Opposition was stronger than Mezzapelli lets on

October 2, 2016 · 0 Comments

Regarding “Some people still angry over Canadian Tire” (Citizen, Sept. 15): I just couldn’t let this article go without clarifying some issues, and Councillor Rob Mezzapelli’s remarks to constituents in attendance at the recent community meeting.
I was at the meeting and didn’t notice people trying to “shout him down” when he put forth his positions. People weren’t happy that he voted in favour of Canadian Tire, despite a petition with 1,000 names.
“He expressed his believe (sic) that the majority of Bolton residents are not opposed to the Canadian Tire development.”
Obviously he didn’t take the petition signed by his constituents seriously, criticizing the method of collecting signatures, as the work of one individual, who mainly tried to get folks with English as a second language to sign on. Well, I was part of a team and I personally collected 100 signatures, and only two people refused to sign — one just didn’t sign petitions, the other had no opinion. Therefore, where I polled, 98 per cent of constituents were opposed and strongly so.
Mezzapelli also stated that a giant development like Canadian Tire was preferable to approximately 30 smaller businesses. Well, all I can say is these smaller businesses would operate Monday to Friday, with weekends and holidays off. Canadian Tire will operate 24/7 and 365 days per year. Quite a difference, and those poor souls that live adjacent to Canadian Tire will never get a break from the noise, pollution and truck traffic — reported to be 650 per day.
Is it any wonder they don’t want their children crossing Coleraine going to school, even with a crossing guard? Simply too many trucks, going too fast, according to parents at this meeting, whose children attend St. Nicholas Elementary School. I know most people will rue the day this development got approved, once they see the traffic during the morning and evening commutes; every day of the year.
Bolton residents have never complained about having the industrial tax base for all of Caledon, but this case is unique. The previous council voted unanimously in favour of this development, despite known local opposition. A meeting was held during the summer months when folks are on vacation, for example. A Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) had to be obtained to speed up the process, due to public opposition.
Now there is to be hydrogen production at the plant, that constituents were never advised about, not even the Fire Chief. So much for transparency with council. Fortunately, we now have two Regional Councillors — Annette Groves and Barb Shaughnessy, who are showing their disagreement with the manner that council employs when dealing with Canadian Tire and the lack of transparency of the serious issues regarding this monstrous development in our midst.
Please remember Bolton has 50 per cent of the taxpayers in Caledon, and only 20 per cent of the votes on council, so we have the industrial tax base, plus we are under-represented on council.
Additionally, there were other issues discussed: intensification, busing, resources for teenagers, so Canadian Tire wasn’t the only item that was discussed.
I think these community meetings that Groves is hosting are an excellent idea.
Oh yes, the Mayor was also invited, so was an executive of Canadian Tire, but they didn’t appear or send a statement even.
Sandra Clarke-Forester,
Bolton