Dear Mr White

The Durand Neighbourhood Association has recognized the importance of our alleyways as a resource for the entire community for over twenty years.  The alleyways are important public amenities that provide convenient and comfortable alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as relatively safe and accessible play areas for neighbourhood children.  These functions are especially important in the Durand as many streets are high speed (greater than 30 km/h) one-way minor arterial roads which are uncomfortable for adult pedestrians and dangerous for children.

In 1987, when the Durand Neighbourhood Plan was revised, it was recommend that alleys be landscaped as pedestrian walkways and in 1992, the Durand Neighbourhood Plan Implementation committee recommended a pilot project to improve the safety, appearance and use of selected alleys north of Duke Street.

Important public amenities should not be transferred to adjacent property holders in order to avoid responsibility for maintenance: this would be detrimental to the neighbourhood and sets a very dangerous precedent for other public assets.  The Durand Neighbourhood Association urges the City to establish a minimal maintenance schedule for the alleyways, and we oppose any attempt to 'privatize' and close off alleyways in the strongest possible terms.

Your sincerely,

Nicholas Kevlahan
Vice President, Durand Neighbourhood Association