A proposal for an eco-adventure program at Earl Bales Park has hit another hurdle but is on the right track for approval, according to the local councillor.
After presenting the unsolicited proposal from Arbor Trek, which would see ziplining at the park, to the office of partnerships, Coun. James Pasternak said the response was “chilly.”
Pasternak cited concerns over the tree canopy and parts of the park, which is a conservation area designated by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
“I was concerned we were dismissing a great opportunity like this,” he said. “Arbor Trek’s business is the protection of trees. They must have healthy, strong trees to run their organization. They’re very careful.”
Steve Heuchert, senior manager of planning with the TRCA, said that, typically, they oppose any type of new development in the valleys or the forests.
“With any kind of development within the valley, there are concerns with slope erosion; concerns with construction access, the need for additional parking, additional buildings in sensitive ecological areas, and noise that might disturb flora and fauna,” Heuchert said.
But president of the eco-adventure company Arbor Trek, Michael Smith, said the project will focus on showcasing Earl Bales’ natural resources.
“For us, we’re on the same side, Smith said. “We want to find a way to preserve long-term welfare of the forest and to go ahead and provide it as a resource to the general public.”
Smith also said that the ravine his company has been eyeing is not currently well-maintained.
“There’s violations going on by local landowners that are allowing runoff water from their backyard to run down and create erosion,” he said.
Pasternak said that although he has only received positive feedback for the proposal, his next steps will be to establish working groups with the city and the community to determine its feasibility.
