“Build it somewhere safe.”

Those words concluded a presentation by 10-year-old Jocelyn LoSole-Stringer to city council on Monday.

Her message echoed the thoughts of many who took part in a citizen-led survey focusing on Orillia’s proposed recreation complex, and the suitability of a former industrial property chosen as its home.

The local youth spoke of the vinyl chloride that lurked beneath the surface of the West Street site, and urged members to locate the project elsewhere.

“Some people think that we do not want the MURF at all, but the truth is that we want it, just not on that site,” she added.

The presentation by a six-member delegation focused on the results of a survey issued by a group of residents concerned over the scope of the project and related environmental issues.

The results were compiled in a 70-page report that included responses to more than a dozen questions, as well as a raft of comments provided by survey participants.

While the document  “does not pretend to be scientific,” the findings attest to a “pent-up demand to be heard,” Allan Millard told council.

“We feel confident that a professionally designed and conducted independent survey – not a referendum – will substantiate what we are transmitting to you tonight as the voice of Orillians,” Millard added.

More than 150 people responded to the survey, the majority of whom had attended a public forum hosted by the group in March.

One hundred and thirty three respondents said they did not “fully support” the current project, with regards to the facility, location and cost.

Fewer – 91 – said they would support the current site for outdoor sports and parkland use, were the city able to ensure the property is safe “at an acceptable financial and health-risk cost.”

Some 127 said the current plan should be scaled back “to reflect needs rather than wants.”

Most supported locating the project on an unpolluted site, with some naming the Horne Farm or land offered by developer Angelo Orsi as properties with potential.

Millard noted that participants were invited to add their own comments, all of which were included in the package presented to council.

Some urged council to push ahead with the West Street site, while others criticized the group itself.

Delegation member Lillian Marsden read from a letter penned by a senior who feared having to flee the swimming pool and building in winter, wrapped in a towel, should the facility’s gas-venting system trigger an alarm.

“This does not please me at all,” the woman wrote.

Council listened to the 50-minute presentation but offered no comment.

Speaking with Orillia Today, Coun. Ralph Cipolla later challenged the survey, saying the questions were skewed.

“It is the voice of Mr. Millard,” he added.

The presentation came three weeks after another delegation of community members urged council to stay with the current site and building plan.