Top 10 Reasons Not To Build A Road On The Parkway Greenspace

The Friends of Jackson Park and the Friends of Peterborough Trails have compiled a list of the Top 10 Reasons Not to Build a Road on the Parkway Greenspace. Here they are...

1. The Parkway is not a solution to our traffic problems

The proposed Parkway fixes perhaps one-tenth of our traffic problems in the north end of the City. It links one fifth of the City’s planned north end residential areas to only one of the two main employment areas in the City. The City proposed the original "Parkway" route to bypass the city limits as they were in 1947. Other options better connect the places where we live to the places we work.

2. The Parkway Greenspace is one of Peterborough’s most precious assets

The Parkway Greenspace corridor is the largest and most significant natural habitat and open space in the north end of Peterborough, and one of the largest areas of green space in the City. It is a key part of the City trails network. The Parkway route also serves as an important wildlife corridor, along which wildlife can traverse a large swath of the city. It allows citizens, and most importantly our children, to observe wildlife and connect with nature.

3. The Parkway is not the best investment of our hard earned tax dollars

The projected cost of the Parkway is around 40 million dollars. This does not include costs to deal with noise, flooding and other infrastructure. Realistically, the price could be easily around $50-­‐60 million. Do you want your taxes increased to pay for a road that doesn’t meet Peterborough’s needs; a road a majority of us don’t want, all for a time saving of one to three minutes? We have other critical spending priorities, including fixing the many poorly maintained roads we already have.

4. When given the opportunity to actually choose, the people of Peterborough said “No Parkway”

The Parkway has been a contentious issue in Peterborough for many decades. It was turned down by 55% of voters in a referendum in November 2003. Following that vote, City Council ordered the Chief Administrative Officer to have the Parkway removed from the Official Plan. This did not occur. Why was the voice of the people not respected and the why was the direction of Council not acted upon?

5. The Parkway Greenspace promotes a healthier population

Greenspace encourages people to get outside, to walk instead of drive, to interact with each other and connect with the natural world around them. Greenspaces are proven to support a better sense of community and improved mental health. The greenspace provides a place for city children to explore and play, for free, no matter what their financial means. We have an obesity epidemic costing us billions of dollars and untold health problems. Do we need to make the situation worse?

6. The Parkway Greenspace supports our children and our schools

There are five schools along the Parkway corridor. The Parkway will run directly alongside two primary schools. Putting a major arterial road directly next to or near these schools increases risks to students. Also, a main arterial road will eliminate safe opportunities for students to learn about science and nature, conduct their own research and experience outdoor education in a natural setting.

7. Previous consultants said we don’t have a problem, now or in the future

In their report to City Council on April 18th, 2011, consultants Morrison-­‐Hershfield reported that even with no road improvements beyond those presently committed, the best performance models for 2031 show no significant congestion except around river crossings. This congestion is not addressed in any of the proposals related to the Parkway.

8. We are not growing as fast as projected so do we really need a new road?

Growth projections prior to the 2012 Comprehensive Transportation Plan turned out to be optimistic, and current slow economic progress and an ageing demographic may impact the projections used in the 2012 Plan.

9. The Parkway Greenspace supports Provincial planning directives

A 2012 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Provincial Policy Statement on Land Use Planning requires all municipalities to have and protect natural heritage systems that include natural corridors and linkages such as Jackson Park and the Parkway Greenspace corridor. A decision to build a road through these natural corridors would be contrary to such provincial directions

10. Paving the Parkway Greenspace will certainly lead to a bridge through Jackson Park

You only have to look at the incremental history of the “Parkway by Stealth” campaign to see that this will happen (despite the promises it won’t). When the southern and northern parts of the Parkway are finished, do you think they will leave a big bend around Jackson Park between the two?

If you believe in permanently protecting the Parkway Greenspace and Jackson Park, please let your councillor know. Alternative 2 (Fairbairn/3rd Line) is a far more effective route than the Parkway for connecting the places people live and where they work and shop, now and in the future. The Fairbairn/3rd Line route will not see the destruction of our precious greenspaces and makes even more sense given the many fewer residences affected and the proposed Lily Lake housing development.

