Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Support Etobicoke's "long track" outdoor ice path

Jody L and I attended the open house on the development of a family outdoor ice skating trail at Samuel Smith Park last Thursday. The trail will be located beside the Power House building on the Humber College Lakeshore Campus. Unfortunately I can't upload the conceptual drawing of the trail map, but you can find it here on the Citizens Concerned About the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront website. This is one of the groups opposed to the trail, by the way, so if you read their web page, you'll hear their point of view.

There were many vocal opponents at the open house, with only a few parents and one speed skater (yours truly) speaking out in favour. If you would like to make your voice heard, additional comments will be included in the summary report by Lura Consulting if they are received by tomorrow - June 12th. The comment forms can be found on the Citizens Concerned About the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront website, or if you send me an email.

The CCFEW argument that there's already lots of skating opportunities in the area misses the point; this will be a 250 metre trail rather than a hockey rink. It would provide a place for families to skate during the day and evening without having to go around in circles, and it'd be a great venue for speed skaters during off-peak hours just like how Brampton speed skaters use Gage Park to practice long track. And like Gage Park, it will draw people from all over the GTA.

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