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Opening
comments: More at the end.
At the Dec. 10, 2008, City Council meeting the South Peel
Naturists and I addressed Council about buying the property we both agreed that
indeed, the property should be purchased. BUT, I was the only one to
suggest that Roy Ivor - AKA the Birdman of Mississauga - dream and life's work
should be kept alive - the Bird Sanctuary. That the City should yes buy
the land, keep it in its nature state but also contact wildlife rescue
groups or Guelph University or even Mrs. Barns. The South Peel Naturists
were clear, they knew better then to ask City Councillors & Mayor to care about
the lives of wild animals - that best to only suggest expanding the City park
that is beside the Roy Ivor woods.
At least someone spoke the words that needed to be spoken to
remind those making decisions of how we got where we are and to keep the dream
alive, not turn it onto just another politicians photo-op of a plaque being
unveiled where the dream died and so many of our wood-land bothers & sisters
lost their chance to live.
I was called the night before and asked to supply some
pictures and did help out.
No where in this article do I read the City's willingness to
restart the Bird Sanctuary.
The
Roy
Ivor - the Birdman of Mississauga & Bernice Inman-Emery - the Birdwoman of
Mississauga Web-page.
Mississauga News - Dec. 11, 2008 - By Julie Slack, jslack@mississauga.net
City wants to buy bird sanctuary
Bernice Inman-Emery had operated the rescue centre for sick and injured birds
at 3220 Mississauga Rd., across from University of Toronto Mississauga, for more
than 25 years.
File photo
On the 29th anniversary of the "Birdman of Mississauga's" death, his bird
sanctuary has been given a reprieve.
City Council agreed yesterday to enter into negotiations to purchase the Winding
Lane Bird Sanctuary site, at 3220 Mississauga Rd., across the street from
University of Toronto Mississauga. It was put up for sale earlier this fall.
When residents saw the for-sale sign, they pushed for the City to purchase the
property.
Applewood Acres resident Laurie Arbeau, who brought an injured robin to the
sanctuary for treatment many years ago, made an emotional presentation to
Council that included dozens of photos taken over the years.
One of the images, showing some 20 raccoons who often visited while she was on
site, was particularly moving.
Arbeau hopes the property can be turned into a park or kept as a sanctuary -
anything but another concrete development.
A listing for the property states: "Builders lot 0.92 acres - ideal for custom
home or to be sub-divided."
The asking price is $1.5 million.
Bernice Inman-Emery, 90, had operated the rescue centre for sick and injured
birds for more than 25 years. The property included a huge enclosure for exotic
or damaged birds, and it was usually filled to capacity.
Roy Ivor - aka "Birdman of Mississauga" - built the original sanctuary, and
cared for his feathered friends for more than 50 years.
Winding Lane became a destination for school trips, where students learned how
to care for injured birds and to respect wildlife.
On Ivor's 95th birthday, in 1974, he took steps to ensure Winding Lane would
continue to operate after his death.
So when he died, on Dec. 10, 1979, three days before he would have turned 100,
the torch was passed to Inman-Emery, who had become his assistant. She carried
on until 2005, when she faced her own battle, with Alzheimer's disease. Earlier
this fall, she moved into a long-term care facility in Mississauga.
Arbeau said she has received overwhelming support from residents who want to
keep the property in public hands. [1]
"I am so hopeful, now, hearing this news," she said of Council's decision to
negotiate a purchase. "So many people will be so happy about this."
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[COMMENTS
BY DON B. -
[1] - If it was in public hands then why is it for sale? ]