Archive
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Vol. 26, No. 27
11 juillet / July 11
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Juniper Street fiasco: official overrides council decision, mayor steps in
Julie Murray
Wychwood resident Christiane Therien speaks to about 100 people (photo) who assembled at 7 a.m., July 2, to protest the bulldozing of trees for a cul-de-sac at the end of Juniper Street, in violation of an October 11, 2005, council resolution limiting the byway to a walking and cycling trail after a lengthy struggle between residents and the city. “Some city bureaucrat took it upon himself to give the go-ahead to bulldoze the trees and everything in its path, without consulting the resolution, the people or the councillor for the ward. “That shows contempt for the people,” said Councillor Frank Thérien. “I found out about it on Friday (June 29).”
Later, July 2, Wychwood residents met with Mayor Marc Bureau, Councillor Thérien, and the mayor’s adjointe, Luc Bouvier. “We’ve reached an agreement,” Ms Therien (no relation to the councillor) said during question period at the council meeting that evening. “Mature trees will be planted and a pedestrian path with be put in.”
Cathy Stewart, resident and member of the residents’ associations coalition, told The Bulletin, “The mayor responded quickly; he was clearly on our side from the first. I was impressed by how quickly the residents mobilized.” Mayor Bureau told The Bulletin he checked with the city officials and had a stop-order issued immediately. “This should never have happened,” he said. “Council passed a resolution which should not have been ignored.
Mayor Bureau showed great support, added Mr. Thérien. “He came to Aylmer twice, on Monday morning and later that afternoon. He called the meeting. He deserves a lot of credit.”
Photo: Julie Murray
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