'We're not willing to allow it to happen': Save Hawthorne Park group pushes on in Surrey

Surrey residents opposed to a two-lane road running through one of the city's parks will be at city hall Monday night to hear the results of a failed petition to stop the project.

"The city just totally ignored the citizens en masse and is just proceeding without any meaningful consultation," said Steven Pettigrew with the group Save Hawthorne Park.

During the summer,the City of Surrey voted in favour of removing Hawthorne Park's protected statusso the road could be built through its southern portion.

The goal ofthe 105 Avenue corridorprojectis to reduce congestion along 104 Street and lay the groundwork for future Light RailTransit.

Surrey used a piece of legislation from the Community Charter called theAlternative Approval Process(AAP)tomove forward on the project.

Under the rules, 10 per cent of residents more than 30,000 in this case mustsign and submitan elector response form, within 30 days,opposing the adoption of the bylaw.

On Thursday, Surrey's city clerk published a report stating only slightly more than 11,000 signatures were received, meaning the bylaw may proceed.

The report will be presented to council Monday night. After that, councillors can approve the bylaw if they choose.

"It's very disappointing," said Pettigrew.

He calls the AAPunfair and wants other residents in municipalities across B.C. to watch out for its use. He arguesthat it does away with meaningful consultation.

"It's a procedure that shouldn't be used," he said. "This should actually be done away by the MLAs and they're ignoring this as well."

The city did amendits plans after hearing from residents at a public meeting in June.

There will now be a net increase in total parkland space by oneacre. Two hundred trees are also set to be added, along withadditional habitat areas and other amenities.

Citycouncillorslike MikeStarchuckdescribed publicconsultationson the project as extensive.

Still,Pettigrew says his group is not happy and not about to give up.

Around 50 people are expected at city hall on Monday, and Pettigrewhopes to make the issue part of next year's municipal election.

"Yes we do have some 150 people who are willing to chain themselves together and hang onto the trees in front of the tractors," he said.

"So that's not going to look good on their election."

Roadwork construction for the project could begin as early asJanuary.

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