Since when is the WAG not a green space?

As a citizen of Westmount for almost 20 years, who sits on two committees devoted to the betterment of the City, I have been carefully following the arena project debate.

I recently learned of Councillor Patrick Martin’s idea of creating a new arena complex at the WAG (Westmount Athletic Ground), while making the old complex into a swimming pool facility. As a resident living a few blocks away from the WAG I would like to express my concerns.

Councillor Martin states that there would be no loss of green space: No; it will in fact increase green space in the park, while transferring athletic facilities to the Athletic Grounds where they are better situated. The net effect overall is zero.

I guess he does not consider the WAG as a “green space” and if we believe that to be true, then why should we consider the soccer grounds in Westmount Park as green spaces? We may as well build there too! (I’m only being sarcastic here “Save the Park” people.)

The WAG is unique as the only large green space in the South-East of the City. The WAG has a football/soccer field, a baseball diamond, a running track, community gardens, a children’s playground, tennis courts and a dog run, and is enjoyed by athletes, children, the elderly, gardeners and dogs. Which of these facilities will be sacrificed?

Councillor Martin maintains Hallowell residents would not be affected.

Firstly, they will no doubt lose much of the view to the South, especially if the complex is to double as a sound barrier. They will also lose their beautiful green expanse, a rare vista in this densely built area and certainly some of the facilities described above. The elderly residents of CSHLD St-Margaret’s will probably lose their view over the WAG and the park area most accessible to them. (My mother who resided at St-Margaret’s for four years took great pleasure in watching the goings-on at the WAG from her window).

Councillor Martin admits that “Football may need to be transferred to Westmount Park” and “It (the cinder track) would need to be reduced in length by 30 per cent. But it may be possible to incorporate an indoor track in the new arena.

The playing fields at Westmount Park are already taxed enough. We opted for natural grass but it has its limits!

As for substantially reducing the size of the cinder track and compensating with an indoor one, the WAG is one of the rare outdoor tracks of its kind, the only one in Westmount and many runners and other users will be extremely disappointed - we all should be.

Councillor Martin maintains the project would cost less. Underground parking would not be needed because parking would be supplied by Westmount High School.

This is not even close to a done deal as far as I know. Use of the parking lot has increased in recent years because of the addition of night classes and other activities offered at the school. As for the 25 spots on Hillside, the Armory and CSHLD St-Margaret’s also make use of that parking.

Commenting on the impact on the neighbourhood during construction: “With a reduction

of $7 million to $8 million of construction, the combined overall impact at both sites will be greatly reduced. The remaining burden of impact would be split between two sites.”

How can two construction sites have less impact on the community than one? How could this project ultimately cost less money if in the end, the City has two sports complexes to manage and maintain?

Finally, I would also like to add that the destruction of green space that Councillor Martin’s plan requires is definitely not in tune with the City’s goal of sustainability and the protection of our heritage. If the City ultimately makes decisions that violate its own policies, how can it expect its citizens to respect them?

Patricia Dumais

Greene Avenue