As residents of the Annex we, the undersigned, are voicing our strong concerns about the proposed Sibelius Park pilot project, and the negative impact on our neighbourhood for the summer months. The pilot project will not add value to our park, and will put our children at unnecessary risk. The project will also negatively impact those living on the streets surrounding the park. By encouraging children to cross, or gather, unprotected next to the road, we are exposing them to traffic hazards. If one examines the park there are several locations within the existing footprint which can easily accommodate additional picnic tables, in locations that would not impact the surrounding neighbours, and which would add to the parkscape and function of the park.

Furthermore, this project will greatly impede the flow of traffic surrounding the park, and beyond. This pilot project will cause unnecessary congestion and frustration for residents and visitors alike. With basic observation one can see that the traffic around the park is quite heavy, particularly during certain times of the day. Wells street, in particular, forms one of the main east-west traffic arteries of the Annex. 

Additionally, many of the properties directly around the park and on the streets closest to it do not have dedicated parking spots. This plan will drastically reduce on-street parking spots and will render driveways on the affected street (Wells or Bernard) unusable, as navigating around children and picnic benches is both unsafe and impractical. The proposed project will also push more cars and traffic onto the surrounding streets, as cars regularly parked around the park will now be forced to drive around vying for coveted spots on nearby blocks. This is a direct inconvenience for many people who rely on these spaces for their daily routines. Removing the direct sidewalk access, by removing these parking spots, will disproportionately affect those with mobility issues and struggles, who will now have to travel great distances between their vehicles and homes.

We strongly urge Councilor Dianne Saxe and all involved parties to reconsider this pilot project in light of these concerns raised by us - the neighbours of Sibelius Park- who care deeply about maintaining its safety, accessibility, and value as a community space.

Please sign this petition if you share these concerns and want your voice heard too.