'It's our space': Thunder Bay residents rally to save parkette as city aims to sell land for housing | CBC News Loaded'It's our space': Thunder Bay residents rally to save parkette as city aims to sell land for housing
"This is a community hub and the reason why I think we engage so well is that we have this space that's neutral. It belongs to everybody and it's our space."Corinne and Gus Barclay have lived on Holly Crescent since 1961. They say the parkette has been used for everything from parties, picnics, fireworks and corn roasts — it even hosted an ice rink at one point.
"This is something that adds to our mental health. It's a place where you can go, you can sit, you can watch the birds, the trees — we have a fox in the back here," added resident Brenda Polhill.Thunder Bay city Coun. Kristen Oliver says selling a green space that the city has invested in seems counterproductive and it should prioritize other underutilized lots for its housing needs.
Deanna Walker, Thunder Bay's manager of realty services, said the city has received substantial feedback, both positive and negative, from the public. However, she recognizes people's concerns about loss of green space. As such, staff are recommending that city council direct net proceeds from the sale of green spaces for housing back to the parks department.Habitat for Humanity welcomes family to latest new-home build in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The Mitsopoulos siblings squeeze in an informal soccer session at Holly Parkette in before going to practise with their teams. Stella, 4, Chris, 7, and Sophia, 8, are left to right.