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Former Councillor Sam Cancilla provided a deputation to City Council in opposition to motion 12-G-251 concerning the Declaration of City owned lands as surplus - 155 Dunlop Street East (westerly portion of Bayview Park). He commented that his family has lived downtown for many years. Mr. Cancilla noted that he feels that the City does not need to sell portions of its parkland to entice development. He stated that he believes that parks provide enjoyment for people and should not be for sale. Mr. Cancilla highlighted that the City's marvelous park system and commented that the park system took many years and hard work to develop. He commented that he feels Council would be moving backwards if it sold the parkland. Mr. Cancilla stated that he had contacted current and former City Council members and staff to gain information concerning the subject property. He expressed his objection to selling a portion of Bayview Park and noted that he believes that the subject property should be re-zoned as Open Space. Mr. Cancilla observed that vandalism has been expressed as a concern at Bayview Park but it is his understanding that this park is not vandalized more than other parks across the City. He stated that this is not the first time a developer has expressed an interest in purchasing a portion of the City's parkland and City Council has turned many offers down. He concluded by requesting that City Council not sell the portion of Bayview Park under consideration.
City Council asked a number of questions concerning the deputation and received responses.