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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 29, 2008 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Town responds to criticisms Dear Mr. Penalosa: We would like to thank you for your ongoing support of our environmental sustainability initiatives and in promoting our vast trails system. We appreciate your commitment to spearheading new opportunities for a healthier and more active Oakville. In response to your Letter to the Editor published in The Oakville Beaver on Feb. 22, the Town of Oakville would like to take this time to correct some inaccuracies stated in your letter regarding the Town's North Park development proposal. Our goal is to develop a community in north Oakville where all homes are within walking distance to parks, trails, sports amenities and public transit. North Oakville will include an impressive natural heritage system, connected trails, and an abundance of bike paths and parks. There will be plenty of space for both scheduled and unscheduled activities. In addition to the 16 soccer fields slated for North Park, we will be building more than ten additional sports fields at neighbourhood parks that will be scattered throughout north Oakville. These are the parks/sports fields that people can access without the need of a car, or where kids can go to play Frisbee or fly a kite. Plans for north Oakville also include 30 village squares where residents can congregate for both passive and active recreational purposes. In response to your inference that North Park will be "terrible for the environment and that chemicals used for maintenance will end up in the Sixteen Mile Creek," we assure you that the Town does not use pesticides on any public lands. The Town of Oakville is a leader in environmental protection and preservation. Our new Pesticide By-law has banned the use of pesticides on private lands as well. We will incorporate many other environmentally responsible practices at North Park. To reduce water consumption, we will be implementing a program that will see residual water from storm water management ponds and splash pads used to water the facility grounds. We are also investigating opportunities to install artificial turf, a product that has an extensive lifespan and does not require watering or maintenance. This facility will be designed and constructed under the LEED certification process. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a process that ensures the building project is environmentally responsible and meets green building and performance measures. Accessibility to North Park has also been carefully considered. The Town has made provisions for adequate parking at North Park. Given the number of amenities at the facility, it is our hope that visitors will choose to stay longer, whether it be to watch other games, have a family picnic or to skate on one of our ice pads. For those without vehicles or those who choose not to drive, North Park will be easily accessible by transit. We are making provisions for the connectivity of our trails system to North Park. Contrary to your statements, the current design for North Park meets the principles of Smart Growth. It will provide connectivity to our trail system, be designed and constructed under the LEED certification process, and be easily accessible to public transit. Surrounded by an enviable natural heritage system, the final product will be a state-of-the-art facility that looks at environmental sustainability and both passive and active recreational requirements of the community. This facility will not only be enjoyed by sports groups, but all of Oakville Don't Pay Retail! Factory Outlet Sale We Install Columns Wainscoting Over 70 Smooth or Patterned Profiles Visit our website or showrooms for prices, design ideas. 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