To the editor:
Wally Presenger sums it up best when he states, "We are concerned about the long-term effect this Urban Training Farm will have on our neighborhood." Wally a long-time homeowner in the area has spent much time and resources improving his own home. His concerns are echoed by over 100 residents who have also signed the petition who are opposed to this Urban Training farm. Several neighbors who worked in the real estate business for a combined 75 years are also opposed to this proposed Urban Farm and believe it will have a negative effect on property values. This proposed Urban Farm should not be confused with smaller community gardens that are less visible in some parts of the city. This Urban Farm is to have small animals, a bee hive and a Rabbit Hutch along with many sheds and other less aesthetically looking buildings including several compost bins in the middle of this open green space. Mr. McRae Director Of Education for the Public Schools states that the entire area will be available for this Urban Farm. Does this mean the proposed 2 1/4 acres the Roots to Harvest are using this year will increase to about 4 acres next year?
Residents are also very concerned about the rat epidemic within the city. The Roots to Harvest organization is currently bringing in a load of triple -mix soil and compost. They also use home made wooden compost bins presently at their Volunteer Pool location and previously at their Cornwall Street location...these bins are open at the top and have openings on the side...they are a haven for rats.
Here's what the Canadian Pest Control Services has to say about Rat Prevention Tips.
Cease outdoor composting and turn over any existing compost adding soil. Do not add any more compost materials as this is another huge draw for rats.Lee Sieswerda, manager of environment health programs at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit stated " rats like compost piles" " It's warm because it generates heat from the decomposition. It's protected and people dump food waste in there. It's a warm little smorgasbord for them"
This past long-weekend one of our neighbors got rid of his compost bins as it was attracting rats.
The Roots to Harvest organization also plans to have a Rabbit Hutch. With no fencing and security is this a wise thing to do? At their Cornwall and Algoma St. location 6 bicycles were stolen twice from their storage shed and greenhouse in 2013 and again in 2015. There will be no fencing or security at this proposed Urban Farm. Perhaps they plan to bring the rabbits home each night.
As Marlene Scobak stated " An Urban Training Farm does not belong in any urban residential neighborhood." She also states " Ian MacRae, Director of Education for the Public School Board and the school trustees should have consulted with the neighbors before any decision to place an Urban Training Farm on this green space was agreed to."
Wally Presenger, Terry and Carol Margarit, Sean Rea, Donna and Cosmo Costa, Wilma Bruno, Raymond A. Smith, Marlene Scobak
