The proposed street and the introduction of new houses would also provide a better interface between the Riverside neighborhood to the North and Little River Acres to the South. These two neighborhoods, demarcated by Little River Road, lack continuity in housing style and lot size. An intermediate type of single-family housing would be an appropriate transition between the two neighborhoods. The proposed street, therefore, provides an opportunity to establish a positive first impression of the community upon arriving from Little River Road.

It is further proposed that a strip of land 5 meters in width, between the rear of the proposed lots and the existing lots on Abbey Court and Aire Place, be offered to the abutting property owners in order to enlarge the very limited rear yards of these existing properties. The proposed conveyance, shown on the drawing attached hereto as Schedule ‘A’, could proceed like an alley closing, with residents paying only a token amount plus deed costs. A reference plan could be prepared by the City at the same time as the new lots are surveyed. The proposed conveyance would also allow room for a transition where existing drainage issues can be addressed.

Park Facilities

The redevelopment concept includes the facilities most sought by the community based on the formal survey of residents in 2005 and the results of the Public Open House in 2007. A description of the design and facilities is provided on Page 1 of Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto.

Relationship to Area Facilities

The park redevelopment concept provides outdoor facilities that are not available at the new arena and community center under construction south of McHugh Street. The arena and community center are indoor facilities. The approximately 30% of the site that consists of green space will serve a stormwater management function and will be naturalized in order to blend with the Little River Corridor. This facility does not fit within the definition of a Neighbourhood Park in function or in proximity (max. 0.8 km for Neighbourhood Parks).

Little River Acres Park is situated in the heart of the community and allows for frequent and independent access to outdoor recreation, particularly by children and seniors.

Riverdale Park is a nearby parkette in the neighborhood north of Little River Acres, outside the boundaries of the Community Improvement Plan, consisting of 3 acres and containing trees and a play structure for young children. Riverdale Park is separated from the community by Little River Road and is insufficient in size to accommodate the necessary recreational facilities for Little River Acres.

‘Commons’ Meeting Place

In addition to improving access, enhancing supervision, and meeting the recreational needs of residents, a further purpose of the park design is to create a place that fosters partnerships, exchange, and respect among the residents of the community, especially between different age groups. The design achieves this in three ways. First, a common meeting area is established at the middle ground between the activity areas for different age groups. Second, allowance has been made for a future community garden plot, pending such an initiative by the community. Interest in community garden plots was expressed at the Public Open House. Third, a barbeque area is designated in conjunction with the two separate shade structures, to 50f12