Join us at the next Parkway EA meeting Thursday, June 27th from 4:00 pm -­‐ 9:00 pm at the Peterborough Wellness Centre. This is the last time you will be able to ask questions about the route before the final proposal is presented to City Council in September!

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[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Here's All The Reusable Exchange Weekends This Summer

Reusable Exchange Weekends are scheduled throughout the summer to pass along reusable items to others. The schedule is as follows:

* Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 9th

* Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th

* Friday, August 9th to Sunday, August 11th

* Friday, September 6th to Sunday, September 8th

Place reusable items at the curb the Friday evening of the event weekend. If items haven’t been taken by Sunday at 7:00 p.m., bring them back in. Items will not be collected by the City.

For more info, call the City Waste Management Division at 705-742-7777 extension 1891.

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PtboCanada Pics: Tree Flowers

Farewell to Cherry Blossoms...

 ... and hello to Apple Blossoms

Special Bonus: Welcome back Lilacs!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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PTBOPics & Coverage: Jane's Walk 2013 Peterborough Creek Mystique

Peterborough had five Jane's Walks this year and we attended the Creek Mystique walk which was guided by Kim Zippel and Gina Varrin. This walk was to introduce us to the importance and historic past of Jackson Creek, which runs through the heart of Peterborough.

As everyone gathered to set off on the hike, there was a funny moment where our walk guides had to stop midstory until a noisy car had finished driving by, and yet nearby bicycles proved to be quite unobtrusive. Perhaps a nod to Jane's thoughts on urban lifestyle.

We learned that the Oak Ridges Moraine to the West supplies the headwaters for Jackson Creek and the creek itself is 155 km long. It even supplied water to local mills who processed Red Fife Wheat back in the 1840s, which is a living artifact that is part of Canada's living history (and can still be found in a locally brewed beer).

The walk had numerous stops along the way to point out changes over the years, to both the creek itself and the surrounding area. As we build up the city (i.e. more roads and development, less trees) there is an impact on Jackson Creek and its biodiversity. Man-made objects such as Gabion Baskets have been placed along a high ridge to keep the hill at bay, but as we learned later in the walk, while they are effective they might not be the best choice for a diverse ecosystem. With the natural riparian area displaced, we loose things such as filtration and a root system that prevents erosion.

One of the interesting projects that happened after the 2004 Peterborough flood was that of a downtown Peterborough business that was almost swept away due to erosion. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority oversaw the restoration of the Jackson Creek banks next to this business. Cedars were harvested alive to keep the roots, with the hopes that they would grow back into the bank and help stabilize it. Stone, rock and rebar was used to help fortify it, and so far it has been successful (and a fairly new idea).

If you live downtown Peterborough, you might forget that the creek is even there, but you can see it disappear under the city at Brock Street and Alymer.

In 1955, there was a plan put forth to "daylight" the creek, which meant to expose sections of it to daylight. Again, this would help the riparian area, but as our walk leaders opened the idea to conversation we all agreed that it would also help the natural well-being of the public. The flowing water helps lift the moods of those within earshot, is visually appealing and could be made into a public attraction.

Kudos to the very knowledgable Kim and Gina and the Peterborough Field Naturalists for organizing this walk. Not only did they have plenty of historic tidbits, but in true Jane's Walk fashion they opened every thought for group conversation. There were no "wrong answers" and it made for very light and interesting discussion.

Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urbanist and activist who envisioned cities as ecosystems that changed over time. She felt that it was better for both community and your own personal health for less auto infrastructure, and more of a diverse, greener, interactive community. You can read her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities and take part in the Jane's Walks which run every year in her memory.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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10th Annual Shifting Gears Workplace Transportation Challenge In Peterborough

The 10th Annual Shifting Gears Workplace Transportation Challenge (May 1st to 31st) will officially kick off with an event at B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop (336 Rubidge Street) on Wednesday, May 1st at 1 p.m. Organizers, workplace coordinators and dignitaries will be on hand to help celebrate.
 
"Shifting Gears helps to support our personal, community and environmental health through increased rates of physical activity and reduced vehicle emissions,” says Susan Sauvé, Transportation Demand Management Planner at the City of Peterborough.

