An injustice.
There is only one word for what has happened to Russell
Corbett and his family. Made to feel like a common criminal in what should be
his golden years. Indeed, believed by some in town to be nothing more than that
– someone who must be imprisoned from his beloved grove.
Beloved is also the correct word. It was Corbett and a
small band of others who set out to save the grove; who had a vision for a
magnificent urban natural forest, and by extension a vision to share with those
outside Arnprior: that the centre of this place, its soul, is mossy, even
mysterious. Some swear it has healing powers. Many others gave what they could
in time and money, through countless bake sales and other humble fundraisers
until finally it was done. But Corbett continued long after the goal was
reached. It was he and his family who cleaned up after the Ice Storm of 1998.
He carefully groomed the property for 17 years, costing the National Capital
Commission a fraction of what it has spent since imposing the ban.
Corbett is not perfect. But he has long since atoned for
his transgressions. Frankly, if he trespasses on the Gillies home owners’
property again, we would be the first to declare it a police matter. But the
ban has gone on too long. He is too proud to ask it of himself. So we will.
Lift the ban.
Lift it before a lasting an overly harsh pronouncement falls
on your shoulders.