Check out google maps Sumas is 200 metres away. I understand the emotional strings that taking away green space can cause but Selkirk, Sumas and Burside are all in Burnside Gorge. The community association should be working with the city to find a logical alternate park site now when they have the power to derail the shelter. A space larger than what is currently owned and one that is in a better spot could be pushed for while you hold the strings. If you win to keep Ellice Park you end up with a green space surrounded by car repair shots that is full of needles and condoms. If you lose you might end up with something better.
The Community association should be clear as to what their goals are. Stop the shelter or have green space? I think that the save Ellice Street park is a dishonest way of saying we don't want the shelter.
Advocate for a new and better located park. Advocate for a better location for the shelter.
Don't try to save a space that will continue to be neglected. You could put a free merry go round and petting zoo in there and families will not use it. The neighbourhood knows this.
Saying you don't want the shelter is not something to be ashamed of.
Sorry for the confusion. Yes Selkirk, Sumas and Ellice are all in the Burnside/Gorge area. The ones that weren't I was referring to were from aastra's previous post.
Funny I can't picture 200 metres. Not doubting it, but my mind still works in Imperial.
No we absolutely are not guising saving the park as not wanting a shelter. Absolutely not.
Saving the park is also an effort to stop the precedent setting of removing parks from city inventory.
We aren't NIMBYs and it's not about not wanting the shelter. We'd welcome it, but don't think it's been thought out well in many ways.
The bigger picture is planning. There are other factors to consider in planning for that area. If you had more affordable family units built, build up the density and usage. It simply feels too much like a knee-jerk reaction.
I wonder what the general reaction would have been if there at least was a whisper of alternative green space possibilities.
Don McTavish from Cool-Aid said himself that the ideal model for clients are smaller facilities scattered through the city.
Why then can the city and Province not work with that?!
Anyway, I very much value what you've said. I will put it forth to consider.