Sample Email to Send to Erin Rutherford & Design Team

If you are concerned and/or upset about the current plan of the Dunluce Neighbourhood Renewal, here is an email you can send to Erin Rutherford, the City's Design Team, and CC Premier Smith's office:

Step 1: Open a New Email Message

Click the button below to open a new message in your chosen email program. It will have the recipients and subject pre-filled for you.

Open New Message

Step 2: Copy the Text Below Into the Body of the Email Message (Adjust to Your Liking)

Email to Councillor Rutherford

Dear Councillor Rutherford and Design Team,

I am reaching out as a concerned resident of Dunluce, because I am deeply concerned and frustrated by the proposed changes to our neighborhood. A volunteer group, Stop the Destruction of Dunluce, has gathered nearly 700 signatures from households opposing these plans, with only 28 in support—a clear indication of widespread community opposition.

The proposed parking limitations on the west side of Dunluce, where many homes have limited parking, will significantly impact residents' daily lives. This change could force residents to park illegally simply to access their homes. For years, residents have parked without issue, and altering this will create undue hardship.

Additionally, the narrowing of Dunluce Road to a single lane each way poses safety risks. The intersection at Dunluce and 161 Avenue, already congested, will likely see increased accidents as frustrated drivers navigate restricted space and limited parking.

The increased traffic expected from a new supportive living residence only compounds these issues. Similar changes on other streets, such as 124th and 132nd Avenue, have already led to longer commutes, increased pollution, and heightened frustration—all without the promised benefits.

Forcing traffic through alleys or creating narrow, restricted lanes does not improve traffic flow or safety. Instead, it generates frustration, delays, and, ultimately, more traffic violations. We urge you to consider the well-being of long-term residents who face health impacts like increased blood pressure due to the stress of these proposed changes.

I request that the plans be reconsidered to preserve neighborhood parking, maintain traffic lanes, and avoid unnecessary disruption to residents' lives. We also ask for a chance to discuss these concerns directly, as previous requests for a walk-through of the neighborhood with officials were declined.

Thank you for considering the perspectives of the people who call Dunluce home. We urge you to listen to our community and rethink these proposals in the interest of neighborhood harmony and safety.

Sincerely,

Step 3: Add Your Name & Home Address to the End of the Email

Step 4: Send Your Message

Hit "Send", and you're done!

Here Are the Main Points of the Email

1. Strong Opposition: The community is overwhelmingly against the proposed changes, with a petition showing nearly 700 households opposed and only 28 in favour.

2. Parking Concerns: Proposed changes would remove parking on the west side of Dunluce, where many homes rely on street parking due to limited spaces. This would lead to illegal parking as residents adapt.

3. Safety and Traffic Risks: Narrowing Dunluce Road to a single lane each way could increase congestion and accidents, especially at the intersection of Dunluce and 161 Avenue, where additional traffic from a supportive living residence is anticipated.

4. Increased Commute Times and Pollution: Changes on nearby streets, like 124 Ave and 132 Ave, have already led to longer commutes and more pollution. The proposed narrowing could have similar impacts.

5. Resident Well-being: Stress over the proposed changes is affecting residents' health, with some reporting high blood pressure and anxiety about the loss of parking and neighborhood disruption.

6. Criticism of Process and Officials: Residents feel ignored, citing that officials declined a walk-through to understand their concerns. They feel the changes are imposed without proper community consultation, adding frustration and distrust.

7. Request for Reconsideration: The email urges officials to retain existing parking, maintain current traffic lanes, and avoid unnecessary changes that could disrupt the lives of long-term residents.