By KEVIN HANN
Durham Bureau OSHAWA --
City officials can expect lots of heat from south-end residents if they try to
create a "topless zone" at the Lakeview Park beach, Councillor Brian Nicholson
warns.
"It is one of the stupidest ideas I've heard in a long time," Nicholson
said yesterday. "Lakeview Park is the prime beach and park in our city. It's
the worst place you can allow nudity."
His ward encompasses the popular park.
Councillor Dina Dykstra initiated the move to establish a topless zone after
fielding "hundreds of calls" from residents complaining about topless
women.
Dykstra said two women approached kids playing t-ball in Woodview Park and
hiked their tops.
"They jiggled their breasts and said, `See what we've got' and started
laughing," she said.
And two seniors told Dykstra they were cutting grass when two women backtracked,
hoisted their halters and exclaimed: "Hey gramps, wanna feel these?"
FAR FROM CHILDREN
Dykstra said the topless zone doesn't have to be at the beach. She's asked
the community services department to investigate options.
Nicholson suggests if city officials okay a clothing optional area, it be
located in an isolated beachfront area, away from children and families.
"You can guarantee that me and my constituents will fight this proposal,"
he said.
City solicitor Rosalie Evans said Oshawa can control its property and facilities
by setting dress code rules.