We Consider it a WIN! Updates about our appeal of the MSP

Margaret Atwood, MRA’s biggest sponsor 

From the Midhurst Ratepayers Association December 12 2019

As some of you may remember, the MRA submitted an appeal (Part II Order/Bump Up) of the Environmental Assessment that was conducted to determine potential environmental impacts caused by the Midhurst Secondary Plan. We took issue with potential impacts to our water supply and the Minesing Wetlands. We used scientific reports and legal arguments established by our expert lawyer and hydrogeologist – all funded thanks to your support!

In November, after over a year with the documents, Minister Yurek of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) rendered his decision on the 5 Part II Orders he’d received, including MRA’s. To be clear, the Minister had three options: approve the Environmental Assessment and ignore the concerns of the appeals, approve with conditions based on concerns raised by the appeals or reject the EA altogether (this rarely ever happens). Minister Yurek, listening to the concerns of the 5 appeals (bump ups) and his own technical staff decided that more works needs to be done before any shovels can hit the ground.

Information and updates in regards to the Part II Order

His decision does not affect the remaining 150 conditions ordered by the OMB in October 2014as their Conditions of Approval. They, too,must be satisfied before the mega-development can go ahead. One major condition is the Township’s agreement that the proposed mega-development is financially sustainable for Springwater.

So What’s Next??

We, as well as the Township of Springwater, are still determining what these conditions will look like. We will be working with our lawyer and experts to ensure that these conditions are strict and address our concerns as wholly as possible. What we know for sure is that this will cause a significant delay in this project proceeding. We consider it good news since most Environmental Assessments get full approval without any further studies or conditions.

How You Can Help…

We will be needing our sharp team of experts once again. You can see the results of getting expert help paired with dedicated community members. We have had a community member pledge to match up to $2000 worth of donations to help with these upcoming costs. Every dollar you donate is now worth $2! Link 

And with larger donations a tax receipt means that the value of your dollar is stretched even further. Please note that receipts will be issued by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) directly, so you will be directed to their website to make a donation. Please ensure that if you donate through ACO that you put “Save Midhurst” in the Donation Information tab or else the money won’t get back to us. Link 

If you’d prefer to write a cheque or donate money the good old fashioned way, you can drop off or send a cheque payable to the Midhurst Ratepayers’ Association 3 Silverwood Crescent Midhurst L9X 0P3. If you would like a charitable receipt, please make the cheque payable to the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and mail/drop off to the same address.

Also: Signed Margaret Atwood boks for sale. Free delivery within Midhurst and surrounding area.

Video reminder of why we are still working hard!