Dec. 4, 2007
Once again the spotlight has come upon Caledonia for all the wrong reasons. Instead of thinking about Christmas and the joy that surrounds it, we are once again experiencing senseless conflict and violence.
What was gained by the actions that took place on Saturday (on all sides)?
Where is the positive outcome?
Are our communities now closer together?
Have the smoke shop(s) been removed?
Will our business' now see an upward spike in sales?
Will residents now feel better about where they live?
I would ask that each person remember that our number one goal is an end to the occupation. Everything else that has stemmed from the initial occupation, everything that we witness and everything that we deplore as a community is a symptom of this root. Our lack of faith and belief in our police service; our sleepless nights and feelings of desperation or abandonment; our anger at the rules of conduct, decency and tolerance which we all have lived by and hold dear to our hearts being flouted by a few, are all very real.
This community is our home, it is where we come for sanctuary, family and friendship. It is where our children play, learn and grow before our eyes. Yes our problems are hurting our community and yes with each new issue that happens however large or small, is compounded onto an already unfair and seemingly unmanageable burden that we already bear. BUT by allowing our emotions and perceptions to govern actions of people on either side, simply adds to these burdens. It is my hope that you can believe in me, the Mayor and my fellow Councillors when I say, we are demanding the restoration of peace in our County and are trying at every opportunity to achieve resolve in each of the following, but not limited to;
1) The appearance of a two tier response in policing
2) The non-policing of sixth line/Onieda Rd and seventh line. The 911 response to calls on these roads is not proactive policing, it's clearly reactionary
3) Dave, Dana and Dax must have their voices heard and action taken. I/we have not forgotten about the effects on all residents
4) Developers and commercial business, need provincial and federal assistance. Council recently passed my motion to have the Provincial and Federal Governments provide financially guarantees in support our of developers if an occupation should occur on their property.
5) House Assessment: Residents need confidence that their families are safe and the investment in their homes protected. Council supported my request to call on MPAC to hold a public meeting on house assessment.
6) Policing Options: Council supported my motion to investigate alternative police forces willingness to contract with Haldimand County. Hamilton and Niagara have declined. Brantford and the RCMP are NOT options.
7) By-Law infractions. Haldimand County has notified the appropriate land owners of the non-compliance in property uses.
These issues no matter how obvious or blatant, are being dealt with and yes it may appear we are getting no where fast, but Council is doing what it can. I can promise you, that Haldimand Council and staff have been working not only for the removal these smoke shops, but for the revitalization and very sustainability of Caledonia and Haldimand County as a whole. My commitment to each resident, is to ensure your voice is heard, not simply by myself but by those who have the power to give us the resolve we need and more importantly deserve.
Respectfully Craig Grice, Caledonia Councillor Haldimand County