LETTER

Open letter to citizens of National Capital Region

 

How do you feel about the $60 million sought for Zibi cleanup (Ottawa Citizen, Friday, Dec. 16)?

 At the (Ottawa) Planning Committee meeting October 2, 2014,  over one hundred citizens appealed not to rezone this sacred religious land (as requested by Windmill Developers). Former Councillor Peter Clark asked city urban planning two key questions: Are the lands under discussion for rezoning 3 and 4 Booth Street (Zibi Ontario) “Brown Fields Lands?” The answer was yes. #2: Has an estimate been done on the costs to clean these polluted lands?  The answer was no.

Windmill Developers with Dream Corporation now want 60 million dollars, plus tax deductions, for purchasing (these) cheap “brown fields”. Are we aware of how incentives are given by cities to developers to clean up polluted land left by other corporations, such as Domtar?  Why are corporations allowed to sell polluted land, while citizens have to clean up their land before selling?

Before 2014, didn’t the NCC ask MP John Baird for $100 M to purchase Albert + Chaudière Islands? Isn’t it wiser to spend $40 million more and ask all levels of governments to purchase this land for $100 M and restore its natural beauty under the stewardship of First Peoples for all citizens?

Isn’t this insanity, giving it to developers?  Ask your Councillor!

Judith Matheson
Heart + Soul Light Centre
Aylmer/Gatineau