Winning proposal’s ‘all in the family’

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Vittoria park being transferred to Lamport Family Association

Faced with no bad decision, Norfolk councillors have decided family matters.

Ending a lengthy debate over the future of Lamport Park in Vittoria, councillors opted to transfer the parkland to a newly created organization that represents the descendants of Alice Lamport, who donated the parkland in 1962. The Lamport Family Association and the Vittoria and District Foundation each submitted a proposal to take over the park.

“This is a winning proposal for Vitorria, Norfolk County, the Vittoria and District Foundation and the Lamport family,” said Jennifer Day, speaking on behalf of the Lamport family and the Lamport Family Association.

Councillors said both groups gave great submissions and they expected either would be a great steward of the land. Likewise, staff said both groups met all the needs the county outlined. 

“Both options are trying to achieve the same goal, they want to protect that little bit of greenspace in that big city of Vittoria,” said Ward 4 Coun. Chris Van Paassen. But in the end, Van Paassen said the family connection broke the tie for him.

The County has been grappling with what to do with the park and neighbouring old town hall. Previous efforts to find a non-profit willing to take control of the hall went unsuccessful, leading the municipality to put it up on the open market.

While the Lamport Family Association is new, Day said members have the experience needed to ensure it runs smoothly.

“The association’s mission is to preserve, for the long term, the original intent of the donation of Lamport park by holding, maintaining and making available the park in Vittoria for the use and enjoyment of Vittoria residents, the Norfolk community and the broader public,” she said.