This article was posted as a letter to the editor in the February 24th issue of The Millbrook Times. It was submitted by a citizen worried that even though the water diversion project may be over, Fraserville may not.
RE.The Fraserville fiasco.
In my opinion and I believe,many other residence of our community, this Fraserville development idea has gone far enough.
I truly believe,the whole idea needs to be scrapped and if at all possible,we need to find a way,to prevent future generations to start this all over again,mainly because,the Fraserville area is one of the most environment sensitive areas in our Township and it needs to be protected.The area is designed by nature to act as an filtering system for a large amount of water, entering the Otonabee river. People made a huge mistake in developing some of the area in the past by building the airport,highway and just settling in the area.
I realize those mistakes are irreversible.Let us try,not to make it worse with more development in the wrong place.
This whole idea has cost the tax payers to much money al ready. Please let us take our loses and get out.
It might be a good idea ,to find out what the people that reside in Frazerville would like to see.
For many years we have been paying large amounts of money, to consultants who do not , in my opinion , consider the interest of our township or the population as a priority.
I believe we need to cut all contact with them and when consultations are needed,we have to look for people who truly know what the priorities should be.
Bill Vanderpluym.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Green and Pleasant Land… for how long?
The following has been posted with the permission of the original author ...
Cavan Township, Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan Township and finally Cavan-Monaghan Towsnhip (the name we have grudgingly accepted) – also known as the Green and Pleasant Land… for how long?
- Mega development in Fraserville
- Water diversion project
- Enormous wind turbines
- Monstrous gravel pit expansion
- Brookfield’s development study for over 23,000 acres
Fraserville mega development of a “complete community” of between 2,000 and 3,000 residential units, industry, hotels, casino, golf course, retail/wholesale enterprises etc. was reduced to 680 housing units because thousands of houses could not be serviced. The rest stays but it is totally unknown what all these enterprises are going to be.
Then a new project has been introduced – water diversion from Millbrook artesian wells ( 2 of them located in the provincially protected Oakridges Moraine ) through a 12 km pipeline to Fraserville increasing water use by 800%.
Then come wind turbines, monstrous structures, almost as tall as CN Tower. They would be located on leased private lands and lease for each one is $8,000 a year – sounds wonderful for struggling farmers but not for their neighbours; and at the end of the day, owner of the leased land will not be able to use it – just think of those security guards alone… and once the turbine is there, it is going to stay.
Wind farms are to be in Millbrook, Bethany, Pontypool, Orono; there are proposals for Warkworth and Grafton.
Next comes Hayes Line gravel pit expansion in Mt. Pleasant, enormous land eating enterprise with its huge trucks, noise, road construction and threat to underground water.
Since there is a wind monitoring tower on Hayes Line, most likely the wind turbines will be located in Mt.Pleasant as well.
And finally, the Brookfield’s studies and most likely development plans for over 23,000 acres, most of it prime agricultural land…
Fraserville development and water diversion project is the result of a local political decision and only
a local political decision can stop it. The shovels (or rather bulldozers) were to be in the ground on Larmer Line by mid-November 2009. However, both water diversion and the Official Plan are on hold as a result of opposition from the residents of Millbrook and surrounding area.
In view of the grandiose plans for this Township, there might be no space for the current population to live and enjoy living once it will be turned into the “grey and unpleasant land”. We should stop thinking locally and considering Mt.Pleasant or Ida a foreign country. Perhaps it is an overused expression of the past, but people here should UNITE and fight for the Township as a whole, to fight for the proper way of managing and developing it. It can be a jewel if things are done right. There is no need to bring thousands of newcomers, no need to destroy agricultural land. Employment can be created for those who live here and not for those who will come. As for the agriculture – it does not need to be addicted to corn/soybean/feed (hay), there are much more profitable crops.
The reason we are being swarmed by the developers and other fortunes seekers is no protection of the Green Belt; hopefully it will be extended in the near future, before total destruction of this land.
Lets hope too for the wiser local political decisions in the nearest future.
Eva Hans
Cavan Ward
Cavan Township, Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan Township and finally Cavan-Monaghan Towsnhip (the name we have grudgingly accepted) – also known as the Green and Pleasant Land… for how long?
- Mega development in Fraserville
- Water diversion project
- Enormous wind turbines
- Monstrous gravel pit expansion
- Brookfield’s development study for over 23,000 acres
Fraserville mega development of a “complete community” of between 2,000 and 3,000 residential units, industry, hotels, casino, golf course, retail/wholesale enterprises etc. was reduced to 680 housing units because thousands of houses could not be serviced. The rest stays but it is totally unknown what all these enterprises are going to be.
Then a new project has been introduced – water diversion from Millbrook artesian wells ( 2 of them located in the provincially protected Oakridges Moraine ) through a 12 km pipeline to Fraserville increasing water use by 800%.
Then come wind turbines, monstrous structures, almost as tall as CN Tower. They would be located on leased private lands and lease for each one is $8,000 a year – sounds wonderful for struggling farmers but not for their neighbours; and at the end of the day, owner of the leased land will not be able to use it – just think of those security guards alone… and once the turbine is there, it is going to stay.
Wind farms are to be in Millbrook, Bethany, Pontypool, Orono; there are proposals for Warkworth and Grafton.
Next comes Hayes Line gravel pit expansion in Mt. Pleasant, enormous land eating enterprise with its huge trucks, noise, road construction and threat to underground water.
Since there is a wind monitoring tower on Hayes Line, most likely the wind turbines will be located in Mt.Pleasant as well.
