The group’s Facebook group was started by Hartley Duinker. The Change.org petition was started on July 30, 2024 and received 794 signatures as of November 4, 2024.
REVERSE THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE AND DEVELOP THE WEST HILL COMMUNITY PARK/GREENSPACE LOCATED AT THE MUNICIPALLY OWNED QUEEN MARY SCHOOL PROPERTY FOR RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
City Council unanimously voted to re-purpose approximately 4 of the 5 acres of our West Hill Greenspace for “residential intensification purposes”. This decision leaves only +/- 0.75 acre of Greenspace for active recreation and parkland use which results in the loss of existing community gardens, functional basketball court, and a multipurpose active park area. (See map below).
We, the residents of the West Hill community respectfully request that Council reverse the decision to sever the active West Hill Greenspace/Park. We, the undersigned appeal and request that the identified and existing greenspace be maintained and improved in accordance with the approved design plans and detailed mapping and phasing in 2006 when a detailed rendering of the park concept was created as a collaborative effort between the city’s park and recreation department and Landscape Architect Scott Wentworth.
This property has served this community for the past 112 years. The first 60 years as the Queen Mary School and playground. The last 52 years as a park, decades long before the term Greenspace was even coined. It is surrounded by century old houses that reflect the tone and maturity of the neighbourhood.
Removing or significantly altering this greenspace would have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of West Hill residents. The area that is planned to keep as greenspace is not in line with the City of Belleville Parkland and Recreation Master Plan’s optimal size for neighbourhood parks (1 hectare/2.47 acres). The Master Plan “sets a standard of quality for each parkland class, provides proportionate access to parkland and open space for residents, and ensures that capital and operating expenses are distributed across the City”. We ask that Council protect and improve this active and much used multi-use greenspace located within the West Hill neighbourhood.
Our neighbourhood has previously been successful in petitioning the City and obtaining funding for the current park/playground equipment in place (2006-2008). The residents raised $126,000 and had two phases of greenspace develop plans approved by Council. Unfortunately, only phase 1 (the playground) was ever completed. We are confident that our West Hill Community greenspace can continue to be revitalized and improved upon to serve the needs of the residents now and into the future. As our current and former mayor, Neil Ellis said after the approval of plans to revitalize the property in 2007 ‘ “Really, this is all about building community,” said Ellis. “It’s great to see something like this come together to benefit this area.“It’s a beautiful thing to see.” ‘(The Intelligencer, June 2007).
Benefits of Action
Specifically, the greenspace/playground provides:
- Recreational Opportunities: It is the only open and active parkland space in the West Hill where children and adults can engage in physical activities in a safe and structured environment;
- Environmental Benefits: The greenspace contributes to the local ecosystem, providing climate change mitigation, air quality improvements and the provision of food (community gardens);
- Community Building: This space is a hub for social interactions, where neighbours meet, build relationships, and strengthen community bonds; and
- Mental Health Benefits: access to greenspace is proven to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Greenspaces can also be used in a targeted way to deliver structured therapeutic interventions for vulnerable groups such as youth at risk, individuals living with dementia, etc.
Conclusion
We urge City Council to consider the long-term benefits of retaining, maintaining, and improving the existing West Hill Greenspace Park. Establishing and protecting greenspace parkland areas is an investment in physical and mental health, happiness, well being and quality of life within the West Hill community and the City of Belleville as a whole.
Sincerely,
Friends of West Hill Greenspace Park
Email: [email protected]
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