Tallest white pine at Gillies Grove
Holding a Public Meeting is no longer necessary under the new Planning Act, and soon, species at risk may vanish from the forthcoming Provincial Policy Statement- but both the Town and Renfrew County felt it would at least be a courtesy to have one.
Councillor Lynn Grinstead, who believes the public meeting process is more than a symbolic gesture.
A subdivision is planned on lands next to the Gillies Grove Nature Reserve, and it will include 55 dwellings.
An existing creek would be merged with a storm-water drainage system; and turtle screens would border Nature Conservancy of Canada lands.
Resident Russ Corbett says future floods could be linked to today’s decisions.
Corbett says the Ford Government is schooling local citizens.
A mix of sentiment and science ensued in gallery members’ comments- as well as a share of indignation leveled a Queen’s Park for its perceived shortsightedness in wanting to railroad its changes through.
The Draft Plan of Subdivision is the next occasion the matter comes back before elected representatives.
By Rick Stow
