Friends of Simcoe Forests Outraged –

SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, MAY 30, 2019 – The Friends of Simcoe Forest Inc. have long been opposed to an environmentally destructive proposal by the County of Simcoe to place a waste management and processing complex in the middle of the Freele County Forest. After the County and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing approved the proposal, the Friends of Simcoe Forests appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

The Friends are trying to uphold the protections in the Growth Plan for natural heritage features, including protections for significant woodlands and significant wildlife habitat.

In a surprise posting to the environmental registry, the Ministry appears to be attempting to circumvent the appeal process, even though the appeal has already been filed and all parties have already filed their materials. The proposed regulation targets this case for different treatment.

“The Minister seems to be singling us out. The natural heritage protections in the Growth Plan apply in the Growth Plan area, but the registry posting is trying to avoid those protections for just our case. It’s outrageous”, said Mary Wagner, President of the Friends of Simcoe Forests.

“The Friends of Simcoe Forests Inc., our supporters and members of the public have devoted considerable time, effort and financial resources over many years to fight this ill-conceived proposal. It’s simply unfair to change the rules of the game so late in the game”, said Cindy Mercer, Communications Officer of the Friends of Simcoe Forests.

Facts

For more information on the proposal and the appeal, contact Mary Wagner and Cindy Mercer at info@friendsofsimcoeforests.com

The Environmental Registry posting is found here:

https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0018

The Friends’ appeal relates to County of Simcoe Official Plan Amendment 2, and the Friends rely on sections 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4 which protect our natural environment.

Comments on this proposal are due by June 1, 2019, and can be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing via email at growthplanning@ontario.ca

About Friends of Simcoe Forests

FSF is a not-for-profit incorporated organization whose goal is to inform and unite all people interested in conservation of Simcoe County Forest.

It is our goal to promote the protection and appreciation of the environment and lands which are there for all of us and future generations to use and enjoy.

Visit our website for more information.

Website: www.friendsofsimcoeforests.com

Email: info@friendsofsimcoeforests.com