Long-time Ojibway Park advocates are celebrating the federal government's $36.1 million commitment to create the Ojibway National Urban Park.
The 2024 budget includes the five year funding allocation along with a $4.6 million a year to create the park.
"There's a lot of work being done, a lot effort being put in. We know things are coming but when you see things in the budget laid out like that, that says 'establishing an urban park in Windsor' and the government's committed that kind of funding to it you know this is going to happen," said Mike Fisher, Chair of the National Urban Park Committee for Friends of Ojibway Prairie .
Fisher indicated they'd like to see MP Brian Masse's private member's bill passed so the park has the best legislation in place to protect the lands.
"What's so important about this area is that its natural heritage, its tall grass prairie and oak savannah eco-system. It's really important that we protect the park and we maximize the area protected," said Fisher.
Masse's bill passed second reading in the Senate Wednesday afternoon. It now goes to the Environment committee where the community will have another chance to express their support for the bill.
“We have worked too hard to get this wrong. Moving it through a budget does not hold a guarantee like those enshrined and protected by legislation,” said Masse. “Our process is true and tested and the fastest way to ensure permanency.”
MP Irek Kusmierczyk said the community can expect the park to open in the next year.