Honourable John Snobelen
Minister of Natural Resources
99 Wellesley Street West,
Whitney Block, Room 6630,
Toronto, ON M7A 1W3,
Facsimile: 416-314-2216
Home riding fax: 705-755-2117

Dear Minister,

I am writing regarding the proposal to sell a large portion of Bronte Creek Provincial Park to the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Apparently, there is a plan to turn this into a luxury, 45 hole golf course.

I am extremely concerned about this proposal for several reasons. At a time when Ontario is expanding its public parks, why is this government (or at least some of its prominent representatives) supporting the conversion of the largest urban park in Ontario to private use? This park includes steep sided 150 ravines, mature beech, maple, oak forests and one of the few healthy streams in the Greater Toronto Area. Parks are for everyone, not just the elite. If this proposal is accepted it will restrict access to this natural area to only a fortunate, well-heeled few.

Information available suggests that a golf course of this size will require upwards of 500,000 gallons of water A DAY, to maintain the grounds. Where will this water come from? MNR's own studies show that Bronte Creek is almost entirely dependent on run-off, with little up-welling. How will this volume of water, and the attendant pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers necessary to maintain a golf course of this distinction, affect the water quality of this fragile, yet productive creek? Is the government aware that there are already two golf courses located at Halton Rd. 25 and Upper Middle Road, and a third course on Bronte Creek north of Hwy. 5? This fragile ecosystem cannot possibly withstand another course as large as the other three put together. Does the public have to demand an environmental impact study to prove this? At a time when this government is prepared to legislate the right to hunt and fish in this province, is this government prepared to remove significant access to one of these activities from anglers from all over the Golden Horseshoe? Such action will only serve to put increased pressure on the few other public access fisheries in the Toronto area, which are already overburdened. As a concerned citizen and outdoor enthusiast, I must demand that all discussions related to this proposal stop at once! Keep this park in the hands of the public, where it belongs! It is incumbent upon you and in keeping with this government's policy to maintain and expand the park areas of Ontario, not only in the North, but in Southern Ontario as well.

Sincerely,