Ojibway Park, with Point Pelee, represents the northern most extent of Carolinian Forests and Grasslands in North America.  Ojibway and Point Pelee are crucial refuge regions for migrating birds and Monarch Butterflies.  Ojibway has a unique ecosystem of wetlands, forest and prairie grasses.  Recently, the City of Windsor has granted permission for the development of a "Big Box" store complex adjacent the Ojibway nature reserve.  A community group was not successful in an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.  Numerous academics have voiced opposition to the project given the sensitive and at-threat populations of snakes, turtles and amphibians adjacent the proposed commercial development.  The negative effects of such parking lots on adjacent ecosystems is well known.  Parking lots act as 'heat sinks', and raise the temperature of adjacent streams and wetlands.  Run off from parking lots, even with 'adequate' drainage in place, carries with it dissolved salt, automotive antifreeze and oils, and metals from brake pads.  All are toxic.  Even with adequate drainage, impermeable pavements result in very significant run off, up to 40% of rain water/snow melt.  A petition to save Ojibway park, to cease adjacent commercial development, has raised nearly 10,000 signatures. Ecologists and environmentalists realize the importance of Ojibway park. Recent development of the Herb Grey Parkway has threatened and diminished local habitats.  By way of this petition, the signees request that Ojibway Park become part of the National Park System with Point Pelee National Park.  We request the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change cease commercial development in this area until a full environmental impact study can be completed.

NEW:  Please sign the Parliament of Canada e-petition 232 sponsored by Tracey Ramsey MP Essex, to conserve this region and make Ojibway Prairie Urban National Park: https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-232

Also, consider sending a letter direct to Catherine McKenna at: ec.ministre-minister.ec@canada.ca, and your Member of Parliament (Federal & Provincial) to support our petition request.