Critics say Windsor council let Coco Group 'dictate' agenda on Matchette Road closure vote
Eco-passages will be considered in the 2018 budget as a way to protect animals
Advocates calling on Windsor city council to close Matchette Road to protect endangered species say the city let private businesses "dictate" its decision not to consider shutting down the street.
During a rowdy meeting Monday night, council voted against conducting an environmental assessment of closing the road that runs along the Ojibway Prairie Complex, citing legal concerns raised by the Coco Group and its planned big box development nearby.
Tensions ran high during the meeting. At one point, Mayor Drew Dilkens stood the discussion down after catcalling from audience members and walked out along with the other councillors. On Tuesday, the emotions felt by those fighting for Ojibway's animals were still strong.
"I find it must be very disheartening as a council to have a contractor dictate what they're going to do," said Nancy Pancheshan, a member of the Save Ojibway Group.
Pancheshan admitted some people in the crowd were heckling, but added nothing they did deserved such a rude response from council.
"I had tears in my eyes with the disrespect that council gave us last night," she said.
Ojibway worth doing the homework
Two members of council also expressed some disappointment with the decision not to consider a closure.
Coun. Chris Holt said deciding to protect the park was about knowing what type of city staff hope Windsor can become.
"What do you want to invest your money in?" he asked. "I'm willing to invest my money into establishing the Ojibway Prairie Complex as a jewel in the nation."
Ward 7 councillor Irek Kusmierczyk also said he would have been in support of completing an environmental assessment and meeting with business owners and people who live in the area.
"I think the value of Ojibway is such that it warranted doing additional homework," he explained.
Council's decision has ended the debate about closing the busy roadway, but does leave an opening for "eco-passages" that could safely transport animals across the busy street as part of the 2018 budget.
For Pancheshan, that may be too long to wait.
"It's basically up to council now to protect the little they have left," she said.