County issues stop-work order on Beeton clear-cutting
LATEST LATEST: 5 pm, Tuesday March 3 — Simcoe County Warden Gerry Marshall has just advised AWARE Simcoe that a stop-work order has been issued.
New Tec release: March 4 – Tree cutting on 9th Line property
LATEST: This morning, residents and members of council have been at the site since 7 am. Police are also at at the scene. From residents’ Facebook site: Please take an active role in this crisis. The people at the protest site need your presence. You will not be involved in any illegal activity as this is a peaceful protest.
Residents turn out in force to demand forest be saved
AWARE News Network
New Tecumseth Council sprang into action last night (Monday March 2, 2015) after Beeton residents packed the council chamber to raise their concerns about the clearcutting of 35 acres of woodland northwest of the community, allegedly so it can be used for agriculture (the property owners are developers).
A key issue was deficiencies in the process and lack of consultation about a permit issued by Simcoe County. Several residents addressed councillors – meeting as Committee of the Whole. Then Councillor Richard Norcross bought forward a the following resolution:
“That the verbal report of Councillor Norcross be received;
” And that the following resolution, as introduced by Councillor Norcross be recommended to Council for adoption:
“Whereas a number of concerns from citizens have been brought forward with regard to the cutting of trees at the property located at 6386 and 6416 9th Line, Concession 9 part lots 8, 9 and 10 in New Tecumseth;
“And whereas the County of Simcoe is responsible for the Forest Conservation By-law;
“Now therefore be it resolved that the County be asked to revisit the application to ensure proper process was followed and suspend the permit until a public consultation meeting has been held;
“And further that staff be directed to send this motion to the County, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Town Solicitor tomorrow morning being March 3, 2015.”
They then called a Special Council Meeting and passed a resolution adopting the committee’s recommendation.
Moved by Councillor Norcross
Seconded by Councillor Biss
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Item CW-1(f) on Committee of the Whole Report No. CW-2015-04 dated March 2, 2015 be approved and the recommendations therein be adopted.
CARRIED.
The town clerk was instructed to send the resolution to the county last night.
Ongoing coverage
New Tec’s in camera meeting (plus link to video and documents)
County sets hearing date for Beeton tree cutting permit appeal
Former New Tec councillor troubled by Beeton Woods
Rizzardos appeal order to stop clearing trees in Beeton
County Forester’s statement on Beeton Woods
Kate’s blog: So you want to buy a forest
Save the Beeton Woods meeting well-attended
E.C.Drury praised Beeton for “judicious reforestation”
CTV: Residents protest to save trees
Protesters secure partial reprieve on tree clearing in Beeton
Residents protest to save Beeton forest
Special permit granted to clear trees in Beeton, followed bylaw procedures, CAO
Appeal the special permit allowing the removal of 35 acres of mature forest in Beeton
County grants ‘special permit’ to clear tracts of woodland in Beeton
I fully support this peaceful demonstration which intends to end the clear cutting of forests in the Beeton area. If the cutting is allowed, it will have devastating effects on the environment, the wildlife, and the community.
I do believe that if the proper authorities have signed the permits and given the thumbs up, the clear cut should continue.Their decision is just like our governments decisions on anything,they don’t have to receive everyone’s approval they just make the decision and believe it’s for the better of the community.The loggers are just doing the profession they choose in life to make an income to support their families,it’s not their fault.It’s always easy to clean up somebody else’s backyard before we clean up our own.Some of the protesters should take a look at how they are holding up their signs.ON WOODEN STICKS,which are made from trees.
Glenn..the problem is that the authorities have not followed proper procedure in granting the ‘special permit’ for the clear-cutting.
The land in question is way more valuable as a mature forest than as cash crop farmland.
And the owner of this land is a developer..not a farmer! So what does that tell you?