What could have been a pleasant discussion about the efforts of local residents to oppose the Aikensville gravel pit degenerated into personal attacks and possible electioneering last week among Puslinch councillors.
On Feb. 3 council discussed the recent Ontario Municipal Board ruling against Capital Paving Inc., which was seeking approval for a gravel pit on a 51-hectare site in northwest Puslinch.
Councillor Susan Fielding began the discussion by stating she thinks the decision will set a precedent in the township. She congratulated members of the Cranberry Area Residents and Ratepayers Association (CARRA) for all their hard work.
But that is where the cordial tone ended.
Councillor Dick Visser agreed with Fielding’s sentiments and then expressed dismay that the CARRA group had succeeded despite having the support of just three Puslinch councillors.
In late 2007 Mayor Brad Whitcombe voted against a resolution stating the township is opposed to rezoning the land for “any pit.”
And councillor Don?McKay, as well as his wife, county councillor Barb McKay, has declared a conflict of interest on all matters pertaining to the Aikensville pit because the company he works for – Ortech Consulting – has done work for Capital Paving.
Visser last week again questioned the McKays’ declarations, which he in the past has called “very tenuous.”
McKay replied he is “annoyed” that Visser repeatedly questions the decisions made by he and his wife, despite that they were made after consulting a lawyer.
“Perhaps councillor Visser should read the Municipal Act,” McKay said sternly.
Visser replied that there comes a time to “show a little fortitude,” and he questioned if McKay was fulfilling promises made during the 2006 municipal election.
Whitcombe then interjected to defuse the situation.
“The silly season has arrived early,” Whitcombe said, alluding to this fall’s election.
The mayor noted each councillor has a responsibility to declare a conflict of interest as they see fit. He said McKay could have jeopardized the township’s position at the OMB hearing if it was discovered he had a pecuniary interest but did not declare it.
“I think it’s a good decision,” Whitcombe said of McKay’s declaration.
