NIMBYism at the expense of the local economy?

Editor:

I have watched, read about and listened to a small but vocal group fighting a proposal for Steer Enterprise to build at Cashtown Corners.

I have driven across Canada and witnessed closed dealerships, machine shops, gas stations, and schools and I have seen the derelict homes, all indicating a sinking economy and no viable jobs.

I drive north to Cashtown and I see a new gas station, doughnut shop, John Deere dealership and can envision Steer on the southeast side.  All these businesses provide much needed employment and keep families living, shopping and attending schools close by.

Consider the daily trucks we depend on: Triple J with trees for the Tree Society of Creemore; the snow plough or grader; the combine or their accompanied trucks; the school buses, milk trucks, livestock carriers; Clearview Township trucks and yes, Creemore Springs trucks – all critical to keeping this township working.  Many of these drivers do not get paid while waiting for repairs.

The new site drawings for Steer have been published. The proposed site certainly does not duplicate the present cluttered shop in Glen Huron as suggested by the plaintiffs.

Is this a case of NIMBYism at the expense of the local economy and 35-plus jobs? Steer must now undergo the slow and expensive process of an OMB review, even though the proposal has township support, with the apparent exception of the plaintiffs’ chief supporter, Councillor Paterson. The suggestion that Steer can locate elsewhere in Clearview is just plain false.

If you have questions, stop and talk to the people at Steer. Learn about what they do. I have. They are a conscientious and community-oriented group of Creemore area residents, proud of their work.

Norah Mills,

Creemore.