Letters: Jan 10/13
Harrosmith Subdivision
On December 12, a number of residents on Boyce Road, in Hartington, received letters, hand delivered, from a company called ASC Environmental. The purpose of this letter was, and I quote, “to request signed authorization to observe the water level in your well during six, 6-hour hydro-geological pumping tests on the property located on Highway 38, between Petworth Road and Boyce Road in Hartington, Ontario.”
There was a description of what the test would entail, but no explanation as to the reason for the test. Investigation by some of the residents uncovered that the tests relate to a proposed 50-lot or greater subdivision to be developed on this land. Imagine our surprise, shock, and dismay. Then imagine a group of neighbours coming together, on very short notice, to discuss our concerns.
Those concerns are many, but as our discussion proceeded, it quickly became obvious that we were unanimous in our number one concern - water. Of course we all depend on wells for our water supply. Whether the house is new (as new as one year) or old (our house was built circa 1900), we all have that in common. What most of us also have in common is the fact that in the last few years, the quality and quantity of our water has changed.
Most of us have had to install water treatment systems to address issues that did not exist until recently as, for example, a car wash was built, or apparently, as a result of blasting in a local quarry. Also, as a result of drilling these test wells, some Boyce Road residents experienced a strong sulphur smell in their water.
It is with these facts in mind that we have formed this group of like-minded residents to voice our concerns, both as a group and as individuals. We are strongly opposed to this proposal. It has not gone before council, which undoubtedly explains why this proposal is flying under the radar.
I would encourage anybody with concerns to contact your councillor, the mayor, ASC Environmental, or anybody else whom you think would be useful. My e-mail address is [email protected].
Ours is not a NIMBY response. Of course [we] don’t want a subdivision in our “backyard”, but our concerns are many: the addition of 50 or more septic systems in a relatively small area, increased traffic density, the effect on surface drainage, the loss of good farmland, the disappearance of wetlands, the clash between the rural aesthetic and this decidedly urban concept, and the disconnect between this subdivision and the mission statement and vision as presented by South Frontenac Council.
We are also aware of the fact that this could be an opening of the floodgates that leads to more development of this kind. Could this be phase one of many? Why not?!
One of the local residents extended an invitation to Councillor John McDougall to attend one of our meetings to speak with us about this issue, and I would also extend that invitation to Councillor Bill Robinson and any other council member or committee member. Please contact me or any other member of our group and we will make sure you know the date, time and location of our next meeting.
Dennis Saunders
(Editors note – At a meeting of South Frontenac Council on December 19th, Councillor Robinson asked the township planner, Lindsay Mills, if he had received a subdivision application from the area described in the above letter. Mills said that an individual who is interested in submitting a plan of subdivision has made preliminary contact with him, but no formal application has been submitted.
“The figure of 50 lots was mentioned, but in my experience those numbers tend to drop as the subdivision process proceeds,” Mills said.)
Re: Gutowski Will Not Step Down
I find it fascinating that one person (the mayor) feels that she is the only one capable to be on some committees. From past experiences I always felt that the rest of the council always received information that kept us all informed, but I am quite aware that lots has changed. In those days word of mouth meant something, but now if it isn’t written on paper (and probably witnessed), it means nothing. Believe me, this is from experience. I have talked to a lot of people on this topic and they also got the impression that in a round about way it was referred that the other mayors on County Council just aren’t capable. You go, girl, because it may be your last chance!
Have an exciting 2013!
Faye Putnam
Letter to Prime Minister Harper:
I am fully in support of the Idle No More movement sweeping the country. Triggered by Bill C-45, which threatens First Nations' treaty rights and removes many protections on Canada’s precious rivers and lakes, this peaceful movement is one I expect my leaders to listen to, respect, and collaborate with.
As a first step I urge you to meet with Chief Spence immediately to listen and learn from Aboriginal leaders about aspects of Bill C-45 that need to be modified and improved.
The values upheld by Idle No More supporters are core values long held by the majority of Canadians. I am most grateful to Aboriginal people and their supporters who have the courage to speak up about the misuse and reduced protection of the natural world upon which the health and life of all Canadians depend. The danger posed to our precious water resources by this bill and others you have passed are a matter of life and death for all Canadians for generations to come.
I expect Canada’s political leaders to learn about the plight of First Nations communities and to work with them in searching for appropriate policies and actions to improve health, educational, environmental, social, and community needs for them. Policies imposed upon them do not work. Part of the solution of course must attend to wise and informed policies on resources and land use before, not after, the government passes bills such as C-45.
I urge you to demonstrate courageous and responsible leadership by meeting immediately in good faith with Chief Spence and beginning a process of long-overdue negotiation to improve the appalling conditions in the communities and territories of First Nations peoples.
Margaret Fisher
Re: Taxes in South Frontenac
Taxes in South Frontenac to rise by 3.53%, Frontenac News, 20/12/12
I am getting very annoyed with South Frontenac and their trucks. First the taxpayers had to pay more for new trucks so that they could be painted "Omaha Orange" and now, when there is a shortfall of $206,000 in grant revenue, we are paying $340,000 for a tri-axle truck. Councillor Bill Robinson states that the truck is too big for our roads and we do not have enough use for one--it would be cheaper to rent as we need it. If this is correct, then what rational did the Public Works Department give when requesting the purchase? Also, given that it was November when Council learned of the provincial grant reduction, and given the concerns raised by Councillor Robinson of this expenditure of $340,000, I believe that this cost should have been reviewed before approving a directive to increase the budget by 3.53%.
Sheri Vivian
Re: Gutowski Will Not Step Down
Make no mistake, old boys clubs are alive and well in Frontenac County.
Janet Gutowski just beat one at their own game and they are having a collective fit! Good for her for making them squirm! In my own personal experience with the “old boys club”, they don’t care for anyone pointing out their own policy to them - especially a woman. Even worse a woman with a brain! The horror! And look at them now, crying like babies. Regardless of what anyone believes her agenda may be, they need to man up and get to the business at hand rather than play the immature little stonewall games they are threatening to. Sadly this behaviour is typical of old boys clubs when they don’t get their own way or someone dares break their tradition as Gutowski has. They look ridiculous and petty and while people like me may be watching with amusement, we are also making a mental note not to support them in the future. If the procedural by-law says the Warden’s term of office shall be 4 years, then 4 years it is. She’s got you pinned on policy, fellas, and your “gentleman’s agreement” isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
Oh wait, it’s not written, is it! Janet - you go girl!
Lori Greenwood
