Seven principles are set to guide the future use of the Garden City Lands but not everyone is happy with the direction.
After the first round of public input in the spring, the City of Richmond has come up with seven guiding principles, which will set the tone and framework for concepts to be developed regarding the use of the controversial, 136-acre parcel of land bought by the city for almost $60 million in 2010.
Those principles are:
* Encourage community partnerships;
* Respect agricultural land reserve;
* Environmental sustainability;
* Promote community wellness and active living;
* Allow for dynamic and flexible spaces;
* Maximize connectivity and integration;
* Develop science-based resource management plans.
The concepts may come forward later this year and will, again, be subject to more public input and consultation.
However, certain noteworthy individuals and groups are not entirely enamoured by the principles and the prospect of what it may bring to the lands.
Jim Wright, president of the Garden City Lands Coalition, spoke in favour of the guiding principles, but expressed concerns that the project has, thus far, not delivered on its initial steps.
And Jim Lamond, Richmond Sports Council chair, was worried that the guide didnt include any reference to sport-related activities.
The citys senior manager of parks, Mike Redpath, however, told councillors last week that the seven guiding principles are broad and that sport-related activities can fall under a number of different guiding principles, such as Promote Community Wellness and Active Living.
Others were less concerned about sport, suggesting that Richmond has more than enough sports fields and facilities already.
Resident Nancy Trant told councillors she wished to see the lands remain as open, green space and added that Garry Point Park has remained largely natural and, as such, park users can restore themselves in this natural setting.
The lands are locked in the agricultural land reserve and, therefore, cant be developed for residential or commercial use.
