Local conservation groups are getting anxious to see the bill to create an Ojibway National Urban Park pass through the Senate.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse's private member's bill, Bill C-248, passed a second reading in the House of Commons on April 26, 2023.
Mike Fisher with the Friends of Ojibway Prairie says they'd like to see it move forward soon so they can continue planning.
"If an election is called or parliament ends then the bill does not pass so it's something where time is always of the essence and you're always conscious of time," said Fisher. "We'd really like to see things move forward and get the park built as quickly as possible."
Once the bill passes a second reading vote, it will go to committee for study. This is where conservation groups like the Friends of Ojibway, Unifor Windsor Regional Environment Council, and Citizens Environment Alliance will provide input to the Senate committee members reviewing the bill.
If the private member's bill to create the National Urban Park does not pass, the park could still be managed by Parks Canada but may not be fully protected under the Canada National Parks Act.
"It's two very different outcomes between coordinating and overseeing a National Urban Park while still having the [City of Windsor] and the province maintain the lands versus Parks Canada coming in with it fully legislated, fully protected and they're running the park," said Fisher.
The bill has widespread support from all parties. It passed in the House of Commons by a vote of 319 to 1.
"We're hearing that it will pass and we're just reaching out to the Senate, we're happy to testify when we have that opportunity when it goes before committee. We're just really hoping to restate our support for the legislative process to committing the park through Bill C-248," said Fisher.