let’s take a long look at what we’ve got and what we want for the future and let’s be very sure that any moves we make are in directions that are compatible with that view.
77
SPCA Animal Shelter Proposal Vetoed in 5-4 Council Vote
Sarnia Observer – January 22, 1974
Before one of the few packed houses seen in Sarnia Council Chambers in several months, city council Monday night rejected a proposal to locate an animal shelter in Canatara Park
The vote not to follow a city planning board recommendation to re-zone a less than one acre parcel of land adjacent to the Children’s Farm was 5 – 4.
Council thus refused location of a shelter for the Sarnia branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the park.
In addition to Mayor Paul Blundy, who cast the tie-breaking vote, Alderman George Wood, Andy Brandt, David Boushy and Norm Shipley voted against the park location. Voting in favour of the site were Alderman Carl Fleck, Marie Colter, John Matheson and Richard Ford.
Concern about the location of an animal shelter in the park was one of the largest interest-drawing issues council has faced in several months.
Six people made verbal presentations at Monday night’s meeting on the matter, one in favour of the park site and five against.
LEASE LAND
Speaking for the SPCA re-zoning application, society vice-president Victor Sterry said the SPCA’s present shelter on Campbell St. was not designed as a shelter. The society finds itself needing more space to handle the number of stray dogs and cats it deals with. The land is owned by Canadian National Railways, he said and the lease has expired with CNR indicating that it wants the land for others uses and won’t sell it to the SPCA.
He said the society looked around the city for more than a year for another shelter site which would meet its own requirements and that of the provincial ministry of agriculture and settled on Canatara Park as the most suitable.
He said with the Children’s Farm already there, an attractive animal-oriented area would be created which would help publicize society’s educational program regarding treatment and care of pets.
CO-EXISTENCE
Asked by Alderman David Boushy if an animal shelter in Canatara Park wasn’t an intrusion on the activity of the Sarnia parks board. Mr. Sterry said:” we‘re assuming the parks board are in favour of our location, they were and hopefully we can co-exist.”
In answer to another question he said other possible site locations outside the city, particularly in Sarnia Twp. were judged not suitable because among other reasons they aren’t centrally located and did not provide adequate water or sewer services.
Don Hunter, representing the 350 member Lake Chipican Drive Association said the city several years ago rejected a proposal to locate a crippled children’s centre in Germain Park and should note reverse itself now by allowing encroachment into open land in Canatara Park.
He said if the city approved the Canatara Park location it would be running contrary to the recommendations of its own recreation planners who urge more parkland acquisition.
SHORT OF SPACE
Mr. Hunter said urban planners recommend municipalities have at least 14 acres of open space parkland for every 1000 people. The city’s Parks and Recreation Commissioner, David De Shane recommends 20 acres, but the city only has 8.5 acres per 1000 at present.
“Are the people in Sarnia in such a position that we can give up valuable parkland to an outside group, no matter how worthy their cause?” he asked.
The Canatara Park site is not a central location for the society, Mr. Hunder said since it serves not only the city, but Sarnia Twp., Plympton Twp., Point Edward, Petrolia and Courtright.
Alderman Richard Ford said Canatara Park was a suitable location for the shelter and that although Mr. De Shane has expressed some reservations about the proposed shelter location, he said it would not detract from the rest of the park.
He said that the unanimous feeling of the citizens on the parks board was that the proposed site was the best.
DISFAVOUR
“I don’t care whether it’s the park site, good or bad.“ said Ald. George Wood. “I’m not in favour of giving up any of our parkland.”
Before it reached a decision, council got bogged down in procedural wrangling over a compromise motion by Ald. Colter to delay any decision of the SPCA location for three months while a committee was set up to look into possible alternatives.
If at the end of three months the committee could not find a solution council would consider the matter again, including the Canatara site.
Ald. Brandt wanted to amend her motion so Canatara Park would be excluded completely. But that met resistance by council members who favoured the park site.
Mayor Blundy who said a motion to table a council matter was not debatable then ruled Mrs. Colter’s motion was not really a motion to table. Ald. Colter refused to amend her motion and it went down to defeat by a 5 – 4 vote.
By the same vote council then rejected Canatara Park as a possible site, but agreed to set up the committee to look for alternative sites.
78
A Sarnia Municipal Golf Course Means Too Much For Too Few
Sarnia Observer – January 28, 1974
Since it was first proposed, we have been resigned to the idea that there will be a nine-hole golf course in the tract of land adjacent to Canatara Park, formerly the city dump, but seeds of doubt, only hinted earlier, are now growing in to strong misgivings.
The land, which served as a sanitary landfill site, has been planted over, but otherwise has been vacant for years awaiting a plan. We understand sod for tees and greens has been ordered and that a great deal of fill will be needed. There is some talk of the course taking shape by June.
There is no doubt about it, golf is an extremely popular sport in Sarnia and Lambton. There are at least a dozen courses in the county within easy reach of the city,
many of them open to non-member golfers, none of them too expensive for the really avid player, but none so crowded that they have to turn away players with any regularity.
Without going in to the problem involved in a municipality entering the golf course field, a golf course doesn’t come out high on the list of Sarnia’s priorities when the matter is examined from a need point of view.
What we have here is a case of a municipality catering to the not-terribly pressing needs of a select minority. The use of the land would be so specialized golfers only. There haven’t been many such limited interest groups favoured by the city in the past Football teams and fans got there stadiums years ago, but, Norm Perry’s degeneration is an example of the folly in that. It was great while it lasted, but it can only survive further by greater diversity of use. Arenas have been going up everywhere, catering it be argued to a few hockey interested citizens, but this is far from the case.
The key to arena glory these days is participation and the sports and interests possible within their walls are many. Plans for a sports complex, will produce exactly that. a complex of activities, limitless in variety and possibilities.
When we ask ourselves what better use we could put the land to, the answer has to be more parkland. To back that claim up we must lean on a statement by the Lake Chipican Residents Association submitted last month to city council to protest the proposed building of an animal shelter in Canatara Park. It points out well Sarnia’s need for park space.
When determining the proper amount of park land necessary for a municipality an accepted standard for many years was 10 acres per 1000 population, but now experts are recommending this be increased to 14 acres. Sarnia has 81/2 acres per 1000. London Ontario has 20 acres, which admittedly is high, but an interesting comparison.
In their book Four Cities, a study in urban and regional planning of Kitchener, London, Windsor and Sarnia, the authors devote nearly 30 pages to Sarnia, but dismiss our park lands with one sentence in which they remark: Park Lands and spaces are conspicuous by their absence.
The association found it significant, and so do we that the new Parks and Recreation Commission believes the city must have more park space.
In the face of the city needs, we find it difficult to justify the creation of a sporting area that will be used relatively sparingly.
Trees, picnic tables and open fields would be used by a wider section of the community, a section that the existing Canatara Park will hardly be able to handle in the not too distant future.
A golf course may be an attractive and colourful proposition, but right now it strikes us as somewhat akin to a poor man having a night on the town while his family sits home hungry.
P 79 - Photograph of beach repair near band shell not useable.
80
City, Development Firm Agree on Highrise Size
Sarnia Observer – February 19, 1974
The city has come to an agreement with a local development firm on limiting the size of a highrise apartment complex planned in an area immediately west of Canatara
Park. The city’s board of parks and recreation has opposed the projected size of the five building highrise project by D-Vel-Mor Co. Ltd. on Sandy Lane just outside the Village of Point Edward.
City officials were also concerned about the effect of the project on the park setting.
The Company, which owns one 70 unit highrise (called Pier 100) that is already occupied, had proposed to build a total of five buildings containing 538 units, the maximum allowed under the city’s zoning bylaws in that area. Instead, they have agreed to limit the project to four buildings containing 438 units.
According to the company solicitor Fred Dally, the firms concession to drop 100 Units, represents a loss of about $250,000 based on $2,500 value per unit.
I believe it is fair to say there has never been a situation in the city where a developer has made a concession of this magnitude he said in a letter to council.
One item the company could not get council to agree to, was to waive the city’s building bylaw in order to allow the company to demolish existing buildings on the property when the new high-rises are occupied.
The company will have to file a plan of subdivision and enter into a subdivision agreement with the city in order to proceed with the project.
At present the proposed site of the additional three buildings is spread across two lots which will have to be subdivided. Part of the property is also underwater.
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Council To Bid On Property
Sarnia Observer - February 19, 1974
City officials may be making a purchase offer for land adjacent to Canatara Park although city council doesn’t know what the price will be.
Council decided Monday night to give administration officials the go-ahead to make a bid after Ald. John Matheson said he had heard the piece of property was being put up for public auction next week
The property, about 91 feet in length on the northeast edge of the park, includes shore-line along Lake Huron
The property has no access to a city right-of-way (street) Deputy City Manager Maurice Engels said, so no one could build on the property.
It was felt by the administration and council members the property would be “most desirable” as an addition to the park.
City of Sarnia
Ontario Canada
July 12, 1974
Mayor P.D. Blundy and Members of City Council
Sarnia, Ontario
Your Worship, Madame and Gentlemen
Re: Phillips and Mac Dougall Properties - East of Canatara park
The Council in dealing with the above noted matter at its meeting held on June 17, 1974 passed the following resolution:
“That Sarnia City Council request the Administration to enter into further negotiations for the purchase of the property.”
I have had discussions with the Solicitor, Mr. Beaudet and Mrs. Parrish regarding the Phillips property. At the Council meeting it was indicated that there is an agreement subject to certain conditions to sell this property to Mrs. Chrapko for $20,000.00. Mrs. Parrish indicates that she now expects to receive $400.00 per foot, which according to her understanding of the size of the property is in the range of $40,000.00.
In connection with the McDougall property, Mrs. Parrish believes that the highest bid made through the Public Trustee is in the range of $40,000.00.
On the basis of these expectations I would recommend against the purchase of these lands for park purposes.
Concerning property lines – “it would appear that the property lines shown on the attached sketch (next page) are indeed correct.”
The decision of the Committee of Adjustment with respect to Phillips’s property has been appealed to OMB. The council has no justification to grant the kind of relief requested –ie: to build in the lot which does not front on a city street. It is up to the OMB to deal with this matter.
M.C. Engles
Department of Correspondence
The only Reason you and I are here is to Help the People of this City
To: Mr. R.G. Given City Manager…………..Office
From:
G.A.M. Thomas City Clerk………………Office
Re: Canatara Park
Date: February 26, 1974
This is in reply to your letter of February 20, 1974, in which you ask that I inquire into the legalities involved should council desire to lease Canatara Park to the St. Clair Parkway Commission for maintenance and operation.
In 1968, City Council, by by-law #5965, designated this park as an “Approved Park” under the provisions the “Parks Assistance Act, R.S.O. 1960”. This enable the City to obtain Provincial Grants and I list some of the Capital Improvements that have taken place since the passing of By-law 5965.
Year By-law Work
-May 21/68 6010 Parking lot in Canatara Park 55,500
-June 16/69 6197 Parking lot in Canatara Park Phase II 35,000
(o)Jul 13/70 6369 Canatara Golf Course Phase I 10,000 (including grading and top soiling)
-Aug. 24/70 6388 Parking lot in Canatara Park Phase III 39,350
(o)Aug. 9/71 6555
Canatara Golf Course Phase II 10,000 (including delivery & levelling top soil)
(x)July 26/71 6545 maintenance building in Canatara Park 11,500
(o)Aug. 8/72 6743
(o)Aug13/73 6900
Canatara Park Golf Course Phase III 10,000 (including bulldozing of fill soil, Acquisition top soil, grading & seeding)
Canatara Park Golf Course 30,000 (no stipulation as to exact work to be done)
Note: According to this letter, in the 1968 – 70 period the City obtained almost $130,000 in Provincial grants to construct a large beach parking lot. The City also received about $60,000 in these grants for the Canatara Park Golf Course project in the 1970-73 period.
Another $11,500 was obtained for the addition to the Canatara maintenance building in 1971.
Alderman Brandt Would Give Canatara to Parkway
The Gazette, February 27, 1974, p19
…………Brandt stated, “Personally I’d like to see the Commission take over Canatara park. That way it would be a regional facility eligible for Provincial grants of 75%. I think there is real justification for doing it.”
Alderman Brandt presented the idea at a recent City Council meeting but to date no action has been taken………..
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Canatara Park Should Stay Under City’s Jurisdiction
Sarnia Observer – March 28, 1974, p17
Sarnia’s parks and recreation board doesn’t want the city owned Canatara Park to be turned over to the St. Clair Parkway Commission.
The board voted Wednesday night in favour of a recommendation by Parks and Recreation Commissioner David De Shane that the city retain jurisdiction and responsibility for the park.
The only parks board member who didn’t favour the recommendation was Ald. Marie Coulter.
IMPRESSED
Mrs. Coulter saying she wasn’t for or against the idea of turning over the park, said she was impressed, however, with the argument that the city could save money if the park were turned over to the parkway commission.
The commission, whose members include the city, Lambton and Ken Counties and the City of Chatham, gets 50 per cent of its operating funds and 75 per cent of its capital funds directly from the province. The member municipalities contribute the remaining money.
RESPONSIBILITY
Under city ownership the park is the responsibility of, and must be maintained by, the parks and recreation department at city tax-payers expense,
“I think the problem council has is that we’re paying a lot of money into it.” Mrs. Coulter said “and are we getting enough out of it?” Mr. De Shane said Canatara Park comprises more than 50 per cent of the parkland in the city, but takes less than 10 per cent of the budget for its maintenance.
The suggestion that the commission take over the park has come from Ald. Andy Brandt, a city representative on the commission. He feels the regional commission should take it over because the park has become regional in use by virtue of the number of out of-town users.
“The park has been developed and maintained as a city park first and a regional park second.” Mr. De Shane said. “There is no doubt that a percentage of visitors do come from outside the city….but the greater percentage of users are still from within.”
“The point we are trying to make is the concept of removing a municipal responsibility from the municipality.” he said. If responsibilities are removed from the local government, he said, it’s no use having the local government in the first place.
