BarrieToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following is an open letter to Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, Ward 2 Coun. Craig Nixon and other members of council in regards to the waterfront multi-use sports field.
As a resident of Ward 2, I am asking our councillor, Craig Nixon, to change his vote and to say no to a multi-use sports field on south-shore parkland.
Save our parkland!
Our city's commitment to sustainability and preserving nature should guide our decisions. Keeping the lakeshore park in its current state aligns with these values and demonstrates our dedication to protecting our environment for future generations.
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to convert a best portion of our city’s lakeshore park into a football playground with artificial grass. As a concerned citizen and an advocate for environmental preservation, I believe this project would have detrimental effects on our local ecosystem and the well-being of our community.
Firstly, the lakeshore park serves as a crucial habitat for various species of flora and fauna. The natural vegetation and water body provide a sanctuary for birds, insects and other wildlife. Introducing artificial grass would disrupt these habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity. The loss of native plants would also reduce the food sources and nesting grounds for many species, further threatening their survival. The artificial lights around the playground would also be harmful to wildlife.
Secondly, the artificial grass poses significant environmental hazards. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf is made from synthetic materials that can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water. These chemicals can contaminate the lake, adversely affecting water quality and harming aquatic life. Moreover, artificial turf heats up more than natural grass, contributing to the urban heat island effect, which can exacerbate the impacts of climate change in our city.
Additionally, trees, shrubs and natural grasses play a vital role in the carbon cycle. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Replacing natural plants with artificial turf would eliminate this benefit, leading to higher carbon emissions. Furthermore, the production and disposal of artificial turf involve significant carbon footprints, further contributing to environmental degradation.
The lakeshore park is a beloved recreational space for our city residents of all ages, who can escape to a serene environment to enjoy nature, engage in physical activities and promote mental well-being. Transforming this natural haven into a fenced playground with artificial grass would diminish the quality of life for many citizens who rely on this space for relaxation and recreation.
In light of these concerns, I urge you to reconsider the proposal and explore alternative solutions that preserve the natural integrity of the lakeshore park. Upgrading existing sports facilities or developing new ones in less environmentally sensitive areas could achieve the same goals without sacrificing our precious natural resource.
Thank you for considering our perspective. We trust that you will make a decision that reflects the best interests of our community and the environment.
Alla Khandoga
Barrie
