CORNWALL Ontario – The Mayor’s may have changed, but the bizarre attitudes in Cornwall Ontario haven’t as new mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy attended the ice rink this morning, before the CTV cameras showed up and decreed that the boards have to come down. He confirmed this via phone with CFN while we were in attendance.
The Vincent’s, both school teachers are now vowing to put their home up for sale and move outside of the City of by law inspectors attempt to pull down their rink.
They cited a previous issue with the city forcing them to park their camper in the back yard. Their lot is curved at the Western end of the rink and there is no sidewalk. It was even pointed out that normally the city would pile the snow higher than the rink itself, but that this year with snow being less than last the boards are still showing.
There’s also a certain meanness to this process that is upsetting a lot of people. The Vincent’s had their rink up last year and this year started construction in October. Nearly two months later at Christmas is when they received a notice from the By Law inspector without any phone calls or queries before.
Cornwall is coming to their defense as over 96 of our poll respondents have shown their support as well as nearly 1,000 signatures on CFN’s online petition being signed with an original goal of 1,000 by Christmas.
Laura Vincent spoke with us again from the rink while the kids were playing.
The Vincent’s have vowed to not remove the rink. We will be updating this as the story evolves.
Our original story LINK
Cornwall is struggling to get our population over the 50,000 mark. Does it make any sense to be chasing families away in such circumstances? Surely there are solutions other than destroying the rink?
CFN sent out the question about the rink to all of our elected council. As of press time only Mark A MacDonald had replied.
I agree that the rink should stay, at least for the rest of the year.
You can post your comments below and please share and vote in our poll and petition to help save the rink!
(Comments and opinions of Editorials, Letters to the Editor, and comments from readers are purely their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the owners of this site, their staff, or sponsors.)
Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com
Loading ...
CFN as part of our community support also do online petitions.
Please consider signing the one to keep the rink alive below.
(signatures appear after cache clears)
[emailpetition id=”13″]
[signaturelist id=”13″]
I heard of an idea , maybe a loop hole. decorate the boards in a Christmas manner and consider it a Christmas display. I don’t think the city has a bylaw against that. bunch of bullies
I’m sure there are 100 better solutions than ripping down the boards and rink Brett. Great idea!
Being a hockey mom myself I feel that the rink should be left up what is there to do in this city ? NOTHING !! It gets the kids out of the house and not on the streets in trouble or playing video games all day I hope you all get to keep the rink 🙂 and to the rats you should be ashamed of your selfs and karma will get you !! All this city does is build condos everywhere nothing for the children !!
I think we the parents should gather our children and stage a protest, really gather around this family. I am beyond words to describe how sick this makes me feel. The children of this city deserve caring adults that go out of their way to build them something FREE , fun and healthy. This city has achieved an all new level of disgrace and Mr. Houle should be deeply ashamed of himself, have any of his grandchildren ever went to visit him and had a look of surprise on their faces to see this rink up?
How disgusting it is that there are people complaining about a hockey/skating rink. I myself, have made outdoor rinks for several years and there is nothing better then seeing children enjoy this Canadian sport. Children have learned to skate and play hockey on my rinks and many of them today, excel in the sport they now love so much. If the city does pull a stupid and make these people remove the boards, they should install them over the windows of the complainers so they can’t see any children having fun. I think the city should take a drive through Riverdale because there are a few rinks there that are breaking the stupid by-law.
OMG I was really surprised here that common sense did not prevail in this case.Sad case all around because of a grouchy neighbour,maybe mayor will bring this to council for a vote
If there were no boards up the problem would be a great deal worse than what some of the residents think. Pucks flying all over hitting cars and homes, etc. With the boards up it helps prevent the damage or even a passerby getting hit. These are good people and Cornwall will soon be just a blank memory for all those who are leaving and I happened to be one of the great many who did leave. You don’t find many educated people in Cornwall and Cornwall will be at a tremendous loss.
{MODERATED} Isn’t it funny that the comments I’ve had to moderate from pseudonyms are hateful?
Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com
{MODERATED} Isn’t it funny that the comments I’ve had to moderate from pseudonyms are hateful?
Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com
I’m of two minds on this one (and no comments from the peanut gallery). On one hand I agree with the rink being allowed to stay. On the other I understand the city’s concern with the possibility of liability issues. Having the ice remain without the boards I think is an acceptable compromise.
