The federally owned Downsview Park has become the centre of a heated debate between Coun. Maria Augimeri and the federal government. It’s also shaping up to be a recurring theme in this year’s municipal election as she and her opponent for the Ward 9 seat take opposing views on the subject.

In April, the Toronto Star reported that it obtained a private memo from Public Works and Government Services deputy minister Michelle d’Auray dated December 2012.

In the memo, d’Auray allegedly expresses disapproval of the recent handing of Downsview Park to the Canada Lands Corporation (CLC), a Crown corporation with plans to redevelop the park’s Stanley Greene neighbourhood.

Following the publication of the Star article on April 18, Augimeri began to publically call on the government to clarify their intentions with Downsview Park.

“Stop selling our parkland,” said Augimeri. “Either keep your promise to create ‘Canada’s first urban park’ or hand it over to the city … we see huge potential here, but all the federal government sees is dollar signs.”

A “Set Downsview Free” petition created by area residents emerged soon after.

But Downsview resident and Ward 9 councillor candidate Anthony Fernando thinks that Augimeri is creating a sense of hysteria. “I think this was a very interesting political stunt to raise the councillor’s profile,” he said.

“Could [the sale] have been more transparent? Absolutely,” said Fernando. “But does there continue to be a NIMBY sentiment? Yes. We’re operating in a period of deficit on all levels of government,” he said. “It was the most rational decision available.”

Representatives from the federal ministry of Public Works did not return calls for comment at press time.