A group of residents in north end Sarnia wants the city to reject the proposed construction of six new homes on a nearby woodlot that's been declared a protected natural area.
Neighbour and retired environmental manager Peter Lynch said the 1.3 hectare, 3.3 acre, treed area, north of Tudor Close West is home to black oak found only in southern Ontario, as well as the chimney swift, a small bird on the threatened species list.
"It's part of the Lake Huron flyway, and it's really one of only two natural areas left between Canatara and Murphy Road," said Lynch. "Our concern is that it could be precedent setting if the Official Plan is amended to allow house building in a protected area, because you could anticipate the next one at Indian Road being developed right on the heels of this one."
Lynch says he does not oppose building one new home on the property to replace the cottage that is there now, but not the half dozen contractor Paul Wicks is proposing.
80 people have signed a petition in opposition to developing the woodland.
Anyone who wants to speak at a public meeting to be held at Sarnia City Hall November 5 at 4 p.m. must notify the clerk by October 31.
Lambton County may have a say as well because of its woodlot conservation bylaw.
