Springwater decision on Midhurst: We Need a Another Game Changer
For those of you who haven’t heard of the Midhusrt Secondary Plan (MSP), it’s time to sit up and take notice. At last night’s Springwater Township meeting, in a surprise motion, your Council
(with the exception of two) voted to continue on with the MSP despite the massive outcry from residents. The same councillors who have written in their bios things like, “focus on the importance of working together” and “comprehensive knowledge and first hand experience in the urban, rural and community issues facing Springwater Township” or “to support core community and family values”.
Those same folks voted to continue with this horrible plan. Those same folks, as well as the Mayor, were smug, rude, and arrogant in their comments and it disgusts me how some of the public was treated.
Continuing on though, I’d like to steal a phrase from their lawyer’s playbook, which called the various steps of the MSP “game-changers”. In learning about the MSP, I can tell you that the MSP is a “game-changer” for our community. And well, yes, although the physical development will take place in Midhurst, rest assured this affects EVERYONE in Springwater.
Present concerns
When all is said and done, my neighbours will still be my neighbours and many local groups and clubs will go on, but there are clear and present concerns that should be addressed by us ALL.
1) Environment – Willow Creek and The Minesing Wetlands are at a major risk here. This point is arguably the most important. My son’s Kindergarten class could tell you the reasons this is a bad idea. It’s not rocket science.
2) Increased Taxes – Not just for Midhurst. Do you hear that Elmvale, Phelpston, Hillsdale, Minesing, Anten Mills, Grenfel and Snow Valley? That means you!
3) Obscene Population Increase – Over 30,000 to be exact.
If those three points are not enough to make you concerned, try imagining how 30,000 people are going to move through our quiet village. Consider that these people probably won’t work here, so they will be commuting… there are even whispers of Barrie city bus access.
The Council seems to think bus access to our little village is a good idea. I did not move to Midhurst for its convenience. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that has. I knew I would have to get in my car to go the grocery store. The fact that these places are not right in my backyard is part of the appeal of living out here. It takes me a couple of minutes to get into Barrie, I do my running around and then return to the quiet, peacefulness of my small community. Leaving the street lights, parking lots and four lane roads of Barrie behind me.
However, once they have built all these houses, wrecked all our farmland, polluted our beloved Willow Creek and let the run off stew in the Minesing Wetlands, probably forced long-standing residents to hook up to their water mains, paved through more roads, and brought in thousands of folks who probably work in Barrie or farther South, the developers promise to bring… industry and retail to Springwater. GASP! Are we supposed to be doing a happy dance?
Sitting empty
It’s funny though because I can’t help but think of a little operation in Barrie’s South end called the Molson Plant. The solution with that property was to zone it as retail. Looks promising to me… it’s still a giant crater and the first thing you see coming North. Glorious isn’t it? Then comes giant crater number two: the former Barrie Raceway. So explain to me how two Highway 400 facing properties are still sitting empty, how many years later, in a city like Barrie where new housing is popping up everywhere? What makes Springwater Developers think the Highway 27 section through Midhurst will be appealing when Barrie can’t get rid of prime locations right on a main valve like the 400? And as one last point, let’s talk about the Springwater Plaza that has been sitting empty for way too long. Build it and they will come? Clearly not the case.
Councillors know
I believe deep down that our Councillors know this is wrong. They all live in Springwater Township. They all must have their reason for living in this community. I find it hard to believe that they think this is in our best interest. It seems to me that the 30,000 residents who don’t even exist yet are receiving more consideration than those of us who do.
So to all the residents of Springwater, I ask you to do some research on the MSP. Sign the petition. Write letters to Council.
Come to a Council meeting, support the Ratepayers Association and GET INVOLVED.
Yes, the MSP is a “game-changer” for Midhurst. But together, we can be a “game-changer” for the MSP.
Andrea Taylor
Midhurst Resident
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