Mr. De Shane said he didn’t think it was right to turn over
Centennial Park to the commission as was done several years ago, because it creates a duplication of responsibility and services within the same boundaries.
“Technically, no other agency should have any business with the boundaries of Sarnia”
OTHER AUTHORITY
If the city were looking to offset some of its maintenance costs of the park, he said, more help might be available from the St. Clair Valley Conservation Authority (which the city has recently joined). “And you don’t have to sell out.”
In addition, the 9 hole golf course being developed by the city at the south end of the park would yield revenue to offset part of the total maintenance bill.
DISCUSSED
Ald. Brandt’s suggestion to turn over the park, or actually lease it free of charge to the commission as is done with Centennial Park, has been discussed briefly at city council, but not by the parkway commission.
City Manager Robert Given has asked city officials for their views on the suggestion before bringing it back to council.
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Retention of Canatara Park Apparently Council’s Wish
Sarnia Observer, April 9, 1974
Canatara Park will remain in the hands of the city, rather than be turned over to the St. Clair parkway Commission – at least for the time being.
City Council decided Monday night not to make any decision on the question, first suggested by Ald. Andy Brandt, as a possible way of saving Sarnia taxpayers some money.
Under present city jurisdiction, Sarnia’s parks and recreation department maintains and looks after the park with regular city funds provided by city taxpayers.
The St. Clair Parkway Commission, of which the city is a member along with Lambton and Kent Counties and the city of Chatham, gets its money from these municipalities and also from the provincial government.
The city’s parks board, on a recommendation of Parks and Recreation Commissioner David DeShane, recommended the park, which comprises 50 percent of all parkland in Sarnia, remain under city jurisdiction.
Not Regional
Mr. DeShane said the park should be developed as a city park first, not a regional park, and that having another park agency operating within the city, like the St. Clair Parkway Commission, is not advisable.
Ald. Marie Coulter, a member of the parks board, said it would be “demoralizing” for Mr. DeShane, who she said is fairly new to his job (since last October) and has some good ideas of what to do with the city’s parks, to lose jurisdiction over 50 percent of the parkland in Sarnia.
Ald. Brandt called the argument that the parkland would be lost “ridiculous.”
Not Losing
“You’re not losing the land at all”, he said. “It’s not as if it were dropping into the river.”
He said his reason for bringing the matter up for discussion was to see if the city could spread the cost of maintaining the park around to different sources.
“Let’s not close our minds to easing the local tax burden,” he said.
Ald. Richard Ford said it didn’t matter in the end who paid the cost of maintaining the park, the city or the Parkway Commission, since both get their funds from the same source – the taxpayer.
87
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re; Canatara Park
Madam and Gentlemen:
As you may be aware, considerable development was proposed and approved for Canatara Park. It would be desirable for me to be able to present these proposals in the way of a plan. Since the time to produce these plans is not available, I would like to indicate the proposals verbally on the master plan for Canatara Park.
a) Considerable tree planting has already occurred to the south and east of Lake Chipican. A wood chip trail is presently being constructed along the south end of Lake Chipican.
b) We propose to divide the long parking area adjacent to the beach into three separate parking areas.
c) Continue dredging along the east side of Lake Chipican is proposed.
d) Enlargement of the Children’s Farm pond is proposed, as well as the dredging and ponding along the south-west and north ends of the Children’s Farm.
e) I am concerned about the amount of through traffic that is occurring in Canatara Park. I also feel that we should not be encouraging the use of the park for scenic drives. If we are to curtail this traffic, it would be necessary to dead-end the road at the Children’s Farm, as well as the main concession. The latter provision would greatly enhance the use of the park since people would no longer have to be concerned about crossing a busy road when travelling from the concession or main picnic area to the beach.
All of these items can be better explained by referral to the Master Plan which I intend to use at the Board meeting.
David De Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner
DeS/s
April 10, 1974
Map Y3: 1974 Canatara Management Proposals
From the minutes of the P&R Board meeting held April 17, 1974: Below is the discussion that took place regarding the five proposals listed in the DeShane April 10 report.
Note: At the July 17, 1974 Board meeting DeShane presented a six-page report entitled: “Towards an Environmental Understanding” that dealt with the Nature Preserve policy he was establishing in Canatara Park. This report, along with the ensuing Board discussion, is provided in Volume 10.
b) Re Canatara Park Developments
The commissioner presented a proposal for the Board’s information on the developments proposed for Canatara Park, as follows:
a) Considerable tree planting has already occurred to the south and east of Lake Chipican. A wood chip trail is presently being constructed along the south end of Lake Chipican.
b) Left for later discussion
c) To continued dredging along the east side of Lake Chipican. The Commissioner said dredging will continue along the edge of the lake and will build up the bank and create a buffer strip between the lake and the road. The dredging will provide an island to protect the wildlife. Mrs. Coulter asked if the Commissioner had thought of discontinuing this work after all the complaints. The Commissioner said he had met with the people and they are basically content with the continued development.
d) Enlargement of the Children’s Farm pond is proposed, as well as the dredging and ponding along the south-west and north ends of the Children’s Farm. The Commissioner explained the enlargement of the farm pond should be done because the island in the middle should be enlarged to get some breeding room for the water fowl. At the present time the pond is too small to accommodate the waterfowl, let alone breeding. The commissioner wants to keep the area as natural as possible. , Secondly, an outlet from this pond across the south end of the farm should be continued. Mr. Holmes said there is a ponding problem to the west. The Commissioner said it has been draining all the time. It also drains everything from the road into this one little pond. Mr. Holms said it seems to him that there is more problems that are not remedied yet. The Commissioner said this is why we want to do this work. Mr. Holms said the problem was compounded by the hard top of the parking lot. When there is a heavy rain the run-off is fantastic. The Commissioner said he has seen that. There are drains in the parking lot but not a tile system. Mr. Holmes felt unless we come up with a solution for getting rid of the water we are never going to get out of this ponding situation. The Commissioner said we have to have a storm drain system (90) if we are going to put drains in. The Commissioner said he hoped by ponding as he is suggesting, we will be able to catch the water off the parking lot. Mr. Holmes said we may be using up 2 or 3 acres of park land in the spring by trying to control water. The commissioner said he did not look at the ponding primarily as a solution to the water problem, but as an enhancement to the area.
b) Proposal to divide the long parking area adjacent to the beach into three separate parking areas. The Commissioner said the problem of speeding was brought to his attention last November when he came with the department. He suggested that a possible solution to many of the problems would be to put in islands so that the parking lot would become three completely separate parking lots. Pedestrians could then get to the beach much easier. He was not separating the parking area merely to discourage dragging or speeding. The money is in the budget and approved to do this construction. As a temporary measure, we have placed heavy logs across the parking lot until we can actually get tenders and specifications prepared and get a contract out for the work to be done. He expects it will be 2 to 2 ½ months before we can get approval through. The logs are secured down with stakes through the asphalt and wired into place.
Mr. Holmes asked about the traffic bumps and was informed we are still waiting for the report from the Ontario Traffic Commission. Mr. Holmes asked if we were creating a traffic problem by breaking up the lot into three areas because the east end will fill up first and you will have additional traffic coming back out and driving to the next one. You could be creating more traffic on the road through the park. It would be better if you could utilize the bumps as a more economical of controlling the high speed traffic and at the same time leave the same internal traffic pattern. The Commissioner said he did not see any problem with putting additional traffic on that road.
Mr. Manton said actually you have created six small parking lots with no access from one to the other. He did not think this is desirable. He said he had gone to the park that evening to see where the logs were. He said he drove in at the easterly end and on the southern portion of the easterly section he had to turn around. If there had been cars parked he could not have turned around. The Commissioner said he would have a circular route on the permanent installation.
Mr. Gallaway asked is separate in and out entrances could be put on each lot. The Commissioner said this was not impossible but would cost a lot of money. It would be all right on some of the lots but there is an extensive mound along most of the area. Mr. Slobodnik ask if they could go in on one side and out the other? The Commissioner said he would go back and have another look at it. He did not think the traffic bumps were desirable, Mr. Slobodnik agreed that the Commissioner’s idea was more attractive than the bumps.
e) The Commissioner is concerned about the amount of through traffic that is occurring in Canatara Park. He also feels that we should not be encouraging the use of the park for scenic drives. If we are to curtail this traffic, it would be necessary to dead-end the road at the Children’s Farm, as well as eliminate traffic through the north road in front of the main concession. This latter provision would greatly enhance the use of the park since people would no longer have to be concerned about crossing a busy road when travelling from the concession or main picnic area to the beach.
With the apartment development on the west side of Sandy Lane, we are suggesting the need to have the park road intersect at right angles to Sandy Lane. There would be a
“Stop” sign as we have at Christina Street. The fewer roads we have, the cheaper it is to maintain the park, said the Commissioner.
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His suggestion would be to deaden the Farm Lane at the Farm. Mrs. Coulter asked whether we considered having a no through road in the Park? She said she had several suggestions that there should be no through traffic at all especially since we have the apartment buildings going up. Somewhere in the middle of that park it should be deadended at both ends. You would either go in one side of the park or the other side and go back out the same way, but there would be no winding road completely through the park.
The commissioner said most users come from the east side rather than the west side. If you dead end the road you would have a tremendous use of one side and not the other. Mrs. Coulter said she still liked the scenic drive but she could see the problem. Mr. Wood said he was in agreement with closing the part in front of the main concession.
Mr. Engles said he would have to give some thought before considering dead-ending because of the apartment buildings going up. He was thinking particularly of fire trucks. He felt we should look into this before we make a decision. Mrs. Coulter said she was in favour of dead-ending the Farm Lane. Mr. Slobodnik also agreed with that. Mr. Holmes said he did not see that it is going to make much difference whether you dead-end or not. He questioned why the park should not be a scenic drive. Pedestrian traffic flow to the beach is further to the east. The Commissioner said there is nothing wrong with a scenic drive, but with the number of users we should not be catering to the automobile. We should keep them removed from the people in the park as much as possible. Mr. Holmes said the ideal situation would be to have parking lots on the periphery of the park. We don’t have parking lots, but we have little spaces all over the place. Mrs. Coulter said the plan can be tried for a short time and it does not work we could change it again. Mr. Holmes would like to see those small parking areas removed altogether.
Mr. Holms asked the Commissioner if he had any plans for Tarzanland. The Commissioner said he had presented a report to the Board earlier suggesting that Tarzanland would be retained in its natural condition and that we would stop eliminating the underbrush. We would emphasise the nature trail system and hopefully even carry out a planting program to get more natural vegetation back into the area. Mr. Holmes then asked if the Commissioner had any idea of Fitness Trails, and the Commissioner said we are looking into this with other agencies at the present time.
The Commissioner said the park has been emphasized for picnicking and swimming. There is only about ten weeks of the year suitable for picnicking and swimming. All winter long there is a lot of use in this park. Mrs. Coulter asked about the C.N.R. land. Mr. Engels said it was in limbo right now. The C.N.R. does not want to get caught in the middle of a dispute because Point Edward would also like to purchase this parcel. The Commissioner said if you agree with his proposals we would not be changing any roads. We would simply be putting barricades in the positions indicated by him. If we do discover some problems it could be reversed without any problems. Mrs. Coulter asked
has there been a decision on how long the Police Chief intends to keep the park closed in the evenings. The Commissioner said it was open last night (Tuesday). Mrs. Coulter remarked is the lesson here not to make a smooth surface parking lot.
b) The dividing of the parking lot area is the most important, said Mr. Slobodnik. Mr. Manton asked if the Commissioner had any time table as to when the work will be done. The Commissioner said we would be prepared to take action immediately on any of the proposals. The work on the parking lot would take a couple of months.
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Parks Commissioner Wants Traffic Curtailed Inside Canatara Park
Sarnia Observer – April 18, 1974
Motor vehicle traffic and scenic drives should not be encouraged in Canatara Park, city parks and recreation Commissioner Dave De Shane says. He told a meeting of the parks board Wednesday night the population using the park is getting larger all the time and the amount of traffic is steadily increasing.
“We should be curtailing traffic as much as possible and getting the cars off the road.” He said. One way of curtailing steady driving through the park, possible at the moment, because of a continuous circle in the park road, Mr. De Shane said, would be to create a dead-end along the south wing of the road near the Children’s Farm. Traffic through a small road near the concession booth at the west end of the park could also be cut, he suggested.
DISAGREES
Board member Don Holmes disagreed, however, with curtailing drives around the park.
“In the spring and fall it’s a beautiful scenic drive and why shouldn’t it be?” he asked.
“I for one like to drive through the park and do it frequently.”
“The real solution to any vehicle problem” Mr. Holmes said, would be to build a peripheral road that skirts the interior of the park, and also to build a parking lot that would allow large numbers of people to park their cars and walk through the area.
CONCERNED
Mr. De Shane said the park property shouldn’t cater to automobile users, and also expressed concern about increased through traffic in the park resulting from a four building apartment complex planned at the west end of the park along Sandy Lane.
Touching on the planned apartment development, deputy city manager Maurice Engels said the problem of fire trucks having quick access to the apartments should be considered before any steps are actually taken to block any roads.
Just recently city firefighters dashed to a grass fire at the west end of the park and went along the south swing road to get there, the same road Mr. De Shane suggested closing.
The alternate route for emergency vehicles going to the west end of the park is through the village of Point Edward.
The parks board finally decided to seek the views of other city officials, largely from the police, fire and traffic departments, before recommending specific steps to city council.
Board members were also told of the departments plans to turn the 1200 foot long Canatara Park parking lot along the Lake Huron shore in to three smaller lots by creating boulevards at two intervals.
The reduction in length of this lot, planned actually last fall, comes in the wake of a minor confrontation between police and hundreds of young people in the park Saturday night.
RACING
Residents in the area complained of drag racing and noise in the parking lot on the holiday weekend. Saturday night city police closed the park to traffic at 8 pm. And again at 8 pm. Sunday. Several people were also charged with creating a disturbance because of the events in the parking lot on the weekend.
CURFEW LIFTED
The 8 pm traffic curfew in the park has since been lifted as long as trouble does not occur.
