[All] Hidden Valley/Yvonne and Michael's letter

[Susan Koswan]

I just wanted to say that I am so impressed with Michael Frind's letter in
the Record Saturday re Vrbanovic and Zehr lacing into Yvonne about setting
aside the money for Hidden Valley. Well said Michael!

Susan K

 

Vrbanovic off-base on Hidden Valley

Re: Kitchener council rejects Hidden Valley purchase - Oct. 15

I was frankly quite shocked to read the comments of Coun. Berry Vrbanovic,
who said that setting aside $2 million for Hidden Valley land purchases was
"one of the worst examples of fiscal imprudence" that he has ever seen.

The motion of Coun. Yvonne Fernandes was directly aligned with the Compass
Kitchener report, which recommended that $2 million be spent on new and
existing natural areas. What better purpose is there than to dedicate these
funds toward acquiring development-threatened lands inside Hidden Valley?

Although some of Hidden Valley lands would never be developed by virtue of
being unsuitable for construction (they're too steep, too wet, etc.), the
buildable upland portions are no less important to the integrity of the core
natural lands. 

Firstly, the upland portions are groundwater-recharge zones that feed the
discharge zones in the valley. Secondly, these areas serve as ecological
buffers for the core areas. And thirdly, these areas would be ideal for
replanting and public trails.

Fernandes is really only asking that we set the funds aside now, so that
when the time is right, we can purchase the parts of this environmental
jewel that are at risk of being paved over. 

Fernandes, in noting that our grandchildren would be thankful for such a
purchase, summed up the development-threatened section of Hidden Valley
perfectly: "Once that is gone, it is gone forever."

Michael Frind

Waterloo

 

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