[All] Fw: Response from MOE

Thu Oct 30 23:15:26 EDT 2014

Hi folks

Quick update on Barrie's Lake where roadways and development threaten wetland areas. 

Lulu 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Connie Cody <cbcodyz at gmail.com>
To: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> 
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: Response from MOE

Hi Louise,

We've been so busy with gathering info and researching.  The public information session happened on October 2, 2014 about the roads.  It turns out that the Cambridge West area is still designated as "Agricultural" in the Regional Official Plan.  It is also a Regionally protected wellhead for our drinking water.  In addition, it is located adjacent to aggregates, which in most cases this would not be good...however, it is next to the wetlands and so can never be dug up, but the rules support further investigation when aggregates are concerned.

I have also found that the full area is not owned by the developers and they have outstanding purchases underway.  The developers filed an application to amend the City Official Plan to accommodate development and to change the zoning to high density as they plan to build numerous apartments and townhouses on both sides of Blenheim Road.

We are submitting comments to the City Planner and Dan Currie before the 30 days is up.  The Planner and Consultant stated that they would accept comments any time and that there are no deadlines, but according to the laws, anything submitted after 30 days does not have to be recognized with any future discontent.

Just wanted to give you an update as I came across this email.

Connie

On Sun, May 18, 2014 at 2:19 AM, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:

Hi Connie
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>I got a letter on  on Friday too.  It makes sense actually. They divided each component into their appropriate categories as individual projects. We can only comment on the Class EA phase B to request a bump up there at this point in time. In my case that was in regards to "establishment of new storm water management facilities". I figured that one was most specific to the discharge into Barrie's Lake. 
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>The other project I was concerned about was the establishment of the new collector's road and the re-alignment of Blenhiem Road and associated water infrastructure. It's too early to comment on those to projects yet since a class EA schedule C is already under way. That has to reach the part 5 stage where the final design has been presented to the public. Only then can we respond with another part II order request specific to those projects if outstanding issues exist.
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>Your going to have to scope the local paper for when the open houses take place because that will update you on critical info regarding the rare species etc. I find they only present that key data at these open houses including maps for critical habitat etc. When you go to an open house, bring a camera and take photos of the data presented to the public, especially critical habitat maps that identify where rare species are and/or video tape the public presentations and post on Youtube. It's public info and that data can be used as part of your Part II order. You are basically gathering evidence to build your argument.  By law, the city must print in the paper when the final designs has been approved. That is the 30 days notice we have to give our Part II order request to the ministries specific to those projects should outstanding issues still exist. 
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>Every email is evidence. Every video and photo you take from a public open house is also evidence. If you have questions or concerns that they are breaking the law, be upfront with them via email.  Every written statement can be used as evidence. Avoid discussing matters on phone unless you record exactly what was said on paper right after with date, time, contact info etc. You are building a legal case basically and the more evidence you build for yourself, the better off you are. 
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>During council meetings, bring a camera. One of the most powerful pieces of evidence I used in regards to Hidden Valley was this video where an expert states to council they don't need a kill permit to destroy Jefferson Salamanders. That video got results for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdRuYRIQdJk  Now the ministry is watching that project with far more scrutiny. 
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>The tip I have from various eco law firms I've spoken with is this. Do not present a do nothing approach. That comes off as being radical or NIMBY.  We need to present our concerns in a way that they could in theory do the project, but only if they address the following concerns. Our concerns must be supported by an existing law such as the  Provincial Policy Statement or the Ontario Endangered Species Act or the Species at Risk Act or Regional Official Plan. The objective isn't to oppose the project, it is to support compliance. The more expensive the EA process becomes, the less likely that project will happen. We successfully bumped up the River Road extension from 21 million to 75 million in costs just by demanding better data to comply to planning laws. We are in the process of bumping that project up from a Schedule C to a class EA Schedule D process. 
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>Keep your eyes on the paper for when public open houses and approvals are given in regards to Blenheim Road and the establishment of those new collector roads. If you see anything on those let me know and I'll look into it at my end too so we can be ready for the Part II order if need be. 
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>Lulu :0)
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>________________________________
> From: Connie Cody <cbcodyz at gmail.com>
>To: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> 
>Sent: Friday, May 16, 2014 10:41:48 AM
>Subject: Response from MOE
> 
>
>
>Hi Lulu,
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>I am attaching a copy of the letter that the MOE sent to us in regards to our Part II order request.  They also sent out the conceptual Planning Process where it shows "opportunity for input by NPA".  But the NPA is working with the developers and do not represent the whole of west galt or Cambridge.
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>Connie
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