Mr. De Shane told the board it would be about two months before the department could draft details of the boulevard work to be done and the contract let for the job.
As an interim measure, the department Tuesday laid down several logs at intervals along the parking lot to prevent vehicles from driving along its length.
The logs have been nailed down to the asphalt surface.
Newspaper photo not useable 93
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re: Canatara Park
Madam and Gentlemen;
As directed by the Board, a meeting was held on Tuesday, April 30th , Attended by: Chief R. Cook, Sarnia Police Department
S/Supt., C. Jones, Sarnia Police Department
Chief C. Hanson, Sarnia Fire Department
John Robertson, Dept. Commissioner of Works
R.L.Jenkins, Planning Director
T. Williamson, Senior Traffic Technician
Henry Reidt, North End Foreman
M.C. Engels, Deputy City Manager
David De Shane, Commissioner
The meeting was to discuss the report presented to the Board of Parks and Recreation at the April 17th meeting on the proposed design changes in the large parking lot adjacent to the beach, and to discuss the advisability of closing some of the roadways within the park. I will present a drawing at the Board meeting which will more clearly define the action which is recommended.
There was a general consensus that the large parking lot should be broken up with permanent islands with the provision that traffic could flow from one section to the other, without having to reverse itself and return to the park roadway. It was also agreed that the north road in front of the main concession should be closed. No action regarding the closing of farm lane is recommended at the moment pending future examinations of park use.
Consideration was given to the provision of traffic bumps in both the parking lot and park roadways. Tom Williamson, Senior Traffic Technician, had contacted a number of municipalities that had attempted their construction and had discovered they generally had not been acceptable to the public, and therefore, were removed. No further action in regard to traffic bumps is recommended.
I would ask the board to endorse this report so that we can proceed with the calling of tenders for the work in the parking lot as soon as possible.
David Des Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner
May 8/74
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Pioneer Village at Canatara Long Way from Reality
Sarnia Gazette - July 24, 1974
Sarnia Parks and Recreation Department have long range plans to create a pioneer Village near the Children’s Animal farm in Canatara Park that would be similar to the Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg and the Black Creek Pioneer Village in Downsview. Recreation Director Ted Wood suggests that the three log cabins already at the site could form the modest beginning that could be developed over a period of years. The Board carried a vague motion at last week’s meeting that agreed to make more use and further develop the existing cabins but rejected the Wood report as too ambitious for now.
Ald. George Wood said it would be “irresponsible to close the door” on Wood’s report but Ald. Marie Coulter suggested it would be too expensive. Commissioner Dave DeShane said the Department could work with the local Historical Society collecting artifacts for the display.
The three present cabins were obtained from the Hay Estate three years ago, and placed in the Park by the Seaway Kiwanis Club at a cost of $3,500. Since obtaining the buildings, the department has re-shingled them with cedar shingles and landscaped the general area.
Wood feels “the time has come to determine if the Department should consider preserving and relocating other historical buildings from the Lambton area. Structures such as these and their contents can provide a fascinating and comprehensive account of our past heritage. Careful attention will have to be given to the furnishings within any building we get. Research into the history surrounding each building, could be done to lend some authenticity to the Village as it progresses. In building such a Village we could in a small way commemorate for future generations, the towns and hamlets that have disappeared in man’s engineering progress.”
The present buildings consist of a log cabin cottage, carriage house and a smoke house. Wood said it may be possible to obtain structures such as a harness shop,
blacksmith shop, shoe maker’s shop, artisan’s house, school master’s house, a one-room school house as well as a bakery shop.
While the present buildings are sitting dormant, Wood would not like to see the dream village do the same. He said it could come alive with activity. “Special events could be planned such as shearing demonstrations, rail splitting, candle dipping, rug hooking, spinning, weaving, quilting and black kettle cooking.” People in period costumes could conduct informative tours through the Village and school children could learn first-hand what life was like 100 years ago.
“Other programs could include demonstrations within the various settings.” For example, he said “a retired cabinet maker could have a woodworking demonstration and also be employed to keep the furnishings within all the buildings in good repair. A blacksmith could demonstrate the use of anvil and hammer and also be utilized to create ornamental works for the Village.”
“Fresh baked bread, cookies and cakes could be done at the bakery and sold to visitors as they pass through the Village. The number of programs and the variety would depend on the setting we are able to establish and the people willing to participate in the venture.”
Wood felt the Lambton Historical Society could take such an active role in such a venture as a way of keeping its members active. He said the Society would be needed to research the history of all the buildings and to create the costuming and atmosphere needed to make the village realistic.
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Shore Sale Displeases Parks Head at Canatara to Cost $8,000,000
Sarnia Gazette – August 7, 1974
By Chris Cooke
The last remaining piece of property available for development on the Sarnia waterfront has been purchased by a London company for $1,000,000. And the City Parks Department isn’t happy about it.
Eugene Drewlo Construction has acquired 14 acres adjacent to Pier 100 on Shady lane for an $8 million twin high-rise apartment development. Drewlo moved into the area this year and recently completed the Royal Oak Towers on Errol Road.
Mathew Shafer of Shafer Realty, the agent involved, said the company proposed to build two 14 storey structures containing 368 luxury apartments. The units will be 1,600 square feet. A health club, swimming pool and recreation park are included.
But Acting Parks Commissioner Ted Wood says he thinks that it will detract from Canatara Park. “It will be a nice location for apartments with a terrific view of the lake. But I don’t think it will do anything for Canatara.” He said it violates Commissioner Dave DeShane’s attempts to leave a portion of the park in a natural state.”
The property was sold by a group which included Dick Rose, Ron Dodds, Jim Campbell, and local developer Ivan Mater. A year ago Mater, Rose and Moore under the
name D-Vel-Mor Developments Limited presented a proposal to develop three high-rises on the site, one 14 storey and the other two 16 storey’s.
At the time, the Parks Board strongly opposed it and Assistant Planning Director Rick Draker said he hasn’t heard from D-Vel-Mor since last fall. The property is properly zoned for multiple dwellings. However, he pointed out the board has agreement with the previous owners requesting that a plan of subdivision be supplied before final approval is allowed and building permits issued. And he suggested similar agreement will be requested from Drewlo. He said with the park nearby the City wants to retain some form of compatibility.
Shafer said Drewlo was the highest bidder for the property. Ronark Construction of Sarnia, Sifton Properties Limited and Polysar Building Systems Division were the others interested in it.
Drewlo has 5oo units under development in London, Galt, Guelph, Woodstock and St. Thomas. The company has started work on the first phase of its Willowdale Park complex on the former Nelson Estate at Exmouth and Collingwood Streets.
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Point Edward Blocks Proposed Golf Course
August 28, 1974, p1
The Village of Point Edward has thrown a monkey wrench into the city’s plans to build a golf course near Canatara Park.
The city’s parks and recreation department submitted a building application to village council for construction of a storage shed on the course.
Point Edward said no.
City parks Commissioner Dave DeShane told the parks and recreation board Wednesday that this latest hold up will mean the course will not be ready by next summer.
He said his department is ready to seed the tees and greens on the course, but without the utility shed, which will house the watering and irrigation equipment, this phase of the project cannot be completed.
“The seeding hinges on the construction of the building,” Mr. DeShane said.
The Parks department hoped to begin seeding this summer but Mr. DeShane said the work will probably have to be done next year, and as a result, the course won’t be ready for the public by next summer.
Point Edward council said the storage shed did not conform to surround land use, and for that reason would not approve a building permit.
Letter on Golf Course Tabled By Commission
The Observer, October 17, 1974, p18
Parks and recreation commission tabled a letter Wednesday from C.E. Robinson and Associates Limited, a Toronto firm of golf architects.
The letter from Mr. Robinson confirmed that he toured the proposed par three golf course and he feels it would be unacceptable from the hazardous situations which exist for players throughout the course.
Mr. Robinson said he estimates the cost of a course to be $250.000 - $275.000. He recommended an entirely new layout for the course, including the location of most of the present water systems.
A new executive par three 18 hole course with one or two par fours and possibly one par five in the second nine was recommended. The total par, the letter said would approximate 58 to 60 with a yardage ranging between 3,00 – 4,000 yards. The greens would average 5,000 square feet and the tees 3,500 square feet. The par three holes would vary from110 yards to 225 yards.
He said this type of course would return a more substantial profit. The commission will discuss the proposal further at its next meeting, Nov. 20.
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New Canatara Golf Course Layout Said
“Impossible”
Gazette – October 23, 1974, p2
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation has designed, top soiled and grassed a golf course in Canatara Park that Golf Course Architect B.E. Robinson has condemned as dangerous and unacceptable.
Robinson recently inspected the course along with Parks Director Dave DeShane and Parks Foreman William S. Kerret. He wrote to the Board saying, “It would not serve any useful purpose to discuss the present layout and the work done to date except to state it would be unacceptable from the hazardous situations which exist for players throughout the course, not even if it had normal golf appeal.”
“I must therefore emphatically recommend that you require an entirely new layout including the location of most of the present water systems.”
DeShane said, “all I can say is Mr. Robinson is 65 years old and has been involved in golf courses in North America and Europe. I have no hesitation to say his report is valid.” He pointed out the proposed nine hole par 3 course was designed by the Department “before my time.”
“It simply won’t work. You can’t tee off from a hole and have someone drive a ball through you. The thing was developed in our department and you can’t do a golf course that way. I am not in a position to do it. I wouldn’t even think of it,” said DeShane. He added, “there are only two hidden holes but there are about a dozen other
problems. On the first hole the green is sloping into the bush and you can’t even see it. In one situation you need a pool cue to hit the green.”
He said the course was not meant for expert golfers.
DeShane said if the course is redeveloped it will be “a capital budget item for next year and it would be the following year before the course would be playable.”
Robinson offered to design an 18 hole course for the Board, but DeShane said a nine hole was all that had ever been considered. Robinson suggested, “the greens would be moderately undulating with three tees on each hole all with a different alignment. One or two holes should be located in the wooded areas on the eastern side but not exposing the main roadway. These holes would include water hazards which would provide fill for the greens and tees and as well eliminate drainage problems. I would provide a detailed plan showing the routing of holes, greens, tees, bunkers and water hazard details.”
Robinson estimated the cost at between $250 - $275,000 but DeShane said that figure would be sliced more than half because it would be a nine hole course.
City Alderman and parks board member Marie Coulter said, “I don’t think we need another golf course in this area that’s going to be mediocre. I don’t in any way envision spending a lot of money on a golf course. There are plenty of courses now.”
There are 18 golf courses in Lambton County.
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Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Directors of Parks and Recreation
Re Citizen Gardens
Madam and Gentlemen:
The 1970’s have seen Canadians enter a struggle with their economy. There are many reasons why our citizens are facing real economic hardships. However, the one that seems to affect almost everyone’s budget is the increase in food costs. Provincial and Federal Government Agencies have encouraged people to begin growing vegetable gardens to help supplement their needs and reduce the amount spent at super markets.
Although this will not bring inflated costs down any real measurable amount, it will help the family that has less food on their tables these days because of inflated costs.
Municipal Parks and Recreation Authorities can help the citizens of their municipalities by offering land not under development, or designated for specific park use, for growing vegetable gardens. Sarnia has such land available at Germain Park, along the southern edge of the tennis courts and the property line, and Canatara Park, west of the Children’s Farm.
Each of these properties could easily accommodate several garden plots suitable for growing vegetables. An adequate water service would have to be provided in each area.
The mechanics to set up this type of program are fairly simple. The public would be informed of our intent through the various media in the city. Those desirous of getting a garden plot would register at our office and fill out a registration form which would include pertinent data required. We would prepare the area for planting by plow and disc. Each plot would be marked off (approximately 20’ x 20’) and staked with a metal stake designating to whom the plot is registered. The participants would be informed by mail that their plots were ready and where they were located. Each of the gardeners would be responsible for supplying their own garden tools; keeping their lots free of weeds; and respecting the rights of adjoining garden plots. Gardeners would be allowed to work on their plots at any time.
The Department would supply waste containers at the sites to aid the gardeners in keeping the area free of litter. The program would conclude by Nov. 1st., with each gardener being required to remove from the site, all old plant materials.
The gardeners would be assisted in their endeavours by our horticultural staff who could advise them on what to grow, how to treat the soil, and other matters pertinent to good gardening. We would not, however, have our people do any of the actual gardening required, as this is the sole responsibility of the gardener.
E.A. Wood, Director of Recreation
Wm. Skerritt, Director of Parks.
100
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re Vacant Property East of the Main Parking Lot at Canatara Park.
Madame and Gentlemen:
The Board may be aware that considerable discussion has taken place regarding the proposed development of land owned by Margaret J. Phillips. This is the type of property that we should be able to purchase.
However, without funds set aside in our Capital budget for such acquisition we are unable to make any meaningful offer to purchase.
I would recommend to the Board of Parks and Recreation that they ask council to acquire this property out of City funds, and further, that they give very serious attention to the need for establishing a park land acquisition fund.
David De Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner
DeS/s
c.c. Mr Rick Draker, Secty-Treas., Committee of Adjustment
Attach:
November 5/74 101 1975
Feb. 1. City council decides not to purchase Phillips property (newspaper item)
2. Board decides not to continue with golf course project (newspaper item)
Mar. 3. Improvements proposed at park are outlined (newspaper item)
Apr. 4. Board again goes on record as supporting nature preserve concept ( newspaper item)
5. Board seeks shoreline property from Drewlo Construction (newspaper item)
May 6. Citizen gardens begin
July 7. Board decides to close park from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (newspaper item)
Sept 8. Fitness trail system opens (newspaper item)
9. Final section of the channel around east side of Lake Chipican is dredged.
10. Board approves purchase of 80 foot strip of Phillips property. Purchase will be made through the St. Clair Conservation Authority
Nov 11 Feasibility of boat launching facility in park to be investigated. (newspaper item)
Dec. 13 First Christmas on the farm organized by Sarnia Historical Society.
