Development approved, despite opposition in the community

July 5, 2013 · 0 Comments

Now that Caledon council has approved (June 25) the application by Canadian Tire for a huge warehouse of 1,500,000 square feet at Coleraine Drive and Healey Road in south Bolton, increasing daily traffic on our area roads by an estimated 750 to 800 additional trucks while we lose approximately 180 acres of prime farm land, maybe it is time to consider how representative democracy works here in Caledon.
All members of council voted in favour of the application in spite of the numerous newspaper letters written by area residents, meetings of protest, requests and concern (Sept. 11, 2012; Nov. 26, 2012; Feb. 12, 2013; May 28, 2013 and June 25, 2013) plus more than 1,000 signatures on petitions filed with the Town between August 2012 and the present date.
Bolton’s Ward 5 is estimated to have about 50 per cent of the population of Caledon, but less than 50 per cent of the current representation on council. Only two members of the present council actually live in Ward 5, which will be most impacted by the mega warehouse in a neighbouring ward. What ever happened to the principle of representation by population? And in spite of the more than 1,000 signatures on the petitions by Caledon residents, opposing the application, council approved the request. Some of us were under the impression and opinion that elected members of council are accountable to the electors — the people who pay the bills. Obviously, it seems, our understanding of how democracy is supposed to work is completely naïve and misguided.
Should we be concerned about “democracy” here in Caledon?
These aspects of the situation deserve inclusion in your stories on the recent Caledon council decision. And what responsible role should the local media play in accurately reflecting what occurs? Just wondering. It sure is impossible to please everyone, but that is not the issue.
Joe Grogan,
Bolton