The idea of a National Urban Park in our community is one that seems to invoke interest, excitement and hope to most local nature enthusiasts. The process of how it will happen however, is one that seemingly only brings confusion. There are currently two active approaches, and Club Execs have teamed with the Friends of Ojibway Prairie to not only stay in the loop, but also be part of the conversation during both proceedings. A brief summary will hopefully provide some clarity to our membership.
Local NDP MP Brian Masse has put forth a private member’s bill to amend the Canada National Parks Act to establish and include Ojibway National Urban Park. Bill C-248 delineates the proposed park boundaries using geographic coordinates, and if voted in, will provide protection similar to existing National Parks. The proposed park boundaries include Ojibway Shores. The bill has passed through two readings in the House of Commons and is now in the Report stage. During each stage of the bill, including amendments and motions, the Club, and other local environment-focused groups have co-signed statements from FOOP to ensure ecological integrity remains top priority.
Separate from Bill C-248, Parks Canada, in collaboration with local stakeholders, are in the pre-feasibility phase of creating a National Urban Park in Windsor. This is part of Parks’ plan to establish several National Urban Parks across the country. The proposed park could encompass the current Ojibway Prairie Complex, including Ojibway Shores, along with several other natural lands within proximity. The current timeline would see the National Urban Park finalized in 2025. Similar to the progression of C-248, our Club has worked with FOOP to ensure the voice of our membership, and all who appreciate local nature, is heard during the Parks Canada process.
The two avenues may differ in approach, but both have the same end goal of increasing the protection and awareness of natural areas in and around the Ojibway Prairie Complex. The Club will continue to remain as active as possible, and update our membership accordingly, with both progress and events.
For more information on Parks Canada’s proposed National Urban Park in Windsor, visit
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/building-Windsors-Future/Pages/National-Urban-Park.aspx
More information on Bill C-248, and the National Parks Act can be found with the links below.