It is with great sadness that I’m writing to let you know that Mike Sheppard, beloved husband of KGPC Chair Barbara Ramsay, passed away peacefully on January 18th. On behalf of the KGPC Board, I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. May your happy memories of a life well lived give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.

A MESSAGE FROM THE KGPC

IN THE RYTHYM OF THE LEAVES AND THE SHADOWS OF THE TREES, YOU WILL BE THERE…

It wasn’t long after our fight to Save Our Greenspace started, that Mike began his own battle. For over 3 years, he fought valiantly and never slowed down. Barbara’s volunteer work with the KGPC kept her working countless hours, but Mike supported her every step of the way. A familiar face and helping hand at all KGPC events, Mike delivered hundreds of lawn signs and helped rally friends, family and neighbours, to support our cause. We truly appreciate all that Mike did and all that Barbara has done and continues to do for our community.

An outdoor enthusiast, it would be an understatement to say Mike was passionate about golf and skiing. Between cancer treatments and surgeries, Mike was always at the course or on the hill. He loved their view overlooking the sixth green and enjoyed walking the neighbourhood trails and fairways with Harley by his side. I’m sure Barbara will continue to feel Mike’s presence in our beautiful greenspace.

In memory of Mike, his family have asked that donations be made to the KGPC. Donate here.

Mike’s obituary can be found here:
https://cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJzMyI6IkMwQTgwMUZFMWRmNWQyMzY4M2dUNjY1OUQyMjVcLzI4YjRhOWNiY2EzOTRiZWVhMDkwMDM3NTZhMjNcL2xpbmVyXC84Mi5qcGciLCJiIjoiYWRhcy1vcmVnb24tY2FzIn0=

It’s especially hard to get this kind of news as we push through the winter doldrums. But, as we’ve said many times, we’re so lucky to have our greenspace. While the golf course is closed, we can gain physical and mental strength and wellness by walking, snowshoeing, x-country skiing and sledding in our neighbourhood.

If you’re unclear on what’s happening with our fight, you’re not alone. As we’ve always said, our issue is complicated and the long wait for answers has many struggling to remember where we’re at. To keep you up to speed, we’ve recently updated the FAQs on our webpage. Have a look and please share them with friends and neighbours.

There are 3 sections I’d like to draw your attention to…

1. WHAT HAS THE KGPC ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR?

We fought and won Intervenor Status in Ontario’s Superior Court
We argued alongside the City of Ottawa to defend the 40% Agreement
We won the 40% Agreement court decision – only two clauses were overturned on appeal
We returned to court with the City of Ottawa to uphold the validity of the 40% Agreement that states that the golf course lands are to remain greenspace
We participated in the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing, to confirm the serious stormwater management and environmental concerns related to the proposed development
We filed a legal action against Clublink to stop the development by citing two Restrictive Covenants on the land

2. WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

We’re still waiting for Justice Labrosse to determine what, if any, impact the Ontario Court of Appeal ruling has on the 40% Agreement. Only two clauses in the five-page 40% Agreement were declared invalid, not the entire agreement as sought by ClubLink.

3. WHAT IS THE KGPC DOING WHILE WAITING FOR THE 40% AGREEMENT DECISION?

The KGPC has filed a notice of application in Ontario Superior Court to have the court declare that two Restrictive Covenants are enforceable and limit how the land can be used.
The first, is about the preservation of greenspace due to the 40% Agreement in principle which states that 40 percent of the original development area, which includes the golf course, Trillium Woods and Kizell Wetlands, remain as greenspace.
The second, concerns stormwater management and stems from an agreement ClubLink signed when it acquired the golf course lands in November 1996. It specifically restricts the (re)grading of the land and the altering of its inherent stormwater management function.

We’re fighting on your behalf. We’re fighting in memory of Mike.

I know Barbara greatly appreciates and thanks you all for your kind words and donations. We hope she’ll be reaching out to you soon with some good news from Justice Labrosse.

Kind regards

Jen Fyfe

KGPC Events & Communications
events @ourkanatagreenspace.ca