<p dir="ltr">She gets it, that the "suburban dream" has to die out: </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.therecord.com/opinion/columns/article/875797--d-amato-roomy-suburbs-or-compact-cities">http://www.therecord.com/opinion/columns/article/875797--d-amato-roomy-suburbs-or-compact-cities</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Her column provides a segue for letters to the editor, to build public support.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Eleanor<br>
</p>
<div class="gmail_quote">On Jan 26, 2013 12:26 AM, "Deb Swidrovich" <<a href="mailto:deswid@gmail.com">deswid@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br type="attribution"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
<div><font color="#000000"><font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">I agree with Emil. A show of force and some pressure at the provincial level is essential (maybe Catherine Fife could be an ally here).</font></font></font></div>
<div><font color="#000000"><font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"></font></font></font> </div><div><font color="#000000"><font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">I'm not sure what can be done now that this decision has been made -- perhaps we should encourage the Region to take this further, and hope they can pull something together that will convince a higher court to hear the case. </font></font></font></div>
<div> </div><div>I do think this calls for a group meeting with Regional staff so that we clearly understand the implications of this decision, and the next steps.</div><div> </div><div>Deb Swidrovich</div><div> </div><div>
<br> </div><div class="gmail_quote">On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 4:22 PM, Emil Frind <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:frind@uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank">frind@uwaterloo.ca</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;padding-left:1ex;border-left-color:rgb(204,204,204);border-left-width:1px;border-left-style:solid" class="gmail_quote">
<u></u>
<div bgcolor="#ffffff" text="#000000">
Hi All,<br>
<br>
I hope that folks understand the potential implications of this
decision. Although this is only an interim decision, it opens the
foodgate to more urban sprawl. Where would these 1000 ha come from? The
worst possible outcome for the Region would be the paving over of the
primary Moraine recharge areas just to the west of Wilmot Line. This
could compromise the Moraine water source in a major way. <br>
<br>
At present, the Region has been quite successful in managing our water
source, and with continuing water conservation and prudent management,
a pipeline might never be needed. But with the primary recharge choked
off, our groundwater could decline both in quantity and in quality.
This would soon force us into the pipeline option. 25 years ago, when
the pipeline first came up, its cost was estimated at 1/2 billion, now
you can figure on a multiple of that - probably well over a billion,
maybe two. Who would pay? The taxpayer of course. Believe me, compared
to the cost of the pipeline, the LRT is peanuts. There is also the
quality issue - who would like to drink Lake Erie water?<br>
<br>
It's ironic that on one hand, the Province encourages intensification
by paying for some of the LRT cost, but on the other hand it encourages
urban sprawl. Makes no sense. The Places-to-Grow Act was forced down
our throats without consideration of the limits of our local natural
resources, and without any serious attempt of community consultation (I
was asked to comment, but my comments were ignored). This is not
democracy, it is dictatorship.<br>
<br>
I did technical assessments for both Site 41 and the Melancthon
megaquarry, both times concluding that the site is not suitable for the
purpose intended. But in the end it was not technical arguments, but
raw people power that defeated these projects. So it looks like this is
the way to go here as well. Make the powers understand that this is not
the will of the community. This might be a good time to put some
pressure on the candidates for political office. The OMB Act needs an
overhaul urgently. <br>
<br>
Best, <br>
<br>
Emil Frind.<br>
<br>
<br>
Kevin Thomason wrote:<br>
<blockquote cite="http://mid316D142C-131C-4F37-9E19-E1809B2FE6EE@mac.com" type="cite"><div><div>
<div>
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div><br>
</div>
<div>
<div>Yvonne,</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Thank you for the follow up and for seeking out additional
information from all the right people.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>I would agree from reading the decision and trying to interpret
all the information and opinions that indeed this is just an interim
decision in a much longer, and complex three phase OMB hearing that
will continue for some time yet. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The OMB has agreed with the Region on the types of land to be
included/excluded but then agreed with the developers on the amount of
urban boundary expansion needed.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>There is certainly no decisions, agreement or even attempts to
figure out just where urban boundaries would/could be expanded to allow
for this development to occur though loss of any greenspace is always a
concern for us.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Only time may tell if there actually is need or demand for more
urban sprawl type housing and who is right when currently most demand
is being seen in our rapidly expanding core areas where people are
seeking condos, lofts and town homes compared to the slowing sales of
single family detached homes in the suburbs. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Unfortunately though the designation of rural lands for
development and setting the expectation of development often dooms them
to development regardless of need.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>I believe the dangers of this decision are that it is a
disappointing setback for the Region's attempts at innovation and
trying to do things better, it will embolden the developers to
challenge the Region and area municipalities on more things, it again
demonstrates the pro-development leanings of the OMB and how it takes
