Windsor moves to closer to getting a National Urban Park
New Democrat for Windsor West Brian Masse said his private members bill C-248, to establish Ojibway National Urban Park (ONUP), would receive full support from the other parties, including the Liberals.
“After negotiations with the federal Innovation Minister and the Government House Leader, the government has decided to vote for the bill,” he said.
Masse added the Conservatives, the Bloc, the Green Party and his own NDP have already supported the bill, and expects a united parliament when it is scheduled for a vote in the House of Commons on April 26.
Masse felt it was big step as a majority of Liberals wanted the bill to include amendments during second reading and it passed with 169 in favour and 147 against.
At the time, the bill had the support of the Bloc, Green Party Conservative party, the NDP and two liberal MPs.
Later, on Oct. 28, a House of Commons committee heard from Caldwell First Nation, the City of Windsor, Wildland League and Friends of Ojibway testified in favour of the bill.
“In a bizarre twist, the government’s amendments to the bill were ruled out of order by their own Liberal committee chair,” Masse said.
It is hopped full backing could speed up action in the Senate, where there already exists support, according to Masse.
“Parks Canada has begun to speed up the processes that need to be done such as finalizing the transfer agreements with the City of Windsor, Transport Canada, the Province, the co-management of agreement with Caldwell First Nations and the parks management plan,” he said.
The proposed ONUP would include Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, the Tallgrass Prairie Park, Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve and Ojibway Shores.
“It would include a 33-acre greenspace and the last remaining, undeveloped natural shoreline in Windsor-Detroit,” stated Masse.
The area is home to hundreds of endangered species, which rely on migration through surrounding local parks for survival.
“This is an essential step in making this park a reality. I want to thank my colleagues for their support,” stated Masse. “All those years of work by so many people across the city and country brought this about.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.