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But the course, he added, is much more than simply a golf facility to its surrounding community.

“There was a 1985 amendment that says the public has full rights to it in the winter, as long as they respect and don’t damage it. There’s a very large skating pond that people play hockey on every day, and cross-country skiing. And in the 50 years that that green space has been there, people walk their dogs there in the evening, kids criss-cross it going to school.”

Zhou, head of the Kanata Lakes Community Association, said, “We care about the green space, which is the heart of the community.”

The meeting ended with a question-and-answer period, during which the public made clear its opposition to the development plan. One speaker, John Hunter, who has lived off the 18th fairway for 26 years, says the issue seems clear cut: “The city has the legal documents defining the use of this greenspace in perpetuity. Therefore the city has the right, and the responsibility, to enforce the adherence to this contract.

“It’s up to the city to put a stop and say ‘No, you can’t do this. We have a contract. It’s in force. You signed it. You abide by it. The greenspace stays as is.”

Another resident drew cheers and applause when he voiced his worry about property values should a development deal go through. “The day this was announced, our property values took a hit, and I think our taxes should now reflect that until this is resolved.”

According to about 750 responses to a survey put out by Sudds, 95 per cent of residents oppose the development; 85 per cent use the green (or white) space in the winter; and 96 per cent were influenced by the green space when they moved in in the first place.

Photo by Errol McGihon / Postmedia

bdeachman@postmedia.com

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