Thursday March 28: Public Forum on Midhurst Development

Midhurst Ratepayers Association March 12 2013

• Introduction – Harold Parker, Former Councillor for Springwater Ward 3

• Overview of Midhurst Secondary Plan (MSP) – David Strachan, Midhurst Resident

• Impact of MSP on Springwater Taxes – Bill French. Businessman and Local Advocate 

• Impact of MSP on Agriculture – Robert Wright, Midhurst Farmer

• Impact of MSP on the Environment – Gary Christie, B.Sc. President of Nottawasaga Steelheaders; anglers, naturalists and conservationists working to protect river watershed 

The MSP is a plan to build high density housing for 23,500 people around the village of Midhurst. 

What will be the cost of building a new city from scratch? 

There will be huge expenditures for sewage treatment, a Midhurst ?re hall, Midhurst police station, Midhurst recreational facilities, bus service, etc. 

Will this translate into higher taxes for all Springwater residents?

Upon completion, 1,800 acres of farmland will be taken out of production. Is this loss of farmland necessary when there are plenty of alternative development sites available much closer to employment opportunities?

How will the development affect local farmers? 

The current plan is to build a large sewage treatment plant at the intersection of Snow Valley Road and Wilson Road and to discharge the treated ef?uent into Willow Creek – 1km upstream of the Minesing Wetlands. Will this detrimentally affect these internationally signi?cant Wetlands?

Midhurst councillors will form a majority and will dominate Springwater council. How will this affect votes for infrastructure work throughout the balance of the Township?

Hear the issues and have your say on March 28. For more information visit: http://www.friendsofmidhurst.ca/