Ignoring job losses?

Dear Editor:

The rezoning of 650 Victoria Terr. was requested again. The Sept. 28 council meeting addressed this request. 

The new proposal from Dunpar Homes would leave trees, reduce the number of three-storey townhouses to 180 with a park to replace the commercial units. Although the vote was just on the rezoning, it should be difficult to okay when you know the details of the coming proposal.

Residents of Ward 5 made their thoughts against this development very clear in the February public meeting. Ward 5 has been bombarded by new housing approvals. When and if everything is completed, we will be the victims of huge traffic increases, more students for schools at or near capacity and job loss when the factory in removed.

The future of the business park has been has been promoted as the source of future jobs for Fergus. How can you say that you are going to place importance on jobs once and if the business park is filled, but be unconcerned about the current jobs at the factory on this site? 

Just because this site is not on the industrial plan doesn’t mean you can ignore the impact of their loss. It is of even more importance given the economic environment that we are now in. The factory was built in the 1990s. It was an acceptable location then and now that it isn’t located in the new business park it shouldn’t be there with its good paying jobs?

Our Ward 5 councillor Bronwynne Wilton (now running for mayor) voted for this rezoning. This was in spite of acknowledging constituents’ concerns from emails she received concerning this proposed rezoning. The people to whom she is supposed to answer have made clear that this is not supported. 

Our current mayor, Shawn Watters also voted in favour. They do not seem to acknowledge our concerns nor the loss of jobs. Maybe losing their jobs will give them a better appreciation of a job loss. 

Ward 5 was better and more compassionately represented by the current councillors of Wards 1, 2 and 3. Please vote!

Bernice Robinet,
Fergus