Keep arena project away from the WAG

With reference to the proposed alternative to the arena plan, I am writing to express concern about the effect this would have on the residents and users of the St. Margaret Home.

The Home is adjacent to the southwest side of the Westmount Athletic Grounds (WAG) — better known to me and my neighbours as Hallowell Park — and fronts onto Hillside Avenue. The east wall extends south from Hillside to the railway fence along the western periphery of the park and has many windows and a small enclosed garden overlooking the grounds.

At present, the Home provides long-term care for its 87 senior residents. In addition, the east side of the residence houses a day centre that provides activities for 100 people who suffer from a variety of handicaps. Many of them visit the park with wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

With its proximity to the railway and the Ville Marie Expressway, the residents and users of St. Margaret's are constantly exposed to increasing levels of noise, vibrations and pollution. The advent of the arena would add considerably to those problems and would also block off, or limit access to, the only close green space they have to enjoy.

Sacrificing this unique and well-used park for the arena or any other project is unacceptable and would be a huge error in judgment that will have tragic consequences, now, and for future generations.

Phyllis Cumas, MSW

Hallowell Avenue