Sunday April 2: ECO Dianne Saxe at AWARE Simcoe meeting in Midhurst
from AWARE Simcoe
Please join us to hear
Dr. Dianne Saxe
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
present her compelling report
www.eco.on.ca
FACING CLIMATE CHANGE
Midhurst United Church
91 Doran Road in Midhurst
Sunday April 2, 2017 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Everyone is Welcome
About Dr. Dianne Saxe
Dianne Saxe is the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO), a tough but fair watchdog over Ontario’s environmental, energy and climate performance, and guardian of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). The ECO is a bridge between the public and the government on environmental issues.
Prior to her appointment, Dianne was one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers. She has 40 years’ unparalleled experience writing, interpreting, and litigating Ontario’s energy and environmental laws. Dianne’s career began with the Ontario Public Service and two major Bay Street law firms. She then established one of Canada’s top environmental law boutiques.
A Certified Environmental Law Specialist, Dianne is recognized in every Canadian and international legal rating service, including acknowledgement as one of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers by Best of the Best, 2008 and as Best Lawyers’ first Environmental Lawyer of the Year for Toronto. Some of her numerous tributes and honours include the Award for Distinguished Service, the highest honour granted by the Ontario Bar Association; and the Gold Key Award for exceptional lifetime professional achievement, granted by Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni.
Dianne has travelled extensively in Ontario and Canada, both in her professional practice and as a keen canoeist, kayaker and cross-country skier.
Her five-year appointment will be focused on serving the Ontario Legislature, improving the effectiveness of the Environmental Bill of Rights and catalyzing better environmental, energy and climate outcomes, for and with the people of Ontario.
Dear Madam Commissioner,
I am a citizen of Simcoe County. I write to you today to express my concern regarding selection of a county forest for the building and operation of a 14 acre waste transfer station.
The County did not follow the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which is typically required by the Ministry of the Environment for a project of this size.
The County is the property owner, proponent, reviewer and rule maker (through zoning and Official Plan). As such, it doesn’t seem like the project has been scrutinized or undergone the proper review process.
The EIS doesn’t fully address potential Species at Risk and Significant Wildlife Habitat finding and does not offer robust mitigation measures.
I believe that the studies completed and mitigation measures recommended are inadequate and that the correct process under the Environmental Assessment Act and the Simcoe County Official Plan were not followed.
I appreciate your attention and any light you could bring to this process in Simcoe County.
Kind regards,
Marion Collins