From time to time conflict arises around private ownership and a public space.
Exclusivity often commands a premium price when it comes to development, so the conflicts can become quite contentious.
A proposed plan involving the Little Folks property in Elora has generated numerous letters to the editor and several questions for our staff about what’s happening at the site. True to form, people in love with the water and sights in this part of town are taking exception to any hint of being shut out.
Although the proposal has yet to get to the public meeting stage, township planning staff have already suggested they will not recommend a project with any plan to make the riverside inaccessible. For now, that ought to stop the protests until the developer has at least reconsidered some of the plans.
The Canadian development community has historically had tremendous open spaces and opportunities for growth. But as our society matures, and development policies become a little more restrictive, more time will need to be spent considering neighbours and a hyper-local community within which the project is located.
It is encouraging to note that the concept of public space is gaining favour outside of the typical user groups. Saving space for future generations only makes sense.
Fortunately for those who are complaining about the move to close off river access at the Little Folks property, Centre Wellington struck a deal several years ago that ensures public access.
As well, the township’s official plan calls for as much public access to the river as is possible.
It was only a few years ago at a development in Salem that residents attended a council meeting to protest that they would lose access to the river. The protests were polite but concerned, and the developer listened.
He decided it would make his proposal much more attractive with river access for all.
Times certainly have changed and we hope in this instance the developer, the township and those who have used the river access for many years will come to a suitable accommodation that will satisfy everyone.
