We support farmers, not theme parks masquerading as a farm

Editor:

The Nov. 10 article, Lavender farm approvals tied up in regulatory process, insinuates that landowner Jim Muzyka is a farmer in need of help to withstand the pressures of residential estate type development, and help keep agricultural land in agricultural uses.

In fact, the land Muzyka bought was not an operating farm. Nor is he a small farmer trying to keep his land and weather the storm of urban encroachment. His project is simply seeking to create a theme park, masquerading as a farm in order to capitalize on a generation’s desire to capture an irresistible Instagram photo. He is intent on building an attraction, not a farm, using the legal system to his advantage.

Preserve The Escarpment (PTE) is a group of local residents, some of whose families have lived in the area for generations and have a deep appreciation and care for the community. We see through this plan and are working together with the support of hundreds of others in the area to stop our neighbourhood from being turned into nothing more than an Instagram shot, endangering the Niagara Escarpment.

Simcoe-Grey is in the heart of the Niagara Escarpment, a natural wonder of the world. It is a recognized UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and requires a balance of conservation and preservation. We, PTE, intend to fight to keep our community’snatural environment safe from those who want to develop it into money-making theme parks that benefit only themselves.

Jill Kantelberg,

Glen Huron.