Concerns about the future of Laurentian University's greenspace
The greenspace surrounding Laurentian University has long been a space where Sudburians hike, swim, ski, learn, and connect to nature and family.
But many people are concerned that the university's insolvency could put it at risk, as the school reviews its assets to pay off creditors.
On Thursday morning, more than 50 people took part in a walking exploration of the space to learn more about why it needs to be protected.
Peter Beckett, a restoration ecologist, was a guide on the walk.
Beckett said the LU greenspace is key to the community's well-being and could become the High Park or Central Park of Sudbury in years to come.
"These days, as we know during COVID, the importance of nature and being outside is very important to mental health to physical health," he said.
"And also over the years, this area has been much improved by the regreening program and so in … another 50 years, this is going to be a very lush green forest."
Sheilah Arena was also a guide on the walk, and is an avid trail user and volunteer.
"Thousands and thousands of hours of volunteer work and a lot of money has gone into making these trails what they are -- safe," said Arena.
Residents, environmentalists and Sudbury NDP MPP Jamie West walked the trails and said no price tag can be put on the value to keeping the greenspace accessible to the public.
"With the insolvency, we could lose some or all of this," said West. "And that may affect the pollution levels, that may affect quality of life and the other infrastructure here."
"I think it's important to help spread the word and raise the awareness about how important this is to many people in the community," he added.
Members of the Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury also took part.
"Sudbury has been amazing, showing up, writing letters to the editor, sending letters to the real estate company and the board of governors and to the city and we want to keep that momentum going," said Sharon Roy, co-chair of Coalition For a Liveable Sudbury.
The Coalition is urging people who want to protect the greenspace to join its call to action to keep the lands public.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.