• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Onward and Upward

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In Climate Change
Mar 19th, 2022
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From Friends of Simcoe Forests

Over the years we have received comments from many different people from many different walks of life. There is one word that we have heard continuously over the years in response to hearing the news that the Freele forest is to be the location of a major waste management facility. The word is shocking.

Not only was the Freele forest chosen by the County of Simcoe to build the Environmental Resource Recovery Centre (ERRC) but an environmental assessment was never done, even though the Growth Plan says it is necessary if you are going to build in significant woodlands, significant wildlife habitat, wetlands and the habitat of endangered and threatened species. Shocking

The Environmental Assessment process could be described as a more transparent, public process which would include determining if there are other sites and options available. This is very important as there is no need for a large waste processing complex to be placed in a sensitive forest ecosystem. Not only is it not necessary but it sets a very bad precedent which could negatively shape the future of our forests in Simcoe County for generations to come.

To this day, the Friends of Simcoe Forests (FSF) still receive outreach from individuals seeking to recommend more suitable locations available to build the ERRC. It seems most of us know that using a forest for waste management is wrong and could lead us back down a road we don’t want to go and we certainly don’t need to go. Had the County not set their sights on using Simcoe County Forests for this industrial development, there likely would have been a number of alternative options better suited which wouldn’t require defacing a forest.

 These are some of the reasons why we must continue to do everything possible to protect the good we have on this planet. So, onward and upward we go. The Friends of Simcoe Forest’s challenge continues at the Divisional Court where we have officially filed our arguments. We will keep you posted on progress and upcoming dates.

https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/group-hopes-to-further-challenge-countys-plans-for-waste-facility-5171593

It really does seem a shame the degree of involvement required to try to protect our forests. Someone who can relate closely to this matter and who has compared our court challenges is Dr. John Bacher who is defending the 500 acre Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls.

Please read…

https://www.sierraclub.ca/en/ontario-chapter/2022-03-08/two-court-battles-seek-defend-southern-ontario%E2%80%99s-threatened-forests

Don’t forget that we have a wonderful, environmentally friendly fundraiser on the go and we want your stuff. We are tickled pink with the number of items being accepted (refer to ‘accepted item sheet’ at end of this email). This is an excellent opportunity to help with diverting items away from landfills.

We are getting very close to having a bin with a decal on it out in the community. We will let you know as soon as the bin is available. In the meantime, if you have items collected you’d like to get cleared out please email us at info@friendsofsimcoeforests.com or text Cindy at 705-623-2120.

email: info@friendsofsimcoeforests.com

website: www.friendsofsimcoeforests.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsimcoeforests/

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