If they think selling their house and moving outside the city will end their run-ins with bylaw officers they are mistaken. I lived on an old farm outside Ottawa for 12 years. Bylaw offier visits may be less frequent but I find they have more to nit-pic out of the city.
Cornwallhockey….it all depends where the rinks are. Are they on the city`s or other utilities right of way? It`s never easy doing this. The city has to tread a careful line between law and common sense.
Jules ,I was just about to write the same post that you did, & who & hell could write a hate note here let alone have two.It,s a weird world,shame on them both. If rink boards are down it would become a possible danger not only to cars but to the children themselves, maybe this rink could be grandfathered in til end of season, if a child got hurt or a car damaged by puck, I think that the city would also be named in any lawsuit for removing the barrier.
Stupid move by the city. You will get 2000 signatures by tomorrow.
{MODERATED} Isn’t it funny that the comments I’ve had to moderate from pseudonyms are hateful?
Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com
Mary Bray….I don`t think Jamie is too concerned with comments he`s had to moderate from pseudonyms that are hateful. As he`s said before he has a thick skin and he`s been at this a long time.
Hugger. Any bylaw enforcement officer crazy enough to bother people about a rink on a rural property would need a really fast getaway car. I’ve lived on my “country estate” for over thirty years, and not once has one pulled into my yard except to ask for directions. I love living in the boonies.
If there is no more “old boys club” why is the mayor supporting the Lecky/Latour Dome. This is so #$%##%$ stupid. Get a god damn rider on the insurance policy to cover front lawn rinks. Cost-minimal.
This by-law makes complete sense. The rink needs to be demolished.
Would you really want your neighbor setting up a rink in their front yard, where now your property ( car or otherwise…or even a pedestrian) could be hit by a flying puck?
I wonder how the Vincent’s would feel if their neighbor setup the same thing… hearing pucks hit the boards only feet away from their cars or worst yet, how would the Vincent’s feel if their children were walking by such a rink and a puck accidentally found itself smack damned across their child’s head?
Let’s focus on the issue… which isn’t about a nice rink and kid’s playing outdoors. It is about the safety and security of property and people.
Good job Mr. Mayor on upholding the by-laws set forth.
I’m not seeing any Bobby Hull slappers from this group Jason. I really don’t. And kids playing hockey on the street is safer? Less liability?
What a silly argument.
@ Jamie – Your response is nothing short of a logical fallacy.
Furtz, good that you don’t have visits from the friendly neighbourhood bylaw officer. All I know is that we had more than a few visits from them when I lived on the old farm. It didn’t help that our neighbour was an a**hole and the landlord skimped on property maintenace. We had more than one farmer offer to cut the grass / hay if they could take the hay away only to be told by the landlord that if they wanted the hay they had to pay. No farmer was willing to pay and I don’t blame them.
Wow…what is the Lecky/Latour Dome?
It’s not about the rink. It’s about where the rink is. If it’s not possible to move the entire rink maybe they can make it a little smaller to comply with the bylaw.
Since there were no complaints last year, it shows that very few people have a problem with it including the city. But when someone makes a complaint the city has to respond and apply the law as intended. To blame the mayor on this is wrong. If he supports the bylaw he’s labelled uncaring or ant-fun. If he supports the people who built the rink he runs the risk of being accused of favouritism.
If the bylaw is fair and reasonable it should be applied evenly if not then it should be changed.
So…. Taking the day off work on the 5th of january to go skating on this rink. Who’s in?
I see thousands of people willing to sign for this little rink to stay yet how come nobody is willing to get of their a$$’ and actually help the kids/community by taking care of the many public rinks Cornwall has had for decades??? Oh I know cause its sooooo much easier to write a couple of lines and pretend that you’re doing the right thing…..
Leave the rink we pay Taxs for you to work for us – not to Dictate like Communist
I give all the credit to the Vincent family for what they are doing and at least the kids are safe. The Vincents are living in a very good area and still things can happen. We worry about our kids and my kids are adults and I still worry. Having a rink nearby the house or at home is the best. You only own 10 or 20 feet from the foundation of your home (front yard) and the rest is city property.
Furtz you gave me another good laugh about they better have a fast car. LOL LOL.
