Essa to look at offer to see Thornton parkland
By Richard Blanchard

Essa council has decided to proceed with discussions with a developer who wants to buy a section of parkland in the north east corner of the village.

Council discussed a letter from a Barrie area real estate company representing a developer last week which asked if the 30 acre parcel was for sale.

The property's use was the subject of considerable debate several years ago when the township proposed putting a baseball diamond or soccer fields in the area.

Neighbours argued that it should be used for passive uses alone. It has remained unused except for passive purposes since.

Councillor Rick Newlove said that township should discuss selling a portion of the property and using the funds for other recreation projects in Thornton.

"We should see what he's willing to pay. We could sell ten or 15 acres in the northern part of the property and keep the southern part, which has a creek running through it and is zoned Environmental Protection," he said.

Council will reply to the real estate broker and see if he wants to proceed.