There are many reasons to participate in Shifting Gears, for both employers and employees, with the benefits ranging from better personal health and air quality to lowered family transportation costs and reduced demand on parking spaces. Every employee can participate in Shifting Gears by signing up as an individual or through their workplace at Peterboroughmoves.com.

Employees who participate in the program can order a free walking, cycling or transit kit to help them shift gears. Quantities are limited, so register early. All participants also qualify for grand prizes, including the Grand Prize of a $750 gift certificate for Resorts of Ontario.

Shifting Gears is a program of GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, Wild Rock Outfitters, the Peterborough County-City Health Unit and B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop.

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City Of Peterborough Release: Higher Water Levels Anticipated on Otonabee River

From a City of Peterborough emergency management release today...

A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has advised that water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next fews days.

City staff are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with ORCA, Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Power Generation, as well as local dam operators, and are prepared to respond as required.

Residents in low lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved and other personal effects such as lawn furniture should be moved to higher ground.    

Residents are advised that they should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies on hand, and sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly. Properties that are susceptible to flooding should consider acquiring supplies such as pumps, generators and sand bags from rental companies, hardware stores and landscape suppliers.

To report a flood in your area, call the Flood Watch Hotline at 705-745-5791, ext. 228 – available on a 24 hours a day.

If, at anytime, city residents feel that they are in immediate danger by rising water, they should call 9-1-1. Please refer to the City’s website www.peterborough.ca for additional information including what to do in the event of flooding and sandbagging techniques.

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PTBOPIC: City-Wide Spring Clean Up Is On

Peterborough is a lot tidier today after the city-wide cleanup efforts of volunteers everywhere in the city. It's great to see everyone who has pitched in, no matter how small the contribution.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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#RandomActsofGreen: CFGP's 7 Days Of Green (#7daysofGreen) Creates Exciting Social Media Initiative

Roll up your sleeves, Peterborough! The community is about to get its green on. The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough have announced an exciting new community initiative,  7 Days of Green (hashtag #7daysofgreen on Twitter). Why? To increase Peterborough’s creative dialogue about local green activities while building awareness around green living and giving. 

7 Days of Green kicks off April 16^th with Random Acts of Green, a day when community members throughout the City and County are challenged to incorporate green activities into their lives—and each day forward—and share them on social media. Wondering what you could do? A few simple ideas to greenify your life a little more include:

• Think before you buy: Purchase environmentally sustainable cleaning products and help keep our waterways toxin-free by using eco-friendly products (handy tip: you can get these products at the GreenUP Store!)
• Compost your food waste: One-third of what we throw away at home could be easily diverted from landfills. The bonus is you get nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
• Be water smart: Install aerators in your sink faucet and showerheads and reduce your water consumption by 30%—all without affecting the performance of your water system!

Starting April 16th, spread the word about Random Acts of Green. Why? Because every green act matters. Tweet your Random Acts of Green and pictures to @cfgp_ and use the hashtag #randomactsofgreen, or email your info and pictures to info@cfgp.ca and you’ll become a part of history.

Yep, history.

The Community Foundation is creating a community art installation from the images that you tweet and email that will be displayed over the next year throughout the community—starting at Lansdowne Place! 

For more information and a full schedule of 7 Days of Green activities, visit www.cfgp.ca/green (we're a proud sponsor of this). All events are open to the public.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, go to their Facebook page or website. And if you're on Twitter, use the #7daysofgreen and #randomactsofgreen hashtags.

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Watch This MyPtbo Segment On Dogs & The Future Dog Park

Peterborough has gone to the dogs...

[My Peterborough]

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Green Waste Collection Starts Up This Week

Time to sweep away the deadfall as Green Waste Collection starts up this week. All leaf and yard waste is accepted and there is no maximum amount.

Put it in paper bags (plastic not accepted), bushel baskets or garbage bins marked with "Green Waste" labels.

As you can see (picture at right), my sticker is getting kind of tattered so it's time for me to head down to City Hall (or one of the Home Hardware stores) to ask for a new one.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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