DISTRICT-OWNED Ambleside waterfront lots between 13th and 18th street are officially parkland after council's unanimous vote Monday, May 6 to make it just that.
The new bylaw makes the land only usable as something park-related, and cannot be used for commercial development, placating some fears local residents had vocalized in previous meetings.
"It defines what we've been aspiring to in relationship with this particular park here," said Coun. Bill Soprovich. "This solidifies the park as an area that cannot be altered for future generations, and we can still carry on . . . with some of the zonings that we need for other things."
His sentiments were echoed by all of council.
"This is one of the most important things we've done in a long time," Coun. Nora Gambioli said. "I think this shows respect for the concerns of the public, the residents who came and spoke and have written to us."
A park dedication bylaw provides long-term protection to park lands, and changing the bylaws back is not an easy process. To rescind or remove the bylaw requires a public referendum or an alternative approval process, both of which are time-consuming and involve the public.
"Because of the relative difficulty to remove a park dedication, a park dedication bylaw is considered to confer a high level of protection for park land," the report policy states.
The waterfront land may be used for a small restaurant and boat rentals. The existing arts and culture facilities are also slated to be retained.
