[All] Fw: Fwd: re OMB and the Region II

Thu Aug 15 19:08:15 EDT 2013

Hi All,
    I agree that we have already discussed & supported the Region because the issue mattered to many of us. 
    So, as the issue progresses I am in favour of letters of continued support. 
    Voices always matter especially when typically so few speak up.
Sandra

From: Susan Bryant 
Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 4:49 PM
To: GREN All GREN ; Susan Koswan 
Subject: [All] Fw: Fwd: re OMB and the Region II

Hi All-

I understand that GREN’s and the community’s support of the Region’s ROP has been noted and has helped the cause both at the Regional and the provincial level. I believe we should take this opportunity (Susan K’s offer to draft something) to restate our support for the ROP, and no need to get into any court-case particulars. Of course I’ll be away and can’t help much!

Thanks, Susan K!

Susan B. 

From: Deb Swidrovich 
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 11:51 PM
To: GREN 
Subject: [All] Fwd: re OMB and the Region II

Hi everyone:

Kevin Thomason is away and having difficulty sending his comments on the OMB issue to all at gren.ca.  He has asked me to forward the following on his behalf...

Deb Swidrovich

-------------------------

Begin forwarded message:

  From: Kevin Thomason <kevinthomason at me.com>
  Date: 14 August, 2013 11:28:20 PM EDT
  To: Susan Koswan <susankoswan at execulink.com>, "all at gren.ca" <all at gren.ca>
  Subject: Re: [All] re OMB and the Region II

  Susan, Greg, Deb, Lulu and all involved so far in this email dialog.  Some really good points are being made.  There is a group of concerned citizens who have been actively working on this OMB issue for several months now.  

  We have set up a website - www.smartgrowthwaterloo.ca, a twitter feed, Facebook page, etc. and have been working to keep the public informed, engage politicians and groups across the province, and ensure the best possible outcome for our Regional Official Plan.

  I would encourage everyone to visit the site, read our recent press releases, follow things on twitter and subscribe to the mailing list.

  GREN has provided letters of support in the past and perhaps there will be the need for similar letters in the near future.  We will see how things unfold in the coming days though I see no downside to Susan preparing a draft letter to our MPPs expressing our increasing concerns and ongoing support for the Region.

  Please let us know any ideas or questions and hopefully we can all work together to ensure the best possible future for our region.

  Cheers,
  Kevin.

  ------------------------

  Kevin Thomason

  Phone: (519) 888-0519
  Mobile Phone: (519) 240-1648
  E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com

  -------------------------

  On 2013-08-14, at 12:42 PM, Susan Koswan <susankoswan at execulink.com> wrote:

    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

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    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

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    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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