Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1978-10-19, Page 20Page 20 By JACK RIDDELL MPP Huron-Middlesex Times-Advocate, October 19, 1978 The Niagara Escarpment is the result of some 300 million years of erosion of rock layers: its limestone cliffs and ridges curve through Ontario from Niagara Falls to Tober­ mory. Queenston Heights, the rocky hills at the Forks of the Credit and the cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula all form part of the Escarp­ ment, which is well known for its cliffs and caves, forests and waterfalls - the home of rare rock ferns and orchids, of turkey vultures and eagles. Ontario Government brochures wax lyrical about the natural wonders of the Escarpment - “rock, forest and wavewashed cliffs,” “unspoiled beauty”, “some of the most breath-taking scenery to be found anywhere in Ontario”. Some 10 years ago. planner Leonard Gertler, in a study prepared for the Provincial Government, predicted in detail how quickly the Escarpment area would be taken over by residential and industrial development if the Govern­ ment did not take rapid and effective action to prevent the loss of escarpment land. Yet three years went by before the government im­ posed temporary controls and passed a * Pits and Quarries Control Act (criticized as being too weak). Five years after the Gertler Report, the Govern­ ment announced establish­ ment of the Niagara Escarp­ ment Commission, to be in charge of long-term plan­ ning. During the five-year inter­ val, the Government spent some $7 million to buy 20,000 acres on the Escarpment: speculators had also been very active in the area. The Commission Chair­ man has confirmed that many applications to build along the Escarpment were received after the Commis­ sion was established. More than 90G of the applications were approved, albeit with objections from some Com­ mission members. There are three main issues which have to be taken into account by the Commission in attempting to carry out its work. (1) Over all public good versus the rights of the in­ dividual landowner. (2) Different attitudes with respect to land restric­ tions and the use of the Escarpment. (3) The assumption by the Province of a land-use plan­ ning function which has traditionally been left to municipalities. Last February, the Com­ mission published its recommendations, which in­ cluded: tougher quarrying regulations: possible even­ tual shutdown of quarries right in the Scarp zone; protective agricultural legislation for some farming 409 MAIN STREET EXETER PLAQUES ON DISPLAY — A large variety of crafts were on display at Saturday's craft fair at Lucan. Shown with a dis­ play of plaques are Vivian Baker and Jane Walker. T-A photo LADIES WEAR PROPRIETORS OPENING SOON WATCH NEXT WEEK'S T-A FOR DETAILS 0 WELCOME The Employees of Glendale Corporation R.V Division (Strathroy) Dental Plan 7 These employees and their families have good reason to smile .. . they have the best preven- . tive dental plan available today. Everybody agrees good teeth are one of the most imppr- tant factors in good health. The Blue Cross Dental Plan 7 was designed to provide basic dental treatment to group subscribers includ­ ing such services as examinations, f i I lings and x-rays, through extractions and anaesthesia "As your Ontario Blue Cross representative I am pleased to add my personal welcome, and look forward to serving you along with the many others in this region already enjoying the protection of a variety of Blue Cross Plans." Phil deBarros 227 Queens Avenue. London, Ontario N6A 1J8 (519)439-4431 3104 A DIVISION OF THE ONTARIO HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION 9 areas: a scenic resource designation for 331,000 acres, with special develop­ ment control policies; restrictions on housing development along the shore of Lake Ontario; further development of the Bruce Trail; and 754 kilometres (468 miles) of scenic drives along the Escarpment. The Commission’s recommendations triggered demonstrations and letter- yvriting campaigns. Conser­ vationists supported the basic aims of the proposals, but felt they didn’t go far enough. Landowners along the Escarpment called for the abolition of the Commis­ sion.- In May, the Provincial Government and the Com­ mission, responding to con­ siderable public pressure, announced that the Escarp­ ment planning area would be reduced by 60%. New boun­ daries will not, however, be decided until the end of this year. The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act expresses the intention of the Legislature that the Escarpment should be main­ tained “substantially as a continuous natural en­ vironment” and that only such development should be permitted as will be “com­ patible with that natural en­ vironment”. There have been occasions in the past when the Liberal Caucus has differed with the way in which the Commis­ sion has sought to imple­ ment this mandate. These differences culminated in the presentation of a Private Member’s Bill by Robert McKessock (MPP Grey) last session which, if passed, would have restricted the Commission’s control to the Escarpment itself and 1,000 feet on either side. However, we have no quarrel with the Com­ mission’s decision last April whereby it refused to issue a development permit to Can- trakon Limited for an ex­ ecutive hotel and conference centre at Caledon. The Com­ mission’s reasons, sup­ ported on appeal by Hearing Officer David Jamieson, were compelling - namely, that the site of the project is antagonistic to the preserva­ tion of the Escarpment as a continuous natural environ­ ment. The Cantrakon project is an excellent idea - in the wrong place. We cannot allow a major hotel complex to be built on the face of the Scarp itself, overlooking the Forks of the Credit - one of the most scenic spots along the entire Escarpment - and hope to maintain public sup­ port for the preservation of the Escarpment as part of Ontario’s heritage. If thjs corporate retreat is permitted, on what grounds will other development be denied? It is not difficult to imagine an Escarpment dotted with magnificent lux­ ury hotels and idyllic homes from Queenston to Tober­ mory. But that is not what the Legislature or the public wants. Housing Minister Claude Bennett was wrong to override the decision of the Commission and the recommendation of the Hearing Officer in this case. His stated reason was that the project will be “of economic benefit to the area”. He seems to be the only person who feels that particular area needs this kind of economic benefit. His real reasons are to be found in the report of the Hearing Officer and in other documentation, namely that it would be a boost to the commercial tourist in­ dustry. It would indeed, and we support it - but not on the face of the Escarpment. One thing about early marriages is they shorten the generation gap. r Gabian Stone Calcium Chloride in 100 pound bags Sand & Stone Gravel Stone for Weeping Beds EARL LIPPERT TRUCKING LTD. Creditor. 234-6382 WESTCANE WHITE SUGAR 2 Kg. BAG REG. 99C Mc REG. s5.99 NESCAFE-10 oz. INSTANT COFFEE HEINZ - 20 oz.It* TOMATO KETCHUP ’4.78 REG. 93c FRESH ONTARIO PORK SIDE SPARERIBS WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT PURCHASES