River Town Times - February 10, 2021

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Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Future of parks to be discussed by council

By Ron Giofu The future of a pair of local parks will soon be discussed in a report. Councillor Peter Courtney asked that administration sum up what the zoning is on Jack Purdie Park and the remaining 12 acres at the north end of Centennial Park and that options be presented as to what can go at both sites. Courtney said he wanted to hear from administration as to what can be done at those two parks so council knows what can happen. Courtney added he has heard a lot of concerns from residents as to what might happen there and what the future of those parks are, with many wondering how many amenities will move out to the Libro Centre and what could stay closer to Amherstburg’s downtown core. “Can you give us suggestions on what to do with that land?” Courtney asked. CAO John Miceli said he could have a report back before town council at the Feb. 22 meeting. He said he could detail the zoning on both properties, highlight potential uses that could be at those parks under the existing zoning and provide other details. He noted that in case any public lands are declared surplus, the first suggested use would be for housing. Miceli stated that Amherstburg has a lot of parkland, stating that a town of 22,000 people should have about 88 hectares of parks. However, he noted there are 140 hectares of parks currently in Amherstburg, which he said is enough for a municipality of 40,000 people based on current guidelines. He added he would need direction from council on how to go forward. Councillor Marc Renaud believed it was important that the town have a vision as to what the overall picture would look like. He questioned whether administration could provide a report for the next meeting but was assured one could be back before council. Councillor Don McArthur said the town has to find the “biggest and best use for the land” and the only way to find out would be to look at each park and see what the best uses are in conjunction with one another. He said town council would not be doing its job unless they looked at every option including all options for the remaining Centennial Park lands, though noted it is also an “emotional” issue for people, particularly those who grew up using the park. McArthur recalled saying he was open to using the remaining Centennial Park lands as possible affordable housing for seniors with the new high school next door and he continued by stating they have to look at that park and how it would work in conjunction with the Amherstburg Community Hub, inside the former St. Bernard School building across Richmond St. “We have to have an open conversation on what is best for Centennial Park and for Jack Purdie Park,” he said. “It all has to be on the table.”

April Levesque and son Erik get ready for some winter enjoyment last Friday night at Russ Renaud Hill at Centennial Park. Amherstburg town council will get a report on the possible uses of that park and Jack Purdie Park at the Feb. 22 meeting. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

McArthur referenced a previous motion by Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche, who wanted a report from administration on “what it would take for Amherstburg to be more serious about affordable housing.” Miceli said during that discussion that there is “a huge waiting list” for affordable housing and committed to bringing back a report on that matter. Meloche said his intention was not to tie his affordable housing motion to the Centennial Park discussions, and simply wanted an affordable housing strategy for Amherstburg. He noted there were different forms of affordable housing from subsidized housing to geared to income housing. Courtney added he wanted to “let administration do its job” and present the option, noting those two parks are close to the Libro Centre. “These are key pieces of the puzzle, all within walking distance of the Libro Centre,” said Courtney.

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