they preserve Victoria Park.
Bert Menkveld: Burt Menkveld, Elmira, reported that he walks in Victoria Glen daily and enjoys the
naturalness of the bush. He stated that he has the lowest house in Elmira and when the creek is high
his sump pump works overtime. He stated that this will be the same for the new development and
many units will have water in their basement. He asked that Council consider Victoria Glen green
space not for the dollar value but for the environmental value.
Christa Mercey: Christa Mercey, Kitchener, a former resident of Elmira stated that she received her
great respect for nature from Victoria Glen park. She uses the park to exercise and find serenity
stating that it connects users with nature and promotes mental health.
Ruth Josephs: Ruth Josephs, Elmira, expressed her appreciation with the park, and asked that it be
preserved.
Karen Orr: Karen Orr, Elmira, commented that her family was looking for green space and was
informed that Victoria Glen Park was a protected park so she moved to Elmira. Victoria Glen Park, on
her option, is selling feature for new residents, as it draws people near. She reported that there are
900 houses being built on Church Street and the park could be used to entice people, and offer a
close natural habitat, that connects them to trails. She asked that Council preserve the natural habitat
as it costs nothing to maintain. She cited a petition she collected with signatures from Elmira but also
Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Wallenstein, Wellesley from people who use the park regularly. She
would like rezoned protective parkland.
DJ Carroll: D J Carroll, expressed his thanks to Council for working with service groups and citizens
to build, encourage and promote environment. He stated that residents are passionate about Victoria
Park and want to work with Council to preserve it.
John Millar: John Millar, Elmira, commented that he has a background in urban forestry, defined as
the ‘careful care and management of urban settings for improving the urban environment’. He
commented that destroying trees and parks is not having care for the environment. He reported that
there are many species of wildlife and trees in the area and that Council preserve the park for children
and future generations.
Susan Bryant: Susan Bryant, Elmira, gave a presentation to Council and members of the public on
the important of water in Victoria Glen Park. She reported that the trees in the area comprise a
Riparian forest which helps with water runoff, erosion control, water table control. Ms. Bryant stated
that the location of the Parcels to be developed are on a slope with the stream at the base, which if
developed would precipitate more runoff water, and dirty water running directly into the stream. The
mature forests in the park provide a natural buffer for the creek and acts as a filter. Ms. Bryant
reported that alternative engineered filters will not be effective, as there is no room for a storm water
pond. She also addressed the potential for flooding. Ms. Bryant addressed Council’s support for Clean
Waterways, CPAC, TWEEC, and asked that the resdesignate the land parkland to preserve the water
source.
Merri-Lee Metzger: Merri-Lee Metzger, a teacher at Riverside Public School commented that
preserving Victoria Park gives Council and residents the opportunity to show children that the natural
world should be valued not destroyed. Riverside Public School uses the space as an educational tool
for children to teach them about the environment. Ms. Metzger asked that Council designate the area
as parkland. Ms. Metzger than displayed a slideshow of elementary school children enjoying the park.