Is Perks right on parks?

Re The Don Valley has wealthy friends, Oct. 19 I am proud of my city councillor, Gord Perks, for his courageous, perceptive and principled objection to the city relying on private money to fund public parks as this leaves open the possibility of wealthy people controlling public space.

Most of Toronto’s budgeting woes come down to underfunding. As columnist Edward Keenan explains, the city sets a revenue target and then divides it up by adjusting, if necessary, the property tax rate to meet it. He suggested pegging the property tax rate to inflation as a possible revenue tool for the city. Wouldn’t it be better, more prudent and effective city planning to have a serious discussion about revenue tools than depend on the haphazard and “sticky” largesse of the private sector to fund needed municipal projects?

Remember what happened to the Trojans after they failed to look their gift horse in the mouth. Moses Shuldiner, Toronto I do not understand why Gord Perks would be critical of the wonderful people who donated money for the parks in the Don Valley. It is so beautiful there, great for walks and bicycles. I want to thank the wonderful people who donated money for this. Catherine Liboiron, Toronto It’s been said that when one door closes, another opens. If the Rail Deck Park is too expensive, then the Don Valley Park is an alternative. As your editorial stated, “It would serve millions of residents and visitors.” Perhaps it would be better said that when one door opens, another one closes. If the park is opened to all these visitors, what happens to the homes of an “impressive array of wildlife” that now inhabit the area? Walter Krystia, Toronto