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Site 41 moves closer to permanent burial

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In Simcoe County
Jun 13th, 2010
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By Douglas Glynn Barrie Examiner May 13 2010
Simcoe County’s corporate services committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend to county council that the Ontario Ministry of the Environment be asked to revoke the certificate of approval for landfill Site 41.
If county council supports the recommendation when it meets May 25, it would pave the way for the sale of the property in Tiny Township.
While most people involved in the Stop Site 41 movement applauded the committee’s decision, Steve Ogden — who for a quarter of a century has spear-headed the battle against the dump — said he will wait and see what happens.
“The Ministry of the Environment has consistently said it is satisfied the site is suitable for a landfill. It’s had all the approvals. Someone could buy the property and apply for a new certificate. Given their track record,” he added, “I still have a healthy distrust of both the county and the MOE.”
Cindy Hood, the MOE’s Barrie district manager, said she will seek an answer from Toronto as to whether a new owner of the property might be able to apply for a new certificate.
Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop — whose private member’s bill to revoke the C of A is back before the Ontario Legislature — said he doubts “the government would be stupid enough to do anything to re-ignite the issue and spark an even greater public outcry than that which occurred last summer.”
Tiny Township Deputy Mayor George Lawrence — a member of the committee and long-time landfill opponent — quickly supported the motion by Simcoe County Warden Cal Patterson to recommend the certificate be revoked.
Lawrence has requested that a covenant be placed on the property that would ensure “it isn’t just turned over to someone to use for a landfill or any other waste-related purpose.”
Vicki Monague, one of the Anishnaabe Kweag women who launched the 137-day protest against the landfill in 2009, said she was pleased with the decision.
“This definitely marks a new beginning. It looks as if the end of an epic battle is in sight.”
Council of Canadians National Chairperson Maude Barlow — who led rallies protesting the landfill — said the committee’s action “is without question the right decision.”

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