‘Protected’ land

Dear Editor:

An open letter to members of Guelph city council on the conservation lands near Niska Road.

I moved to this part of Guelph over 20 years ago because of the Speed River and the conservation land.

Several years ago, I recall speaking with Eileen Hammill, daughter of Horace Mack, the visionary who understood the importance of this environmentally sensitive area, where the Speed River and Hanlon Creek meet. He protected this land and Eileen Hammill spoke fondly of growing up here, immersed in wildlife.

I also spoke with her husband, former city councillor Ken Hammill. They were both adamant that members of council and the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) should do the “right thing” and protect all of this land.

Former mayor Norm Jary wanted to see all of this conservation land on both sides of Niska Road protected forever too. All of you that were on council several years ago would have read the wishes of the above. That includes Mayor Cam Guthrie and councillors Gibson, Billings, Allt, Caron and Downer.

The moral and ethical thing would be for all of you to see the benefits of ensuring all of this land is protected for future generations. This wildlife habitat is extremely important. With continued sprawl in this city there will undoubtedly be a lot of displaced wildlife.

I will be watching very closely as this is an election year and I will work very hard to inform constituents of your vote. Do not use our protected conservation land for housing!

The Niska conservation lands are being held by the GRCA in trust. This land was paid for by the taxpayers to be protected in perpetuity. Humans need green spaces for well being.

Sandy Nicholls,
Guelph