Residents divided over latest park proposal

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Despite its move out of Colonel Sam Smith Park's meadow, a $1.9-million proposed ice skating trail drew repeat vocal opposition Thursday night by some residents, support from others.

Many residents charged the lakefront park should remain naturalized, repeating their arguments against the controversial, now defunct, concrete skateboarding pad proposal.

Some suggested private interest in the creation of a venue for a concession stand is trumping community interest in maintaining the park's passive use, as well as its longstanding calls for a stand-alone community centre in the area.

Others welcomed the proposed 1,200-metre trail.

"I think it's fantastic," said John Scheffer, head of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area. "It would be a destination. I don't have a problem with the city spending a few million bucks on this."

Others clearly did.

Area councillor Mark Grimes seemed to bristle when a member of Friends of Sam Smith Park asked if he would set up a community advisory group for the park. Grimes has refused for two years to discuss the issue, the man charged.

The largest-yet crowd of more than 150 then erupted, and clamoured for Grimes' answer.

"We're here to talk about a skating trail," said Grimes (Ward 6, Etobicoke-Lakeshore) as he stood at the back of the room with two uniformed police officers. "This group is politically active. I don't think we'll be working with this group anytime soon."

Grimes's response raised the ire of one resident.

"I'm not political; I love Colonel Sam Smith Park," Susan Virtue said. "I'm really discouraged to hear my councillor say he isn't interested in meeting with me and others about the vision for this park... We need a place for peace, quiet and nature. We don't need more concrete."

Ward 38 (Scarborough-Centre) Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker recommended an advisory group be struck to protect and restore the park to its "full ecological potential," two years ago when called in by Grimes to environmentally evaluate the skateboarding pad proposal.