Thank you all for your incredible support—momentum is building quickly!

Please continue to share the petition link with your friends, neighbours, and local community groups to help keep the conversation going.

You can also make a direct impact by writing to Halton Hills Council. A template letter and contact details for Council members are included below.

Thanks again for standing behind this important community issue!

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Letter to Mayor & Council

Subject: Request for Seasonal Exemption – BY-LAW NO. 2019-0008 (Recreational Equipment on Residential Streets)

To: mayor@haltonhills.ca 

Cc: ClarkS@haltonhills.ca, JaneF@haltonhills.ca, aHilson@haltonhills.ca, mAlbano@haltonhills.ca, jBrass@haltonhills.ca, mKindbom@haltonhills.ca, cGarneau@haltonhills.ca, rNorris@haltonhills.ca, BobInglis@haltonhills.ca, dKeene@haltonhills.ca

From: [Your Full Name]

Date: June 25, 2025

Dear Mayor Lawlor and members of Council,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out as a resident of Halton Hills to propose a collaborative solution regarding the enforcement of BY-LAW NO. 2019-0008, specifically the section prohibiting recreational equipment, such as basketball nets and hockey nets, on public roadways.

While I fully appreciate the importance of roadway safety and accessibility, I believe there is room to strike a thoughtful balance that supports both public safety and the growing need for accessible, unstructured play among children.

Children today face increasing barriers to physical activity, often relying on expensive and time-consuming organized sports. Meanwhile, unstructured, spontaneous play like neighbourhood street hockey or basketball is proven to promote healthy physical, mental, and social development. Studies by organizations such as ParticipACTION and the Canadian Public Health Association consistently emphasize the value of outdoor play in fostering resilience, creativity, and community engagement.

[INSERT PERSONAL STORY HERE. WE’VE ADDED SOME PROMPTS TO HELP: 

What does it mean to see kids playing street hockey or basketball in your neighbourhood?
Why does this matter to your family?]

With that in mind, I respectfully propose the Town consider a temporary seasonal exemption to the by-law for quiet, low-traffic residential streets under the following framework:

Applies from April 1 to November 30 annually (Or align with snow removal best practices)
Only for equipment that does not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or visibility
Case-by-case enforcement to address repeat or unsafe issues
Accompanied by a community education campaign outlining clear guidelines
Possibly piloted in 2025, with community input reviewed in the fall

This approach acknowledges safety and liability concerns, while giving families a way to support healthy, active lifestyles with a low barrier to entry. It also encourages collaboration and highlights that residents are eager to work with the Town to build inclusive, active neighbourhoods.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I would welcome the opportunity to speak further or contribute to any working group or consultation on this issue.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Street Address]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]