Clearview catches minister's ear
A four-person delegation from Clearview Township will have an audience with the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Bill Mauro, Monday during a municipal government conference in Toronto.
The meeting was granted as part of the annual Ontario Good Roads Association and Rural Ontario Municipal Association combined conference, taking place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel Feb. 22-25.
The meeting is regarding a change in regulation by the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) that could result in a costly delay for Clearview Township.
Clearview currently has an application before the NEC for a development permit to upgrade two municipal roads (Concession 10 and 26/27 Sideroad) as part of the agreement for the expansion of Walker Industries’ Duntroon quarry.
“The legislation changed on the requirement for us to get a permit after the hearing board ruled on the quarry. We’re going to meet with the minister to ask for an exemption from that amended regulation,” said Clearview CAO Steve Sage.
The change means that a permit is now necessary to improve roads within the NEC area, which could mean the township would have to go through a second public process.
“At this point in time, we have probably invested about $130,000 and we have nothing,” said Sage adding that there may be additional costs.
“Where the huge cost could come in is if we have to go through another public process and I can’t estimate those costs.”
All members of Clearview council will be attending the conference, with the exception of Councillor Shawn Davidson.
Davidson has been asked to attend the meeting, because he is the appointed NEC member for Simcoe County.
In addition to Sage and Davidson, the delegation also includes Mayor Chris Vanderkruys and Councillor Robert Walker.
The road upgrades are part of an agreement that would lead to the eventual closure of County Road 91 at Grey Road 31.
“Not only will it cost us money but also time,” said Vanderkruys adding the road closure is meant to alleviate truck traffic.
“They changed the regulation but there wasn’t any timeframe around the change.”
It is at the mayor’s discretion, with advice from the CAO, which meetings with ministers will be requested.
Clearview Township also requested a meeting with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Glen Murray, to discuss the wpd Fairview wind project but the minister’s office declined.
