Opponents of upgrades to Loudon Park say consultation with residents was lacking and are asking council to reevaluate the potential impact on the City of Nanaimo
Heather Baitz of the City of Nanaimo Climate Action Hub and the Rock City Neighbourhood Association says no one is opposed to developing the area and providing a space for recreation, but she feels council has adopted a plan that is unrealistic and just doesn’t make sense.
“Our key concerns are having access that is equitable to all the public to green spaces, and especially waterfront greenspaces near to where we live,” she says. “Looking at this from a climate perspective, heat domes are going to becoming an increasing phenomenon as we move forward and it’s important that we all have access to the shade that trees provide in our public spaces.”
Baitz says council needs to understand the choice they’re making and the role it’ll play in a social and climate setting.
“The hope is perhaps one of the members of council who had previously supported ‘Option A’ might be open to bringing that back for further discussion to choose a different option,” she says.
Baitz says ‘Option B’ would make a better choice from an ecological viewpoint as there is little disruption to current land, and new washroom facilities.
“We can preserve those mature trees and that open public space in the centre of the park,” she says. “It also comes with the benefit of being over $4 million cheaper price tag to build ‘Option B’.”
Photo credit: Justin Baumgardner, VistaRadio
After hearing three delegations on the proposed improvements, council didn’t indicate if there was going to be a reversal or discussion. Mayor Leonard Krog says there is a possibility, but his mind hasn’t changed.
“There has to be a motion for reconsideration, and I suspect that might happen, but I don’t know for sure,” he says. “I have been steadfast, I see nothing to change it, and I appreciate the loss of trees is very upsetting for people.
“I have to consider the needs of youth in this community and the larger community.”
Krog adds there is a great deal of support for the project.
“It continues to be supported by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and the Mid-Island Metis,” he says. “You can always rally a crowd to oppose something, but it’s hard to rally a crowd to support something.”
Krog says the city will replace any trees removed for the project with 60 trees and city policy dictates that another 100 trees be planted in other parts of the city.
Council elected to reconsider the development of Loudon Park last night with a 6-3 vote.
