HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-07-29, Page 24North Huron Council
Ignores Economic Impact
4-3 Vote to Support Re-Zoning Will
Trigger Erosion of the Local Economy
Council’s support for the re-zoning of a Wingham property for construction of a new school will trigger a series
of negative economic consequences for Blyth. It will diminish the current economic state of the community and
permanently marginalize Blyth’s potential.
Rick Elliott, Chair of the Blyth Idea Group says, “This is an economic issue. It is not a school issue. Councillors
who suggest this is ‘about a school’ are ignoring the facts and do not understand what is going to happen.
They should have asked questions and done some homework. They would have concluded that the historic
factual and anecdotal evidence in these cases is crystal clear. The economic impact will:
erode Blyth’s current population •
deter new residents;•
diminish property values from 10-25%;•
contribute to economic decline, and;•
will cause a shift in consumer buying behaviour.”•
“Avon-Maitland is stripping an integral economic engine from rural communities and is pitting one community against
the other in pursuit of its apparent goal of having schools only in so-called “urban centres”, adds Elliott. In its rush to
meet the timetable of the school board, BiG believes that North Huron Council failed to protect Blyth and the people
who live here.
Once again, advocacy for Blyth has become the responsibility of community volunteers.
You and I have been handed an historic challenge: to “re-purpose” Blyth. We must be ruthlessly positive. We must be
creative and resourceful as we develop strategies to effectively manage this situation. BiG will be asking for your help
as we fi nd our opportunities together. Watch for further announcements.
In Community,
Rick Elliott, Chair
The Blyth Idea Group was established in 1995 by local award winning publisher and playwright, Keith Roulston and
maintains a consistently clear mandate: to advocate for the economic and cultural sustainability of Blyth, the Historic Village.
Volunteers. In Support of a Sustainable Blyth, the Historic Village.
PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010.