Reports on Midhurst Ratepayer Association AGM

From Paul Fleming MRA – February 26 2013 

On Feb. 19th over 140 people attended the Annual General Meeting at the Community Centre. The key concerns of the meeting were the impact of the Midhurst Secondary Plan (MSP) on Springwater taxes, environment and agriculture. Three guest speakers provided background information on each of these topics: Bill French (Financing issues), Gary Christie (Environmental issues), Rob Wright (Agriculture issues).

These concerns were prompted by two key events:

1. In 2008 Springwater Council accepted the Midhurst Secondary Plan (MSP) which opened the door to this massive development. Unfortunately that Council did not stop to consider the three critical issues noted above. Currently Springwater Council is playing catch-up and has just begun to work on those issues. Most of the current Councillors are different from the ones which approved the MSP in 2008 and some have signalled that they are interested in listening to input from our group.

2. Originally the Province of Ontario opposed the MSP but last November it stepped aside to allow about 40% of the development. That is, the Province will permit the development of 741 acres of prime farmland to add 3,850 houses (10,500 new residents). Although we Ratepayers are still trying to find ways to contest this at the OMB, the Province’s decision to allow this development has made things difficult. Therefore, we need to show more concern about how this development will affect our taxes, environment and local agriculture.

How much will the MSP’s infrastructure really cost? – Bill French reviewed the financial data, and found that the final cost for the roads, water, sewage, etc. will exceed 170 million dollars.

What portion of the 170+ million will Springwater Township (we, the Ratepayers) pay? – The developers will pay for some of the infrastructure but it is not clear how much they are prepared to contribute. With such a large amount of money it could be that Springwater Council will opt to take on a very heavy debt load which will translate into higher taxes.

What Environmental Problems could the MSP cause? Gary Christie provided information on the fish and plant life in the Minesing Wetlands. His talk made it clear that the effluent from the sewage treatment plant could cause serious problems for animal and plant life. Fortunately, the Township has to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) before the sewage treatment plant is allowed to operate. However, there is a danger that the scope of the EA may be limited to save money if the public does not demand a comprehensive study.

What problems could the MSP cause for agriculture? The initial phase of the MSP removes 741 acres of prime farmland when Ontario needs that land to feed itself. In addition to this general problem, we learned from Rob Wright that it will also create specific local problems. Rob gave some excellent examples which made it clear that the high density housing of the MSP is incompatible with local farming operations.

Our Plans – Three committees (Finance, Environment, Agriculture) were set up to research the issues and to provide questions and comments to Springwater Council. When those committees appear at Council, many Ratepayer members indicated that they are interested in attending the meeting to show their concern and to provide support.

If you would like to join any of the groups, please e-mail Paul Fleming pfleming@rogers.com or David Strachan davidistrachan@yahoo.com.

As well, our website needs upgrading and we would appreciate any help. Other ways to get involved: fundraising, publicity and events coordination, telephoning those without email to advise of events.

At the meeting many people renewed their $25 Ratepayer membership or gave a donation. If we are to be effective at the OMB we need to pay our consultants and we would appreciate this type of support. You may renew your membership or make a donation by credit card through our website: www.friendsofmidhurst.ca or by sending a cheque to our mailbox: Midhurst Ratepayers, Box 272, Midhurst, Ontario, L0L 1X1.

The Barrie Examiner also reported on our meeting: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2013/02/20/more-than-140-midhurst-residents-attend-meeting

 

By Cheryl Browne, Barrie Examiner February 20 2013

SPRINGWATER TWP. – The fine balance between development and environmental concerns is weighing heavily on the minds of many in Midhurst these days.

More than 140 residents attended a meeting at the Midhurst Community Centre on Tuesday to hear what financial experts, farmers and anglers had to say about a proposed development in their small village north of Barrie.

“I think everybody realized there’s still a lot of work to do,” said Dr. Paul Fleming, president of the Midhurst Ratepayers Association.

Historically, changes in 2008 to the Midhurst Secondary Plan allowing for 10,000 new homes to be built in Springwater had residents, Simcoe County and the province demanding a hearing with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

In January 2012, the Ontario government made sweeping changes to its Places to Grow plans denoting which areas — or nodes — were designated for development. Cheering was heard in Springwater when it was discovered their name wasn’t on that list.

However, those yeahs turned to nays last fall when the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) sent planners scrambling with an announcement they’d approved 300 of the original 756 hectares for development in Springwater.

The remaining 456 hectares in the Midhurst plan are still under appeal by the province.

“And we still plan to go to the OMB,” Fleming said.

With nearly 30 names added to a list of those willing to get involved, the ratepayers have set up three committees to ensure their concerns are addressed as the project moves forward.

“We might have to reconcile ourselves to the 300 hectares as a fait accompli. But whatever new development we do have, we’ll make sure it’s in the best interest of the residents of Springwater,” Fleming said.

Environmental assessments are performed in four stages, and Fleming said the last two parts of the assessments still need to be performed and will need township approval.

He worries the two areas slated for resident development, off Carson and Doran roads, would see a sewage treatment facility built at the north end of Wilson Road near Golf Course Road beside the Minesing swamp, an internationally recognized and environmentally sensitive wetland.

Another committee will delve into the agricultural land that could be turned into subdivisions. On the financial side of things, a committee will be struck to keep a close eye on future development charges and what they will cost the current taxpayers.

Coun. Jack Hanna said he feels accountable to the people who elected him.

“I think the current taxpayers deserve to have answers from the people they elected,” Hanna said Wednesday.

A Springwater Township council meeting prohibited Hanna from attending Tuesday night’s ratepayers meeting, but he doesn’t need to sit in a room with his neighbours to know how frustrated they are with the proposed development.

Hanna said he’s worried the associated development charges are to going to be too heavy a burden to bear for the current residents.

While municipalities can charge between 90% and 100% of the costs for expanded fire department personnel and roads, new infrastructure such as parks and recreation facilities, libraries and a new transit system won’t be entirely covered by the developer, Hanna said.

And even bigger ticket items such as sewers that come with a price tag of about $100 million, would be covered up to 80% by the developer, he said, but added, “That other $20 million would have to be paid for by the current residents.”

At about $1,111 per each of the current 18,000 residents, additional costs mandated by the province such as public transit and policing would again be added to the residents’ tax bills.

Ratepayer David Strachan said he’s ready for the OMB hearing and is pleased that Premier Kathleen Wynne has taken the reins of the agricultural portfolio.

“I haven’t given up fighting this,” Strachan said. “There’s a number of obstacles the developers have to overcome before they get their blades in the ground. And, I think it will be interesting to see if they can satisfy the existing council that the whole plan is financially viable.”