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DEPUTATION BY MS. NANCY BIGELOW CONCERNING THE DIRECT MOTION REGARDING THE PRESENTATION BY THE FOUNDATION FUND VOLUNTEER CENTRE FOR SPRINGWATER PARK.
Ms. Nancy Bigelow provided a deputation on behalf of the Springwater Park Foundation concerning the Direct Motion regarding the Presentation by the Foundation Fund Volunteer Centre for Springwater Park. She advised that it is the mission of the Springwater Park Foundation and it's supporters to restore Springwater Park to operational status with no cost to taxpayers. She advised that Springwater Park was designated non operational 15 months ago by the Ministry of Natural Resources. She observed that the City of Barrie residents were regular visitors to the park enjoying its amenities. Ms. Bigelow advised that the Beausoleil First Nations Band from Christian Island have attempted to negotiate a partnership plan to develop a Native Learning Centre on the park property to initiate the reopening of the park. She noted that the Foundation has no objection to the Learning Centre being located at the park as long as the park would remain operational for all persons wanting to enjoy the open space.
Ms. Bigelow stated that in 2012, the Ministry of Natural Resources rendered 10 Provincial Parks non-operation as a cost saving measure and that five parks have since re-opened by agreements established between the municipalities and the Ministry of Natural Resources citing economic benefits to the areas. She suggested the same benefits would be realized by the City of Barrie if Springwater Park was brought back to operational status, but any agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources would have to be done soon due to the deterioration of the Park since its closure. Ms. Bigelow noted that Springwater Park had an operating deficit prior to its closure. She identified that there was significant costs associated with the caring and feeding of animals in a zoo-like setting, but because the animals have...
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