Pickleball decision lacked lenses
The Examiner has had good coverage of the Bonnerworth Park decision.
I find it very disheartening that the climate lens was not applied to the Bonnerworth Park decision. To take a green space and pave it over for 16 pickleball courts is not in keeping with good environmental stewardship.
Green spaces help cool the city, and paved spaces contribute to warming. Areas of green allow for water to be absorbed; paved spaces contribute to the potential for flooding.
I thought a climate lens was supposed to be applied to all city council decisions.
A Truth and Reconciliation lens was also not applied. I think that would entail protection of lands and water and consultation with local Indigenous people. The consideration for the protection of biodiversity was clearly not considered.
With the money to spend, what about butterfly gardens and trees and plants natural to this region? The role that intense lighting plays in damaging ecosystems is more and more clear.
An equity lens was not applied. A multi-use park that would allow for more different types of people to find enjoyment would be fairer. Four million dollars is too much to spend on one sports group, while taking away the land from other uses.
A good neighbour and fair play lens was not applied. Why would city council not stop and pause to hear the legitimate concerns of the community and at least try to mitigate them in a fair and open way?
What is the rush? Three councillors were able to see the advantage of more time to consider the issues. Why not the others?
I think with some thoughtful consideration there could be a compromise or serious consideration of another location. Caroline Tennent, Peterborough