A newly formed committee, Friends of the Terry Fox Circle, vows to do everything possible to change city council's stance on closing vehicular traffic in the popular circle at Couchiching Beach Park.
Committee chair Mel St. Onge, along with committee members Peter Hislop, Marcel Rousseau, and Dave Robbins gathered at Couchiching Beach Park on Monday afternoon to launch their petition at French’s Stand.
“The City of Orillia voted 5-4 to close the Terry Fox Circle to traffic, so I formed a committee to try and get a petition going to change the mind of city council,” explained St. Onge, noting petitions are also available at Wilkie’s Bakery, Town’s Jewellers and The Cone. (To read the story from the council meeting, click here.)
There is also an online petition, here.
“Seniors really enjoy the Terry Fox Circle when they go for a drive, especially during the virus when they don’t get out much. Also, the handicapped can park right by the lake with easy access,” St. Onge said.
“In all the years I’ve lived here, which is my entire life, I’ve never heard of any accidents happening in the Terry Fox Circle. So, there are no safety issues. To take it away from the people who pay taxes and love it, doesn’t make sense to me.”
St. Onge plans on collecting 4,000 to 5,000 signatures before making a deputation to city council.
“Even if we lose, we are going to give it our best shot. We are afraid that we are basically losing our city,” he said.
“This is one of the nicest parks in Canada in my opinion. People love this park and enjoy using it, which is what it’s for. It’s not for dictatorship,” said St. Onge.
St. Onge says shutting down vehicular access to the Terry Fox Circle would impact thousands of Orillians who have happily used the circle for many years.
“At 6 o’clock at night till 10 o’clock at night you would be surprised to see how many cars just go for a drive, especially during the virus,” he said.
Former Orillia radio host Rusty Draper was one of the first citizens to sign the petition at French’s.
“They (city council) say it’s an accident just waiting to happen with all the children and cars going through, but they did a check and there has never been a reported accident in that Terry Fox Circle,” Draper explained.
“Without it, seniors are going to have an awful time getting down to that area. It’s just a dumb move as far as I’m concerned and it’s time for people to speak up and get their voices heard.”
