Loss of more Ancaster green space

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board trustees have voted in favour of severing two parcels of land on the grounds of Ancaster High School. This land has been an integral part of the community for many years. It is enjoyed by soccer teams, sports tournaments, marathon racers, fundraisers and many events during Ancaster’s Heritage Days.

Why sever the lots? Trustees would have us believe that the City of Hamilton should buy one for $11 million to $15 million and maintain it as parkland. As Coun. Lloyd Ferguson put it, is close to “a scam.” The taxpayer already paid for this land and allocated it to the school board in the 1950s. The real reason to sever the lots is to facilitate development. Just take a look at how one of the severed pieces is carved out. Continuing the road across Meadowbrook Drive from Tranquility Avenue allows building a new residential area. Also, why carve out another piece for an elementary school that is not even in the planning stage? This is all smoke and mirrors to detract from the obvious.

A community green space was the original purpose of this land. This land is the heart of our community, not surplus land! It draws residents from all of Ancaster.

Ferguson’s motion to investigate whether the city can place a heritage designation on this land makes the most sense.

Which park is next? Maybe the one near your home where your children play.

Marc and Gayle Bader, Ancaster