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Land Adjacent to Park Won’t Be Bought By City
February 15, 1975, p13
Land owned by Jean Parrish adjacent to Canatara Park will not be purchased by the city at this time, council decided Monday.
The planning board passed a motion Feb. 12 suggesting that the city either purchase the property for park purposes or allow it to be developed for residential housing.
Mrs. Parrish has committed the property on Andover Lane to Mrs. Anne Chrapko for $60,000. Two house are planned for the lots. However, the planning board agreed that a 30 foot right-of-way would have to be provided onto the property. It suggested that 20 feet be taken from the Parrish property while the remaining 10 feet be donated by the parks board.
Ald. Dave Boushy told council that development of the property “has been up in the air for two or three years” and wouldn’t support giving funds for the purchase of the property.
Ald. Ken Burchill, a member of the planning board, warned council that the matter of the proposed right-of-way still had to be settled and council was “premature” in making a decision until it was.
Ald. Marie Coulter objected to the fact that the park property would be taken if the roadway was approved.
Mrs. Parrish told council that the property now in possession of the parks department was donated by her father around 1938. She said it only seemed fair that the property be used to allow her access to her property.
Mayor Andy Brandt agreed that the city could not afford to purchase the land at this time.
Mrs. Chrapko has told city officials that if the land was purchased, she would have to be compensated for legal fees which would cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
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Parks Board Puts Halt to Canatara Golf Plan
February 21, 1975, p17
The parks and recreation board has decided not to continue developing a golf course in the southern portion of Canatara Park.
The 40 acres of land will be used for alternative recreational use.
The move was one of three suggestions presented to the board by parks commissioner, Dave DeShane.
The board had a choice of going ahead with an 18 hole course or developing a nine-hole course similar to the one at the Holiday Inn in Point Edward. The cost of constructing the 18-hole course would have been $300,000.
Mr. DeShane said following the meeting that the project was not a major priority. This is a feeling he had maintained since last year then he suggested to the board that the project be disbanded.
In a written report dated Feb. 13, 1974, Mr. DeShane said, “this municipality cannot afford such a luxury.”
He anticipated at the time it would cost the city $30,000 per year to operate the course if it was constructed. He also said he was “disturbed about removing approximately 40 acres of potential parkland from public use.”
The Feb. 13 report was never presented to the board and on Sept. 18, 1974, the board agreed to hire consulting architect, C.E. Robinson to evaluate the existing layout.
Mr. Robinson suggested in a report that the layout of the course, as it was at that time, “would be unacceptable.”
The board agreed Wednesday that the land could be used for archery ranges, picnicking or other group projects.
It was also recommended that suggestions for development of the land be prepared.
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Oust Golf Course for Hill – Coulter Gazette – March 3, 1975, p12
Alderman Marie Coulter would like to see a hill capable of accommodating slides, toboggans and possibly even skiers be erected in the 40 acres site in Canatara Park that the parks board decided was unfit for a golf course. The land, south of the Children’s farm, will now be used for alternative recreational use. Parks Commissioner Dave DeShane told the Board it would cost at least $30,000 per year to maintain the course and another $300,000 to develop it. A professional golf course architect evaluated the existing layout last year and described it as “unacceptable from the hazardous situations which exist for players throughout the course.” DeShane recommended to the board “we scrap the idea of a golf course for all time and develop the property for recreational use.” He said, “while the anticipated costs to develop and maintain the course are a real concern to me. I am even more disturbed about removing approximately 40 acres of potential park land from general public use. This
municipality cannot afford such a luxury. Park land within the city is limited and can only be acquired at a great cost to our taxpayers. This land can be much more useful for general recreation activity than for golf which is much more exclusive serving only one use and in fact, prohibiting other uses.”
Board member Tom Peddigrew stated, “I’ve done some studying and we have more golf courses per capita than anywhere in Ontario.” Lambton County has 18 golf courses.
DeShane said the empty land could be used as an extension of the picnic area, extension of the nature trails, group camping, archery and added “if we got a big supply of fill we could start a hill but we’re having trouble getting the fill. It’s hard unless you’re willing to pay.” No money will be spent on the site this year. The Commissioner said “the best place for any kind of camping is in a natural environment, it’s educational. The kid’s would go out two nights a week. It would be run by the department. It wouldn’t be a public campground. There would be no washrooms. Canatara washrooms would be used nothing that formal.”
Board member Mike Pullan worried about the children camping at an archery site and Coulter said, “they’d get pretty muddy there.” DeShane said the land was not muddy on the “first nine holes.” Coulter said the hill could be built for winter sports and DeShane added “there’s a bit of activity there now with the kids sledding on the small hills.”
105
Many Changes are in Works to Improve Canatara Park
Scope Edition – March 31, 1975
Bill Skerritt, director of parks for Sarnia says people are lucky to have Canatara Park in the middle of the city. He says it adds a new dimension, another element to the city’s parks program.
Many changes are in the works for the 185 acre stretch of parkland running along the shores of Lake Huron and Mr. Skerritt says eventually he would like to develop it as a family function.
That goal is starting to be realized with the addition of nature trails, wood chip trails and nature preserve areas around Lake Chipican.
The nature trail is completed halfway around the lake about three-quarters of the way through Tarzan Land on the north east edge of the park, Mr. Skerritt said. He expects it to be finished by spring.
The wood chip trails are not only scenic but offer a monetary saving as well.
The director said the chips are salvaged from the department’s tree cutting program, and rather than have them trucked to the dump at $4 a load, they are used on the trails.
The nature preserve, Mr. Skerritt says, “is coming along very well.”
The high grasses along Lake Chipican attract wildlife to the park including Canatara’s resident beaver Pirate. The grasses were also subject of complaint last summer from some area residents who felt the park should be kept neat and trim, but Mr. Skerritt says the indications he has on the plan is that people seem to like it.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of compliments on it,” he said. “No one has said they didn’t like it.”
Another area unique to this area is the Children’s Farm which is open seven days a week.
The parks department has done a lot of development in that area with the construction of a water course surrounding the farm as well as the addition of more animals.
“This is an important part of the park and it’s very important to Sarnia,” he said. “We have a lot of things here that kids don’t usually get a chance to see. There’s quite an interaction between the kids and the animals.
Mr. Skerritt’s department will also be looking at the possibility of street lighting, bike paths and pathways for the park. An extension of the parking lot in the west end to distribute people along the beach area is also being planned.
The area is there, it’s the money we’re not too sure about,” he said.
Mr. Skerritt said, “his main goal is to have the park used 12 months of the year.”
“I don’t think we’d want to change it from what it is,” he said. We haven’t got any other park within the system that has these facilities.”
“I’d really like to develop it into a family function, the type of park where it doesn’t have to be organized too much. There’s too much organization in everyone’s life now.”
106
Donation of Park Land Sought by Parks Board
Sarnia Observer, April 1975, p 19
A London developer will be asked to donate some land to the city to allow development of a lakefront recreation and boat launching area.
Drewlo Construction is to construct two highrises on Sandy lane at the south end of Canatara Park and adjacent to the Lake Huron breach. It is legally required to give the city either five percent of the land area for open space use, or five percent of the projects value in cash.
Parks and recreation commissioner Dave DeShane recommended that the city take the land. But he wants to go further.
He suggested that the developer be approached for a “gentleman’s agreement” to give the city additional lands to allow development on the waterfront. The additional area is not necessary to the highrise development, Mr. DeShane said.
The board agreed in principal to the concept. Mr. DeShane and city manager Bob Given are to approach Drewlo Construction with the request.
107
Public Needs “Educated” on Value of Nature Area
Sarnia Observer, April 18, 1975
A public education program through the media has been proposed to develop greater appreciation of the nature preserve concept in Canatara Park.
The parks and recreation board has voted to continue with the project, but wants a degree of caution in its development to allow the public to become accustomed to the project.
It will proceed with the project started last year, but the parks staff was instructed to keep the fringes of the natural area manicured so people won’t think the change is taking place through neglect.
The effort to establish a nature preserve in the immediate vicinity of Lake Chipican began last year. It involved tree planting and allowing native grasses, plants and tree seedlings to grow and reproduce unimpeded. Walking paths have been developed through the area and other improvements are planned.
The parks department came under some criticism last year for its “Tarzanland” concept, which it believes was not understood by the public.
Parks and recreation Commissioner Dave De Shane views the Lake Chipican area as a “unique community resource” which is “not just an area for wildlife to return to, but also a recognition that many people enjoy walking in a natural area. We believe they should have an opportunity to do so without travelling miles and miles to do it.”
He said the presence of a beaver – “even though we may have to get rid of it” – at Lake Chipican is symbolic of the nature preserve concept.
Ald. John Kowalyshyn suggested the program should be better explained through a continuing series of presentations in the media.
“It’s a darn good program and an ongoing education program would make it a lot easier for the citizens to accept this new concept,” the alderman said.
The board felt that the potential still exists for negative reaction from Sarnians and visitors to the community if “too much is done too quickly.”
So it instructed the staff to continue with the program, but provide a “definite” manicured fringe on the perimeters.
108
Canatara Park Closed to Late Night Traffic
Sarnia Observer, July 17, 1975, p 19
Effective Friday, Canatara Park will be closed to unauthorized motor vehicles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The motion passed by the Sarnia parks and recreation board last night, was prompted by the increase of local speeders and noise-makers.
Signs will be posted throughout the area leading into the parking area sometime on Friday. The board felt that no other readily available alternative was likely. The closing times will be effective on a yearly basis.
Three signs will be posted. One sign will be posted near Andover Lane on Lake Chipican Drive, one at the east end of Farm Lane and the other at the west entrance to Canatara Park off Sandy Lane.
Tom Peddigrew, board member, felt the signs will be enough indication to those persons responsible for the park’s closing. “Posting the signs is better than closing the park physically by gates, fences, and chains,” he said.
The regulation will not prohibit public use of the park after 11 p.m., but only limit motorized vehicles which include automobiles, all kinds of motorized bikes and trucks.
For the past few weeks, city police and the parks and recreation department have become aware of the growing concern for action. “I was worried about how it was going to evolve in the future. We wanted to act now before the situation worsened,” said commissioner DeShane.
109
No. 9 – September 17, 1975
Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes
The Board the met “in camera” to hear a proposal by Mr. Given regarding the former Phillips property on Lake Huron, purchased by the Chrapkos.
Mr. Given said the St. Clair Conservation Authority are willing to purchase this property. The Chrapkos are now willing to sell 50’ off the westerly side at the same price per lineal foot that they paid for it, which is $504 per lineal foot. In order to get a building permit for one house only, they need to have a private right-of-way with 33’ frontage. Mr. Given said we are suggesting that the Parks Board make available a small strip of land to enable these people to get a building permit for the house, approximately 10’ of land is involved. The Chrapkos are willing to provide the severance description of this parcel at their own cost. Mrs. Coulter felt maybe the Board should ask for money also. However, Mr. Given did not agree, when the Chrapkos are willing to sell the Board 50’ at the price they paid for it, and while the strip of land will cost him nothing, he is paying for the legal deed. Mr. Given felt this was an excellent deal.
Mr. Manton suggested this is a solution to the problem which has been around for a long time and it would only come back again and again, and he felt it would eventually end up at Ontario Municipal Board if any further rejections. He said it would give us opportunity for access to the beach on that side of the road and would be of benefit to us also.
The Commissioner said the 50 feet will at least provide a public buffer to the other activities in the park and he was in favour of the deal.
Moved by Mr. Pullan, seconded by Mr. Larocque, that the Board of parks and Recreation accept the proposal as presented by Mr. Given to purchase 50’ of Lake Front land from Mr. Chrapko at a price of $504 per lineal foot., such land situated immediately to the east of Canatara park, and that this purchase will be affected by the St. Clair Conservation Authority and the monies therefore will not be taken from Parks funds. Carried. Mr. Pettigrew abstained.
Note: The St. Clair Conservation Authority transferred this parcel to Sarnia in January 1976.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Signed: G.E. Shute
110
Signed: John E. Manton
Note: The Parks and Recreation Board members in 1975 were: J. Manton (chairman), Ald. M. Coulter, Ald. J. Kowalyshyn, T. Peddigrew, R, Gordon, M. Pullan,Mrs. A. Larocque, & D. De Shane P&R Commissioner.
In 1976 they were: T. Peddigrew (chairman), Ald. K. Burchill, Ald. J. Kowalyshyn, Mrs. A. Larocque, B. Redmond, B. Bouck, D. Gelder, & D. De Shane P&R Commissioner.
111
The following two 1975 Gazette photographs show the view looking east down the road that ran from the Children’s farm parking lot to the main park road at the south end of the ballfield. It was closed to traffic in 1977 and is now a pedestrian walkway.
In the background is the woodland bordering the west side of the Farm that was cleared of small trees and shrubs in the 1970 – 1973 period. In 1974 a woodland restoration project was initiated to re-introduce trees, shrubs, & wildflowers back into the area.
In the top photo the Farm barn can be seen in the background on the left.
On the following pages are two photos that show the large boat that was washed ashore along the Canatara beach in the mid-1970’s.
112(a)
With The Holes Dug Deep, Bayne, Burr and Dennison lower the fence post into place just southwest of the Animal Farm in Canatara Park.
Sarnia Parks Department Workers have been taking advantage of an exceptionally mild November to get much of the maintenance work at Canatara Park finished before winter sets in. Bob Bayne, Paul Burr and Harold Dennison are shown here digging fence post holes with an auger digging machine.
New Fitness Trail Opened at City’s Canatara Park
September 29, 1975
Ron Smith of The Observer
The photographers waited patiently under a shady tree in the quiet of Canatara Park.
Suddenly the first runner appeared, and went right on past, not even stopping for the exercises posted at the side of the trail.
A couple of more minutes passed then Ald. Marie Coulter appeared followed closely by parks board member Anne Larocque.
Finally, Mayor Andy Brandt appeared on the scene, started his exercises, and had his picture taken and the opening of the city’s new fitness trail was recorded for posterity.
Not content with having completed the novice trail, Mayor Brandt, at the urging of the press, decided to go along on the second leg of the 2.7 mile trail, just to prove he could do it.
