Some county councillors balk at $60 cost of Chiarelli announcement

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe January 11 2012 

Warden Cal Patterson told a county council committee today that he suggested Simcoe County pick up the tab for Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli’s much-anticipated announcement on growth January 19, so there would be no cost to those attending, – but ministry officials declined the offer.

“It’s their show, they’re going to be running it,” Patterson told members of the corporate services committee.

Some councillors said they are offended at having to pay $60 to attend a lunch hosted by the Alliston Chamber of Commerce at the Nottawasaga Inn to find out what Chiarelli has to say.

“It’s not right,” said Essa Mayor Terry Dowdall.  “I think we should say we shouldn’t have to pay for what our government has to say to us.”

Patterson said he first learned of the plans for the announcement in a conference call in December that included Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern and four ministry officials – provincial development facilitator Paula Dill, senior policy advisor David Black and two others.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Oro-Medonte Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough, suggesting that Patterson, Lehman and MacEachern should not have endorsed the arrangements. “It’s very partisan, very distasteful… The presentation should have been here in this chamber.”

Patterson said ministry staff did 95 per cent of the talking and there was no opportunity for debate. He understood a portion of the $60 is going to the provincial government “to offset some of their costs.” 

Dowdall asked whether it would be sufficient to attend the no-charge hour-long technical briefing by ministry staff that is to precede the lunch-time announcement.

There was no clear answer. 

Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall suggested that Chiarelli be invited to address county council so that his statement can be recorded in minutes, along with questions from councillors. 

Patterson said he didn’t know whether he would have an opportunity to speak on the 19th but if he does, he will extend an invitation.

“I wish they would come here first,” Dowdall said.

Springwater Mayor Linda Collins said she’s not “hung up” on the $60. “It’s the cost of doing business,” she said. She noted that around 300 people are expected to attend the lunch, including landowners, developers and citizens. “We don’t have a facility for 300 people here.”

“I’m just excited to think we’re going to get this resolved,” said Collingwood Deputy Mayor Rick Lloyd. “It’s going to be a great day for Simcoe County.”

Patterson said he’s been told he will like what Chiarelli has to say. “I gather Paula Dill’s report hit home with the ministry… They’re responding to Paula Dill’s report,” he said, adding, “not that we may ever see it.”