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More input sought on lighting sports pad in Lions Park

March 25, 2015   ·   0 Comments

Despite the project being in the works for nearly six years, the Lions Park on Diane Drive will have to wait a little longer to get lighting for its sports pad.

The issue came before Orangeville Council Monday night with the intention of passing a recommendation to move forward with the project, but the debate was halted when some members expressed concern that residents have not had enough opportunity to speak against the lights.

“It has been some time since the planning for this has been developed and the public was involved and able to provide input,” said Councillor Sylvia Bradley. “I’m concerned that some of the neighbours may not know that this is going to happen and would be upset that there will be nights where the lights will be on during the playing season.”

She asked if it would be possible to send notifications to the public affected, much as they had during past issues such as parking lots.

“I would just hate to go ahead with this and have residents storming our council chambers,” she added.

Mayor Jeremy Williams agreed there was a need to engage the public, but added that there has been plenty of opportunity for residents in the area to be aware of the plan.

“I can’t think of too many places where we haven’t beaten that horse to death already,” said Mayor Williams. “We’ve been advertising and been promoting it. I think people do know about it and that there are going to be lights. It’s really about whether we are going to make the best use of lights.”

He added that while it may stay bright outside until later in the summer, teams that play in the fall will be in need of the lights much earlier in the evening. Not putting up lighting would impede the ability of many teams and organizations to use the fields.

“At the very least, we should be doing a mailing to people directly affected by this field,” said Councillor Don Kidd. “If we put lights in, the field will be loud at night and the number of phone calls we get will increase. I think we need to have an open house, and I think your eyes will be opened to what the people really want or don’t want.”

Following the discussion, Council voted to defer the motion to install the lighting until information could be mailed out and the public has another opportunity to provide input on the subject.

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