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St. Andrews resident Carl Deering voiced his concerns regarding the town's decision to erect a new outdoor gym near his home at the Point at a recent town council meeting. Deering was given the floor to make a presentation regarding his issues with the proposed development site near the Van Horne Trail. 

In his presentation, Deering said he believes that mounting an outdoor exercise facility at the Point will take away from one of the town's most prized natural green spaces. He also believes it is irresponsible to build on this particular piece of land because it is provincially designated wetland.

Deering went on to say that he spoke with Chief Hugh Akagi of the Peskotomuhkati Nation and that the Chief had not given his blessing to the development despite the town claiming that they had been given the blessing of the Peskotomuhkati people. The Point is not only considered to be unceded land of the Peskotomuhkati Nation but it is also the area of town where Chief Akagi currently resides, historically known as "Indian Point". (The town is currently considering renaming "Indian Point" due to derogatory nature of the name, but this is still what it is called).

From an environmental standpoint, Deering said that the site is also a decommissioned dump, which could be problematic. He believes an environmental study needs to be done before a fitness area is built on land that had previously been used for waste. 

Deering said there are much more suitable locations for an outdoor fitness centre such as at Katy's Cove or Harry Mallory Sports Field. He insisted he isn't against the idea of an outdoor gym in town but that there are better locations to consider. He brought a petition with him signed by 18 other locals who share his opinion that a gym does not belong at the Point. 

Mayor Brad Henderson responded to Deering's presentation saying he personally spoke with Chief Akagi's office regarding their blessing for the project and said he would reach out once again to make sure that he understood the town had the Peskotomuhkati Nation's blessing. 

Saint Andrews Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear said he would contact the Department of Natural Resources to see if the wetland status of the proposed area for the gym will be an issue.