Well it looks like the post concerning the MTO lands ruffled a few feathers at our City Council. But that’s fine as some important facts have come to light which we must report to set matters straight.
According to Alderman Gary Price the City has been dealing with the ATV problem and for the past five or six years has been attempting to purchase the lands from the MTO. They however are not ready to sell it.
Alex Koch, Co-ordinator of Design and Development with the City is quoted as saying ” I did not know that they were talking to MTO. If they can get MTO to put up signs – that would be great”.
Carol Kinzie who works with the City(I’m afraid we are unaware of her exact job title), is quoted as saying “On March 17, 2006 (after reading an article about all terrain vehicle use destroying Chilligo), I contacted the MTO to advise them of the article and expressed the City’s concerns with the improper use and damage to area. At that time, I urged the MTO staff person that we work diligently towards a purchase by the City so that the lands could be better managed and hopefully reduce the amount of destruction.” She goes on to say that she has been in touch with Mr Warner at the MTO concerning the interest that the City and the GRCA has in purchasing the lands but has had little response.
So there you have it. We’re hopeful that things are moving along. Our apologies for quoting e-mails but we are confident that nothing quoted here is secret or offensive.