It was a step in the right direction for the newly-elected council to hold an additional information meeting regarding the Port Royal Mills Ltd., or “Grainboys,” application for a zoning change regarding their Goodwood property, and I am pleased that the concerns voiced during all-candidates meetings were heard. Bravo.
I duly attended said meeting on Monday, Jan. 7, along with 20-30 (mainly) Goodwood residents.
Today I read and listened to the information provided by Conrad Richter (vm.richters.com/grainboys). It was well-researched and well presented. Issues covered include noise levels and weed contamination resulting from the grain processing plant’s relocation from an Aurora industrial park to a rural, grassy lot east of Goodwood on Hwy. 47.
I am moved to write today because of concerns that council is intimidated by possible legal action by Port Royal Mills / Grainboys should the zoning change application be rejected, that the attractiveness of increased tax levies as the land converts from rural to industrial zoning will be irresistible. There is a need for council to be supported by citizens who wish council to do the right thing, even if that means incurring legal expenses.
In plain language, my impression of the situation is that in 2015, Port Royal Mills Ltd. found a motivated vendor of a scrappy lot featuring an aging, uncared for residence on Hwy. 47 and attained the lot at an attractive price. The lot is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine and as such is regulated, causing more studies and meetings, but at a bearable cost to the new owner.
The location of the grain handling facility seems to matter not one bit to the new owners – business is business, and other elevators are close to homes and there are no/few complaints, etc.
Capitalists take risks, buying land and lobbying politicians for changes and benefits. Sometimes, the risk may result in a loss. Homeowners should not have to gamble. Future residents and generations of our township should not have to gamble on zoning changes being approved due to financial gain or loss. Perhaps a feasibility study should have been done prior to purchase. I would suggest that this land could be sold again with no significant loss – perhaps none. The studies are a business expense.
As Bill 66 and hints of sewage treatment pipes advancing east from York Region loom over Uxbridge (adding considerable developmental pressure), as big agriculture amasses land and removes houses and hedgerows, as our new council gains experience, I encourage my fellow residents to encourage council to resist financial pressures (positive and negative) and support the quality of life currently enjoyed by nearby Goodwood residents who bought their homes and conduct their businesses with a reasonable expectation of a rural or residential existence. This may mean a war chest needs to be funded, but I think integrity and courage are priceless. It could be your neighbourhood next.
Eve-Lynn Swan
Uxbridge
Re: “Am I Wrong?”, Jan. 10 edition
Yes, you are wrong Roger.
Your comments upset me, as does your cavalier attitude about cannabis use, especially now that it is legal to purchase. I am glad cannabis has become decriminalized, but your statements of its harmlessness are shocking.
I know personally of several cases of spousal and child abuse under the influence of cannabis. Two friends of mine died after using cannabis then drowning in a lake. Another friend was admitted to the ER with paranoid side effects. I know of several “potaholics,” and sadly it runs in families who share your cavalier attitude.
And it’s not just when pot is used but when the user is coming down from or not getting the next fix. That is a very unsafe situation to be around. It is also very habit forming. Again, I know people who can’t sleep without a joint before bed.
I’m sorry you experienced an alcoholic ex-wife, but it’s not right to justify or minimize cannabis’ ugly side because alcohol is legal and people freely drink. It is not a competition. This is not a moral issue. It is a health issue.
I am “forced” to inhale pot from second hand smoke in parks and my own backyard. It’s not like my glass of wine is going to splash down your throat, but airborne drugs fill my lungs unwillingly. Please don’t tell me there will be “provincial and federal legislation” to fix that, as you yourself freely admitted you’ve smoked illegal pot for decades. Obviously rules don’t work regarding cannabis users.
Say what you want, but keep it real and accurate when talking about a serious matter.
Theresa Pilniuk
Uxbridge
I’ve presented Maamawi Collective’s plan to create a partnership with the Township of Uxbridge related to Indigenous land/people acknowledgement as requested by Canada’s Truth and Reconcilation Commission.
The commission made 94 resolutions/recommendations. Number 53 – to promote public dialogue, public/private partnerships, and public initiatives for reconciliation – applies to all levels of government in Canada.
I commend Mayor Dave Barton, for including a land acknowledgement in Uxbridge Township Council’s inaugural meeting, which to my mind, was an encouraging start to a future partnerships related to TRC – Resolution # 53.
Barbara Blower
Coordinator
Maamawi Collective