Letters to the Editor

A suggestion for council

Since the present council of Uxbridge appears to have little or not interest in such matters as heritage, environment or aesthetics, here is a suggestion to help resolve two current dilemmas.

Dilemma one: The proposed construction of silos and a grain mill within the township to augment tax revenue. Dilemma two: What to do with the property recently purchased on Brock Street to facilitate culvert construction, once the culvert is completed.

Suggestion: Solve these two dilemmas by having the Grainboys' mill located on the site on Brock Street. This would solve the problems and serve to provide the desired tax revenue. Such a project would add a significant new landmark in the downtown core. This could be another step in the ongoing uglification of Uxbridge.

John Fraser

Goodwood

To the residents of Ward 1 who think that Councilllor Gary Ruona, who represents Ward 2 but lives in Ward 1, is a traitor to Ward 1 - if he had voted ‘No’ [to the rezoning by-law] then in Ward 2, the farmers he represents could have called him a traitor. Damned if he did, damned if he didn’t!

Gail Sanderson

Mount Albert

It is really unfair for those people living next to the new Grainboys' mill in Goodwood. For no fault of their own they are now adjacent to an industrial zone; good luck trying to sell their property and they are million dollars homes, or they were.

They lost hundreds of thousands of dollars while that insufferable Mr. Varley wants them to be civil and smile. Their property has to be re-assessed for the lower value and the property tax has to be dropped accordingly. But how are they going to be compensated for their crushed dream of retiring peacefully in a little quiet village? How could the zoning be changed from rural residential to industrial and a mill be built in between houses?

Doru Olaru

Goodwood

I have lived in Uxbridge Township for almost 70 years. I am now a semi-retired farmer who, as a taxpayer, does care for the idea of Grainboys coming to Uxbridge.

I do realize location is the issue. For years and several different councils, Uxbridge keeps trying to entice industry to move here. A lot of us taxpayers grumble every time taxes increase. More industry may not lower taxes, but may at least make increases smaller. I guess there are some who don't mind paying more.

I applaud the council for trying to accomplish what has rarely been done in past years. If I was a business owner wanting to relocate, after hearing about all the hassles Grainboys are getting, I would definitely look anywhere but Uxbridge Township.

Alex Sanderson

Uxbridge