Sorry to say but I agree it is not a good spot for the rink. If this one is allowed more will follow next year. Jules..Monaco is not rural Cornwall. As much as I am sure the kids would love it it is indeed dangerous and I think might be on some city property in front of the house and I for one know we cannot put something on city property.
Wow! Talk about an ASS Backwards city! No wonder I left almost 25 years ago!!!!
Nice way to get national media attion though! (Read sarcasm)
So let’s’s see, where should I start…
-Interesting that the haters won’t identify themselves (all pseudonyms)
-Growing up, my parents house was where me and my friends would always gather. It was safe and my parents knew what we were doing. This rink is the same thing!
-If the neighbours were so concerned, why not come over and express your concerns? Is it Noise? Flying pucks? The look of it? Geuss what? There are solutions to ALL of those concerns!
-Someone who actually takes action and provides a positive, active, supportive environment for kids? Ground breaking!
-What a travesty it would be if neighborhood rinks pstarted popping up everywhere! Imagine all of the kids who would have entertainment, be active on sports, feel part of a group, experience Teamwork, have a positive influence, etc. What an incredible idea!!!!
In closing, the 4% of haters should really pull their head out of there A$$ and ask themselves how they can improve their environment instead of being a pain in the butt to those that ARE!
Good riddance Cornwall!
Signed, an actual person,
Rob Patenaude
WE ARE ALL TOO BUSY TUCKED AWAY IN OUR PRIM AND PROPER, PRUDISH WAYS. MOSTLY ADULTS WHO DON’T HEAR NOISES WHILE INDOORS WATCHING TV, ON THEIR COMPUTERS AND FEELING MEANY SCGROOGY ‘CONTROLLER, AUTHORITARIAN THOUGHTS.
Yes, the by-law says go indoors. Possibly the control point is with organized hockey who believe that they stand to lose if this becomes standard block by block. Don’t doubt this kind of protectionism at all.
My guess is the prudish church goers never get out to the neighbor hood to do Carol Singing either and the arrogant do nothing old soggy saps think others should be quet and not heard in THEIR neighborhood.
Community rinks are a thing of the past when everyone would welcome marshmallows and a hot chocolate while supporting such efforts.
I just watched the CTV News coverage of this; the only person they could find in support of removing the rink, states the reason as: “It’s against the by-law”. I’m SO glad you had an ACTUAL reason for objecting to the rink!
Looks to me like she was always the person picked last to be on a team, for a reason! I bet she would be against gravity if she could find a reason! I’d like to meet her and ask if the world is flat?
I wish people would just leave the Kids have the rink they are not hurting anyone. I think this rink is a great Idea and I seen this rink up last year and there was always children playing on it. This family was nice enough to build something that can help all of the kids in this area and yet they want to take it away This is just not right. I drive around that corner every now and then for work and I do not have any issues with visibility so I am not sure what these people are saying that you can’t see around the corner due to boards that is just not true.
If safety concerns are met then it would, because of its temporary nature and value, be unreasonable not to permit its short lived life span.
What would be next, no snowman, no snow forts, no snow angels? Apply commonsense and move and be thankful that maybe a few kids will escape the obesity dilemma by being encouraged to be physically active year around.
Hey there! I will be holding a Friendly Protest to save this RINK as is(boards and all) on Friday December 25 at 1:00pm at the Rink! It’s about the principle of the Kids & the Game of Hockey!
I do not want the next four years to be a duplicate of the last eight. If commonsense is going to escape this council then it is time to send them an early message that they need to open their eyes.
If the boards need to be replaced with ice block walls then I want to be involved. Time has come to end the stupidity and absurdity of excessive bureaucracy and lack of ability to see the bigger picture. This new mayor and council can quickly recover from this dilemma by doing what is right and logical.
The individual(s) responsible for the complaint are definitely part of this communities problems. They should move to a remote area and live out their little lives reassessing what is really important in life, compassion and appreciation for their fellow man.
We lived in Cornwall for several years, and moved to Orangeville, ON 3 years ago. The difference in the local government’s attitudes is incredible. Orangeville is a 100% family oriented, and it is a very happy community, where as Cornwall’s local government is not family oriented at all. If the city of Cornwall is so concerned about the growth of the community, perhaps it is time to change their attitudes toward the young, working families in the community. These are the people they want to keep as residents! I’d be interested to know if Mr. O’Shaughnessy, and the Monaco Cres. complainers are aware of how widely spread this story has become, and how ridiculous they all look.
