Approximately 35 residents joined Mayor McFadden last Thursday evening as he hosted another town hall meeting at Galerie Q. Topics of discussion were selected by the crowd, with a time limit set so no single item dominated the evening.
First on the list of topics was the return of wind turbine firms who have been approaching residents in and around the township seeking new locations to site another wind development. Opponents to these projects, including the Mayor, expressed frustration at the lack of influence of local governments on these installations, and the lack of respect for existing environmental legislation such as the Oak Ridges Morraine legislation demonstrated by the provincial government in the approval of these projects. McFadden believes that the only effective way to combat these projects is through the education of potential landowner targets about the ramifications of these projects on the community.
The Buddhist temple project has been reduced to a single temple as a result of the turbine projects in the vicinity of their selected sites. McFadden described the philosophy of the Buddhist organization as having a very long horizon. The organization expects the remaining temples to proceed in the distant future when the turbines are decommissioned.
Some discussion ensued regarding the proposed Firearms by-law. A meeting to receive public input was scheduled for the following week. The township does not have a noise by-law at this time.
McFadden reported that the only way the Casino will remain in the township is if there is a successful rezoning appeal from one of the groups in Peterborough, which seems unlikely. The main concern is with the impact of the casino’s relocation on the local harness racing industry.
Annexation discussions and boundary adjustments between the township and the City of Peterborough are held under the supervision of a provincial facilitator. Boundary adjustments require public input, and no changes are expected any time soon.
The final topic of the evening was the operation of ATV and 4wheelers in the Edgewood Park area which are circling the park. It was suggested the police be notified when this is occurring as a $200 ticket would soon curb this activity. KG
