Decision shows disrespect for NEC staff

Editor:

I have obtained a copy of the decision of the NEC regarding refusal of a development permit for Sideroad 26/27.

1. The road project does not meet the test of “essential use”.

This does not take into consideration the right of reasonable access to the Collingwood area by residents of Osprey Township.

2. The completion of the tunnel under County Road 91 further erodes the case for this road project to be deemed essential.

The commission has failed to realize the tunnel is temporary and will be taken out in about two years.

3. The development would offend the objectives of the Niagara Escarpment Plan’s two most sensitive land use designations.

This fails to take into consideration that failure to close County Road 91 will result in two lakes divided by a busy road rather than one lake surrounded by conservation land for public use once the quarry runs out of aggregate.

4. Development would cause environmental harm in particular to cold water streams and would damage steep escarpment slopes.

In its present condition cold water flows over the road at times picking up what pollution may be left by vehicle use before entering the stream. The NEC staff report addressed this situation by recommending a culvert under the road allowing spring fed cold water to flow without being contaminated.

The above information clearly demonstrates how disrespectful the NEC is towards its own staff in its report regarding the Sideroad 26/27 development permit.

We deserve better.

Bill Franks,

Duntroon.