Plans are already in place for an improved passive parkland along the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay.

There is a citizen working group that is providing compelling proposals to the City of Barrie to improve the natural habitat at Allandale Station Park. The park is located east of Military Heritage Park near the waterfront.

This follows on the heels of Marshall Green’s August 14 report entitled “The Southshore, Barrie Sports and a Revitalized Downtown,” which recommended against building a multi-use youth sports field with artificial turf and parade ground on part of the 6.5-acre Allandale Station Park site near Lakeshore Drive.

“In just a few days, these knowledgeable folks (on the Citizens’ Working Group) have come up with several wonderful options and ideas on how to enhance the natural habitat of Allandale Station Park as a growing, vibrant, yet passive and educational space on our waterfront,” said Arnie Ivsins, organizer of the rallies in the courtyard of Barrie City Hall against the location of the sports field and the silent protests in the council chambers.

Green, a retired attorney specializing in municipal law and land use planning, not only opposed the construction of the sports field and parade ground, but also offered alternatives.

Its report states: “The city should develop the current south bank woodland and meadow area as a passive park that protects existing wildlife and has accessible trail systems. The park should also have an educational component. City civic groups and service clubs should work with the city parks department to develop the park. The lands ultimately earmarked for this portion of the park should be designated as conservation easements (rather than open space).”

Barrie resident Gwen Petreman said she agreed with Green’s recommendations for Allandale Station Park.

“For animals and humans to survive here on Earth, we need pristine landscapes full of biodiversity,” she said. “Today, unfortunately, biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate due to climate chaos, habitat loss and invasive species.”

“The very best food sources for all wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, are the native flora and native trees that occur naturally in an ecoregion,” Petreman added, noting that Barrie is a bird and bee-friendly city. “These native plants have adapted beautifully to current conditions over thousands of years.”

Petreman is a children’s book author and illustrator, educator, environmentalist and presenter.

Ivsins, a member of the Friends of Allandale Station Park, which opposed the proposed location of the sports field, said civic groups and service clubs are already at work.

“This group is made up of individuals and groups with an environmental background, such as Pollinate Barrie and Nature Barrie, as well as members of our Indigenous community,” Ivsins said, noting that he is awaiting responses from the Barrie Garden Club, Living Green and service clubs.

Ivsins said the task force currently consists of Kelly Patterson McGrath, Ashley Hammell, Geri Poisson, Dorothy McKeown, Phyllis Tremblay, Peter Bursztyn, Vanessa Kennedy, Jeff Monague and Barb Marshall.

So far, proposals include tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and other various designs and species plantings to support and enhance existing habitat. Resident and migratory species have also been discussed, as well as signage and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

“A biodiverse and wildlife-friendly city contributes to the health and well-being of us all. We are all connected in the web of life,” Petreman said. “We will all benefit from the preservation of the Allandale Station (Park) site, an ecologically protected area where wildlife can survive and thrive.”

The space would be called Allandale Station Native Savanna EcoPark.

The waterfront sports field would be used for soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse, and Sea Cadets/Navy League field trips, and would include amenities such as lighting, benches and furniture, and a 35-space paved parking lot.

City council has had support since May 15, but approval from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority would still be required as the regulated area intersects the upper part of the sports field. An archaeological survey would also be required.

A day after Green’s report was released on August 15, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall directed city staff to pause further work on council’s decision to proceed with construction of the athletic field and parade ground to allow for a public consultation to be presented to council later in the fall. Nuttall took this action based on a strong mayoral authority directive from Ontario’s Municipal Act.

Residents can participate in this consultation by completing a survey, which will be open until September 25, or by attending a non-binding consultation at the General John Hayter Southshore Centre on September 24 from 4pm-8pm.

Ivsins asked that his working group meet with city staff and aldermen the week of Sept. 9 or Sept. 16. But he says city staff told him Thursday that it would be premature to meet outside of the approved public consultation process announced that morning.