Time to 'bring up the bar' on town's green spaces

The Town of Stratford, P.E.I., is looking to protect more green space.

A public meeting Wednesday, part of consultations on the a new development plan, was told the town is looking at strengthening regulations regarding preserving natural areas.

"If you've already been past the subdivision point, there's not a lot of protection in the bylaw," said Patrick Carroll, director of planning, development and heritage with Stratford.

"This was normal at the time [the current regulations were written], and as we've reviewed it, it's really this official plan that has asked us to bring up the bar."

The planned changes to the development bylaws are part of a regular five-year review.

Carroll outlined the environmental and health benefits of having green space in the town. That would include spaces that have no development at allfor people to enjoy in their natural state, known as an O2 zone. Carroll said there is currently no land designated O2 in the town, but there was a recentgiftof land that might be the first.

Another issue that was brought up by Carroll and some participants was the lack of connection between communities, parks and trails.

Carroll said part of their plan was to create a continuous network for walking and biking. The town is also considering making sure there are sidewalks, trails, or both on all major roads and in subdivisions.

'Always a balance'

David MacPherson, a member of the Stratford Area Watershed Group, supported the idea of more natural areas, noting there arealready quite a few playing fields.

"There's always a balance here. Since I was born the town has quadrupled in size, and it's a matter of the green space and natural spaces keeping pace with the development," said MacPherson.

The planning department urged people to attend the next and final meeting on Jan.18, or submit any ideas on the Town of Stratford's website.

Carroll said ideas will always be considered, but people should have their feedback in by March of next year if they want their ideas to be included in the deliberation for the bylaw draft.

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