Gatineau Park lot closures are unfair

I write with regard to the NCC’s recent decision to close the

Meech Lake parking lots in Gatineau Park from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. I am very familiar with the increased number of outdoor enthusiasts who are heading to the park to seek relief from the summer heat and enjoy outdoor activities. The P12 and P13 parking lots are particularly busy this summer but I have never encountered bad behaviour on the part of the users. I consider it most unfair of Gatineau Park management to penalize the early swimmers who arrive around 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. for their workout. I am convinced these are not the people who are causing trouble or disturbing the local residents.

It is regrettable that some visitors are trespassing on homeowner properties but it does point out the lack of adequate space in the park for recreation purposes. Gatineau Park is a park for the use of the public and this summer the public needs access to it more than ever.

I long for the day when we can truly call Gatineau Park a real park with borders that prevent further development and encroachment by well-to-do homeowners.

Jane Maxwell, Ottawa