ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Charlottetown must make every effort to retain what’s left of the crown jewel of Victoria Park.

Victoria Park in Charlottetown has been under tremendous pressure from development almost since the day it was created. The original 100-acre site was established in 1789 for the administration of the colony — primarily as a residence of the governor.

Over the following 228 years, the face of the park changed dramatically as green space was designated for recreational, institutional or commercial use. A city — especially the Birthplace of Confederation — can never have enough green space. Charlottetown must make every effort to retain what’s left of the crown jewel of Victoria Park. Future generations will benefit and be thankful.

Attention is focused recently on the former P.E.I. Hospital, and later the Prince Edward Home and palliative care centre. The building is empty and slated for demolition. The province is hesitating to declare the building surplus, because when it does, it will set in motion a final determination for the site. Time is running out.

Several groups have their own narrow plans if they can obtain access or ownership. One hideous option is expansion of parking for public servants working in nearby provincial government buildings.

There is speculation the site is being considered for a provincial museum when other options are more appropriate. Developers are slavering at the prospect of commercial enterprises if the opportunity ever arose.

The city has the right idea. It wants no development, preferring the site revert to green space. That was the intent of legislation, which vested the property for a hospital in 1931 and for expansion of that facility in 1955.

Mayor Clifford Lee supports a memorial garden “to commemorate what that property was used for.’’ Many people spent their final days in the hospital, nursing home and palliative care. A memorial would be appropriate. It’s essential to protect what’s left of Victoria Park. Access and service roads opened it up for heavy use. The park has seen the construction of ball fields, canteens, tennis courts, clubhouses, public swimming pool, playground and a skateboard park. Enough is enough.

The park was intended as a place for “retreat from the heat, filth and dust of the city.” In 1873, just days before the colony officially became a province, the governor vested a majority of Victoria Park to the city for all citizens “as a park, promenade and pleasure ground . . . On no condition may it be used for circuses, shows or exhibitions of any kind.” The remaining 30 acres or so stayed with the province for a residence, gardens and grounds for Government House. The area has historical significance to province and country. The Fathers of Confederation gathered there for a famous photo and likely strolled the grounds now occupied by the former hospital. Countless royalty did the same.

The 1955 legislation stated “. . . no part of the lands . . . shall henceforth be used otherwise than for hospital use.” This is a chance to regain a portion of what was lost.

The province and city must ensure this will happen.