This week City’s Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee has approved the purchase of the natural environmental land beside Deevy Pines Park (Bridlewood Core Park). Provided it is approved by council next week, the purchase will go ahead.The land is the last forested area within Bridlewood. It’s location means that a large number of Bridlewood residents will be able to enjoy the area. In fact many people are under the impression the land is already parkland.

In the report on Urban Natural Features in the City the land is described as having a high ecological value. The site includes several rare species of plants and animals.

Because the land was zoned for development many years ago, purchasing the land was the only way to protect it. If the City had not agreed to buy the land, the zoning would have allowed high density housing.

Getting the land protected has taken a lot of work. Urbandale and the City have not been able to agreed on a final price so far so a dispute resolution process will be used. However, by purchasing this land we will be able to protect the last natural area within Bridlewood.