Forest group appeals approval of Freele Tract waste facility
Friends of Simcoe Forests submit appeal to LPAT on ministry’s decision for proposed ERRC in Simcoe County Forest
News release from the Friends of Simcoe Forests
The Friends of Simcoe Forest Inc. is appealing the Ministry’s decision to approve Amendment 2 to the County of Simcoe Official Plan. The purpose of the County Official Plan Amendment No. 2 is to facilitate the development of a waste management facility referred to as the Environmental Resource Recovery Centre in the Township of Springwater (2976 Horseshoe Valley Road West).
The County is proposing to remove at least 5 ha (12.35 acres) of woodland within the Township of Springwater to accommodate the construction of an Environmental Resource Recovery Centre. This woodland is within the Growth Plan Natural Heritage System (NHS) and is designated as Greenlands in the County Official Plan (OP). The removal of at least 5 ha (12.35 acres) of woodland will result in negative impacts to at least two Key Natural Heritage Features within the Growth Plan NHS (significant woodland and significant wildlife habitat).
It is the Friends of Simcoe Forests position that the decision is not consistent with the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan and County of Simcoe Official Plan related to development and site alteration within Natural Heritage Systems, Key Natural Heritage Features and Greenlands.
About Friends of Simcoe Forests
FSF is a not-for-profit incorporated organization whose goal is to inform and unite all people interested in conservation of Simcoe County Forest.
It is our goal to promote the protection and appreciation of the environment and lands which are there for all of us and future generations to use and enjoy.
Visit our website for more information.
Previously posted:
Springwater council to look at province ok of Freele tract
Media coverage:
I agree with Sam’s comments in the Barrie Advance article.
It’s great that the Friends of Simcoe Forests have filed an appeal to stop the ERRC from being built in a county forest. The ERRC is badly needed, but NOT in a county forest! It must be built on Industrial zoned land.
And the county needs to get Barrie and Orillia on board to handle their recyclables and organic waste. It should be a joint venture with them, and the site of the former Molson Brewery on Hwy 400 would be the perfect location because it’s central and will be easily accessible with the new interchange there. It also has the water and sewer infrastructure in place.