The NDP motion to transfer ownership of Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve to Parks Canada was voted down this week.
But that doesn't mean it won't be part of the Ojibway National Urban Park.
Conservative MPP Andrew Dowie said his motion alters the working slightly and will ensure the process moves forward.
"It is something that is important to me, to see that this project be realized and therefore I did my trading with the other members to make sure that there would be certainty that the government of Ontario supports the Ojibway National Urban Park," said Dowie.
Dowie said his motion will be voted on in November.
The main difference between Dowie's motion and NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky's motion surrounds land ownership versus land management.
Dowie indicated transferring the lands outright to the federal government could threaten underground infrastructure the province depends on. But ultimately, he would like the see the lands be integrated with the National Urban Park.
"You could manage the surface at the top as a park, no one will know the difference, but the actual land would remain potentially under the guise of the province," said Dowie.
Gretzky and Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Caldwell are voicing their disappointment that the original bill did not pass.
“We’re incredibly disappointed to see the government vote down the motion to create Ojibway National Urban Park”, said Chief Mary Duckworth of Caldwell First Nation. “Caldwell First Nation has worked side-by-side with our local MPP, Lisa Gretzky, over the last several months to bring this motion to the legislature, and we were excited to see it get one step closer to becoming a reality. This incredible community collaboration is not a partisan or political issue. We will continue to advocate to make this park happen.”
Dowie said he did not consult the Caldwell First Nation on the creation of his motion.
If the land is transferred it will become part of the federally protected urban park that includes Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, the Tallgrass Prairie Park, and Ojibway Shores.
