It’s time to have a larger conversation about one of the most taboo subjects in the city of Belleville.
What should we do with lands in the city we know are contaminated?
In one decision, Belleville Council decided to give the green light to move fire station two from its current aging location on Moira Street West to the former fairgrounds property at Sidney and Bridge.
That was going to be the site of a new YMCA, but it was moved due to contaminated soil on site. The new fire hall won’t require the same level of digging so it doesn’t run the same risk.
In a separate high-profile issue, Council voted to cancel a land transfer deal that would have seen a private developer take over a vacant piece of land near Jane Forrester Park on South John Street.
That land has major contamination concerns due to the former presence of gasoline on the property. Any future clean-up costs associated with potential development (if any) will now have to be absorbed by the city.
The real questions is “how many such properties exist in Belleville, and what are we doing to remove these hidden dangers that absolutely have the potential to be significant health risks?”
First of all, we need actual testing at all sites we feel may be contaminated. Secondly, we need a plan to clean them up and ensure that mistakes of the past don’t compromise our future.
This would also remove confusion over what we are actually talking about in some cases. Green space isn’t truly green if what lies under the ground has the power to rob it of much more than it’s vibrant and appealing shade.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
