Blair residents fighting zoning order for warehouse meet with others who fought MZO
People in Blair fighting a controversial land development for a warehouse are strategizing with others who have successfully fought against similar zoning orders.
Earlier this year, the City of Cambridge approved the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for a proposed, million square-foot warehouse that fast tracks development.
Since then, people who live nearby the possible site have been pushing against it.
This includes starting a petition and hiring a lawyer who has fought against another MZO.
“If anyone thinks the residents of Blair aren’t prepared to fight for their environment, for future generations, and for the rule of law then they are fooling themselves,” said lawyer David Donnelly.
Residents met with people who have also fought against these zoning orders in the Guelph and Stratford areas on Thursday night.
The strategy session featured members of the Wellington Water Watchers and the group Get Concerned Stratford, who advised residents to get organized, get loud, and not give up.
“We won because the people got concerned, we held meetings when the city refused to,” said Mike Sullivan of Get Concerned. “We won because we got over 600 people to attend Zoom meetings and write to all levels of politicians.”
City of Cambridge officials says the land in Blair was already zoned for this type of use and would stand a good chance of being approved.
They add that the warehouse could also create 350 full-time jobs, over a thousand part-time and season jobs and $150 million in investments in the city.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.