To the Editor:
Congratulations to Saugeen Shores on a well-run public meeting on January 16 regarding the new Ottaway/Copway Streets subdivision in Southampton. All Town officials, Councillors on the Planning Committee, significant Staff members, County Planners, and Project Planner, Ron Davidson, were on hand.
Nine community members spoke for several minutes each. Significant concerns were raised regarding foul sewer odours prevalent in the area, the high-water table, possible basement flooding, mould, tree removal, traffic and parking issues, insufficient green space, and endangered habitats for birds and animal species.
Following each address, the Mayor forwarded questions to the appropriate professionals for a response.
Councillor Grace expressed concern over the lack of readily available studies related to the development on the County website. Much of the information can only be seen by emailing in a request or visiting the Bruce County offices.
Councillor Divinski observed that only residents within 120 m of the site would be notified of the development whereas all those living on Ottawa Street will definitely be impacted. 120 metres is the minimum requirement, but is that fair to other residents in the area?
Councillor Halpin continued the fight for tree preservation as it appears a large number of trees at the site have already been removed.
Deputy Mayor Huber posed questions regarding zoning approval, protection of the wetland area, maintaining one lot as Open Space, and the limited access for emergency vehicles. She sincerely thanked all those community members who made presentations and hoped that public meetings such as these would continue in the future.
Councillor Stack encouraged further research on possible endangered animal and bird species living in the area.
Both the Mayor and Vice Deputy Mayor Myatt reiterated that new developments have a 30% target of medium or high density housing and this proposal has none.
As the meeting lingered on, the Mayor encouraged brief comments. I appreciate that Council’s time is valuable, but if I lived in that area, I would want to have my concerns heard as well as those of my representatives and not have comments cut short because of the late hour. The level of involvement by all committee members was commendable. I’m hopeful that Council and staff will work WITH the members of that community to find solutions to valid issues raised.
Why is the spokesperson for the Port Elgin Beach Preservers commenting on this development? Since the initial proposal of the Cedar Crescent Village on the Port Elgin Waterfront, I have watched many planning meetings. This Town is growing very quickly, and I feel that too often the Public is kept in the dark, perhaps not deliberately, but people lead busy lives and are often not aware of plans for new developments until it’s too late and shovels are in the ground. Do some at the municipality like it that way? When Staff and Council are supportive of a development like the CCV, it seems they don’t want to hear from a “pesky” community group who is getting in their way….”Thank you, next” is the response. A Councillor’s job is to represent their constituents and ask pertinent questions regarding all municipal projects, developments, and budgets. ONE public meeting with taxpayers allowed 3 minutes to speak is not consultation!
For the Ottawa/ Copway development, the following studies have been completed: Planning Justification Report, Stormwater Management Plan, and an Environmental Impact Study. An Extensive Traffic Study or Endangered Habitat Study are missing.
SADLY, despite repeated requests, no such reports were completed for the 19,000 square foot Cedar Crescent Village. NO TRAFFIC STUDY, NO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY, NO JUSTIFICATION REPORT, NO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN, NO ENDANGERED FISH OR BIRD HABITAT STUDY, NO FINANCIAL PLAN, AND CERTAINLY NO CONSULTATION WITH THE NEARBY NEIGHBOURS .
The Ottawa/Copway development required a site plan application to Bruce County because a zoning change was needed. The CAO insists that the CCV complies with all by-laws and therefore a site plan application isn’t required.
I hope Town Staff and Council will listen to the concerns raised and work WITH the “Northern Southampton Neighbours” to find solutions to issues raised.
Patricia Corrigan-Frank
Port Elgin Bach Preservers
