NVCA report: MOU with Oro-Medonte; mega-quarry update; flood plain building

By Allan Baker AWARE Oro-Medonte September 28 2011

A resolution to receive the Draft MOU for the joint delivery of environmental program/services within the Severn Sound Watershed; and a directive that NVCA staff seek input from Board members, the public, NVCA solicitor, Oro-Medonte and SSEA staff, to develop a final version of this agreement for Board member consideration.

 Copies of the latest (15th) iteration were provided to Board members for their review.  Resolution carried.

Wayne Wilson provided a background overview of the MOU for the benefit of new Board members.  NVCA will provide an opportunity for public comment either in writing or via a public meeting.  Watch for notice in newspapers and/or through NVCA website posting.

Wayne Wilson – NVCA has received a $200,000 fee from Highlands Aggregates in the form of a Letter of Credit.  He was uncertain how the Provincial Environmental Assessment would affect the progress of the proposal, or if the Federal Government would expand the EA as a matter of Federal interest.

Darren White (DM Melancthon) offered that – Peter Kent has declined to make this a Federal issue at this time.  – Board of Directors meeting as a Hearing Board:  

In the matter of The Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 27, and in the matter of an application by Dr. Ozwaldo Remirez for permission of the NVCA pursuant to Regulations made under Section 28, Subsection 12 of the Act.  

Dr. Ozwaldo Ramirez has applied to construct a single family dwelling on a 25 acre parcel of land located within the Nottawasaga River flood plain.  There was a lengthy discussion regarding the quantity of fill required for the proposed building site, the accuracy of the land elevation mapping, property zoning, alternative building locations on the property, and NVCA Staff’s emphasis of the negative precedent such an approval would set before the Board went in-camera to reach a decision.  

The proposal was approved – subject to specific conditions – in a 17-3 recorded vote.

Against were Fred Nix (Mono), Rob Keffer (Bradford West Gwillimbury) and Percy Way (Amaranth). In favour were Gail Ardiel (Blue Mountains), Chair Walter Benotto (Shelburne), Mary Brett (Adjala-Tosorontio), Mike Edwards (Collingwood), Earl Hawkins (Mulmur), Ralph Hough (Oro-Medonte), Brian Jackson (Barrie), Bob Marrs (New Tecumseth), Paul McQueen (Grey Highlands), Brent Preston (Clearview), Perry Ritchie (Springwater), Alicia Savage (Clearview), M. Smith, vice-chair Joan Sutherland (New Tecumseth), Rick Webster (Springwater), Darren White (Melancthon), Keith White (Essa). 

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