Hey, Ward 2…
There’s been a lot of controversial talk lately now that it’s election season and one of the issues is the Oak Park Road Extension or as is lately referred to as the West Brant Access Route.
There’s a strong voice right now that does not want this road to go through! And I get it! There is an environmental impact ; it goes through some sensitive land; crosses the river; interrupts the serenity of our valued trail system; through a natural wooded area; along quiet neighbourhoods and bisects a cemetery.
Let talk about that cemetery…
There’s a lot of misinformation and facts are now being stretched to bolster the opposition’s narrative. The reality is that this road was first intended to be positioned along this corridor over 45 years ago and the cemetery was positioned, where it is currently, AFTERWARDS, as there was a clear need for more cemetery space in West Brant.
The misleading story I’m hearing, is that this road is an afterthought to the cemetery. And this is wrong! The cemetery was not there first. At no time did anyone come up with the most disrespectful idea to stop digging grave sites and pivot to repurpose this cemetery land to put in a road.
The road corridor alignment was first recommended in 1981 and the city then began designating the lands for long-term roadway corridor protection. It wasn’t until 1992 that the Oakhill Cemetery was designed intentionally on both sides of the corridor. Not the best plan, but nonetheless the cemetery was secondary to the roadway plan.
So in 1993 when the cemetery opened, they had planted trees and landscaped to bolster the serenity of this cemetery and now 33 years later, those trees are now well established and possibly up to 30 feet tall. By design, they act as a natural buffer and barrier to the road when it comes. (Go have a look for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.)
Looking at the latest design of this road, it shows to include a concrete wall barrier similar to those along highway 403, along Wayne Gretzky near Colborne and those currently being installed on Colborne West across from Tim Hortons and McDonald’s. This will establish an even further sound barrier to any road noise that could be interruptive to the serenity of the cemetery.
Will it be perfect? No! But is it perfect to have streets on two sides of Mt Hope Cemetery at West St & Charing Cross? Is it perfect to have three streets and a railway surrounding Greenwood Cemetery or is it perfect to have two very busy streets of St Paul Ave and King George Rd. along St Joseph Cemetery?
I understand the current serenity of the cemetery will be impacted and I respect that concern, but I think it’s time that everyone recognize that this was not an afterthought. This was always in the plan and nobody at no time intended this to be disrespectful or as some have call it…’horrifying’.
Let’s state facts this election and not repeat a narrative that pulls on emotions to support your opposition. We have too many new residents in the city that need to know the facts.
I encourage all voters to seek the facts when you are looking at your next councillors and mayor.
Ward 2, I’m looking forward to your thoughts, and I’ll see you at your door!
