NO LONGER A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING, JUST THE WOLF

The claws are out.....

When Highlands begain their systematic destruction of century homesteads in Melancthon in 2008, ratepayers begged and pleaded with Council to enact a simple bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act to negate the damages to the tax base, the loss of cultural and heritage homes and the community.

Section 33, in a nutshell states, that in order to demolish something, you must first obtain a building permit to erect something else.

Council, and their highly paid planner insisted this would NOT work. Finally, after permits had been issued to Highlands for the destruction of 17 century homesteads (UPDATE: As of December 31, 2009 there was a total of 20 permits issued) Council obtained an opinion from yet another planner who stated that yes, they should enact this bylaw to protect the interests of all ratepayers. This matter is to be considered at the January 7, 2010 meeting.

Guess what??

Highland Companies...you must remember them...the benevolent owners of much of the prime agricultural land in Melancthon, who want to establish a 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine and rail line to ship the stuff out of the country...the deep pockets who paid for a fridge at the Hornings Mills Hall, a zamboni, clock at the arena, the Stanley cup day in Honeywood and who want to bring you a $12 million YMCA in the town of Shelburne...the guys who only want what is good and right for Melancthon, like 400 "local"jobs, etc. etc.....the guys who are going to establish a carbon neutral 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine with NO impact on water or the environment....you know....those guys...?????

Well they sent a letter to the Township of Melancthon that threatens legal action if Council passes the bylaw. Why?? Well clearly this slows down their destruction of Melancthon as we know it.

This is NOT an attack on Council, this is an attack on EVERY SINGLE ratepayer in the Township of Melancthon.

Click on this link and go to page 3 for the vile letter from their solicitors, Goodmans: http://melancthontownship.ca/10council/unfinished.jan7.pdf

Their letter ends by stating:

"In conclusion, we believe that demolition control in Melancthon is unnecessary, contrary to Township Policy, potentially subject to legal challenge, and an unfair and discriminatory cost on its taxpayers."

I say, bullshit..

I also say, please support the ratepayers of Melancthon in this battle, by supporting and encouraging Council to fight this blackmail at ALL costs.

Send your emails in support of Council addressed to Mayor and Council at: dholmes@melancthontownship.ca

And if at all possible, attend the Council meeting this Thursday January 7 at 9:00 a.m and offer your support.

You do NOT have to be a ratepayer to support this cause-you just have to someone who cares about your water source, your food source and your future.