By JIM KINSLEY
The Sachem
Posted Feb 6, 2007
Haldimand County Council went on the record Monday expressing its concern over the long-term costs of the Douglas Creek Estates land claims issue.
Council and its members have stated these concerns many times and in many ways over the past 11 months, but had not previously passed a resolution to that effect.
Councillor Lorne Boyko stated: "These things have been said loud and often."
"But what hasn't been done in the past is to put it on the record Ð now, it will be. It probably should have been done long ago."
The motion which was passed unanimously says: "That a letter be sent to senior staff, negotiators and senior representatives of the federal and provincial governments expressing concern over Haldimand County's direct financial loss as a result of diminished residential, commercial and industrial growth due to the Douglas Creek land claims issue."
It continues: "And in light of the aforementioned, Haldimand County requests positive consideration from the federal and provincial governments in evaluating the county's recovery plan so that Haldimand County may continue to grow in a positive and progressive manner."
The resolution adds that the county would be "pleased to meet with government representatives to further discuss the resolution of this matter."
Councillor Craig Grice said: "The federal and provincial governments must recognize the impact on Caledonia and the county."
Council, which was in the process of discussing its capital budget and capital forecast, noted that past projects and future projects were based on growth forecasts that may no longer be tenable.
Councillor Buck Sloat said much of the county planning is based on projections and expectations of growth and having the infrastructure and facilities to accommodate and encourage the growth. "But with what is happening in Caledonia we're going to have a tough time getting the growth," he said.
Councillor Tony Dalimonte also alluded to the fact that growth may be occurring in communities other than those that had been forecast. Dalimonte has previously noted significant growth in Hagersville. In the past, the forecasts said much of the growth would occur in Caledonia.