the power away from local governments to make the decisions they feel
are best for our local communities, and it seems crazy for the OMB to
be encouraging sprawl and old fashioned, inefficient, destructive
greenfield development at a time when so many levels of government are
trying to implement more efficient and sustainable SMART growth
initiatives.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The developers are certainly seeing this as a huge win and they
feel that it positions them very well for the next phase of the battle
which will determine where and when the urban boundary expansion of
between 80 and 1,053 hectares will occur. This is a powerful group
with many lawyers and large law firms involved.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>We do need to remain optimistic. This is one decision point
with many more aspects and decisions in a much larger case. We still
have a visionary, progressive Regional Official Plan with many other
innovative elements than just land budgeting that we need to support
and keep moving forward be it the rapid transit, countryside line,
protected countryside, ESLs, water issues and dozens of other aspects.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The OMB and higher level governments can be swayed by strong,
united public pressure. Just look to the recent mega-quarry decision
for proof.</div>
<div><span><br>
</span></div>
<div>There<span> is a lot that we
can do over the coming months to support and encourage the Region and
area governments to continue with SMART growth strategies and
innovation. We should work to develop a plan to express our concerns
about this decision with all levels of government and ensure that
everyone is working towards leading solutions. We need to demonstrate
strong support for the ROP and articulate the vision of the community
that we want to see and live in over the coming decades. </span><br>
</div>
<div><span><br>
</span></div>
<div><span>We need to ensure that
our future is determined by the people of our community working towards
a better, sustainable community and world-leading place to live and not
by a bunch of developers using the courts and deep pockets to force old
style urban sprawl development over our remaining green space for their
own profit.</span></div>
<div><span><br>
</span></div>
<div><span>Thanks for looking into
this Yvonne! Please everyone continue to share any knowledge,
learning, and ideas.</span></div>
<div><span><br>
</span></div>
<div>
<div>Kevin.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>------------------------</div>
</div>
<div><br>
On 2013-01-24, at 10:57 PM, Yvonne Fernandes <<a href="mailto:fonka25@hotmail.com" target="_blank">fonka25@hotmail.com</a>> wrote:<br>
<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">Hello EVeryone,<br>
I had a chance to speak with Ken Seiling today and his comments were
that this process is not yet complete and this is on half of the
decision. I am not sure if he was trying to save face or not.<br>
I also email Kevin Eby who has been very involved in the hearings. His
comments were:" that this decision <br>
is only interim decision that only spoke the potential quantum of land
required, not the location. In its decsion the Board accepted in part
the Region's position and in part the developers possition and
instructed us to get back together to work out the dtails as it applies
to the calculation."<br>
Again I am not sure if this is the "approved" response but I want to
remain a bit optimistic. I agree with Greg that PB is not to be trusted
and that he is dancing away at much of this decision and the media
coverage that is is getting.<br>
I will keep you posted if I hear more or something different.<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
<div><font face="Lucida Handwriting, Cursive"><strong></strong></font>
<p><b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Script MT Bold";font-size:14pt"> Yvonne
Fernandes<img style="width:31px;min-height:19px" alt="" width="19" height="19"></span></b> </p>
</div>
<div><font face="Lucida Handwriting, Cursive"><strong>"Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful,committed people can change the world,
indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead</strong></font></div>
<div><font face="Lucida Handwriting, Cursive"><strong></strong></font> </div>
<div><em><font face="Comic Sans MS"><strong> <font color="#1b703a">Follow
your dreams of a better world, and keep on trying, even when there
seems to be little hope, because it is the right thing to do." Robert
Alan </font><br>
</strong></font></em></div>
<div><font face="Lucida Handwriting, Cursive"><strong></strong></font> </div>
<br>
<br>
<div>
> From: <a href="mailto:neiletaylor@sympatico.ca" target="_blank">neiletaylor@sympatico.ca</a><br>
> To: <a href="mailto:gcmichalenko@uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank">gcmichalenko@uwaterloo.ca</a>;
<a href="mailto:kevinthomason@mac.com" target="_blank">kevinthomason@mac.com</a>; <a href="mailto:all@gren.ca" target="_blank">all@gren.ca</a><br>
> Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:48:23 -0500<br>
> Subject: Re: [All] OMB Forces Urban Sprawl on Waterloo Region<br>
> <br>
> Greg<br>
> We agree once again.<br>
> Nei;<br>
> <br>
> -----Original Message-----<br>
> From: All [<a href="mailto:all" target="_blank">mailto:all</a>-<a href="mailto:bounces@gren.ca" target="_blank">bounces@gren.ca</a>]
On Behalf Of Gregory C. Michalenko<br>
> Sent: January-24-13 6:16 PM<br>
> To: Kevin Thomason; GREN<br>
> Subject: Re: [All] OMB Forces Urban Sprawl on Waterloo Region<br>
> <br>
> This is truly horrible. We've got to expose these developers and
the damage<br>
> thy have caused. Unfortunately I'm away untilFeb. 22. <br>
> <br>
> i remember battling Britton when he assisted Sun life in tearing
down 20<br>
> affordable houses to expand their parking lot.There was a rumor
circulating<br>
> that Habitat for Humanity had agreed to salvage the torn down
houses. I met<br>
> with the national president (the office happens to be in
Waterloo)and she<br>
> said "There is no truth to that. It would simply be unprofessional
to make<br>
> such a decision on a hypothetical matter before any official
decision had<br>
> been made and a demoliton permit granted." I was one of the first<br>
> delegations to speak at the critical Kitchener council meeting.
