[All] re OMB and the Region II

Wed Aug 14 14:56:55 EDT 2013

Hi folks

This is a HUGE issue. MPP Catherine Fife and I have been corresponding about the OMB over the last year and we should all be writing to our provincial MPP's as well as the media about this matter. 

One of the things I found out in speaking with Catherine is the fact that there is no criteria to define what expertise is required to be an OMB official. Some are planners, some are solicitors, others are simply former politicians with no scientific expertise at all. These "non-experts" have full power to use discretionary powers to circumvent any democratic decisions made by municipalities in regards to planning. This is unreasonable.

WHY didn't the board have proper training to determine growth projection and required land use PRIOR to this scandalously biased "training session" they received?

How does this lack of knowledge impact prior decisions made by the board? 

Exactly what training do they receive? By whom? 

Where is their mandate to following in making decisions on such matters and why isn't that criteria made public? 

We are not the only municipality facing this EXACT SAME ISSUES. Read what is happening in:

Hamilton
http://www.thehamiltonian.net/2013/08/media-release-hamiltonians-for.html

Ottawa (& Calgary)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/strike-a-blow-for-democracy-scrap-the-omb/article621920/

Oshawa
http://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/3512499-former-toronto-mayor-represents-oshawa-resident-in-urban-sprawl-fight/

I suggest GREN create our own Op Ed in the TORONTO STAR or the GLOBE AND MAIL to raise awareness on this matter provincial wide. We are not the only ones experiencing this and the more public support and awareness we can promote to raise attention to this issue, the better the outcome. SUPPORT AND AWARENESS of this issue OUTSIDE THE REGION IS ESSENTIAL.  If we stay silent, we might see in-house solutions that are crafted outside of the public view with benefits going to certain folks and/or agencies. I know how this murky system. Don't let the resolution end up as a horse trade in the dark. We need to flash the biggest spotlight we can on this issue to hold both sides accountable for legislative compliance. 

I would like to see GREN executives contact Catherine Fife directly to see how we can work collaboratively in regards to the crafting of an article regarding this OMB process. She has been on this issue for awhile. She would know how to engage officials and effect change. I know first hand we can proceed with the full support of Catherine Fife on this issue.  It is time to do it. 

In the attachment is a report by the Sierra Club called "Sprawl hurts us all".  Go to page 20 and glean some of the info specific to the shortcomings of the OMB to get further info on concepts we can use in our response.  Also, I advise sending whatever draft copy we have to Theresa at CELA or to folks at Environmental Defence or Ecojustice to see if they can add further recommendations and or suggestions. They are also sympathetic to the cause and they can help to make sure what we say is appropriate for press. 

That's my two cent's worth. 

Lulu

________________________________
 From: Susan Koswan <susankoswan at execulink.com>
To: all at gren.ca 
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:42:10 PM
Subject: Re: [All] re OMB and the Region II

I disagree, Greg,

To paraphrase Jane Mitchell – the powers that be are impressed by GREN’s knowledge-base -- we are being heard.

Legal decisions are influenced by the zeitgeist. This would be a perfect opportunity to get MPP’s moving towards an investigation/re-assessment or whatever of the OMB. If we make lots of noise about this, it might encourage other municipalities to come forward with their concerns about the OMB. My guts tell me this is a really, really important case. 

This is a long term project and we have to be there to nudge it along. I’m still willing to draft an email to our MPP’s. 

My two bits, 8-)

Susan K

From:All [mailto:all-bounces at gren.ca] On Behalf Of Gregory C. Michalenko
Sent: August-14-13 9:59 AM
To: Louisette Lanteigne
Cc: all at gren.ca
Subject: Re: [All] re OMB and the Region II

The Region is proceeding with a bold series of legal measures to address this. They are keeping the public informed -- a press release went out yesterday. I don't think a GREN statement/action is warranted at this moment.  If egg is to land on the face of the OMB and the consortium of some 27 land owners, speculators and developers that are involved in this challenge to the ROP, it will splatter much more effectively if delivered by the force of a legal cannon than if delivered through GREN's pea-shopoter.  Let's sit tight for now and keep abreast of developments. 

- Greg

________________________________

From:All [all-bounces at gren.ca] on behalf of Louisette Lanteigne [butterflybluelu at rogers.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 1:51 AM
To: Susan Koswan; all at gren.ca
Subject: Re: [All] re OMB and the Region II
In formulating GREN's response, it would be beneficial to make reference to the Environmental Commissioner's statement regarding the attempt David Wellhauser and I made to secure a Waterloo Moraine Protection Act. The Commissioner states the following:  

Not only does the Growth Plan fail to require population allocations be adjusted for communities with watersheds close to or already at carrying capacity, it favours large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at overcoming the natural limits to growth. Waterloo is proposing to address any future water shortages by constructing a pipe to Lake Erie. Such infrastructure projects override ecological carrying capacities and are exempt from natural heritage protections in the PPS and Greenbelt Plan, despite their significant environmental effects. Provincial policies, such as the Growth Plan, favour development over sustainable planning processes.
A comprehensive systems-based plan for natural heritage protection and land use planning is needed. The moraines extend across several cities and regions, each with their own official plans and zoning. The resulting piecemeal approach to planning and protection can leave environmentally significant areas vulnerable or under-protected, thereby compromising the entire landscape.

To read more visit here: 
http://www.ecoissues.ca/index.php/Pushing_for_Natural_Heritage_Planning_on_the_Waterloo_and_Paris-Galt_Moraines

Might as well put that info to some good use. 

By the way, I've notified CELA, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Donnolly Law and Award Winning solicitor Dianne Saxe about all this as well as my friend from York Regional Police who specializes in Municipal Corruption issues.  

A judicial review is a pretty big deal folks. Certainly something worth supporting!

Louisette Lanteigne
700 Star Flower Ave.
Waterloo Ont.
N2V 2L2

________________________________

From:Susan Koswan <susankoswan at execulink.com>
To: all at gren.ca 
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 5:16:43 PM
Subject: Re: [All] re OMB and the Region II

Jane has asked that we spread this far and wide, write to the province etc. I will draft a response from GREN, so please provide me with your input ASAP. 
Susan K

From:All [mailto:all-bounces at gren.ca] On Behalf Of Susan Koswan
Sent: August-13-13 4:56 PM
To: all at gren.ca
Subject: [All] re OMB and the Region

FYI – Jane Mitchell just posted a backgrounder on FB.   Rat bastards!
Wonder if this can work to take down the OMB.
Susan K

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