County criticized over bid to block access to OMB
PENETANGUISHENE – Simcoe County has been criticized for trying to road block efforts of a Midhurst ratepayers group to obtain party status at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing into the county’s amended official plan.
Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall has condemned a county motion to dismiss the ratepayers’ application for party status. Party status, if granted, can include: exchanging documents, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses and making submissions to the Board. A party may also request costs, adjournments or a review of the Board’s decision.
Underlying Marshall’s concerns, which are shared by Stephan Kramp, Midland’s deputy mayor, is a lack of transparency at the county level. Marshall tried last fall to have the county hold public information meetings dealing with the amended official plan, but his motion was defeated 16-11.
He and Kramp tried, unsuccessfully, last month to have the county post on its website news that citizens could seek status as participants at the OMB hearings.
The experience prompted Kramp to declare that “when councillors seek clarity and commitment from the County to public participation on an such an important matter, we get bafflegab,” (bureaucratic jargon.)
The OMB is expected to hand down its decision concerning the Midhurst application today (Thursday) when it resumes pre-hearing sessions at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston.
Today is also the deadline for members of the public to register as participants at the hearing.
A participant is a person or organization that participates by making a statement to the Board on some or all of the issues on the matter being heard. They generally do not qualify to question witnesses and cannot ask for costs, adjournments or request a review of the decision.
Participant status has been granted to AWARE Simcoe, a non-profit, grassroots citizens organization, which is concerned about the lack of any public meetings to explain the amended Official Plan to Simcoe County residents.
AWARE member Sandy Agnew, said ”the opportunity to participate at the OMB, though welcome, does not substitute for public meetings in each municipality. People deserve an opportunity to hear a staff presentation, review maps and other information, raise their own concerns and listen to those of their neighbours.”
AWARE has rejected the County’s contention that public consultation carried out five years ago is was sufficient, “The Official Plan was significantly changed in weekly private meetings between provincial and county bureaucrats over several months in 2012,” Agnew has pointed out.
In the latest development, the OMB announced Monday that it has denied a request by AWARE to have the hearings adjourned until the County undertakes whatever public consultations the board chair deems necessary.
“The Board is satisfied that the requirements for public consultation have been satisfactorily met,” the decision said.
“Moreover,” the decision added, “the Rules of Practice and Procedure do not extend a right of request for an adjournment to a participant.
“That aside, this matter has now been placed in the hands of the Board and the proceedings are open to the public. As such, there is nothing further to be gained by delaying these proceedings and/or directing the county to hold a public meeting.”
Marshall, exasperated by the county’s refusal to allow public meetings, said in a weekend interview that the issue is not about who is right or wrong.
“This is about allowing our citizens to engage in a process to share their opinions, their thoughts and feelings and to articulate any research or data that they may bring to the table that is meaningful.
“I am upset that citizens have been excluded by the county.
“Some people would argue there has been lots of consultation. I would argue there’s something seriously wrong when 400 citizens coming back to me time and time again saying they have not had a voice, not had a chance to articulate their new concerns.
“I think the views of the public should be heard. They have merit. What matters is they should be able to share with us their data and their concerns. And that is not happening.
“If you set up roadblocks the only voice people have is demonstrations and articles in the newspaper.
“I am all about public information, all about public process. As mayor I listen to peoples concerns; look at their data. If I don’t agree I can always vote against it. But at least the peoples’ concerns are being heard.”
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