To the Editor:
I attended the rainy public meeting at North Shore Park on Sunday, April 30. It was well organized and well run.
It was the kind of consultative meeting we should have had last July 7, 2022, when a display of the proposal was held at the pavilion. Mr. Pearson was given two minutes to speak and there was NO open Q&A. You could ask Mr. Pearson a question if you stood in line. People were given slips of paper upon which to write questions or comments. That is not consultation, When is this Town going to learn?
On Sunday, I believe everyone appreciated Scott Pearson bringing his 3d model of his plan for a revised North Shore Park. He answered many questions and even stayed to provide a guided walk of the proposed new train route.
His design includes the return of the original Port Elgin North Shore Steam Engine, a railroad-themed mini putt, a kids’ woodworking shop, a small meeting house with local artist displays, and a charcuterie/wine garden pavilion. Some feel the plan includes too many buildings and too much commercialism for the park and want the park kept in its natural state. Others are excited to see the return of the train and mini-putt.
The important thing is that the public vote on THIS proposal. If the majority vote yes, the process will continue and more consultation will be planned. If the majority vote NO on this current proposal, Mr. Pearson, businessman and local cottage owner, will have to decide if he wants to make modifications to the plan and resubmit an amended design or walk away. One thing I do know is that Mr. Pearson is willing to listen and open to questions, comments, and suggestions.
Visit his facebook group
Patricia Corrigan-Frank
Port Elgin Beach Preservers