I just took a drive past that rink…. Let me tell you I personally do understand the neighbors.. On this corner property there is one boat on one side of house, one trailer on other side of house and one massive rink taking up all the front yard and I believe is encroached on city property.. There are already 2 houses for sale already near by and more will go up if this goes up this is something for rural area would probably be fine. There are by laws and this does not conform to them imo… I know in my are it would not fly at all!
The Hockey Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmimLBSTEUw
I didn’t read the posts yet but this is shameless!
I will not stoop as low to call out the complainants.
I think a show of National attention should be enough to give your head a shake for the ones who complained?
OH! I’ll just stop right there!
The attitude that “the City has lay down the hammer” is all wrong!
Use your head and judgment.
Against 0.01%, for 99.9%
Mr. Mayor, I know you want to do the best and write here because people come to CFN because it’s relevant news in real time for Cornwall.
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot over a kids playground.
Please reverse you decision and let the kids play until spring.
Then you can let them go egging or soap your windshield like I used to do for your very bright Monday morning ride to work.
Come on Les. !!
Mr. Mayor, seems like you are the one being called out?
Yes gives you the power of the chamber, No power of the people.
I voted for you and am power of the people as it is my civic duty to vote.
An agreeable solution can be found within adults, you think Les, if your going to pull a hammer and hard fists on kids?
Not you.
Sit back and reflect on this as it absurd to all of Canada and across the World.
Hockey IS CANADA!!!
Les. this your first and only chance to have that screen shot of the Politian holding the baby.
Bit into it and don’t give up to 0.01% an give a hoot about Cornwall kids tat will become my person across the desk.
Jane Doe I agree that Monico Crescent is not a rural property and city and I know that in the front yard is no place for a rink but the Vincents have a kind of irregular or pie shaped lot in the back and that is why they put it in the front and didn’t know about all the regulations that go with a home and so many others don’t know either.
When we sold our house I noticed that the currant people went and put up a tent in front of the living room window and I don’t go around there to see what is going on or if someone complained. I do know that the former owner who works for the City of Cornwall said that it was one of the hottest yards in Cornwall and when we lived there for 7 years we sure found it hot indeed. People do things without knowing how much property is in your name and the rest belongs to the city. People just throw themselves in a place because they say they like it before knowing all the facts. In one way it is an eyesore and in another way kids have to play and I am for the kids playing as long as they don’t get into trouble. This is a good family who did good things for their kids and for kids in their neighborhood and I give them all the credit for doing just that.
Gee, I wonder,if their ia a vacant site owned by the city that can support an open rink. Perhaps that would be an answer for next year and a few more years until the kids here have out gorwn it. Pond hockey has seen many a star rise up, even if it wasn’t into the NHL but perhaps enough confidence building is achieved to move on into an executive level in any importnt field(pun).
Encroached on city property? Then let the city take care of the encroached properties in this city. I’m sure you’ll never see a city truck or employee pulling up and cutting the grass in the summertime. I’m sure the property owner cuts the grass in the area in question. (City owns it, city should take care of what is theirs.) This city now only has a few rinks yet at one time, most parks and many schoolyards had hockey rinks. If they blame the reduction on cost, they’ve got many employees driving around winter long in the city trucks doing nothing. You want to talk cost? how many managers, supervisors and salaried employees in the Recreation department? In the 2013 year there were 2 from Parks Dept in the Sunshine Club (above 100 thousand)and there are 3 others who will be in the next (announced for 2014 year) Sunshine list. CFN announced on Mar 28, 2014 that there were 100 employees city wide on the list. Shame no rinks in the parks and schoolyards but there’s plenty of Sunshine. Let’s spend money on services and reduce management. I’ll mention to my family members and friends to avoid the Grinch’s business.If the family is required to remove the rink because of the bylaw, then this city had better ENFORCE every other bylaw
{MODERATED}Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com
{MODERATED}Comment policy reminder
CFN has a new comment policy. You must use your real first and last name. As well if your email bounces we will terminate your posting privileges.
We value all input from our amazing CFN viewers and are always trying to improve the viewer experience which includes making this a safe, informative, and entertaining platform.
If you have any questions please email info@cornwallfreenews.com