Ontario's first urban provincial park?

[SteelTown]

McMeekin talks up biosphere park

March 29, 2008
Daniel Nolan
The Hamilton Spectator

Ontario's first urban provincial park could result from the building of a multimillion-dollar pedestrian bridge across the QEW in east Hamilton, says local cabinet minister Ted McMeekin.

"This is a natural adjunct to the Randle Reef funding and some of the other stuff we have done on the harbour, and building towards what I hope will be the ultimate designation of the Cootes-RBG area as the first Ontario urban biosphere park," the government services minister said yesterday.

He was speaking at the announcement of $14 million for the long-talked-about pedestrian bridge. "We are really committed to connecting the dots as best as we can. This fits into that picture."

The idea of designating Cootes and the RBG as a provincial park is being looked at by a stakeholders group.

"If they decide they want to go the next step, we'll take that next step with them," McMeekin said.

He noted the natural resources minister has been in Hamilton twice in the past year to discuss the idea of a provincial park in the west end. Ontario has also pledged $30 million to clean up the toxic Randle Reef, along the west side of Hamilton Steel (formerly Stelco Hilton Works).

A provincial park might bring even more money into the city. McMeekin said the Ontario government "could probably find some way to assist, with our partners of course. There's lots of them out there." He noted the MNR has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to buy wetlands for preservation.

The city is aiming to tender the project this fall and have it built by spring 2010. The funding will go toward building the 300-metre span over the QEW, between Burlington Street and the Red Hill Valley Parkway, plus new trails, a picnic area, parking and playing fields.

City officials were all smiles at getting the Ontario funding.

"This is a unique feature," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who noted the bridge will connect beachfront trails with trails in the Red Hill Valley and the Mountain. "It will be intriguing, interesting and architecturally fascinating."