Mac must protect creek near parking lot
McMaster paved paradise; Restore Cootes aims to restore wetland lost to campus parking lot (March 24, 2012)Even though I do not have a permanent address in Hamilton, I have high interest in McMaster University and environmental issues such as this one.
The article brings to light some issues surrounding environmental conservation and its abuse in terms of urban development. McMaster's lack of regulations involving the buffer between lot M and Ancaster Creek shows a need for stricter rules. The statistics show a decline in need for parking, which means fewer on-campus drivers.
While permeable paving is a step in the right direction, conservation of the creek and surrounding area is a must. Ground water, run-off and acquirer management concerns become relevant as there is a greater demand for water, especially in cities such as Hamilton. Restricting movement of groundwater, even slightly, would negate any positive aspects of eco-freindly paving.
If the lot is not used consistently, and more and more people are using other means of transit, more paving is not necessary.
McMaster's campus should get on board with public transit and take more proactive steps to protect important natural resources, such as ground water. In doing so, its campus will become not only greener, but a better place to work and live.
Karli Lix, Kitchener
(letter to the editor, Hamilton Spectator)