When push comes to shove, we come together.
Amid reports that two local Ministerial Zoning Orders issued in July of 2021 by Steve Clark, then Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, were in jeopardy of repeal under a review initiated by Paul Calandra who currently holds the portfolio, two important events took place Tuesday.
Renfrew County’s Development and Property Committee convened and discussed the possible impacts a repeal of the Clark MZOs would have on potential industrial jobs for McNab-Braeside.
That’s Township Mayor Mark MacKenzie. His predecessor, Tom Peckett, then spoke at McNab-Braeside Council Tuesday night.
At issue is the up to 600 industrial jobs planned by an informal German consortium that Peckett had played a role in advancing during his time in office.
Current Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Calandra ordered a review of all of Clark’s MZOs issued since 2018, with a view to assuring each has been accompanied by viable progress.
Neighbours on Campbell Drive may have their concerns about increased vehicular traffic that might ensue, but Peckett says the project was in part conceived to broaden the local tax base.
The former Mayor gave a nod to alleged acrimony between the elected body he headed, and the one currently chaired by MacKenzie.
Following the Peckett presentation, Township Council passed a resolution crafted by MacKenzie.
There’s something you can do as well.
Members of the public can weigh in with their comments by visiting the Ontario Environmental Registry and searching for McNab-Braeside O. Reg. 537/21 and McNab-Braeside O. Reg. 538/21
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback before Saturday, January 27th, 2024.
By Rick Stow
