It may not take much longer for a bill creating a national urban park in Windsor to become law.
Bill C-248, an amendment to the Canada National Parks Act calling for the creation of the Ojibway National Urban Park, had its final hour of debate in the House of Commons Friday.
The legislation, which is expected to pass the House and move to the Senate, will be voted on during Wednesday's session. The bill's primary sponsor, Windsor West MP Brian Masse, had requested a recorded vote.
"The bill to establish ONUP is the culmination of years, if not decades, of work by many residents of this region fighting to protect this unique ecosystem in one of the most heavily developed areas in the country," said Masse, a member of the NDP. "It has been a real privilege to be the one to bring this bill to Parliament. Today is another step in the legislative process."
Once passed, the park will bring together Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, Tallgrass Prairie Park, and the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve. Also included will be Ojibway Shores, a 33-acre piece of land representing the last undeveloped riverfront along the Detroit River.
The road for Bill C-248 has been a long one, with the bill passing second reading in June 2022 with support across the aisle. Representatives from the City of Windsor, Caldwell First Nation, Wildlands League, and Friends of Ojibway testified in favour of the legislation when it went to committee.
Masse thanked everyone involved with the process but said, though, that the work is not done yet.
"Parks Canada needs to speed up the processes such as finalizing the transfer agreements with the City, Transport Canada, the Province, co-management agreement with Caldwell First Nation, and the parks management plan," said Masse. "Additionally, Parks Canada has committed to completing these and opening the park before the Gordie Howe Bridge opens. Time is of the essence."
