Dear Editor:
The Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) shelter property on Trafalgar Road in Erin was built on land generously donated to the Town of Erin for the specific purpose of supporting animal welfare.
It has since become a vital part of the Erin, Halton and surrounding communities, operating as a non-profit organization supported by volunteers, local businesses and residents. Importantly, it does not rely on taxpayer funding to operate.
Recently, Erin council has indicated an interest in “maximizing the property value for taxpayers” by potentially redeveloping this land. This raises several important questions:
– what exactly does council mean by “maximizing property value”?
– who stands to benefit financially from this redevelopment?
– which developer stands to profit?
– has a clear and transparent plan been shared with the public? and
– why was this decision made without broader community consultation, similar to the situation with our town logo signage?
The suggestion to rezone and repurpose this land for profit appears to prioritize financial gain over the ethical and social value the shelter provides. This decision could come at a significant cost to the community’s identity and values.
We urge council to consider if this is truly what residents of Erin want.
UCHS has long been a symbol of compassion and community spirit. Any decisions affecting its future should be made with full transparency and public input.
I have been a proud resident of the Hillsburgh/Erin community for over 25 years and have consistently supported local initiatives, including the shelter.
Over the years, I have actively organized and promoted numerous fundraising events through Saputo in Georgetown, which were well-received and enjoyed by our team members.
These events were conducted at no cost to the Town of Erin or its taxpayers and were driven by a genuine commitment to giving back to the community.
Fatima Ferreira,
Erin