Better parks mean better health: candidates
West Ward candidates, Robin Fletcher and Peter Bos have the answer to a safer, healthier city. Improving parks, getting tough on liquor stores, and slower speeds…
Two West Ward candidates think they have the next step to a better community.
Robin Fletcher, West Ward candidate and dog lover, says parks and green space contribute to health and well-being.
“Parks and green spaces contribute by way of fresh air, going for a walk, playing a sport or game, exercise or just enjoying the surroundings.
“I would like to see our parks and green spaces in more deprived communities with good access.”
As a dog owner, Fletcher has also taken a shine to the idea of a fenced-off dog park.
She also thinks restricting liquor stores and synthetic drugs will help improve safety in the community.
“I would like to introduce policies to reduce off-licence liquor stores, put in place a by-law that restricts R18 stores or specialty stores opening in our communities and selling synthetic drugs.”
Like Fletcher, Peter Bos, also a West Ward candidate, believes parks need improving around Hamilton.
“There are two types of parks in Hamilton, destination parks like Hamilton Gardens which people drive to, and local parks like Melville park, which people walk to.
“I want all destination parks to also be local parks and Hamilton City council to give higher priority to improving access for local people, walking or cycling.”
When it comes to families, the elderly must also be taken into consideration, and for Bos the slower speed zones reduce the risk of older pedestrians being run over.
“These may be people who can’t avoid crossing a busy major road to live their lives, but whose age means they are not well equipped to ‘nip’ between traffic or to survive being hit by a car.”
To reduce the worry for parents, fencing around school and play areas is a big must for Bos.
“I will be encouraging partnerships with school and local communities in making these more accessible outside school hours.”
Bos says he has been trying to get the Hamilton City Council interested in his various ideas for a number of years and in a number of ways.
“I am disappointed that even the smallest idea keeps getting pushed aside because of the need for yet another study, which will likely cost more than some of what I am proposing.”
Other than the parks and safer areas for family and elderly, Bos is championing the River Path, CBD parking and land use, protecting Five Cross Roads from potential division by a busy road, and extending Hamilton Gardens into Grey Street.
