THUNDER BAY – LETTERS – On April 14th, 2016, concerned citizens are declaring “SAVE WILDERNESS DISCOVERY DAY”. We are urging the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to finally vote to designate a small 2.5 hectare parcel of public land as permanently protected for use by the disability community.
We had garnered nearly 30,000 signers on a Change.org petition requesting that this crown land be protected for our most vulnerable loved ones. This petition was printed onto almost 700 pages and personally presented to the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, and MPPs Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro in Thunder Bay on June 15th, 2015. Our petition as not been supported by them. They have chosen to ignore it, and they seem intent on selling our land for LESS THAN SEVEN CENTS per Ontarian.
The Facebook page, Save Wilderness Discovery Resort For The Disabled, has received support from the likes of Grammy winners Earth, Wind, & Fire, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Blues Traveler, Cheap Trick, plus Toronto Blue Jays World Series Champion, Jack Morris, as well as many, many others. The page also has the growing allegiance of almost 3,500 followers.
Since wildlife areas receive provincial and federal protection, it’s insulting that our disabled citizens receive less dignity than wild animals. The province’s website states that “protected areas are defined to protect natural and cultural features, maintain biodiversity and provide opportunities for compatible recreation”. Wilderness Discovery clearly qualifies.
Able-bodied citizens have the luxury of making plans and reserving accommodations virtually anywhere. Those less abled have Wilderness Discovery Resort For The Disabled. There is no excuse that our disabled can’t have access to quality vacation time on Lake Shebandowan with family and friends like the rest of Ontarians. We will continue to fight for Ontario’s disabled children, military veterans, seniors, families, and caregivers. We insist that the Legislative Assembly vote to designate this small piece of accessible paradise as protected for generations to come without further delay and SAVE WILDERNESS DISCOVERY.
Kevin Johnson
Save Wilderness Discovery Resort For The Disabled