When<br>
> Britton spoke he blatantly lied, said that Habitat would welcome
the chance<br>
> to use the materials and the next delegation was a sincere naive
dupe of<br>
> Habitat enthusiastically thanking Britton for the wonderful
contribution<br>
> this would make to Habitat's good work. I had no chance to
challenge B's<br>
> blatant lie or mention my meeting with the president or tell the
poor worker<br>
> that he had been shamefully manipulated.<br>
> <br>
> I despise him.<br>
> <br>
> - Keep up your good work Kevin. I remember how grateful the
Kitchener<br>
> planners were when you spoke up in favour of the countryside line
when it<br>
> was proposed.<br>
> <br>
> = Greg, Huatulco, Mexico <br>
> ________________________________________<br>
> From: All [<a href="mailto:all-bounces@gren.ca" target="_blank">all-bounces@gren.ca</a>]
on behalf of Kevin Thomason<br>
> [<a href="mailto:kevinthomason@mac.com" target="_blank">kevinthomason@mac.com</a>]<br>
> Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 9:46 AM<br>
> To: GREN<br>
> Subject: [All] OMB Forces Urban Sprawl on Waterloo Region<br>
> <br>
> Good morning,<br>
> <br>
> In a very disturbing ruling the OMB is rejecting the Region of
Waterloo's<br>
> Regional Official Plan (ROP's) attempts to curb urban sprawl and is<br>
> demanding thousands of acres of greenspace be opened up for future<br>
> development:<br>
> <br>
> <a href="http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/874617--provincial-tribunal-sets" target="_blank">http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/874617--provincial-tribunal-sets</a><br>
> -back-region-s-efforts-to-curb-urban-sprawl<br>
> <br>
> It is a shameful ruling from a tribunal that shouldn't exist.
Certain local<br>
> developers are thrilled by the decision and are declaring a huge
victory.<br>
> <br>
> Twitter is rampant this morning with anger from the public that our<br>
> progressive region which is leading the charge on intensification
and better<br>
> land-use at the bequest of the province is now being forced by the
same<br>
> provincial government to revert to old fashioned urban sprawl.<br>
> <br>
> The Region is downplaying this decision and there is a closed door
meeting<br>
> of Regional Councillors (in camera) on Tuesday to discuss the
ramifications.<br>
> We will likely learn more over the coming days but it could be
weeks or<br>
> months until we learn what greenspace is going to be redesignated
and<br>
> targetted for future development to accommodate this ruling.<br>
> <br>
> As most OMB rulings are final and unappeallable (short of an
overturn by the<br>
> Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing). I don't think there is
much we<br>
> can do here other than to try to support the Region's other
efforts on<br>
> growth management, public transit, water, environmental
protection, etc. as<br>
> much as possible and still try to positively create the community
we want to<br>
> live in.<br>
> <br>
> Kevin.<br>
> <br>
> -------------------------------------<br>
> <br>
> Kevin Thomason<br>
> <br>
> 1115 Cedar Grove Road<br>
> Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2J 3Z4<br>
> <br>
> Phone: <a href="tel:%28519%29%20888-0519" value="+15198880519" target="_blank">(519) 888-0519</a><br>
> Mobile Phone: <a href="tel:%28519%29%20240-1648" value="+15192401648" target="_blank">(519) 240-1648</a><br>
> Twitter: @kthomason<br>
> E-mail: <a href="mailto:kevinthomason@mac.com" target="_blank">kevinthomason@mac.com</a><br>
> <br>
> -----------------------------------------<br>
> </div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
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