Author: admin

Thanks go out to Celeste Walker and “Cambridge Now” the “Area Guide & Interactive Community Portal” for featuring a great a story about us recently. Please do check it out online. This type of publicity is what we need ! Thank you, thank you !

We had a telephone conversation this week with a gentleman from the MTO Property Office in London . Thanks go out to the good people at Gerry Martiniuk’s office who directed us to the proper people.

Mr. Bill Warner, the head of Property Management for the region that includes Chilligo Valley, verified that the MTO owns a rather large chunk of land north of The Speed River and east of the former Hwy 24 bypass left over from when the road was constructed. The highway and road allowance itself is of course now controlled by the Region Of Waterloo and is an extension of Hespeler Rd.

Mr Warner was appalled to hear that their land has become part of an illegal ATV playground and admits that he is worried about liability problems. He went on to say that his office would like to divest themselves of the land and as per their mandate they would gladly sell it at a fair market value. Negotiations are ongoing with the GRCA and The City Of Cambridge, he says.

It is our hope that either the GRCA or The City Of Cambridge buy the land from the MTO and establish a passive use park for the health and well-being of our city.

Bill Warner half-promised us that in the near future he would try to get some MTO signs put up in the area…NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES….NO TRESPASSING etc . We hope that this happens as we feel that the offenders are offending out of ignorance.

It’s a little bit late for a New Year’s Address but this is it . The first word goes to our hero and mentor, David Suzuki :

“Every bit of the natural world has become a vestige of potential information about how nature works and thus becomes a priceless hedge against our ignorance. Dirt bikes and ATVs are not compatible with natural systems and anyone who is serious about protecting an area should keep them out.” David Suzuki

There is much work to do but we will continue to fight the good fight. Although it is not really a fight. We must remain positive.  The “sportsmen” who are scarring, eroding and generally destroying Chilligo Valley, surrounding lands and road allowances are not our enemies. They’re merely misguided and ignorant of the law. They’re out to have some fun and don’t realize or care that they’re breaking the law with every turn of the wheels and annoying a lot of people. We can only pity them for having no sense of wonder and little respect for the natural world.

We, the friends of Chilligo, must visit our beloved greenspace as often as possible enjoying it’s beauty and bounty. Let’s walk our dogs, take the kids on nature hikes, ride our bicycles, observe the wildlife, have picnics and generally celebrate this urban oasis. If you see a motorized vehicle, without endangering yourself, let the rider know of your displeasure. Take a picture if you have a camera and contact the police ( 519 653 7700 ) if you have a cell phone. This is all very important.

We really need to you to sign up as a Friend if you haven’t done so. No strings attached, we just need the numbers and support. Please tell your friends and neighbours about this site. We’ve gained some interesting allies if the past several months and have some great ideas for the near future. Keep checking in.