Political hesitation ‘galvanises’ support for national urban park – Guelph Today

‘The three levels letter hasn’t really knocked us off our game, but in fact has really energized the organization and our supporters,’ says Urban Park Guelph spokesperson

Community support is growing for a national urban park in Guelph – something proponents believe was buoyed by the recent revelation that the area’s top elected officials are hesitant to stand behind it.

Mayor Cam Guthrie, MP Lloyd Longfield and MPP Mike Schreiner signed a joint letter stating their reluctance to support the idea of turning the former Ontario Reformatory lands into a national urban park because of “ongoing discussions” about potential other public uses for the site.

“We’re definitely disappointed that these three men decided to go public with their parting of ways on this, but the reality is nothing’s changed for us because none of them supported the park publicly in the first place,” remarked Urban Park Guelph spokesperson P. Brian Skerrett. “And in fact, ironically, this has really helped galvanize public support.”

Longfield submitted a letter of support to the group last year, but the MP has now withdrawn it.

Read More: https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/political-hesitation-galvanises-support-for-national-urban-park-8776095