Cole Harbour Basin area residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of the region’s public open spaces by filling out an online survey and participating in a visioning process.
The Cole Harbour Basin includes the communities of Cole Harbour, Cow Bay, Lawrencetown and Westphal.
A visioning gathering session held on Oct. 22 attracted close to 100 residents interested in helping shape the Cole Harbour Basin Open Spaces Plan.
Cole Harbour Coun. Lorelei Nicoll was impressed with the ideas and suggestions provided by residents during that meeting. While many issues were discussed, she said the connectivity provided by trails was a recurring theme.
One group of participants discussed the benefit of safe walking trails within communities connecting parks, recreational facilities and libraries, while another suggested preserving circles of green space with suburbs developing around them.
Other ideas for public spaces included art, original playgrounds, more arts and culture, protecting wildlife, wetlands and scenic views and ensuring public access to community coastal sites.
“We’re taking in rural and urban areas at the same time and are trying to find a balance between urban development and green spaces,” Nicoll said. “Everybody has a perspective, and some people figure it’s all or nothing. I like public engagement for consensus.”
Area residents can fill out a short Plan the Basin online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/planthebasinsurvey. A session being referred to as an ‘Innovation Gathering’ is planned for Nov. 30 at Cole Harbour Place. That meeting will give residents the opportunity to discuss concerns raised during the Oct. 22 public meeting and through HRM staff’s own research.
“I think anytime you engage the public on something that could impact them, this is a good thing,” Nicoll said, adding she wants as many residents as possible to fill out the survey and participate in the Nov. 30 meeting.
“It would make my decisions a lot easier if people gave me their opinions.”
More information about the Open Spaces initiative can be found online at www.planthebasin.ca.
“I think for many, the question is what legacy do we want to leave our grandchildren,” Nicoll said.
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
