Petition AGAINST New Windsor Super Hospital (Acute Care) locating In Ojibway Natural Area

We the Undersigned are against locating the new Regional Acute Care Hospital in the Ojibway Region. This natural area has the highest number of species and the most rare species in Ontario, some found in few other places in Canada. Three (3) endangered snakes, the Eastern Foxsnake, Butler’s Gartersnake and the Massasauga Rattler have populations concentrated in Ojibway and nearby natural areas. Other SAR reptiles include Blanding’s Turtle and Eastern Musk Turtle, both threatened, and Northern Map Turtle and Snapping Turtle, both special concern. Grey Fox, threatened and Eastern Cougar, endangered, move through the region. Badger, endangered, has also been reported. Sixteen (16) species at risk birds are found here including Acadian Warbler, Eastern Meadowlark, Bank Swallow, Wood Thrush and more. A sizable deer herd, coyotes, raccoons etc. allow for a  “complete ecosystem”, with wildlife moving locally between natural areas in the quiet evenings.  The Detroit River International Crossing Project, even as an ecologically sensitive project, already disrupts and compromise wildlife movement to the Detroit River in the region. A regional hospital would draw traffic from Essex and Kent Counties along local roads, Todd, Malden, Matchette, Sprucewood, Normandy etc. through sensitive wildlife corridors between Ojibway natural habitat and local ponds, Turkey Creek, LaSalle Natural Heritage areas and the Detroit River. The Ojibway Road Mortality Study shows that 1 out of 5 reptiles killed is a species at risk.  It is not practical or possible to mitigate all of these areas, (ie ecopassages) against vast increases in traffic.  Before  intense urbanization in recent years,  the former Raceway peak traffic  congestion on local roads was severe according to those who remember. In prime years, the Raceway closed during  the summer (breeding season). The former Raceway lands have species at risk habitat and provide vital wildlife corridors linking Ojibway to the Detroit River and Turkey Creek. Also wailing sirens of the only regional acute care hospital would be an unwelcome intrusion to the sanctity of the Ojibway Tallgrass Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve, which is a Reserve Class Park, the highest ranking.  Some species found in Ojibway are unique in the world and every year, more species are listed as endangered at Ojibway. It is best to provide a small human footprint (without permalighting, intense traffic, high road mortality etc.)  to avoid species’ extirpation and to allow visitors to continue to enjoy one of Canada’s premier wildlife areas.  These natural areas are within a broader park proposal envelope for Ojibway.