An 'incredible site': City resumes plans to redevelop Byron gravel pits
Nature trails, park land, how about an event venue? They’re all among the ideas being considered for the future of the Byron gravel pits in west London.
“We were talking about an amphitheatre,” said neighbour Cheryl Morrison. “A great thing to get people together. Use it for entertainment, for theatre, whatever they would like.”
London city hall is narrowing down possible uses for one of the most unique pieces of land in the city, which is now being rehabilitated.
Neighbour John Fragis said he’d like to see a space created where people can come together as a community.
“The city and developer can get together and build a component where people can get together, like Springbank Park,” suggested Fragis.
The 76 hectares of land with rolling hills, steep slopes and a pond was used as a gravel pit for 75 years, but has recently been decommissioned.
“If there is development there, and I’m sure there will be, they should consider nature first,” said neighbour Tony Parisio.
The unique property is owned by a number of parties, including the city and private developers.
The future of the Byron gravel pits is being discussed by the City of London. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)A report headed to a city council committee outlines possible future uses. These include passive recreation and nature appreciation, active recreation- including multi-use trails, or an event venue such as an amphitheatre.
London’s manager of planning and development, Bruce Page, described the site as “incredible.” He added, “The topography that’s there, the pond that’s there from the excavation is quite spectacular. It would be a shame to lose that. And I think it’s something that I don’t think any other municipality in Ontario or Canada would have.”
One thing the city staff report does not get into is the wildlife in the area. The Byron gravel pit has one of the largest colonies in Ontario of a protected bird species.
In 2020 a Western University migratory bird researcher estimated about 2,000 bank swallows breeding at the site. Now Brendon Samuels is hoping any future development plans include preservation.
“An area surrounding the densest part of the colony in the southern portion of the Byron gravel pit could be earmarked for conservation,” said Samuels. “An area could have a perimeter fence put around it and could actually be a destination for eco-tourism where people could come from all over to see one of the largest inland sites of breeding habitat for this rare bird.”
Page called it a “challenging situation,” but said they are working to address concerns about this rare bird habitat. “There are some considerations in terms of trying to preserve, or in the future trying to create a habitat for the bank swallows,” he said.
In the meantime, Page said the city will seek further public input on the future of the site, with a proposed option decided on next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.