Got an opinion about plans to sell part of Breslau Memorial Park for a new school? The organizers want to see you out at a rally May 9.
Though opposed to the proposed deal between the township and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, they really want to get the community’s take on the project, says Bill Southern.
![A sketch of a possible site plan for Breslau parkland, including a new Catholic school and improvements to the township facilities.[File Photo]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/post_breslau.jpg)
He got the idea for the “Save Our Park” campaign after attending meetings related to the project and from talking with people about it. There seems to be a divide between Woolwich’s opinion that there is “lots of support” for the deal and his own experience with people in the village.
“I’ve come across absolutely next to no one who is in favour of this,” he said this week, stressing that residents aren’t opposed to a new school, only “just not on this particular piece of property.”
The deal for four acres in the park as a new school site would provide for $1.75 million in upgrades to the park and community centre, as well as community access to new facilities, including a 5,000-square-foot library operated by the Region of Waterloo. There would be a shared-use agreement for the community centre, gym and playing fields, which would result in additional improvements.
Community response has been largely negative, with plenty of blame cast at the township’s handling of the issue.
For its part, Woolwich has launched a taskforce to gather public input and report back to council.
Southern said an invitation to attend next weekend’s rally will be extended to the taskforce and councillors. He hopes for a good turnout from the community, pro, con or neutral.
“Everyone is welcome to voice their opinion.”
Turnout should be a good indicator of where the wider community stands on the issue, rather than just those who have been vocal thus far.
“If nobody shows up … well, that tells you something,” he said, adding the rally is a chance for residents to express their views to township councillors and staff.
Having lived in Breslau for decades – he also operates his business there – Southern said he’s very much aware of the community’s sense of alienation from the township administration.
“There’s always been a disconnect from Elmira,” he said, welcoming the pushback that’s coming from some residents and noting the school proposal is just the latest trigger.
“I’m glad that the people are fighting for themselves. It should send a message to the township that there are a lot of people here who aren’t happy with this.”
Having yet to receive an invitation on Wednesday, Mayor Sandy Shantz indicated she currently has plans for May 9. She encouraged a positive outcome from the event, clearly in favour of the project.
A public meeting and the creation of a taskforce foster input from the community, whose support is needed to make it work, she said.
“The consultation process is about exploring whether we can partner with the Breslau community in a meaningful way either with the basic project as it was presented, a variation of it, or perhaps in some other way,” said Shantz in an email. “In other communities where we have had successful partnerships, part of the success has been due to strong community leadership that pulls everyone in a positive direction. If the rally accomplishes that (that is to pull everyone in a positive direction), I believe the end result will be good – whatever that outcome looks like.”
The rally will be held May 9, 1-3 p.m., at the Breslau Community Centre, outside and in the gym.
