‘Subject lands have long been within the settlement area’

Letter to New Tecumseth Free Press Online from John Barzo

I am obliged to correct the information of David Strachan in his letter to the editor posted May 11, where he suggests that this development represents an expansion of the Everett Settlement Area Boundary.

This is simply incorrect in that the subject lands have long been within the settlement area boundary.

‘Perfect example of weak politicians caving in’

Letter to New Tecumseh Free Press Online from David Strachan, Midhurst

Once again the County and the Province are breaking their own laws.

The Barzo development story in Everett is a perfect example of weak politicians caving in to incessant lobbying from developers.

In 2005/2006, the Province together with Simcoe municipalities, spent $3 million of our money on the Intergovernmental Action Plan (IGAP). This plan concluded that in 2006, 100 per cent of the projected 2031 population (667,000 for Simcoe) could be accommodated through existing planning comitments. i.e. There is no need to designate any more land for development until after 2031.

But Simcoe County now plans to increase its population by 50 per cent over the next 20 to 25 years. – despite the Province stating that it is unnecessary.

In order to designate more land in Everett, it is necessary to expand the settlement area boundary and this is contrary to section 2.2.8 of the Provincial Growth Pan. But hey, why let regulation get in the way of growth? Why have land use planning regulations anyway?

For those new to land use planning, the Places to Grow Act along with the Greenbelt Act and three or four other growth related Plans, were the result of a serious attempt by all governments to curb urban sprawl and protect our dwindling supply of prime agricultural land. Only five per cent of Canada’s land mass is suitable for farming and only 0.5 per cent has soils equivalent to where moist development is taking place in Simcoe County.

Public outrage with the ever increasing traffic congestion may not stop proposed developments in Everett, Bond Head, Midhurst, Hillsdale, or on any of the four proposed strategic employment settlement areas along the 400 between Bradford and Barrie and Barrie and Orilla, but you can have your say in the new Provincial initiative to review land use planning. Here’s the link: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page10882.aspx