Updating city's official plan a hot topic

Many disgruntled citizens came to council chambers Monday night to have their voices heard on the city’s new official land use plan and the parks plan update. Many of whom had suggestions for minor changes for the documents.

Don and Wes Fudge (father and son) presented concern about aggregate resources and the protection and development of underground sources; as well as the aggregate exploration on vacant land.

This reading of the plan was the second and final public reading before feedback is used and incorporated into the final draft. The last plan was written in 1973.

Managing Director, Community Services, Jerry Knox presented the draft and says that it is based on a 20-30 year timeframe. He adds that the "intent is to balance the social, environmental, and economic needs of the community."

The plan will be a six part plan all with room for interpretation and Knox says that it will be reviewed every five years as the community grows.

Parks Plan Update

Director, Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, Jamie Houston presented his update for the parks plan but this time the theme was on the Healthy Active Living strategy. The idea is to get people active by using amenities in the community. For example: outdoor rinks, trails, and soccer fields.

The population of North Bay is 53,966 and Hewson says the average age is 49 years which will be taken into consideration by maintaining walking trails throughout the city.

Houston adds that the plan meets all standards for Northern Ontario and most standards for the entire province.

Three members from Green Space North Bay voiced their concerns about the park plan to council. The concerns were protection of the escarpment, definition of wetlands, provincial or local wetlands, and greener transportation; be that carpooling, cycling, walking, or public transportation.

“We need to preserve all that makes this city the wonderful place that it is,” Donna St. Clair, one member from Green Space said.

Houston added that they are looking at energy strategies for buildings such as Memorial Gardens and that there are many projects the city can expect over the next few years. Those being: a bridge at Chippewa to the highway, a pedestrian underpass under the railway at the waterfront, and escarpment trails as soon as the line is drawn for the escarpment.

He adds that accessibility for disability will be added as well such as a new play transfer station for wheelchairs.

“Any chance we have to spend capitol dollars, accessibility is always right there in the forefront,” Houston said.