All in all the slow walk through the park in the Mayor’s company, watching him perform various feats of athletic prowess, provided an enjoyable morning, highlighted by the mayor showing off at one point and doing 20 push-ups instead of the required 10.
The fitness trail was built at Canatara Park by the city parks board for residents at a cost to date of $1,173 is divided into three sections, novice, intermediate and experienced.
SHORT RUNS
The three sections of the course are broken into short runs through the woods, with exercise posts placed at lengths of 183 to 246 metres apart. Each of the stations outlines a specific exercise to be undertaken at that point.
Mayor Brandt said he found the trail “tremendous” and promised to make use of it two or three times a week, if possible.
The official tour of the trail ended with the completion of the intermediate section. Ald. Coulter and her husband toyed a while with the idea of attempting the third leg, then realizing it made up almost half of the total, passed it by, while parks commissioner Dave DeShane decided to walk around to see what it looked like.
Mayor Brandt, the press, city hall employees and various spectators opted for Ald. Coulter’s suggestion. We all went home; just as one of the Sarnia Track and Field members could be seen approaching, on his second turn around.
116
City Studies New Launch for Boats
November 1975
A new boat launch in Canatara Park is under study by the Conservation Authority.
Dave DeShane, commissioner of parks and recreation, said Wednesday, the MacLaren study that involves the lakefront from Plympton Township to Wallaceburg, is
including the boat launch in Canatara in its study of erosion control and recreational facilities.
Mr. DeShane said that the boat launch would be “economically feasible” but without the report of the MacLaren study, nothing further can be done.
A full report on the environmental feasibility of a boat launch facility in Canatara Park will be available at the end of the study within the next month, said Mr. DeShane.
117
Jan 1
1976
Phillips property strip obtained
Mar. 1 Board discusses pioneer village concept (newspaper items)
Apr. 2 First Easter egg hunt held
June 3 Board discusses possibility of eliminating cars from the central area of the park. (newspaper item).
June – Aug. 4 Artists displays in log cabin (newspaper item)
July 5 Observation tower constructed at south end of Lake Chipican
July 6 Recommendation made on controlling traffic (commissioners report & map)
Aug. 7 Board delays traffic ban
Sept. 8 Board again discusses traffic control at park. (newspaper item)
Oct. 9 Centreboard club given provisional approval to build a small boat launching ramp at west beach (newspaper item)
Nov. 10
Asphalt bicycle path constructed
11 Traffic report submitted by Commissioner
Dec. 12 Traffic control again discussed (newspaper report)
118
Pioneer Village Concept Okayed for Canatara Park
Sarnia Observer, March 18, 1976, p18
The parks and recreation board has accepted in principal the idea of a pioneer village or museum in Canatara Park.
Sarnia Historical Society’s ad hoc museum committee approached the parks board Wednesday and suggested a continuing village from the existing log cabin near the Children’s Farm in the park.
The suggested village museum will be located across the road from the farm in what is termed a “land-fill” site.
Jim Wilson of the Historical Society’s committee said the buildings on the landfill site will not be bothered too much and will eventually settle.
Blacksmith Shop
Helen Rankin of the society said buildings such as a blacksmith’s shop will be donated and the maintenance and voluntary work for the village could be shared by both the parks department and the historical society.
“We should make use of the existing facilities,” said Dave DeShane, commissioner of the parks.
Mr. Wilson expressed to the board the idea the village “hopefully will be selfsupporting” eventually by some sort of revenue making like “selling rock candy” said Ald. Ken Burchill.
Ald. John Kowalyshyn warned Mrs. Rankin the city council would be “rough” as far as the budget for such a project was concerned but Mrs. Rankin said most of the work done by the Historical Society on the concept of the village and the actual work will be voluntary.
She spoke of the Christmas Happening that took place at the log cabin during the Christmas season, of recreating the old times of the area, and the Easter Egg Hunt coming in the near future and reminded Ald. Kowalyshyn most of the work was voluntary.
The historical society’s ad hoc museum committee will appear before city council at a future date to suggest the idea of a museum or pioneer village for final approval. 119
Pioneer Village “Long Way Off”
The Gazette - March 24, 1976
The Sarnia Historical Society has given up its search for traditional static museum in favour of a “living historical” display it hopes to eventually erect on an abandoned garbage dump across from the Canatara Park Animal Farm.
In a letter to the Board of Parks and Recreation Society member Helen Rankin said a “living historical” museum would be more practical because “there is already a substantial start on this particular type at Canatara Park.” She pointed out 3,000 people visited the Canatara log cabin when it was open over the Christmas holidays for public display. There are a handful of old buildings on the site now and the Society hopes to work with the Parks Board to eventually bring in more buildings as they become available.
Alderman and Board member John Kowalyshyn warned the Society against approaching the city for funds. He said, “any new programs were totally rejected at budget time. Some very important programs didn’t get a dime.” Mrs. Rankin said the Society does not intend to ask the city for financial help. She said federal or provincial government help cannot be received until after some type of museum is established, The Board agreed to support the Society in its attempts to locate at Canatara but the Pioneer Village is a long way off.
120
Canatara Abandoned as Historical Site
Gazette - April 1976
An Historical Pioneer Village planned for Canatara Park will not be built on the former landfill site across from the Children’s Farm, according to city Park’s Commissioner Dave DeShane.
DeShane, concerned about reports that the proposed buildings would be erected on the landfill site, said the buildings would be located on the edge of the dumpsite. The dump is on the south side of Cathcart Boulevard and the existing Pioneer Buildings are on the north side, DeShane said new buildings would be erected on both sides of the road but not directly on the dumpsite itself.
In a letter to the parks board, Commissioner of Works Don Silliman pointed out, “the area south of Cathcart was used for sanitary landfill which was completed in 1967. The Environmental Protection Act prohibits use of this land for a period of 25 years without approval from the minister. In any case I believe it would be unwise and dangerous to permit buildings on this former sanitary landfill at this time. There had been a previous landfill in the same area in the early 1940’s. The remains of this, which consist largely of ashes and broken glass, are still present and porous so that methane gas produced by the continuing decomposition of the garbage would have an opportunity to migrate and collect in places such as in or under buildings, where explosive mixtures could collect.”
121
Canatara Park ……….. A Summer Fun Spot
The Gazette, June 9, 1976, p33
Kris Day, 19, of London enjoys visiting the animal farm at Canatara Park to feed the geese and ducks and watch the carp in the pond steal the bread crumbs from the birds.
Sarnia Gazette, June 23, 1976, p30
In other business, DeShane reported the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is going to install road barricades in the parking area adjacent to the beach at the west end of Canatara Park. In addition, construction of a waterfowl observation platform and construction of and installation of additional nature trails benches will take place. 123
Motor Vehicle Ban Expected at Canatara Gazette - June 1976, p16
City Parks Commissioner Dave DeShane will recommend a complete ban on the use of motor vehicles in Canatara Park at a parks board meeting next month. Cars will still allowed to use the main beach area parking lot.
DeShane recommended the action to the board two years ago but was turned down. However since then the department’s imaginative development of Canatara has more than tripled the use of the park.
Alderman and board member Ken Burchill said, “there was an incredible crowd there on Sunday [June 13]. I couldn’t believe the number of people that were there. It’s just a tremendous increase from what it has been in past years. We’ve got to consider removing cars from the central part of the park. It’s something that we’ve got to look seriously at for 1977.”
DeShane said banning cars from the interior would make the park much more attractive for users [the parks department has already blocked cars from one section of the park.] He said the main parking lot “goes right into the heart of the park.” It is a short walk from the parking lot to any section of the 250 acre park.
The Commissioner said the parking lot has ample space for parking and that by forcing all cars to use the lot, it would eliminate much of the drag racing that now goes on in the lot. “There wouldn’t be enough room for that kind of activity” he said.
DeShane said “traffic will also be a problem in the park [as the number of users increase]. It’s something the board will have to deal with in the near future. The spin-off from the various activities is bringing more people to the park. People are not going for just one activity. They are picnicking, nature trails, fitness trails and the Children’s Farm.
No. 7 – July 19, 1976
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Madame and Gentlemen:
Re Motorized Vehicle Control in Canatara Park
As indicated at the last Board of Parks and Recreation meeting, we have had considerable concern expressed to us about the high volume of vehicles travelling through Canatara Park, particularly at prime time in the evenings and on weekends.
We have contacted our Traffic Department and are intending to do some traffic counts. Since these traffic counters were not available prior to this meeting we have been unable to carry out this work before now.
It is our feeling that if traffic is to be further controlled, that we must also ensure that picnickers and other users can still get to their sites. It is not realistic to expect older residents particularly, to carry such items as coolers, bar-b-ques, charcoal, etc., any great distance.
With this concern in mind it is still possible to control the traffic and at the same time permit users to have vehicle access to the park. A proposal that could be considered would be to terminate traffic from Chipican Drive at the old fish pond area adjacent to the main parking lot. We could also terminate the use of Farm Lane from the east in the vicinity of the Citizens’ Gardens and Children’s Farm. The road in from Point Edward could then be terminated near the Farm Lane intersection.
I have attached a small map of Canatara indicating the part of the roadway which would be taken out of service. This is indicated by the hatched marks.
Any road closing could be considered on a temporary basis, although the required barriers would have to be permanently installed so that they could not easily be removed.
The Board may wish to consider the vehicle restrictions I have suggested on a temporary basis commencing with the first long weekend in August through and including the Thanksgiving weekend in October. This policy could then be reviewed at the October Board meeting.
David
DeShane
David De Shane, Commissioner
DeS/s
File: Canatara 125
126(a)
Yok Ying Seck, a native of Singapore and student at Lambton College is the featured artist in a “one woman” display at the log cabin in Canatara Park through until Sunday. So far many Sarnians, including Mrs. Marg Deveer have stopped to view the exhibit,
126(b)
Sarnia Parks Department Employee Janice Passingham re-arranges art works of Yok Ying Seck. Many still life paintings are included in the exhibit.
Canatara Traffic Ban Delayed by Parks Board
The Gazette - August 11, 1976 P12
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation has tabled a recommendation from Commissioner Dave DeShane that would have banned motorized traffic from the interior of Canatara Park.
In a report to the Board, DeShane said, “we have contacted our traffic department and are intending to do some traffic counts. Since these traffic counters were not available prior to this meeting, we have been unable to carry out this work. “
“It is our feeling that if traffic is to be further controlled; we must ensure that picnickers and other users can still get to their sites. It is not realistic to expect older residents, particularly, to carry such items as coolers, bar-b-ques, charcoal, etc. any great distance. With this concern in mind it is still possible to control the through traffic and at the same time permit users to have vehicle access to the park.”
“A proposal that could be considered would be to eliminate traffic from Lake Chipican Drive at the old fish pond area adjacent to the main parking lot. We could also terminate the use of Farm Lane from the east in the vicinity of the Citizen’s Gardens and the Children’s Farm. The road in from Point Edward could then be terminated near the Farm Lane intersection. Any road closing could be on a temporary basis, although the required barriers would have to be permanently installed so that they could not easily be move.”
DeShane recommended the roadways be closed during August and September on a trial basis but the Board decided the matter needed further study (including traffic counts) before a decision can be made..
Board member Ald. Ken Burchill said the situation may be reviewed at the September meeting. He said he is in favour of closing the interior to traffic (cars could still enter the park and park in the beachfront parking lot). He said, “it’s not a very good idea to have all of this traffic going through the middle of the park. There may well be a strong reaction against it but it worked in Springbank Park in London. There still seems to be thousands of people “there.”
Burchill said, “it would remove the wall-to-wall bumpers and make it a more peaceful and enjoyable park. Some people won’t walk 10 feet to their picnic table, it might change the type of people using it. It might attract the kind of people who like the peaceful setting.”
The Board will make a decision possibly as early as next month but probably not until next spring.
128
Canatara Traffic to Remain
Gazette - September 22, 1976
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation has rejected a plan to close Canatara Park to winter traffic but Commissioner Dave DeShane is plotting to close the park to vehicles 12 months a year.
The proposal to close Canatara during the winter months came from board member Brian Bouck who said it would result in increased public use and less maintenance cost. He said the plan would still allow access to parking lots and to maintenance buildings in the park. However, all traffic would be banned from the interior. He said a study of Springbank Park in London indicates that closing the park to winter traffic increases the number people using it while cutting down on cost.
“Closing it would be a minimum expense and it would mean joggers. Bird, watchers and cross-country skiers would get a lot more use of it.”
Board Chairman Tom Peddigrew said the idea may not be such a good one. He said he had been told by a policeman in the city that “he is more afraid of closing because they couldn’t get in to check on things. Motorcycle gangs and others could get into the park and have little parties in sections where they can’t catch them.”
Bouck said, “you’re not going to get an ideal situation. Not everybody is going to agree with it.” He won the support of Board member Barry Redmond but Dave Gelder and Larocque voted against the idea. Peddigrew broke a two-two tie saying, “I’ll vote against because I’m a chicken and I’ll stick to the status quo.”
Gelder said the park should be closed in the summer because that is when the overcrowding occurs. He could see not point in closing the park to traffic in the winter. Bouck said, “I didn’t say there was any problem.” He indicated closing to winter traffic would simply make things more pleasant.
In any case, DeShane will be coming back to the Board recommending the park interior be closed permanently to all traffic.
129
Canatara Boat Ramp Approved
Gazette - October 27, 1976 P47
The Sarnia Centreboard Club has been given approval in principle to erect a boat launching facility at Canatara Park.
In a letter to the parks board, Club Commodore David Glew said, “the existing sand beach from which we launch adjacent to the groyne at Sandy Lane, does not permit launching a boat without considerable manual assistance. Small boats cannot sail up the St. Clair River under the Bluewater Bridge without hazard into Lake Huron.”
“Sarnia Centreboard Club therefore wishes to improve launching facilities for small boats into Lake Huron at Sandy Lane and towards that end wants to commit its efforts and monies for the improvement of the existing site. Thus we are requesting support in principle for this endeavor from the board.
