My View: Midhurst Secondary Plan proceeds with Tree Cutting

By Bill French Springwater News 

I read and commented on the excellent articles by Kate Harries posted recently on this site. I did post a brief comment and would like to elaborate.

It did not surprise me that Council approved the tree cutting on the MSP development lands in the Carson Road area. Most of Council do not have the history of this over decade old saga, that is and will be, in my view, the most destructive development that Springwater has ever encountered because of the negative impact on the environmental, economic and social wellbeing of Springwater.

Just think, over the next 10, 20, or 30 years, the entire Midhurst area will be in chaos and under constant construction as almost 2,000 acres of the finest and richest farmland in Springwater is gobbled up for close to 8,000 high density residential housing development.

Springwater okays tree clearing, Geranium proclaims first phase of MSP

This development is not what you see in Snow Valley or Centre Vespra that has developed over the last 10 years which would be considered low density compared to the plans for the MSP. I don’t totally disagree with Planning’s comments that tree cutting is typically a permitted exercise on developments before all approvals are in place.

However, the MSP has to be treated with a much more cautious approach, as there is still no guarantee that all the conditions imposed by the OMB and Ministry can be met. I will repeat what I said in an article in December when the MCEP rendered its approval. To date all the consultant work for the Midhurst Plan Mega Project (30,000 residents) since 2009 has been undertaken or coordinated by the firm Ainley Group on behalf of the Township as its consulting engineer of record. I don’t question their competence and I enjoyed our professional relationship when on Council.

However, rightly or wrongly, since some people express concerns that the lines are blurred between the Township and Developers best interest in these studies, now is the time to bring in some third party independent advice. I would highly recommend that Council request staff to seek other parties to provide the additional reports ordered by the MCEP, so as to eliminate the real or perceived bias.

I do believe nothing should be approved and any approvals should be deferred by Council until all conditions are met. Council has every right to be cautious and yes they will be subjected to much pressure.

Remember if this mega development ever fails to launch, you have unnecessarily destroyed a significant amount of natural heritage and habitat for nothing. I congratulate Councillor Hanna for challenging and questioning the recommendation. Having been the victim of intimidating FOI requests during my time on Council, I can wager that Hanna is now the subject of FOI requests, simply to rattle and intimidate him.

Council Delegation of Authority and Actions for CORVID-19

Again, I will refer to another of Kate Harries recent posts which I commented on.

I am totally confused why Council delegated unnecessary authority to the CAO during this Pandemic. In some ways, I think it is a lack of leadership by the two heads of Council because of their lack of practical management and leadership experience. It appears they want to wash their hands of this dreaded Pandemic as it progresses and saddle most of the responsibility on the CAO.

Springwater council delegates authority to CAO, emergency control group

I have no issue with forming an Emergency Control Group consisting of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, CAO and heads of departments, as that will allow a quick response to changing events. However, the initiatives proposed (would not be authorized at this stage) should be brought to Council in an emergency session and then approved or amended. The Council has already conducted virtual meetings on line, as we saw again this week.

We elect Councils to do the hard work and this COVID-19 is definitely calling them to earn their keep.

Instead of the proposed “give up one days pay in each pay period” by the Deputy Mayor, how about working harder and really helping the residents of Springwater, rather than shirking your responsibilities.

I do again congratulate Councillors Cabral, Moore and Hanna for challenging the resolution when debated at Council. I was surprised that Councillor Moore’s simple question about an example for the need could not be answered. Council should be meeting every week until this crisis is over, and its easy to do with our technology. The Mayor finds time to do regular Youtube updates, so why not do a Council Meeting and keep things responsive to the changing environment.

Springwater seems to be taking a “follow others” approach rather than being proactive, as they have not declared a State of Emergency or imposed fire bans like other municipalities in order to save the emergency worker from unnecessary calls, or anything that would be considered innovative.

I think Council should be meeting constantly and coming up with creative ideas to help our small businesses in Springwater and especially addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. How about business tax deferrals (rather than just delayed assessments), caps on water bills and other easy to execute policies that really do help and make a difference to the taxpayers in Springwater in these unprecedented times.

Now is not the time for being an ostrich and sticking your head in the sand. On the other hand, if this is the way they want to do it, I have great confidence in the CAO in getting things done, but the legislative arm, which is the Council of Springwater, should be steering the ship, and not leaving it strictly to the unelected Administrative arm.

More importantly, and again in my view, now is also a time to reconnect with God in whatever way that means to you. He is the only power that can overcome this Pandemic. And yes, he does this work through you, me and everyone of the health care professionals. Easter is a time of rebirth and renewal, and in my case, I do trust the all loving power of Christ who suffered, died and rose again to give us new life. May God bless and protect you and your loved ones during this crisis. Bill French is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years experience and served in senior positions of International Enterprises.

Bill served as Mayor of Springwater and a County of Simcoe Councillor from 2014 to 2018 and has taught business at the college level for over 15 years.