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HPD SUBMISSION TO: REGARDING: Good evening Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen and thank-you for the opportunity to speak this evening. I am Michael Desnoyers and I am the Co-Chair of and representing Hamiltonians for Progressive Development. HPD is a citizens group formed in August of this year principally for the purpose of launching an OMB appeal to the City of Hamilton 's decision to extend the Urban Boundry and to create the “Aerotropolis”. HPD supports and encourages progressive planning practices. I am here this evening to speak specifically about the obvious flaws that exist in a process which would have the Council for the City of Hamilton consider a decision which will profoundly affect the community of Glanbrook and Hamilton. The decision to sell city owned property to Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is being considered by council without having engaged the public or the communities surrounding the proposed site, in any form of substantive, collaborative discussion and input prior to this decision process. It is clear from the information provided to date that virtually NO detailed studies have been conducted or provided that answer even the most fundamental questions in an effort to aid in the decision process. How will the facilities proposed by Maple Leaf Foods impact the Social, Economic and Environmental aspects of our community and are they consistent with Vision 2020. Has a comprehensive analysis of these aspects been conducted and if so why has it not been released to the public. What are the detailed criteria in assessing each of the Triple Bottom Line principles? The public has come to learn in the past days and weeks that negotiations have been conducted between city staff and Maple Leaf without the knowledge of the majority of council and certainly without public disclosure. I ask all members of City Council the following; Are you satisfied with a process that ask members of City Council to make major planning decisions without the benefit of unbiased, detailed information and staff reports? Where is the detailed Triple Bottom Line Analysis the City claims is part of its decision making process? Are you satisfied with a process that allows secret and confidential discussions to occur for over a year without the knowledge and consent of the majority of City Council? Are you satisfied with a process that does not engage the community in any fashion prior to such a huge decision regardless if it is conditional or not? Are you satisfied with the potential negative image not only to the “Prestige” Glanbrook Industrial Park but also to the City of Hamilton that this facility will most certainly cause? The intended use for these lands by Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is crystal clear. I ask one final question, Is the Council for the city of Hamilton prepared to engage and encourage a process that genuinely seeks public participation and collaboration PRIOR to a decision regardless if the sale is conditional or not? Thank-you. Michael Desnoyers |
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