As homeowners living near the Albion Ball Park and Planet Ice parking lots in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, we are constantly battling with dust. Our vehicles, houses, and outdoor furniture are perpetually covered in a layer of dust due to the unpaved parking lots. With the population growth comes increased usage of these lots. This costs us financially as we are constantly having to wash our vehicles, power wash our home's exterior/ windows/outdoor furniture and pay to have our air ducts cleaned to decrease dust in our homes. This issue is not only about cleanliness but also about health. Those among us with respiratory issues find it increasingly difficult to breathe during bouts of dry weather when dust levels rise significantly. At times the dust cloud is so bad that you cannot see into the parking lot from down the street.

Attention: Corporate Officer and Council (if required)

Public Notice: This petition is a public document. The information contained in this petition may be viewed by City officials and may be made available to the public. 

Petition Request:

PAVE THE PARKING LOTS BY ALBION SPORTS COMPLEX/BALL PARK & PLANET ICE !

We the undersigned, respectfully petition and request the City of Maple Ridge to prioritize and fund the paving of the gravel parking lots at the Albion Sports Complex (by the baseball diamonds) and Planet Ice and include this project in its capital planning process and establish a timeline for paving the Albion Sports Complex (priority #1) and Planet Ice parking lots. 

Reason for this Petition:

The current gravel parking lots at the Albion Sports Complex (by the ball diamonds), and Planet Ice, generate significant amounts of dust/particulate matter during the spring, summer and fall, particularly during baseball/softball season and during community events (Home Show, Country Fest, etc.) when vehicles use the facility, whether it be a handful of vehicles kicking up dust or hundreds during events and tournaments). As well, over these months the lots develop puddling and potholes which cause issues as well. With the increased exponential population growth of our city (especially over the past 5 years) has come increased usage of these lots. At times the dust cloud is so bad that you cannot see into the parking lot from up the street only a block away. While the City does attempt to mitigate the dust by applying a dust suppressant to the gravel lots, during hotter days, it dries up in a matter of a couple of hours. 

Unpaved roads and parking lots contribute up to 40% of all particulate matter emissions - a form of air pollution - in some areas (source: Environmental Protection Agency). The airborne particulate matter, and pot holing, create several issues in and around these lots:

1.     Health hazards:

• The particulate matter creates potential health concerns for players, spectators, volunteers and nearby residents, particularly those with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. Those individuals with respiratory issues find it increasingly difficult to breathe and can lead to increased asthma attacks or other respiratory issues (source: World Health Organization). In order to mitigate these health issues, residents undertake more frequent changing of furnace filters and/or paying for air duct cleaning which also burdens them with increased costs.
• Over time there is puddling and pot holing and this becomes a tripping hazard especially to those with physical disabilities.

2.     Costly visitor/neighbourhood/homeowner impact:

• The dust covers vehicles with excessive dust for both those visiting the parks and for those vehicles parked in the neighbouring area requiring constant washing. While visitors may only be required to wash their vehicles after visiting the parks, homeowners are having to wash their vehicles continually (sometimes only days apart) which is quite costly. The alternative is to not wash their vehicles, and this impacts those who attempt to maintain their vehicles.
• Dusts travels onto neighbouring homes and properties, affecting residents’ enjoyment of their homes and requiring additional efforts and costs in cleaning and maintenance (power washing of home’s exteriors & outdoor furniture, window cleaning, etc.). A resident cannot just simply go sit outside to enjoy their property as it requires a washdown beforehand.
• The dust and particulate matter also travel inside the neighbouring homes covering our furniture, etc. requiring constant wiping down. 

3.     Lack of equity for disabled visitors:

• These lots do not have any designated accessibility parking spots making their use of these lots more of a burden for them and favouring able bodied individuals. 

4.     Cost of lot maintenance:

• There is an increased cost to the City with continually having to grade the lots and apply dust suppressant in their efforts to mitigate the issues. 

5.     Diminished user experience:

• The condition of the lots diminishes the overall experience at one of Maple Ridge’s premier sports facilities for many of the reasons listed above but also during the rainy season when the lots become a mud pit and users track the mud into their vehicles. 

This constant exposure has resulted in increased costs and a decreased quality of life for both residents and visitors alike. 

Paving the parking lots would improve public health and safety, reduce dust pollution, reduce visitor and homeowner costs, enhance the experience for visitors and demonstrate the City’s commitment to maintaining high-quality recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.  Paved parking lots are generally easier and less costly to maintain over the long term than continually grading and applying dust suppressant to the gravel lots. 

Primary Petitioner:

Name: Klara Sinclair
Address:  104 Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC, V2W 1V8
Email: pavethelots@gmail.com

With the increased property tax income from increased high density housing being built and the from the revenue from filming, surely there is enough funds to pave (concrete or asphalt) these lots.  

It's time for us all to breathe easier and live cleaner lives. Please sign this petition if you support our cause!