Last Tuesday, 11-year-old Blind River resident Olivia Labbe, and Ben Wisener, 75, presented to council in an effort to save Shirvon Park for children and turtles.
Wiesner first played in the park when he was 11 years old.
Plans for the future of the park have changed repeatedly since 2021 as different factors emerged including: Input from residents, a shortage of construction materials, and the discovery of a turtle nest. ElliotLakeToday reported on those matters here.
Last month, Wiesner appeared before Blind River council asking for "some time to put together a formal information package that we can present to council.” That story is here.
'Can we find solutions and come together?' - Olivia Labbe
Olivia Labbe explained, "The park has been around for more than 40 years, both my parents have spent many hours in their childhood enjoying and having fun there."
"Now, my sister and I have been playing there, enjoying the outdoors whenever we are visiting our grandparents or our aunt and uncle."
Labbe described "protective covers that we can put over the turtle nest. I have brought some photos with me tonight."
"As for the park play structures, I know they cost a lot of money, but is there anything we can do for a fundraiser?"
And Lebbe described how she and a cousin, raised money "selling my knitting items and handmade bracelets." And she told the council, they donated the money to Golden Birches, a long-term care unit.
In closing, she cited four considerations for keeping the park: The enjoyment of the park for newcomers, the great view, the family neighbourhood nearby, and children's physical and mental health.
"I appreciate everyone listening to me. I hope you reconsider taking down this very loved park," she said.
'Cohabitate with other important species'
Wiesner described an email from Tulloch Environmental, that "confirmed the species as being a Midland Painted turtle." Wiesner said the species is "not in danger but of special concern."
His presentation included little-known information about the biology of the nesting turtles and he added, "our Indigenous neighbours held turtles in high regard."
Regarding the importance of the park for children, "play is so vital that the United Nations has declared it as a basic human right for children."
"Play is essential for children's physical, social, and emotional development," he said.
"We have a unique opportunity with Shirvon Park, to show how to cohabitate with other important species around us."
"We certainly don't want the turtles to lose their habitat and we certainly don't want to lose the park. So we need to find a balance," he said.
'We're going to try and create a win-win'
Before the presentations, Mayor Sally Hagman reminded the public "there will be no decisions from council at tonight's meeting."
Following the presentations and questions from council, Mayor Hagman concluded the topic, "We're going to try and create a win-win situation for everyone's benefit, including the turtles."
Wiesner and Labbe's presentations begin at 04:30 in the council's video archive here.