“With such support the Club will investigate ways to achieve a better small boat launching facility, will commit monies from the club to purchase the requirements, , and will apply for a matching Wintario grant.”
Parks Board Chairman John Kowalyshyn was delighted with the request because the club did not come looking for a financial contribution from the city.
Parks Commissioner Dave DeShane said, “this request is directly in line with department thinking. We would like to see a permanent facility and we’ve talked to the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority about it.”
The board agreed to the plan but final approval will await a design plan to be submitted by the club.
130
No. 10 Nov. 17/76
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Re Traffic Control, Canatara Park
Attached is a map of Canatara Park showing traffic counter locations as well as a number of statistical reports which were taken on various days during the summer.
In my opinion the volume of traffic is significant enough that some control within the park is warranted. I feel that we should recognize that our first concern should be for the park user rather than for casual scenic drives.
While casual scenic drive is a legitimate recreational activity, it is questionable that this activity should be accommodated in a heavily used city park.
There are any number of suggestions that could be considered for vehicle control. We feel that whatever decision is reached that we should ensure that people have easy accessibility to all areas of the park. This is particularly critical in regards to picnicking which usually requires the carrying of such things as bar-b-ques, charcoal, hampers, etc.
From an operational standpoint, we would also suggest that only proposals which would be on a year round basis should be considered. Any action that is taken should be
considered on a trial basis; in other words any roads that are closed should be easily opened again if this was so desired.
Our real objective is to interrupt through traffic in the park rather than curtailing traffic in any particular area.
Whatever the decision on traffic control I would recommend that parking be prohibited along the main roadway adjacent to the major parking lot between Lake Chipican and the turning circle. The parking lot is close enough to serve this area.
In addition I would recommend that the small parking area south of the road between Lake Chipican and the traffic circle be closed to vehicles. If traffic is to be controlled, we would recommend – 1) that permanent barricades be installed on the Farm Lane, at the Children’s farm, so that traffic cannot proceed west of the farm. 2) barricades be installed at the north end of Lake Chipican adjacent to the main entrance to the parking lot. It would be our suggestion that all traffic be taken off the main roadway within the park, and be restricted to the parking lot, 3) access to the west end of the park through Point Edward should be maintained, but this traffic should be controlled at the intersection of Farm lane and the main roadway so that no traffic may proceed beyond this point in an easterly direction.
All of these suggestions can be better identified on the drawing which I will have at the Board meeting.
David DeShane
David De Shane, Commissioner DeS/s
November 5, 1976 131
Let’s Ban Traffic From Canatara Park
December 23, 1976, p4
Finally some steps are being taken by the board of parks and recreation to alleviate the traffic problem in Canatara Park, but the action is just a drop in the bucket compared to what should be done. The board has agreed to set up barriers at two sections in the park in an attempt to cut down on the number of people who just cruise through the park without any interest in its facilities.
It is a move in the right direction. But to solve the real problem the board should take the step of prohibiting all motor vehicles from entering the park. This includes eliminating the concrete parking areas in front of the beach.
A parking area could be developed somewhere near the entrances to Canatara. Of course this would mean that people would actually have to walk. A dreadful thought for many. Perhaps this sounds like a drastic move, but it really is practical and would go a long way towards improving both the quality of the park and the quality of the people in it.
The excuses against a move that would prohibit cars and other motorized vehicles in the park are weak.
There are those who say people will not use the park. But if someone wants to go to a park, they should be prepared to walk. Others claim it would be a handicap to senior citizens, but this is ridiculous.
If the truth were known, senior citizens probably walk more than most young people. And the seniors would probably be prepared to walk a few hundred yards realizing they would get away from the annoying sound of motorcycle and car engines grinding away.
There is also the excuse of rain and distance to car. Another example of a poor excuse. Can someone enjoying a park really be afraid of a little rain?
The advantages of closing the park to motor vehicle traffic are obvious. It would leave it in a much more natural state allowing people to enjoy a peaceful area in the midst of a bustling city. It would prove to be real refuge instead of what it has become on a Sunday afternoon – a large traffic jam.
It may even encourage people to rediscover the enjoyment in walking. And who knows, physical fitness might even be the next step.
But even just for the protection of the park, motor traffic should be banned. 132
Jan – Mar: 1) After much discussion Board decides on plan to control traffic (newspaper items and commissioners reports)
Mar: 2) Board gives approval to Centreboard Club to construct boat launching ramp (newspaper item)
May: 3) Farm Lane blocked west of parking lot.
July: 4) Guided tours underway around park. (newspaper item)
Aug: 5) Commissioner’s report on future of landfill site submitted.
Oct: 6) Policy for bandshell use adopted (newspaper item)
133
Canatara Park Uproar Growing
Sarnia Observer - January 18, 1977 P4
The uproar over the Canatara Park question is really quite incredible. In fact, as some city officials have noted, it has become more contentious than what day Halloween should fall on.
It is good to see people getting involved in their city to this extent, although it would be hoped that some more key matter could attract their attention such as pollution, downtown rehabilitation or traffic safety.
Canatara Park is important to this city and its citizens and there is a need to preserve it as fully as possible and at the same time make it available to as many people as possible.
With this in mind the board of parks and recreation passed a motion that would in effect preclude people from using the park simply as a throughway. The Observer went further, suggesting the park be closed to all motor vehicle traffic, adding that parking could be created at the entrances and then people could walk to picnic sites and the beach areas.
Then came the uproar.
Most people, perfectly healthy and capable of walking were appalled by the idea that they would actually have to walk through Canatara.
They point to the elderly and handicapped as those who would be precluded from using the park. Petitions were started, committees formed and people actually stood at the entrances to the park handing out literature.
Once again, it is good to see people getting this involved in their city.
But at the same time, these people are turning a blind eye to some very important facts. First, while it was agreed that scenic drives can be enjoyable, Canatara was not created or meant for this purpose. It is a natural preserve in the midst of a bustling city and we are fortunate to have a nearby place to go and enjoy some relative peace and quiet where don’t have to hear and see cars puttering by, even during a winter weekday.
Also, not surprisingly, the elderly and handicap have not particularly objected to closing the park to traffic. In fact, most of these people probably prefer to go to a place where they don’t have to put up with cars and motorcycles. Many of the elderly and handicapped prefer an outing outside a car.
There is also the matter of definition. Are our parks to be considered drive throughs, or are they there for the enjoyment of walking, picnicking, and just a leisurely afternoon of lying around?
The situation of cars driving through Canatara Park is not going to get any better and with proposals for residential development nearby, it will probably get a lot worse.
Ald. John Kowalyshyn, who has found himself taking the brunt of those opposed to barricades in the park, said there is a possibility a new parks board will reconsider the matter. This would be unfortunate. The decision made was a legitimate one by a board which had looked at the matter. If the decision is over-turned it would further detract from the legitimacy of these city appointed boards.
Ald. Kowlyshyn should maintain his and the last board’s position on the matter.
City council has also reacted foolishly to the move. Council members are saying privately they will oppose the barricades, but they are not even bothering to remotely examine the matters which are really at issue.
It is time we made a stand. No one likes the concept of a concrete jungle. Let us make our stand now and stop the park from becoming a through way. All motor traffic should be stopped from going through the park. The barricades are a good first step toward creating this situation.
Let us keep Canatara Park a park. 134
Canatara Road Closing Protest Mounts “Telephone Blitz” Effective Says Spokesman
The Gazette - January 19, 1977
Dan McCaffery
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation is expected to give in to public pressure and reverse its decision to erect a barricade in the centre of Canatara Park when it meets February 2.
The barricade, proposed by Parks Commissioner Dave DeShane, is planned for a roadway running north- south through the centre of the park and the idea is to prevent traffic from driving straight through the much used park. However, the plan would not stop people from gaining access to any part of the park by car.
Canatara has been choked by cars on the weekends during the summer with as many as 6,200 cars entering the park on a single day. In fact, during one Friday – Sunday period last August, an amazing 14,000 cars entered the park, according to traffic count.
Parks Board member Ken Burchill has described the situation on summer weekends as, “wall-to-wall steel”, and he pointed out the use of parks in large cities has increased dramatically when the cars were confined to parking lots.
Doug Phippen, Chairman of the Keep Canatara Clear Committee, a group of rate payers who want the park left open to through traffic will appear before both council and parks board to apply pressure. He is confident the “lobby” will be successful. “The campaign on the parks board members is going pretty good” he told a public gathering
last week. “I’m beginning to wonder how I ever got through the board in the first place because none of them seemed to want to vote for it.”
He urged members of the committee to continue phoning the Mayor, Aldermen and members of the parks board.
Phippen declared, “we have contacted more than 100 people and not one of them has said they want the park kept closed. He questioned the accuracy of DeShane’s traffic count and claimed that cars entering the park were being counted as they entered and left which would mean each vehicle was counted twice.
“Driving through Canatara is a traditional right of Sarnian’s. Are we going to allow to continue to have this scenic drive or is the parks board going to shut it off?” he asked.
Phippen said he had invited Parks Board Chairman John Kowalyshyn to the meeting and according to committee members, Board Vice-Chairman Dave Gelder has promised to attend. However not one of the parks board showed up.
Phippen said, “it’s traditional among politicians that the public has to go to them. It’s a very interesting response from a man who is supposed to be serving the public. We invited the parks board chairman but we knew he would decline.”
The committee was critical of board member John Slobodnik, whom it was told, “is against closing of the park.” However, Committee Secretary Barb Mattingley said, “he voted to close it.’
Mattingley was confident that if the parks board would not reverse its decision, city council could still do so. She pointed out council over-ruled the board when it decided to tear down the Children’s Arena. In fact, council has made the final decision on every major issue brought before the board for the past two years.
Mattingley added, “we’re aware that only a small portion of the road is to be closed but we’re worried that this is just the beginning. It’s very important that we take action on this. She said Kowalyshyn had told her, “it’s quite possible” that the proposed barricade is “only the first step.”
Map Y5
Proposed Road Barricades in Canatara Park 1976 - 1977
This is the map of the controversial proposal to barricade two roads in Sarnia’s Canatara Park. The matter came up Monday at City Council and was sent off to the new Parks Board for further re-examination. The popular misconception is that people will not be able to park in the park. It is correct that they will, substantially as in other years (if the closing is sanctioned). However, no through-passage of the park would be possible if the plan, above, was adopted. Car drivers would be able to penetrate the central sections of Canatara but would have to turn around at the barricades and return out the same way they came. The matter is a hot topic with betting that Sarnia City Council will overrule any attempt to curtail through passages.
176
Traffic Control Needed in Park
January 26, 1977
Sir:
I hope you will see fit to publish the following: As a long time taxpayer in Sarnia, since hearing and reading much regarding the above subject, I am submitting to your readers a few questions I’ve asked myself and would like to pass on to others.
The Park, Mrs. Hanna’s gift to everyone using it, What it was originally, what it is now, what it soon may become. What is a park, what are some of the uses? A park means different things to different people. How many people per acre, how many acres per individual? How many parks should Sarnia have, how large should they be? Concerning Canatara, what of traffic conditions, then, nowadays, and in the future? What about population density…Pier 100 with approval waiting for two more multi-storey complexes beside the existing Pier 100? What about the entrance to the Sarnia Yacht Club basin, now private and closed to the public … from Sandy Lane. Study the Park…subtract the zoo, Lake Chipican, the parking lots, the roads, the flower beds, the concession, first aid, maintenance areas, see what is left to picnic in, not to mention our Ohio and Michigan and other visitors who are also there. My observation for the June, July, August period, especially weekends tells me it’s just too small.
Do we know the facts in order to measure our “rights”? Have we ever found time to accept an appointment, or volunteer time for committee, sub-committee work to study conditions or problem areas affecting everyone? Well, I have, so I feel qualified to write down my reasons to support present decisions presented to council for action, even though at times council does not agree, or is subjected to pressures not always thoroughly understood.
I am quite ready to accept another change in my driving habits for the convenience of park traffic control. A friend of my will probably no longer enjoy driving up Christina Street to Canatara through and out Sandy Lane up to the bridge to stop a while then back home. He calls it the 37 cent tour. But the same spots may still be possible, perhaps at separate entrances. Yes, our families, infirm and or crippled passengers will be driven to a few feet of a picnic table or whatever. Personally, I don’t want to sit that close to a continuous parade of automobiles cruising through.
By comparison, visit Massey park in downtown Ottawa, where Sundays some roads are used for bicycles and walkers temporarily. Look at our Pinery Park … 20,000 campers. I have enjoyed the Park for 50 years, watched it deteriorate from its beautiful natural state, so that’s why I cannot support this KCC group even if some 752 others signed their petition. I don’t think I’m alone in this view. Fill the city hall to complain, but less than 50 per cent turn out to vote. A very interesting observation in democracy at work. Thank you.
Horace Milsom
905 Ennisclaire Drive
Sarnia
How About a Plebiscite?
Sir:
The editorial appearing in the Jan. issue of your newspaper entitled, “Canatara Park Uproar Growing”, required a reply from any person who is seriously concerned about the possible elimination of one way in which the park can be enjoyed. As a person who walks a great deal in the park and has for many years also enjoyed periodic leisurely drives from the Christina Street entrance through to Point Edward. I object most strongly to your suggestion that the park should be closed to all motor vehicle traffic.
One must also question the factual basis for many of the statements made by the editorial writer in support of his viewpoint. For example, he states that “Canatara was not created or meant for the purpose of scenic driving”. It would be enlightening for the newspaper to provide its readers with any information which might support this statement including perhaps, just why the existing roads were created in the first place.
How can he presume to know that, “most people, perfectly healthy, and capable of walking, were appalled that they would actually have to walk through Canatara”. The considerable number of persons that my wife and I have talked to about proposed changes in the park are healthy and capable of walking. They are, however, opposed as we are being told that hereafter there is only one manner to which they will be allowed to enjoy the park. Most would also require a lot of convincing that Canatara is “choked” with vehicular traffic for any significant periods throughout the year in support of the suggested changes.
