Stop vindictive pursuit on AWARE

Editor:

AWARE Simcoe is a citizens’ group that endeavours to keep us apprised of the comings and goings of our local levels of government and how their decisions affect our quality of life. 

Last year AWARE Simcoe stood up to safeguard Beeton Woods, a 35-acre protected woodlot that slipped through the cracks and was clear-cut.  Simcoe County, including Deputy Mayor Barry Burton, opted to pursue $5,000 of county legal costs from the citizens’ group in what effectively is a SLAPP suit (strategic lawsuit against public participation). 

AWARE Simcoe is a group of engaged people who are well aware of the costs and what is at stake when they bring an issue to our attention. 

The group was acting as a voice for a significant number of people in Simcoe County who believe that clear-cutting forest for development must not be undertaken deceptively or lightly. 

As a resident and taxpayer, I urge the county to drop this vindictive pursuit and have now become a member of AWARE Simcoe (www.AWARE-Simcoe.ca) to show my support.

Donna Baylis,

Dunedin.