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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-04-20, Page 17Wednesday, April 20, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 17 Delegation says county needs to change Cheryl Heath CMI Agency A delegation known for being against the wind proved to stoke some controversial comments April 13, at Huron County's committee -of -the -whole session in Goderich. In appearing before council as a delegation on the topic, Rural Residential Impact Study, Robert Budd, an outspoken opponent of wind projects slated for the region, argues it is time for Huron County to get serious about attracting more residents and businesses. In referencing an array of documentation, including a past study by consultant Wayne Caldwell, Budd urged county officials to begin looking beyond the current planning policy as well as that in place care of the provincial government's Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). In particular, suggests Budd, it is time for the county's planning officials and leaders to see beyond a future dedicated to agriculture. "You have to ask how well protecting agriculture has served the area," says Budd noting that the "remarkable stability" in population figures for the past 30 years suggests more must be done to keep the county sustainable. "Where is agriculture likely to take us in 30 years?" asked Budd, who suggests job opportunities in that field are shrinking, which is having wider ramifications for the local economy at every level. "Huron County is not stable, not stagnant, it's shrinking," says Budd. Indeed, he says, statistics show while the provincial population has grown 6.6 per cent, Huron County has actually lost .6 per cent of its population, putting it in the rankings of communities like Rainy River and other "boom and bust" economies in the north. "'That's a bit of a cause for pause as far as I'm concerned," says Budd, noting other trends show people are leaving rural areas for the cities. One step in the right direction, he says, may be a renewed focus on finding ways to implement and support a creative economy. "We're not quite doing it right," he says. While wading into the creative economy territory, which county council has heard presentations on in past years, Budd found himself going toe -to -toe with committee chairman 11111 Dowson (Bluewater) who informed him that there was a 10 -minute time limit in place for delegations. Budd notes he had bore witness to several delegations at county council sessions, including one by Leader Resources Inc. CE() Charles Edey, that had run well over that allotted time frame with no such rebuke. "At no point was he rushed in that regard; says Budd, noting Dowson actually had complimented Edey at that time. Ultimately, Coun. Brian Barnim (Central Huron) argued that more time was being wasted talking about time frames than would have been spent if Budd had been allowed to finish, which councillors eventually voted on letting hits complete with a five-minute suggested time limit. While Budd wrapped up his presentation shortly after Barnim's plea, he did take time out to question the wisdom behind allowing hundreds of turbines to sprout up on county land given such a scenario will likely do to promote the county's development dreams. In all, says Budd, preliminary figures indicate 420 turbines are slated for Huron, and there is now a developer looking at land west of I lighway 21. "What is the economic: impact of wind projects?" asks Budd, suggesting the county would be wise to allow the lower tiers to take the lead on dealing with severance issues. "We haven't been utilizing our gifts," says Budd, noting the keep is to "shape our rural landscape into something that works" While there were no direction questions from councillors for Budd following his presentation, Coun. Hamlin notes the key message in that Huron must be sustainable is a sound one. t `'1 \ 1 ti ( •.ttu.tul,t AKA The London to Halite( Round Ttlp for Avo (Economy/Sleeper Class), courtesy VIA Rail Canada Inc., was one of the popular Itve auction Items at the Ausable Bey eld Conservation dinner last week. Patrons were generous in bidding to own ne local ad work and also a wide variety of other items, wood carvings, celebrity memorrlbiNa, travel packages, culinary experiences, and more. County Warden Neil Vincent (North Huron) agrees that it seems the county may have been "toeing the line" by adhering so closely to the PPS "to our own detriment." AiCanada is now a net importer of food — I don't think we should destroy any more agricultural land than we have to.". -- Coun. Rill Siemont Coun. Bill Siemon (Huron East), however, argues agriculture trust be respected in that it is the county's No. 1 industry. "Canada is now a net importer of food - 1 don't think we should destroy any more agricultural land than Nye have to," he says. Budd says his presentation is meant to address lands that cannot be cultivated or have water quality issues to which Coun. James Ginn (Central Huron) notes his home municipality is attempting to accommodate landowners grappling with issues relating to lots that cannot be farmed. "We've always been of the opinion that the Huron County planning department is very restrictive," he said, asking planning director Scott 'l'ousaw for his comments on that perception. 'l'ousaw says while there were titres that the county's planning rules were more stringent than the province's, such is no longer the case. "Clearly, population decline is a concern for this council and this community in many ways," says'l'ousaw, but adds there is a vast array of factors that contribute to that reality, "If we took Clinton and built 50 houses tomorrow, would 50 families move in?" asked'l'ousaw, noting Port Albert is an example of a Huron County community with ninny lots available for development. /Cshoto M.",.«4o. Ladies Fabius & :i ctesserka Apropos Manager Janet and stats' invites you to their... dot Anniverasry Celebration!!! Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday April 22nd - 25th • Live Entertainment on Saturday • Door Prizes • Refreshments • In-store Specials Come Nee what's new for spring & summer 83 Main St. W., Grand Bend 519-238-2511 Dern Daily; 10 am - 5 pm