Kanata forest development angers residents

A group of Kanata residents is vowing to stop a plan to develop a neighbouring forest that has become a popular spot for hikers.

The two square kilometres of Beaver Pond Forest, west of March Road in the western Ottawa suburb, was bought six years ago by a developer aftercity council approved the area for use as a subdivision.

Urbandale Construction director of planning Mary Jarvis said the plan to develop the forest has been years in the making and shouldn't come as a surprise.

"It's been zoned for development and we intend to develop, subject to the municipal rules and regulations and all of the provincial regulations that govern development in Ontario," said Jarvis.

The developer plans to start clearing the area this summer to build about 3,200 houses, but has promised not to touch the pond and eight hectaresof forest lining it.

Steve Hulaj, whose home backs onto the pond, said gutting the forest and leaving a remnant would dolittle to preserve the area.

'There's hardly anything left'

"If you build in the middle you're killing what's special about the fringes," said Hulaj. "We're saying we need to protect the whole thing. There's hardly anything left."

Hulaj has organized a forest walk for Saturday to help rally residents to fight the development plan and to enjoy the area while it is still standing.

Kanata North councillor Marianne Wilkinson said she has explored thearea with her grandchildren and, like hundreds of others,has come to appreciate the forest trails.

"We've become used to using them, and they're extremely beautiful," said Wilkinson.

She said she plannedto attend the walk in support of the cause, but said residents face an uphill battle to alter the constructionplan.

"I know that sometimes impossible things can happen, and that's what we've got to try to do here," said Wilkinson.