Napanee town council unanimously voted last night against the proposed asphalt plant on County Road 2 in Greater Napanee.
On last night’s agenda, before receiving the staff report for the zoning by-law amendment, council received three deputations. Two who were residents speaking against the plant, and the third from two representatives from R.W. Tomlinson, who reiterated some comments and answers.
During the meeting, councillor Ellen Johnson, who represents ward 5 where the plant would have been, was the first councillor to voice their opinion. She noted that while the residents of ward 5 are directly impacted, the entire community is effected by the business tax impacts and perceptions of community lifestyle.
Johnson said that while some people have expressed concerns about the ability of governing ministries to hold Tomlinson to required standard, she does not share those concerns. She went on to say the penalties for non-compliance are severe, and the mitigating measures are mandated to be followed.
Next to voice their opinion was councillor Terry Richardson, who noted that since receiving the application by Tomlinson, council has received an extremely large amount of information from a vast array of sources.
Richardson acknowledged the staff report done by IBI Group, who was hired by the corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee to report on the zoning by-law amendment application for them. He noted that the report doesn’t really address if they should allow this change to occur. “And maybe this report shouldn’t have to address that. Maybe that’s a question that we as council should be addressing.”
In considering the “should” portion of the process, he felt it important to remind himself of the duties of council. He went on to quote the Ontario Municipal Act in saying it is the role of council to represent the public and to consider the well being and interest of the municipality.
Councillor John McCormack began in thanking everyone on both sides for all of the work put behind this. McCormack made one note that as a council, they’ve had staff recommendations in the past that they’ve rejected, so it’s not a given. And that even though the due diligence was done by the reviewers, it was still councils decision.
The next to speak to this report was councillor Bob Norrie, who said he got to his decision by taking a three pronged approach. Norrie said first and fore most was listening, which he said he did at the public meetings, deputations, and directly with residents out in the community. The second prong he said was reading.
Councillor Dave Pinnell began his comments as well with a thank-you to the residents of Greater Napanee that they had heard from regarding the proposal, as well town staff, Tomlinson staff, and all of the consultants that were involved.
Pinnell, who is a big advocate for local water as he pays special attention to drinking water reports when they come before council, and during his time with council he says these reports have come back in compliance, which he is proud of.
Pinnell finished in saying he’s not going to say he’s not a willing host, but noted that this is the wrong location.
Deputy Mayor Max Kaiser saved his comments for second last, but he did have some comments he wanted to get clearly across. He began with saying he regret the process. Kaiser believes the process is intended to be fair to all, but what he regrets is the time it took to get through all the steps. He said during that time so many members of the public had worried and festered over this issue, which created a bit of divisiveness, but also the lingering concern and anxiety for so many.
Lastly, Mayor Marg Isbester voiced her opinions, who also began with sharing her thanks with all involved. Isbester says her thoughts echo exactly what council had already said.
A recorded vote was then held, where council moved to deny on the basis that it does not appear to be in the best interest of the community. Council voted unanimously in favour of denying the application.
Later in the agenda, under notices of motion, a motion was put forward by councillor McCormack – that based on the input from the community regarding the proposed permanent asphalt plant at 8205 County Road 2 – application PLZACO 2020-052, that council of the town of Greater Napanee support its residents by advising the provincial government, that the Town of Greater Napanee is an unwilling host for a permanent asphalt plant at this location. This motion was moved unanimously.
Written by Emily Chatwood
