Beryl Gaffney Trail is one of the quiet, natural spaces that helps make Manotick feel like Manotick. It is a place where families walk, neighbours meet, people bring their dogs, and residents enjoy the peaceful outdoor character that is such a big part of our village culture. The trail is already beautiful, accessible, and loved the way it is, and turning a chunk of it into a cricket field would take away valuable green space from the community.

We are blessed in Manotick to have beautiful natural spaces, with Beryl Gaffney Trail being a cherished location for relaxation and recreation. It is a sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and a key component of our community’s identity. Converting part of this beloved trail into a cricket field threatens to undermine the essence of what makes Manotick a unique and peaceful village.

The proposal to develop a cricket field on this site not only jeopardizes the natural beauty of Beryl Gaffney Trail but also raises concerns about environmental impact, community well-being, and suburban development encroaching on precious green spaces. With the increasing importance of green spaces in urban planning for physical and mental health, preserving these areas should be a priority.

Furthermore, the potential noise, increased traffic, and environmental degradation associated with converting part of the trail to a sports facility could disrupt the quiet enjoyment and natural environment that residents currently value. A solution that satisfies both recreational and community needs must be explored.

We urge city planners and officials to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative locations for the cricket field. By collaborating with community members and considering other options, we can find a site that will not threaten our essential green spaces and will preserve the serene natural habitat of Beryl Gaffney Trail.

Please sign this petition to protect Manotick’s cherished Beryl Gaffney Trail. Let us work together to ensure that future generations can enjoy this beautiful space in its natural form. Your support is vital in safeguarding this intrinsic part of our village’s identity.