Windsor-West MP Brian Masse's private member's bill to establish Ojibway National Urban Park passed the third reading vote in the House of Commons with 319 in favour and one against.
This is the final step in the House of Commons. The bill now proceeds to the Senate.
“The bill to establish ONUP is the culmination of years, if not decades, of work by many residents of this region fighting to protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the country. Today is another step in the legislative process. With all parties supporting the bill in the House, hopefully, this will speed up action in the Senate, where I have already reached out to all members of the Senate Environment Committee,” said Windsor-West MP Brian Masse.
The proposed park would include Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, Tallgrass Prairie Park, Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve, and Ojibway Shores. If all the lands are connected to form the park, it would formally protect 900 acres of ecologically significant land.
“As the bill progresses through the Senate, Parks Canada needs to finalize the transfer agreements with the City and the Province, conclude the co-management agreements with Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation, and complete the parks management plan. All of this has to be done before the Gordie Howe Bridge opens,” said Masse.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and other members of Windsor City Council have already indicated their support for the project. The official debate on the transfer of Ojibway Park to Parks Canada is expected to happen in June.
