FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2022
MASSE ANNOUNCES OJIBWAY NATIONAL URBAN PARK TOWNHALL
(WINDSOR) – Today, Brian Masse’s MP (Windsor West), Chief Duckworth of Caldwell First Nation, and City of Windsor Councillor Kieran McKenzie gathered at Ojibway Shores to announce the upcoming Ojibway National Urban Park townhall on August 25 at Capri Pizza/South Windsor Arena, where an update and next steps will be discussed since the private members’ bill C-248 to establish Ojibway National Urban Park passed second reading in the House of Commons (HOC) in a vote of 169 for the bill and 147 against. The bill had the support of the Bloc, Green Party, Conservative party, the NDP, and two liberal MPs.
“It has been three years since the first townhall where the idea of Ojibway National Urban Park was first proposed. A lot has happened since then. The bill to establish the park passed in House of Commons, Ojibway Shores was finally transferred to Parks Canada at no cost to Windsor taxpayers and this upcoming townhall will be an opportunity for the residents to discuss the next steps with our partners Caldwell First Nation, the City of Windsor, and the Wildlands League,” stated Masse.
The proposed Ojibway National Urban Park (NUP) would include Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, the Tallgrass Prairie Park, Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve, and Ojibway Shores. It is home to hundreds of endangered species that rely on migration through surrounding local parks for survival. If connected, this area of approximately 900 acres, including the Detroit River could become one of North America`s treasures.
On August 27, 2019, a townhall was held in Windsor where the idea of Ojibway NUP was formally discussed by many local, national, and international organizations, and many individual citizens. Over the past two and a half years a consensus has developed for all these publicly owned properties, parks, and preserves be combined into a National Urban Park. Caldwell First Nation, the City of Windsor and the Wildlands League had written letters to all MPs and the federal government stating they support the passage of C-248.
“Caldwell First Nation has been involved in Point Pelee National Park for some time and we have supported the creation of Ojibway National Urban Park from the very beginning. Protecting and preserving our environment in this area essential for all our futures. We look forward to co-managing and developing this park, as has been done at Nahanni National Park Reserve for more than 20 years and most recently at Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve. Reconciliation is just a word if there is no action. Co-managing national parks are the types of actions that represent real reconciliation,” stated Chief Duckworth.
“It’s been a true honour to work on the Ojibway National Urban Park initiative both prior to being elected and as a Windsor City Councillor. The challenges associated with this project have been significant. I’m proud of the Mayor and all of my colleagues on Council for our unanimous support for Brian Masse’s Private Member’s Bill. As well as our support for the Federal Land transfer and general recognition that the National Park concept is the best way to protect these ecologically crucial lands in perpetuity,” stated Councillor McKenzie.
The’ townhall will be held on August 25 at 6 PM at Capri Pizza/South Windsor Arena.
-30-For more information contact Mohummed Peer 519-982-8816.