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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-03-15, Page 31FARMERS Are you confused over the ever-changing tax laws? Our experienced tax preparers keep up-to- date on tax laws that affect agriculture. Trust H&R Block to: • answer your tax questions • ensure all applicable deductions and credits are applied to your return • ensure you pay no more tax than required by law or you receive the biggest refund to which you are entitled HSR BLOCK You can trust H&R Block. 59 Hamilton St., Goderich 524-8658 .45 Huron St., Clinton 482-7541 317 Josephine 'St., Wingham 357-3006 NEW LOCATION 969 Queen St., Kincardine 396-5449 Farm Prowess '116' -Pp• 13 2a'n. 'n\\mss .'1�'h"]it 21f.:1Cb.1h^ti ll'.,h 1.?2. '3h.'n:h}-�._hhli�. !-)lr".,;) 11.. An analysis of Stone Lea Holdings proposal by Tim Cumming Trade walls between countries an, cnunbling at the hands of GATT and NAFTA and American-style farm `factories' are casting a shadow on the family farm in Canada. Many young people are forced off the faun, leaving for the bright lights of the towns and cities. Can young people make a living farming? What opportunities are rural communities providing their youth? Can family farms in Ontario compete with the mega -farms of the U.S.? It was in this climate of uncer- tainty that a bold (or brash, depend- ing on your point of view) band of local entrepreneurs presented a proposal in Stanley Township, a small rural community. This group of nine investors had purchased options to buy rural properties in Stanley and had an idea which promised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local economy as well as jobs. The developers, Stone Lea Hold- ings Ltd., wanted to create a large communal horse farm combined with about 150 residences. Horse lovers could enjoy the rural life while employees of the develop- ment would help take care of their horses. The economic benefits were obvious...but some people asked, can we plop more than a hundred homes into a rural community with- out disrupting it? When the proposal was debated at a public meeting in Varna on Feb. 15 the local township hall was filled to the brim. About 120 people spoke passionately for and against the proposal. One of the shareholders, Bev Hill, spoke emotionally about providing opportunities for young people while Karen Ratcliffe, the daughter of former Stanley Reeve Anson McKinley urged the crowd to Carpe Diem...Seize the Day. Critics of the proposal harshly condemned the plan as a massive housing development masquerading as an agricultural proposal. They said the plan would threaten the rural nature of the township and urban residents of the dwellings would soon be complaining about the agricultural practices around them. Despite the novelty of the propo- sal, and the time and money put into its development, the proposal seems doomed in many ways. Some ratepayers said Stone Lea was bending the rules and government agencies said it was breaking the rules. The Ontario Ministry of Agricul- ture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) had a long list of objections, including the apparent violation of the Agricultural Code of Practice. The Conservation Auth- ority and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) both wanted environmental studies about this proposal which would put multiple homes and horses around the beau- tiful Bayfield river valley. By the time you read this piece the local council may have already sunk the proposal. Councillors were sensitive both to the public outcry and the apparent resistance of OMAFRA and other agencies. Whether the council has approved or opposed this development (by the time you read this column) it is unlikely the Stone Lea saga is over. There is always the potential for an Ontario Municipal Board hearing, instigated by the developers or the public. The Stone Lea horse farm may indeed never be built...but the ques- tions it raises affect every rural community. Will farming alone provide the economic foundation for a thriving community? Should agricultural land in the boonies stay in com- modity production while urban municipalities are allowed to turn it into homes, businesses and parking Charles C. Culbert BACKHOEING • Farm Drainage • Septic Tanks • Weeper Beds • Basements R.R.#6 Goderich 529-7571 "Call Ken" 524-5489 REGIER Plumbing , Licensed Plumber Commercial ,& Residential INSULATION & REPAIRS Goderich, Ont. m BRIAN BUFFINGA E— "- >r�1 •,.1- w • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • HVAC Controls • Pole -Line Services FREE ESTIMATES 519-233-3340 VARNA Gary Sproul Electric - all electrical needs • Farm • Residential • Commercial GARY ALLEN Oetttit GODERICH • Industrial •'Commercial • Residential 524-7676 lots? Entrepreneur Tim Beard said he was concerned that reactions to the proposal were based on emotion and fear and not on the principles of good planning. There is one set of rules for the areas around Guelph, London or Toronto, he said. There appears to be another set of rules for the area surrounding Bayfield. The problem, he suggests, is that Stone Lea rewrites traditional notions of agriculture. "The difficulty is it's different, it's not the same as the old ideas of agriculture and farming." One segment of the population believes that killing the proposal is like turning their backs on the future. Another segment believes stopping the proposal is preserving the past. When Stanley ratepayers gathered they made articulate pleas. On one side they made a case for a radical development which would change the face of the township. On the other side they said traditional farming had supported Stanley in the past and could in the future. There were good reasons given to support or reject the concept of a recreational horse farm and housing development...but there was no question, the township appeared to be deciding where it was headed. Yea or Nay, the decision would have a profound impact on the future of the township. The ques- tions which Stanley has asked are equally relevant to your community. Is the fight to preserve farm land really worth it as tax assessments dwindle, jobs flee to the city and local taxes go up? Is commodity production alone enough to support the livelihood of you and your children? There were many reasons to oppose the horse farm but it's not enough for opponents to say what they don't want. In defeating the vision of one group of residents they must be prepared to match it with a vision of their own. Was Stone Lea the potential sav- iour of Stanley Township? Maybe. Maybe not. But at least its developers asked the right questions and tried to come up with some answers. If you want your children to have the opportunity to live in a rural area you must support ideas which will keep our communities vibrant. The status quo is not good enough. aim Cumming is Editor of The Huron Expositor, the newspaper serving Seaforth and area.