Rockwood Park's shifting borders worry residents

Saint John council is running into controversy as it starts reviewing the boundaries of Rockwood Park after decades of uncertainty.

Rockwood Park is billed as Canada's largest urban park, but the city doesn't know exactly where the park ends and city land begins.

The park's boundaries are roughly drawn because parts of it were once private land and given to the city over time to add tothe landscape.

What that means, however, is development around the park is controversial as there is uncertainty over what property should be protected as part of the urban land.

The city is now asking for public input on the future of the park. In particular, city planners say their study along Sandy Point Road will give the public a say in how to draw the boundaries where there could be future development.

Saint John Coun. Gary Sullivan said the study will make sure that in 40 years, the boundaries are set properly.

The city councillor said he understands some people are concerned the study will mean more development near the park, but he said people shouldn't prejudge the review's outcome.

"The way the city used to do business was to build first and ask questions later. It's not so now," Sullivan said.

The city is holding a public meeting on March 10, but eventually it will be up to city council to decide on where the park begins and ends.

Rockwood Park is considered Canada's largest urban green space with 890 hectares of wetlands and forest.

Development concerns

Dick Powell learned about the shifting boundaries about seven years ago when the city clear cut a swath of forest near his home.

Most people in the area, Powell included, thought it was a part of Rockwood Park, but without consultation the boundaries changed.

"When we moved here, we were told we were living next to Rockwood Park. Now the land is for sale. So things have changed," Powell said.

Powell is now one of many residents raising awareness about the city's study and how it could redefine the park's boundaries.

Council passed a three-year moratorium on development near the massive city park in June 2009 after neighbours raised objections about two proposed development ideas in theSandy Point Road area that they believe infringe on the park.

But that ban could end when the new study is finished.

Park supporters like Ernestine Rooney worry that more land around or in the park could be lost once the study is concluded.

"It could lead to almost going right into the park. You know it's just selling off pieces of the park here and there," Rooney said.

This latest fight to save the park comes more than two years after the Friends of Rockwood Park failed to block Emera from running a natural gas pipeline through the park.