Environmentally sensitive land…we care. You?
I have never been of the opinion that more is better. I remember a time when you could access the waterfront in Toronto from the Scarborough Bluffs to Sunnyside Beach in many areas…unimpeded. Then came the condo boom in the 1960’s.
Pickering has beaches as nice, or better than many fancy resorts. Now, developers/condo builders want to move in and limit access to this beautiful site even further. The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association has been there from Day 1 promoting open access to the beaches to the lake to the public.
The east side of Frenchman’s Bay has received all the pressure of development. The “nautical village” was a point of contention. It brought with it all the negative aspects of peak use on weekends during the summer: congestion, traffic, parking, and more. We have supported the cause of stopping condo development on the waterfront by attending every meeting, voicing many opinions, and placing lawn signs throughout the Westshore community.
The west side of the Bay has been the best kept secret for many years until now. Frenchman’s Bay West Rotary Park, located at the foot of Westshore Blvd., is now open to the public at large. It contains pristine sand dunes and a sandy-bottomed beach extending more than 100 yards into the lake.
The north side of Frenchman’s Bay, the spit adjacent to the yacht club, contains “environmentally sensitive” land for plants and wildlife to thrive. The area has been designated for protection by the Environmental Protection Act and has been on the discussion table repeatedly. Diverting attention from the debate does not protect the area.
There have been countless meetings to discuss the area over the years. Developers and condo builders have not attended. Therefore, we have not heard your input, your views, or your side as to how this area can be protected from the encroaching problems you bring with your development. You have not consulted with the 2 community Associations.
The City, Province, and Federal governments have spent millions on restoring and upgrading the waterfront along the Beachpoint Promenade: 3 homes remain on the waterfront, 2 on the parklands. Phase 1 is completed. Phase 2 and 3 are in the works. Windsurfers, kayaks, paddle boards, and non-motorized recreational vehicles are welcome and have full access to the water there. This area is a run-away success. City Councillors have worked hard to maintain and improve this waterfront area and make it as safe and as welcoming to the public as possible.
We ask for your support in maintaining and improving waterfront development.
Paul White
President
Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association
Please consider adding your signature to the Petition to protect these environmentally sensitive lands: -> PETITION
