Last year a developer submitted an application to the Town of Oakville to build about 780 houses and 2 multi-story buildings on Saw-whet Golf Course. There was a loud public outcry against the plan. Hundreds of you wrote passionate letters to the Mayor and Council and attended meetings that attracted overflowing crowds.
Largely as a result of the public outcry (and flawed environmental studies conducted by the developer), Council did not pass the subdivision plan for Saw-whet. The mayor promised to save all of the Merton Lands of which Saw-whet is part. (Deerfield is also part of Merton Lands).
But last fall the developer side-stepped your elected Council by taking the development plan to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). I find it deeply frustrating that an un-elected OMB member has the power to trump the wishes of your elected representatives. The pre-hearing is set for May 1 and the hearing is scheduled to start in October.
So now, once again the public needs to speak up - this time to the OMB. There are so many reasons to protect Saw-whet from development.
- It is an important habitat for wildlife, and an appreciated recreation facility.
- People feel our roads are already over-crowded - this development will add hundreds more cars to our roads.
- Oakville has already met its growth obligations to 2031 (set by the Province). We have lost so much of our greenspace to development over recent years.
- Growth costs taxpayers a lot of money, so why should we endure more growth than Provincially mandated?
- If Saw-whet is developed, will Deerfield and Glen Abbey Golf Courses be next? They all have the same zoning.
What can you do?
- The OMB needs to hear from the public! The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ted McMeekin, has indicated he wants more input from the public during OMB hearings. Find out about the OMB process and how to have your voice heard by attending a public meeting on April 14, 7 pm, Halton Region Bldg., 1151 Bronte Rd.
- Read more about this development plan, and the costs of growth in the Ward 4 section of "Let's Talk Oakville" magazine that should be in your mailbox shortly.
- Check out www.elgar.ca for background information about this issue.
- Tell your friends and neighbours about this issue. Ask them to email me so I can add their contact info. to my data base and keep as many people engaged as possible.
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments on this issue and other matters of Municipal or Regional importance.