Dear Editor:
RE: Bill 5 ‘a disaster,’ May 15.
We would like to emphasize the importance of last week’s letter and thank Jeannine d’Entremont for writing it.
The bill is quietly moving forward with little mention and few are aware of the destructive powers embedded in this bill, including stripping protection away from wildlife, habitats, the environment – all in the name of “unleashing the economy.”
It is frightening to learn that our government thinks it is justifiable to allow this destruction. How shortsighted. We all know that the health and well being of the people, depends upon the health and well being of the environment.
In contrast, Puslinch Township’s municipal government has taken an interest in protecting its rural character by looking to locate new industrial development in areas where the least harm will be inflicted.
The Puslinch by Design Study, conducted by a consulting group, has determined the most suitable placement for future industrial growth in Puslinch to be the area south of the 401, bordered by the 401 and roads built for heavy traffic. Gravel pits, industry, heavy truck traffic, etc. already exist there, meaning additional industry will have little new negative impact.
And yet, speculators/developers approach farmers on lands declared less preferred for industry – lands on quiet side roads lined with farms, nature, forests, country residential – trying to buy up the farmland to rezone to industrial.
There appears to be no moral compass with our provincial government and with speculators/developers in terms of getting this right; no genuine interest to protect and preserve by avoiding the sensitive lands and choosing locations that avoid the greatest harm.
We will live with the needless destruction they cause forever. How sad.
Donna and Jim Christie,
Puslinch