Unravelling
The revelations in Demorestville on Friday were as shocking as they were predictable. Many folks harbour a degree of cynicism about their government’s action and intentions. Sadly last week, for many, their worst suspicions were confirmed. To fully grasp the significance of Joe Crowley’s explosive testimony on Friday at the reconstituted Environmental Review Tribunal (Tribunal) […]
Irreversible
As we embark on yet another leg of the journey to spare Prince Edward County’s rugged south shore from the scourge of industrial wind turbines; as we prepare for the final legal battle that will weigh the destruction of an endangered species against the hunger for profit by a well-financed developer and the political avarice […]
The moral case for growth
In the first three months of 2015, just five new-home permits were issued by the County’s planning department. At that rate, the municipality was on track for its worst new-home construction performance since it began keeping records. A healthy second quarter, however—fuelled by strong numbers in May and June—helped stabilize what appeared to be a […]
A collective duty
Heritage costs money,” said the councillor to the residents who had come to Shire Hall asking for a stay of the demolition for two buildings at Wellington’s intersection of Main and Wharf Streets. “Somebody has to pony up.” The councillor made it clear. In his view, it was the folks wishing to see the 117-year-old […]
Won’t be fooled again
This is a pivotal week for council. Especially so for two councillors. Their last exit is coming up this Thursday afternoon. Will they carry on their charade and insist on public meetings on an issue that has already been decided? Or will they finally admit they have no intention of reducing the size of council, […]
Welcome
All the world headed to the beach this past weekend. Sandbank’s beaches in particular. By mid-afternoon on Sunday, cars were backed up on every route into the park. Police officers were sent to break the disappointing news to weary travellers that the park was full and they weren’t getting in today. Many received a County […]
Defining vision
The newly amalgamated County had barely learned to walk by 2004 when a fresh council embarked on a radical initiative to ask residents what they thought. Some grumbled that it was a waste of time. Some likely saw it as mild form of treason. After all, residents spoke on election day. That was it. No […]
The small things
The last time we spoke, Ralph was a bit cross with me. I had failed to follow up on an incident on Melville Road. Ralph was disappointed. If the story wasn’t told there would be no remedy. If there were no repercussions today, the cost would be greater tomorrow. Ralph Margetson wrote letters to this […]
A new plan
It has been five years since residents were asked what they believe makes Wellington a special place—why they feel so passionately about this village and their community. In March 2010, more than 100 village residents filed into the lunchroom at CML Snider school to consider the future of Wellington. They worked into the night, writing […]
Harm, harrass or kill
Bill Mauro stood before a hastily assembled group of reporters and nature groups in May 2009. The MPP representing Thunder Bay–Atikokan was back home with money from Queen’s Park— $107,000 for the protection of species at risk in the area. “People in our communities are concerned about the protection of species at risk and the […]