Dear Editor,
I feel that it would be remiss of me, as a taxpayer in North Dundas, not to draw more attention to the Hallville Community Park, or lack thereof.
In 2021, announcements were made about the funding that was secured for the park. Residents were ecstatic to hear they would be the beneficiaries of these funds for a long-awaited project.
In 2022, signs were installed at the site of the park, information sessions held, and concept drawings presented and approved by Council, requests for proposals were drafted for engineers and architects. Hallville residents shared their excitement of this community project.
In 2023, the Township awarded Novatech the contract for engineering and landscape architecture services (this firm committed to commencing work right away). Environmental impact reviews were completed, test holes were dug, more concept plans presented, test well drilled, Hydro One completed layout designs, and the culvert replaced at the Kelso St. entrance, pricing quotes were completed on a slew of the park’s features, and three final concept design plans presented for comment. It appeared to be full steam ahead on this highly anticipated project.
Then all the work and communication updates stopped… 2024 was to see the construction of phase 1 & 2 begin, but here we are more than 6 months into the year and we have seen no new progress, and received no updates from Meaghan Meerburg, Director of Recreation and Culture.
Hallville community residents are now quickly running out of patience with the lack of communication from the Township, the lack of progress at the park site, and the significant eye sore and risk for injury and squatters that the former unusable Hallville rink location has become. Residents have been left waiting while reading about the wonderful improvements made at several other parks and playgrounds within the Township of North Dundas.
Hallville is the only residential community within the Township of North Dundas without any park or green space for the residents to enjoy. It is the community that has seen the most significant increase in population. Something is not adding up!
If the Township is lacking in funds to finalize the project, maybe they could look at liquidating some properties. I am sure that if Ian Drew can develop the infrastructure needed to transform a vacant farmers field into a subdivision, within the same number of years as the Township has had to commence work at the park, then he is maybe the contractor required to build the park at a faster rate than what we are currently experiencing. Maybe it’s time to contract some local builders or tradespeople to get this park built!
Ms. Meerburg, I would like to know your reasoning on why the residents of Hallville should partake in your Meet Me on Main Street event when you have no interest in meeting the promises made to our little hamlet.
Sincerely,
Hallville resident awaiting the “Park of Dreams”