He quite correctly states that, “no one likes the concept of an asphalt jungle.” One roadway winding through the park, plus one medium-sized paved parking lot within the considerable area of Canatara Park, hardly describes a concrete jungle. He was really reaching a bit with that one.
He further states that, “many elderlies and handicapped prefer an outing outside a car”. Assuming that they must be driven to the park, does he have in mind that the handicapped be tumbled, or dragged, or carried from a parking area at the park entrance or from a roadblock within the park, to some point where they may enjoy their outing, or must wheelchairs be provided. Perhaps just standing or sitting beside their car will suffice. It might be stated with equal validity that most handicapped persons would prefer to be driven through the park
He refers to the matter as “contentious” and this is certainly supported by the number of names appearing on petitions requesting that the park be left unchanged. Perhaps the only convincing resolution of the matter might come from leaving the park as it now is until next election time and then permitting a plebiscite or referendum vote to be held. Only in that way will the park owners – the body of rate payers – be able to express a majority opinion. It is a quite democratic procedure.
George W. Mills 579 Flamingo Drive, Sarnia
Canatara Decision Debated Wednesday
Sarnia Observer, January 31, 1977
By Bill Petrusik
One of the most emotional issues to come before city official’s in some time, the closing of Canatara Park to through traffic, will probably come to a head Wednesday.
The city’s board of Parks and recreation has the matter on for discussion at its 7:30 p.m. meeting at city hall.
The board will hear arguments both for and against the proposal and will be handed a petition with 452 names opposing the move.
There is also an extensive brief from David De Shane, commissioner of parks and recreation, encouraging the board to uphold closing of the park to through traffic.
Opposition
The board actually approved of the move late last year but opposition to it, including formation of a group called Keep Canatara Clear Committee, has prompted the matter to be returned to the board.
City council has also had the matter brought before it and passed a motion requesting the parks board to reconsider its decision. The board, although appointed by council, is actually independent of council, and can take action on its own.
The new board, which will deal with the question, has four new members on the seven member committee, including Ald. David Boushy who has already said he will vote against any closure of the park to through traffic.
The city’s parks department has received support for its proposal from individuals and groups, including Lambton Wildlife Inc..
Mr. De Shane in his brief, says the matter has become a very emotional issue and there is very little understanding about the traffic control that is proposed.
Many people seem to be reacting to the Observer editorial which suggested vehicles should be banned from the park altogether, Mr. De Shane said, adding that the board’s decision will not remove any existing roads or parking areas from service, but will prohibit people from using the park roads as a short cut from Christina Street to Sandy lane in Point Edward.
“Canatara should be for people, not people passing through in cars, but out of their cars,” Mr. De Shane said.
Scenic Drives
He said there is no question scenic drives are a legitimate recreational activity, it is difficult to believe a heavily used city park can or should accommodate the increasing use of the automobile.
“Canatara Park offers the only public refuge, not only in Sarnia, but for many miles in any direction,” he said. “Canatara offers the only potential in our urban environment to escape from the concrete and asphalt, the noise and pollution, the hustle and bustle and the cars and trucks associated with any urban area.”
Mr. De Shane said that with development of a new large apartment complex on Sandy Lane, the through traffic will become even more severe on roads that are not built for this traffic and some of which are not even paved.
“Canatara should be for the elderly, for the handicapped, enjoying all of these things from outside their cars, rather than a few fleeting moments passing through,” he said.
It should be remembered, the parks commissioner states, the present road system has been developed in recent times and is not in any way related to Mrs. W.J. Hanna’s donation or wishes.
He said increased automobile traffic is a threat to primary park value and with traffic counts as high as 6,000 on a non-holiday Sunday, the problem is worthy of consideration.
“Must we be subservient to the automobile in our major parks as well as everywhere else,” Mr. De Shane says. “The car and the man can be compatible, but only if we are prepared to put people first.”
Trial basis
The plans call for barricading the main road to the most easterly traffic circle adjacent to the main parking lot and closing Farm Lane at its intersection with the main park road. This is to be done on a trial basis with a review at the end of the summer season.
With these barricades, the west end of Canatara Park would be reached from Lake Chipican Drive, the Children’s Farm area would be reached as it is now from Farm Lane and the west end of the park would be reached from the Alfred Street entrance in Point Edward.
Mr. De Shane said it should be emphasised the park would still be totally accessible to the elderly and to all users of the facility. He said there has never been any suggestion by the board that people would have to park at distant locations and walk.
138
Gazette - February 22, 1977
Dear Sir:
Thank you for publishing a map of Canatara Park showing the location of the proposed barricades. As you mentioned, “it is a popular misconception that people would not be able to enter the park with their cars.”
I think the Keep Canatara Clean Committee has played a role in promoting this incorrect concept. I have received several calls from people who had been approached by
the KCCC petitioners and subsequently contact me regarding “the closing of the park to cars.” Newspaper headlines about cars being “banned” from the park have also fostered this misconception.
I wish to respond firmly to a statement in the article which said that I had promised to attend the last KCCC meeting. That was incorrect. I had not been contacted by any member of the KCCC, nor any other person notifying me of the meeting. I resent the attempts of the KCCC to discredit me and other members of the board and I hope this tactic will discontinue.
On Feb. 2, 1977 the KCCC will meet with the Parks Board. This will be a public meeting just as all Board meetings are. We always welcome any delegation or anyone who wishes to attend.
I would like to remind Mr. Phippen and the KCCC that 5 Board members are not politicians but volunteer citizens. I hope they will also discover that the Board members are not non-caring bureaucrats but instead are interested individuals trying to represent the concerns of ALL citizens of Sarnia.
The city has grown and people’s needs have changed. City children today do not have the opportunity to explore and discover nature outside their back door. They don’t have areas where they can engage in wild, carefree play. Workers deal with automobile traffic and chemical fumes every day. They need a handy refuge.
I think it is very sad that Alderman Shipley would not go to the park if he could not drive. Obviously the scenery at Canatara does not mean much to him. If people wish a scenic drive, there are numerous places they can go. There are not numerous places to go for people who would like their children to experience carefree, creative play while they improve the condition of their own bodies. Far too many Canadians are sick or dying at early ages as a result of poor body conditioning.
I wish Mrs. Hannah was around now as I’m sure she would settle this issue quickly. From all I’ve heard of that kind, gentle woman, one of her chief ambitions was to give children a safe place to play. I’m sure she would erect the first barricade.
DAVID GELDER
132 Cedar Cr.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr Gelder is a member of the Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation.
139
Dear Sir:
Gazette - February 2, 1977, p6
The Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation has made a most reasonable proposal: to control – not ban – cars using Canatara Park. Anyone who wants to will still be able to drive into the park, see a good part of it even from their car, and leave. What they will not be able to do is drive through the park.
Any person who has spent a day in Canatara will appreciate the wisdom of the Board’s approval. During the summer it is often impossible to avoid the constant rumble of traffic cruising through the park. It seems to be a popular pastime for young people in modified cars and motorcycles to use the roads to demonstrate the capacity of their vehicles to make noise. Screeching tires and roaring engines are all too common. The purpose of the park [any park] – to relax and explore in a natural setting is lost. The enjoyment of Canatara by the vast majority of Sarnians is spoiled by the few.
The Parks Board’s proposal would go a long way to change this. Cruising would be far less attractive. Areas of the park would be isolated from traffic noise and fumes and one could actually appreciate the beauty and serenity of the surroundings without constant distraction. Although this might not concern the few people who seem determined to resist even the slightest reduction in their driving privileges, it is important to a great many Sarnians.
It is also important, I am sure, to the elderly and infirm, with whom everyone is rightfully concerned. These citizens will still be abler to enter and leave the park by car. If they are among the vast majority who can and do walk, they will be able to enjoy the facilities restfully and quietly. I think this will mean more to them then any of us.
The final argument of the car lobby – that this is prelude to barring cars from the park entirely is a true red herring. The proposal is to control cars, not ban them. This is the issue to be decided; not some vague future inference. Control the cars in Canatara. Parks are for people.
Yours truly,
L.J. SHARZER
1068 Bel Air Drive Sarnia, Ont.
140
Feb. 2, 1977
Report to the Board of Parks and Recreation
From the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
Dear Madam and Gentlemen:
RE CANATARA PARK VEHICLE CONTROL
Unfortunately the decision to control vehicle traffic in Canatara Park has become a very emotional issue. Unfortunately, as well, the initial wave of protest seemed to
reflect a lack of understanding about the decision that was made by the Board of Parks and Recreation.
Many people seem to be reacting to the Sarnia Observer editorial which suggested vehicles should be banned from the parks, rather than the Board’s decision to simply interrupt through traffic and even this on a look and see basis.
The Board of Parks and Recreation has always been cognizant of the need to ensure that the public, particularly the elderly and the handicapped, can reach the main areas of the park by automobile. It should emphasized that the Board’s decision will not remove any existing roads or parking areas from service but will simply prohibit people from using the park roads as a short cut from Christina Street and Sandy Lane to Point Edward.
The traffic barriers will also help spread the heavy volume of traffic on Lake Chipican Drive to the two other entrance areas on Farm Lane and Sandy Lane to Point Edward.
While there is no question that the scenic drives are legitimate recreational activity, it is difficult to believe that a heavily used city park can or should accommodate the increasing use of the automobile.
We are suggesting that the volume of traffic has reached a level that demands attention or the primary values of the park will degenerate.
With the existence of the St. Clair Parkway Drive along the river, and the lakeshore drive along the lake, both extremely scenic and within minutes of anywhere in Sarnia, it is difficult to understand the need to preserve Canatara Park, with its limited road area, poor surfaces and narrow widths for this purpose.
Through all of the discussions that I have heard, there has been very little identification of the real values of Canatara Park. In contrast to the availability of alternative roads for scenic drives, Canatara Park offers the only public park refuge, not only within Sarnia, but for many miles in any direction. Canatara offers the only potential in our environment to escape from the concrete and asphalt, the noise and pollution, the hustle and bustle and cars and trucks associated with any urban area.
What then are the primary values of any park like Canatara?
Canatara should be for people, not people passing through in cars, but out of their cars.
Canatara should be for walking, for feeling alive, for absorbing beauty, for enjoying the sunshine.
Canatara should be for sitting, for picnicking, for enjoying family and friends.
Canatara should be for relaxing, for thinking, for escaping from everyday pursuits.
Canatara should be for children, for playing, for laughter.
Canatara should be for the elderly, for the handicapped, enjoying all of these things from outside their cars, rather than a few fleeting moments passing through.
Canatara should be encouraging all of these pursuits, for taking time, for pride in our community.
Canatara is unique and should provide every possible recreational opportunity for as many people as possible – without threatening this extremely valuable natural resource through abuse or overuse.
Increasing automobile traffic is obviously a threat to these primary park values. With traffic counts as high as 6600 vehicles on a non-holiday Sunday, the problem is certainly worthy of consideration.
It is interesting to note that we are vitally concerned about controlling traffic in our residential areas. We have developed a system of streets to preserve the residential characteristics of these neighbourhoods. We have residential streets, collector streets and major arteries to serve this purpose.
And yet some people are unable to accept an even greater need for this same theory within our only major park.
With the development of a new large apartment complex on Sandy lane, the through traffic will become even more severe on roads that are not built for this traffic and some of which are not even paved.
`It should also be remembered that the present road system has been developed in recent times and it is not in any way related to Mrs. Hanna’s donation or wishes. Farm
lane, until fairly recent times, was only an access to the city dump south of the Children’s Farm. The only original road ran parallel to the beach from east to west.
While the issue of traffic control in Canatara Park may seem trivial at the outset it really has significant implications to the future of this great park.
It is the latest incident in the struggle of man vs the automobile,
Must we be subservient to the automobile in our major parks as well as everywhere else? What is our primary concern? The user or the cruiser. The car and the man can be compatible but only if we are prepared to put people first.
While logic and reason seldom win out over emotion, it is to be hoped that more people will stop and think about the primary values of Canatara Park.
David De Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner DeS/s file: 909Y January 26/77 142
Sarnia Parks Bd. Gives in Canatara Remains Car-logged
The Gazette - February 9, 1977 P33
You’ll still be able to drive through heavily congested Canatara Park this summer but not be able to park your car in most of the interior areas.
As expected, City Parks Board buckled under public pressure and, ignoring traffic counts that show as many as 14,000 cars flow through Canatara on a single summer weekend, reversed its decision to put up barricades in some sections of the popular lake front area.
On some weekends in June, July and August, Canatara resembles the Lambton Mall parking lot during the Christmas rush, with literally thousands of cars lined up on both sides of the narrow roadways. The situation has been described by members of the board as “wall to wall steel.”
But while Canatara will continue to be choked by summer traffic, the parking situation might be eased somewhat. The board instructed Parks Commissioner Dave DeShane to come up with alternative ideas for its March meeting and it is believed he will recommend the banning of parking in about two thirds of the interior.
Under the plan which was recommended by board member Joan Link, cars would be allowed to drive straight through the park, but most of the parking would be confined
to the beach parking lot. However, parking would be allowed in the interior near the Point Edward end so that senior citizens and cripples would be able to reach tables without walking any distance. In addition, people would be able to stop anywhere in the park, unload supplies and passengers at their tables, and then drive to the main parking lot.
DeShane appeared impressed with the plan, saying it had much merit. It is expected that he will adopt the plan, or something very similar for board consideration next session.
Alderman and board member John Kowalyshyn, a self-admitted “cruiser” said the traffic flow must stop or the park will be destroyed. He said, “when confronted with the addition of 300 or 400 more adjacent apartment units (to be erected near the Pt. Edward entrance of the park) it doesn’t look as if there will be a lessening of traffic but an increase every year.”
Kowalyshyn pointed out the roadway was built through Canatara 40 odd years ago when the city had a population of 13,000 and 70 percent of the people did not have cars. He said, “it’s a different era. People should not be the slave of the automobile. The intended use of the park was for people.” He received support from board members Dave Gelder and Brian Bouck both members of the former board). The new board members decided to allow the crush of traffic to continue.
