Today's letters: Don't close the Mooney's Bay hill for sliding

Tuesday, Nov. 29: On the hill at Mooney's Bay; the Emergencies Act inquiry; and guns. We're at letters@ottawcitizen.com

Don’t close hill to sledding

Re: ‘Robust’ fencing for Mooney’s Bay hill, other recommendations approved after fatal toboggan crash. Nov. 26.

Before we close Mooney’s Bay to sledding, let’s remember this: the tragic death there last year was caused by a steel sign post installed by city staff at the bottom of the hill. It was unprotected by hay bales, earth berms or padding.

Stupidity on the part of city employees caused that accident. Need further evidence?  The very next day a city crew was filmed removing the post and others like it.

Now the city wants to close the hill — denying thousands of children a chance to play outdoors as they have for years.

A more sensible response would be this: fire the staff responsible for authorizing installation of such posts; wrap trees and any other barriers to fun on the hill with hay bales; and erect signs (in safe spots) warning of risks.

Kids need outdoor activity to thrive during our long winters. Don’t close our sledding hills unless icy conditions make the risk unreasonable. Bring on the snow. Bring on the fun.

Boyd McBride, Ottawa

Protests should be by people, not vehicles

Since we know in advance that protesters plan to come to Ottawa again this winter, as well as what happens when they do, should we not make serious plans for preventing a repeat of last year?

The City of Ottawa should pass a law that bans the use of any vehicle in a demonstration. Moreover, these vehicles should not only be banned from parking downtown, they should not even be allowed to enter the city if the purpose is for demonstrating. Demonstrators can park outside the city limits and charter a bus to get downtown.

The definition of a manifestation is “a public gathering of PEOPLE for the purpose of demonstrating.” This excludes the use of vehicles, loud horns, firearms, or any other means used to intimidate and disturb at a level that is intolerable.

Helene Boivin, Ottawa

Police ‘leakers’ broke public trust

It was with disbelief when watching the Emergencies Act inquiry this week that I learned that some police officers may have leaked confidential and strategic information to members of the unlawful occupation.

Public trust is essential in our democracy. These individuals not only broke our trust, they also broke the trust of their fellow officers. Those involved should experience whatever process is required to ensure they no longer have the right and responsibility to be a law enforcement officer.

Being a police officer requires integrity and obeying the line of command.

Charlene Jackson, Ottawa

Gun law misses the mark

The federal government’s latest firearms legislation, dealing with certain affected semi-automatic firearms, has missed the mark and instead targeted law abiding firearms owners, who were never  part of the problem with respect to illegal arms smuggling and gun violence. Criminals bent on crime and wanting to access firearms will do so through either theft, contraband or resorting to the black market.

Any inaction or non-compliance on this latest legislation on the part of current legitimate firearms owners, once passed, could stigmatize and/or criminalize them. In addition, whether unwittingly or not, the government is well on its way to discouraging and even killing any interest/participation in shooting sports and civilian marksmanship, which has been a tradition in this country for more than a century.

Vic Rambaut, Nepean

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