Save Morrow Park!
Donation protected
The City of Peterborough has a history of violating legally registered land trusts and environmentally protected agreements that protect necessary green space for our low-income, aging community. Protecting Morrow Park in Peterborough acknowledges that the land is associated with the Williams Treaty of 1923 and the Rice Lake Treaty of 1818.
As a community, we have exhausted efforts over the past year and a half to get our city council and senior staff to make financially responsible legal decisions affecting Peterborough's citizens. As confirmed by city reports, the south end of Peterborough is well below average for environmental park space. The oversized development and parking lot that the city wishes to construct will take over this beautiful piece of land that was generously given to the citizens to be used specifically for “park space” and “agricultural purposes” in a legally registered land trust agreement. There has been little regard for the impact on neighboring residents, ongoing flooding concerns and legal infringements. This project disrespects the historical value of the park, structures, buildings and war memorials that have been removed by the city and existing war memorials that have fallen to ruin, even though there is a legal obligation to maintain and/or replace.
In 1938 Morrow Park was left to the citizens in perpetuity in a legally binding land trust, listing the Peterborough Agricultural Society as the stewards of the trust. Notably, the Morrow family is an important staple in the fabric of Peterborough’s financial and expanded development as one of the pioneer merchants of Peterborough in the 1800s.
Harold Morrow’s attachment to the farming community inspired the incredible gift of land. Not only was Harold Morrow a decorated soldier, but in 1908, Mr. Morrow and James A. Beatty established a construction firm, which over 25 years would develop great wealth and engineering innovation nationwide, with the construction of enormous hydroelectric and industrial developments. Their efforts also resulted in one of the largest paper mills on the continent, with a 700-foot-long power dam and powerhouse.
The Morrow Trust clearly states:
“Will use the said lands for the purposes of the display of agricultural and industrial products and other purposes which may be considered a benefit to the agricultural and industrial community.”
“That under the trust deed, the Peterborough Industrial Society and its successors were to enjoy the use of the lands for the purpose of an industrial and agricultural exhibition grounds.”
“The Corporation (City of Peterborough) was to receive the enjoyment of the use of the property for the purpose of a public park.”
Friends of Morrow Park and citizens are challenging the City of Peterborough to honor the Morrow Trust, Peterborough Agricultural Society, farmers, ALL community, the park's historical value, and protect valuable greenspace that is necessary for our community and climate.
We would greatly appreciate any monetary assistance you could provide towards our cause, and we ask that you please take the time to share our information with others.
gofund.me/bed8e8b1, or gofund.me/b8fb2a46
or etransfer to [email redacted] (Please use password morrowpark).
Organizer
Nicole MacDonald
Organizer
Peterborough, ON