143
March 17, 1977
Traffic Control in Canatara Park
We have reviewed various proposals for traffic control in Canatara Park and have seriously considered the presentation made to the Board of Parks and Recreation by the “Keep Canatara Clear Committee”.
I have attached a copy of a letter from this Committee which indicates their approval of the following proposal:
1) Farm Lane would be closed west of the Children’s Farm to its intersection with the main park road.
2) The main road through the park would be kept open.
3) Parking would be removed from the main road from the north end of Lake Chipican to the pond area north of the Children’s Farm.
4) Although the Keep Canatara Clear Committee did not deal with the existing traffic circles, it would also be my recommendation that we prohibit these circles from acting as turning lanes.
These proposals have been reviewed by representatives of the Planning Department, traffic Department and Engineering Department.
Dave De Shane
David De Shane, Commissioner
DeS/s
March 17/77
144
Parks Board Imposes Canatara Parking Ban
Gazette - March 30, 1977, p55
You’ll still be able to drive straight through Canatara Park this summer but you won’t be able to park in about half the interior, following three decisions by Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation.
Commissioner Dave DeShane presented the board with four proposals to control traffic in the heavily congested park but Doug Phippen of the Keep Canatara Clear Committee, only approved three of them and therefore, the board backed away from the fourth proposal.
The board decided last year to put up barricades in Canatara in an effort to stop people from using the park as a parkway, or a route for scenic drives. Phippen formed a committee opposed to the idea and when he approached the board with his objections, it immediately backed down.
After getting Phippen’s OK, the board agreed last session to barricade Farm lane, closing it west of the Children’s Farm, to the point where it intersects with the main road. It also decided to remove parking from the main road from the north end of Lake Chipican to the first traffic circle.
Under the new plan the “wall to wall steel” situation described by past board members, will be eliminated in about half the park. However, the decision is expected to make parking even more severe in the other half of the park.
DeShane had recommended people be prevented from turning around at the traffic circles but when the board asked Phippen for his opinion, he did not give his permission and the proposal was lost.
Board member Dave Boushy said the Commissioner lost credibility with the public when he attempted to put the original barricades up. He decided, “99.9 percent of the people were against the barricades whether you believe it or not.” Phippen said he was pleased with the arrangements.
145
Canatara Boat Launcher Okayed
“It won’t last a week” – DeShane Gazette - March 30, 1977 – P38
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation has given a local boat club permission to build a launching ramp in Canatara Park and Commissioner Dave DeShane could be washed away a week after it is built.
The ramp will be 40 feet long, 16 feet wide and will cost 42,000 to build. However, the cost will be paid for along with all upkeep expenses, by the Centreboard Club. In addition, the facility will be open to the general public for use.
In a letter to the Board, Club member Lloyd Davidson said the ramp will be located in Canatara Park in the vicinity of Sandy Lane on the west end of the park. It would provide access to Lake Huron for small boats.
Davidson explained, “a committee appointed by the Centreboard club has studied the problem of improving launching facilities in the aforementioned area and wish to submit for your approval, a proposal to construct a launching ramp.”
DeShane told the Board the Club would be gambling if it erected the ramp because a storm in the lake or winter ice could destroy it. He said, however, that he had no objections to the plan because it is to be paid for by the Club.
The Board made it clear that it has no intention of paying for construction, maintenance or removal of debris if the ramp is destroyed.
146
Police Helpless to Curb Drinking, Speeding, Dogs
Sarnia’s Canatara Park
The Gazette – May 4, 1977, p25
Sarnia Board of Parks and Recreation wants the City Police to crack down on drinking, speeding, destruction of trees and dogs running free in Canatara park. However, outgoing Parks Commissioner Dave De Shane says the police are doing as good a job of law enforcement in the park as possible.
Several board members complained about city by-law violations but De Shane says, “ Chief Bob Cook can’t do anything about it unless we are willing to spend the money to hire them to do it. They have regular patrols in the park and do as good a job as they can, but they can’t have a man in there all the time,”
Parks Director Bill Skerrett said, “last week alone they (City Police) ticketed at least three people in Canatara”. However, he said police are, “allowing some of it to (bylaw violations) go by.”
Parks Board member Ed Bednar suggested people who permit their dogs to run free in the park should be fined $25 but DeShane said enforcement of the rule is almost impossible. He said, “dogs are under the jurisdiction of the Animal Patrol people. You have to grab the dog and in the meantime, a little old lady is beating you over the head with an umbrella.”
Board member Brian Bouck said during one visit to the park he saw five dogs running free. He said, “I drove by a guy drinking beer and batting down braches for a fire.”
Bouck suggested a policeman be put in the park for eight hours on Sundays in the summer. He said, “it would be a step in the right direction.”
Alderman and Board member Dave Boushy said the board should not have to pay police to step up patrols in the park because “it’s their job.”
Bednar said the dog problem “is quite irritating. I thought the parks were for people, not dogs. Can we put the bite on the person at the other end of the leash?”
Chairman Dave Gelder said, “there is no way you can enforce it.” He asked Bednar, “do you want to collect the evidence?”
Bednar replied, “I don’t know why everyone is making light of the situation. We’ve got laws against cleaning cars in Canatara – we should have them against dogs who do their little thing in the park.” 147
Federal Handout Funds Guided Tours
Of Canatara Park
Gazette- July 6, 1977, p42
A group of four university students under a Young Canada Works grant will be conducting tours of Canatara Park beginning July 11.
The group, which has been gathering information for the outings since May 30 will conduct, guided tours of the Nature Preserve July 25 and July 27. The tours will continue on a rotating basis through the summer.
All tours will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tours of the Nature Preserve and Lake Chipican will start from the Nature Trail while tours of the dunes will begin from the bandshell.
Program Co-ordinator Ray Kissell says although the tours will be guided, he hopes they will have a discussion type format rather than a lecture.
“Our aim is to have the public realize the many different ways in which a park can be used,” he said. “We’ll try to show the relationship and balance that has to be maintained between a park and its urban surroundings.”
In addition to the tours, the group is planning a daytime program in co-operation with the City Recreation Department’s summer playground activities. The program will
consist of nature education on a child’s level and will be used in conjunction with the nature education children receive at school.
The group will also use the information it collects though the summer as basis for an Outdoor Education Course which will be submitted to the Lambton Board of Education.
148
……..….Canatara’s Natural Beauty
The
Observer - July 7, 1977 P13
By MARY TORTOSA
Ever walk through Canatara Park, or any other park for that matter, and wonder what types of plants you were trampling on or what type of trees you were leaning against, or even what special birds were chirping away above your head?
Believe it or not, most people do not think of these things even when they are taking what they consider to be a nature walk, says Ray Kissell, project manager of an interpretive nature program taking place this summer at Canatara Park.
The program, intended to make people aware of just what a nature preserve is, got under way May 30 with the help of an $8,000 Young Canada Works grant.
Official guided tours of the park begin July 11.
Three girls have been hired to assist Mr. Kissell in operating the program. They included Suzanne St. Croix, Ann Mason and Frances McHenry.
CONDUCT TOURS
One member of the group will be available Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to conduct an interpretive tour of anyone of three areas of the park.
Tours of Lake Chipican and the Nature Preserve nearby will commence at the entrance of these two areas. Interpretive tours of the “dunes” near the bandshell will also be conducted. These tours will start in front of the first aid office near the bandshell.
The group, working under the auspices of the city’s parks and recreation department emphasizes their aim is not “just to familiarize people with the types of trees and plants in the area.”
People today have become so urbanized; they do not know how to relate with nature, explained Mr. Kissell.
INTERFACE
“We’re not out here just to show people trees and plants. We want to show the mannature interface and how each affects the other.”
During the tours, people will be asked their opinions and objections on what they would like to see in their park. In addition, they will be told how manmade structures and trails in the park, have effected the natural elements of the park.
The three areas involved in the guided tour of the 250 acre park each have suffered from man’s influence and the interpretive program will show the public how this has taken place.
Lake Chipican is a natural lake situated on the east side of the park; Chipican meaning “Lake of the Roots.” Much of the roots and shoots have been removed since Indian days and the lake dredged by man recently to protect the variety of wild ducks and geese that nest in the lake during the spring and summer.
The natural preserve area located in the southeast corner of the park is a back dune formation common the Lake Huron shoreline. Although it is now fully vegetated it was once sand dunes with sparse grasses. Man’s influence in the area can be seen by the presence of trails and chip paths.
The Dunes situated near the parking lots and area around the bandshell, are formed by wind and wave action that piles sand on the beach into large mounds. Parking lots, band shells, and other structures have obscure much of the natural system, says the group.
In holding evening tours of these three areas the group is aiming at the family population of the community.
“Besides its cooler and more pleasant for people to walk through the area in the evening” adds Mr. Kissell.
EDUCATION
In addition in guiding tours for the general public, the group plans to also get involved in an outdoor education program to compliment that being operated by the local boards of education for youngsters this summer.
“We’ve talked to the local boards and won’t be contradicting anything the students have learned in school,” added a group spokesman.
In implementing this program the young people will work in cooperation with the parks and recreation mobile playground program and have plans to bring groups of the kids to the park to participate in the guided tours. A number of activities are planned to heighten youngster’s appreciation of outdoor education and nature.
One day a week the group will also be increasing children’s appreciation of nature at the city operated day camp, Camp Seradaca near Blackwell Side Road.
THINK NATURE
Nature lessons are planned and guided tours of the area around the day camp will be conducted by members of the group “to try to get the kids to think about nature.”
With research gained through public opinion during operation of the program this summer the group also hopes to be able to develop a curriculum for outdoor education to be used by interested organizations.
A guide with information on how anyone can take a “self-guided tour” through the park may be prepared. Exercises to teach some principles on how nature works would be contained in the guide as well says Mr. Kissell.
Cannot read the last two paragraphs.
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August 9, 1977 Report to J.C. Robertson, City Manager
From W.R. Skerret, Director of Parks
Dear Sir,
Re Canatara Park South of the Children’s Farm
Since the abolishment in 1975 of the concept for a golf course for this particular area of 40 acres, the area has been left as open space. Open space in the Parks and Recreation system is a functional and positive land use with a positive value not to be lessened or lost. More land will be needed, not for building but as open space since the balancing of built and unbuilt land is a necessary factor in the creation of a healthful, non –polluted environment.
The attached report prepared by Nancy McLean re: Use Analysis for the City of Sarnia Dump Site delves into a number of factors which indicate the type of use that this property can best accommodate.
In brief, the following are the items which we would like to include in long range plans for the City property. This list is a composite of those items contained in Nancy McLean’s report and concepts of the Parks and Recreation Department.
1) Provisions for nature and study interpretation
2) Trails for hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing
3) Orienteering course
4) Outdoor Education
5) Nature Photography and artwork
6) Creation of hill for tobogganing, junior skiin
7) Attraction of more wildlife, waterfowl and birds by means of various plantings
8) Frisbees for disc golf
As indicated in the Use Analysis report, this area of approximately 40 acres could be developed at a minimal cost in relation to the site of the area and at the same time, afford a tremendous recreational area for use of the citizens of Sarnia as a retreat from
organization, lines and architectural form. The main advantage of developing this site as outlined and as mentioned by Nancy McLean is that the maintenance costs are minimal.
The condition of this area as a result of being a landfill site, as indicated, has limited uses. I do not recommend the inclusion of any type of sports field activities since it would be practically impossible to maintain the fields in a satisfactory playing condition as a result of settlement within the area.
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“As a general rule, open space should be planned for multiple purpose uses within the open space categories. Where a predominate open space use is indicated, other open space uses may be planned not to override such predominate use and when indicated, single use open space may be best in planning for long range public interest – “Where Not to Build, United States Department of the Interior”.
I would recommend to the Board of Parks and Recreation that you adopt in principle the concept of developing the dump site as an open recreational use area within the guidelines as outlined, and that this be considered in an overview plan of Canatara Park as outlined in the correspondence from R.M. Draker, Director of Planning.
W.R. Skerrett
W.R. Skerrett Director of Parks
July 20, 1977
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Policy Set for Bandshell Use
The Observer - October 27, 1977
BILL PETRUSIAK
The new policy regarding the bandshell was approved Wednesday by the board of parks and recreation.
The policy covers things such as use of the bandshell, sound amplification charitable functions and music groups.
Under the policy no group or persons will be allowed to boost the sound amplification of their event beyond the limit where the event can be hear 1,100 feet radius from the center of the bandshell.
Failure by the user to turn down the sound will result in automatic power cut-off and no further permit will be issued to the violating group or person for one year.
No fees will be charged for use of the facility and fees cannot be charged patrons by the users, however, where an event at the bandshell causes the city an expenditure in manpower or services over and above the normal requirements the costs will be charged to the user groups.
User groups will have to maintain a system of crowd control satisfactory to the parks and recreation department and the groups will be responsible for any damage to the facility during their activity.
A user will have to request seven days in advance for a permit to use the bandshell and major events will require a request 60 days in advance of the event.
Music groups, or groups using amplification systems, will not be permitted to play after 9:00 p.m. or begin playing before 1:00 p.m., with the exception of recognized religious organizations and churches.
If solicitations are to be made for charity the user group must apply to the board for a permit and no solicitations will be permitted beyond the confines of the bandshell area.
No person or group will be permitted to sell any goods or merchandise in the bandshell area unless authorized by the board and no person or group will be permitted to reserve alternate dates for their event at the time of their application.
Ald. Dave Boushy, a member of the board, opposed the new policy, feeling it was too strict.
Ald. Boushy said he was particularly opposed to the 60 day notice requirement, saying this would prove a hardship for many groups.
The new policy passed with only Ald. Boushy voting against it.
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1978
Jan. 1 Parks Board replaced by Parks and Recreation Committee
Apr. 2 Memorial plaque for bandshell honoring Brush presented to P&R Committee.
June – Aug 3
Oct. 4
Nov. 5
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Holland – Paisley Collection of Historical Photos on display at log cabin
Optimist Club offers an old steam engine for display in park. This offer declined.
Another attempt is made to control traffic in the park
Map Y2 – Canatara Park: 1978