And finally, the Brookfield’s studies and most likely development plans for over 23,000 acres, most of it prime agricultural land…
Fraserville development and water diversion project is the result of a local political decision and only
a local political decision can stop it. The shovels (or rather bulldozers) were to be in the ground on Larmer Line by mid-November 2009. However, both water diversion and the Official Plan are on hold as a result of opposition from the residents of Millbrook and surrounding area.
In view of the grandiose plans for this Township, there might be no space for the current population to live and enjoy living once it will be turned into the “grey and unpleasant land”. We should stop thinking locally and considering Mt.Pleasant or Ida a foreign country. Perhaps it is an overused expression of the past, but people here should UNITE and fight for the Township as a whole, to fight for the proper way of managing and developing it. It can be a jewel if things are done right. There is no need to bring thousands of newcomers, no need to destroy agricultural land. Employment can be created for those who live here and not for those who will come. As for the agriculture – it does not need to be addicted to corn/soybean/feed (hay), there are much more profitable crops.
The reason we are being swarmed by the developers and other fortunes seekers is no protection of the Green Belt; hopefully it will be extended in the near future, before total destruction of this land.
Lets hope too for the wiser local political decisions in the nearest future.
Eva Hans
Cavan Ward
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Open Letter to Council of Cavan Monaghan
The following has been posted with the permission of the original author ...
The most recent proposed development for Cavan Monaghan Township by Brookfield Homes has rekindled our major concern with the ongoing saga of the Fraserville Secondary Plan.
We have always maintained that any new planned development should provide guarantees that NO raw sewage enter the Otonabee River. Our cattle drink the water year round, and our family enjoy the recreational aspect during the summer.
Mr. Al Duffy, the consultant for Brookfield homes is quoted as saying on Monday, April 5th, 2010 in the Peterborough Examiner, "I don't think we should any longer be able to build sewage treatment plants that just dump into the river". He also stated, "You have to use the water within the watershed that your're developing". In light of these remarks, we would ask the Cavan Monaghan Council to review the current official plan of the Fraserville Secondary Plan. An important step to protect the environment is the use of effluent waters for purposes such as watering lawns and fire emergencies.
Sincerely,
Pat and Don Wood
The most recent proposed development for Cavan Monaghan Township by Brookfield Homes has rekindled our major concern with the ongoing saga of the Fraserville Secondary Plan.
We have always maintained that any new planned development should provide guarantees that NO raw sewage enter the Otonabee River. Our cattle drink the water year round, and our family enjoy the recreational aspect during the summer.
Mr. Al Duffy, the consultant for Brookfield homes is quoted as saying on Monday, April 5th, 2010 in the Peterborough Examiner, "I don't think we should any longer be able to build sewage treatment plants that just dump into the river". He also stated, "You have to use the water within the watershed that your're developing". In light of these remarks, we would ask the Cavan Monaghan Council to review the current official plan of the Fraserville Secondary Plan. An important step to protect the environment is the use of effluent waters for purposes such as watering lawns and fire emergencies.
Sincerely,
Pat and Don Wood
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fraserville Project – So Many Questions and Concerns
The following has been posted with the permission of the original author ...
There has been much controversy regarding the Fraserville project. Some people in our Township may think that because they don’t live in Millbrook that it isn’t “their problem.” Please get the facts; learn more. IF YOU LIVE IN OUR TOWNSHIP, YOU COULD BE AFFECTED. There is no guarantee that the water tables, both in Millbrook and the surrounding areas will not be affected by diverting water from the Millbrook Wells. This may not happen for 5, 10 or 20 years, but if it does happen down the road to our well and possibly many other wells, who is going to pay to fix the problems?
In addition, from what we understand, a $20 million grant from the Federal and Provincial Governments, plus $10 million from Cavan-Monaghan Township is to be used to finance this project. Is this project being “fast tracked” because of the Federal and Provincial Grants and what about cost overruns? Due to the magnitude of this project, costs could very well be in excess of $30 million. Why is Cavan-Monaghan Council, and our Federal and Provincial Representatives, Mr. Devolin, MP and Mr. Johnson, MPP, not concerned regarding the potential high costs of overruns?
With so many of the residents objecting to this project, why is a referendum not being considered?
Do we really need a large development in Fraserville, when Peterborough is so close and what will happen to Millbrook - will it become a ghost town?
Our council says that Fraserville development costs can be “recouped”? Does council have a crystal ball that says that manufacturing plants, hotels and approximately 600 homes will be built? Why on earth would a family want to relocate to Fraserville and face traffic and bright lights from the Slots; plus noise from the race track and a soon to be expanded Peterborough airport. I know Fraserville wouldn’t our first choice, nor would we recommend the area to our family or friends that might be looking to relocate.
If this project goes through, we the taxpayers of Cavan-Monaghan are going to be left to foot the bill - for generations to come!!
One final point, is Cavan-Monaghan Council, because they are so focused on Fraserville, ignoring projects that would benefit the whole of the township? Are they ignoring other federal and provincial grant applications to focus only on the Fraserville development?
Where is Democracy in action? Where is our voice - the people of Cavan-Monaghan Township? It is going to be municipal election time in the fall – get out and vote; ask the candidates some hard questions; find out if they support the Fraserville Project. We need a council that doesn’t have “tunnel vision”. We need a council that supports and listens to us, the people of Cavan-Monaghan!
If you are concerned, write, call or email your local representative, plus your provincial and federal representative. If you want more information, check out the website: www.socm.ca
Pat and Bryan McBain
Cavan
There has been much controversy regarding the Fraserville project. Some people in our Township may think that because they don’t live in Millbrook that it isn’t “their problem.” Please get the facts; learn more. IF YOU LIVE IN OUR TOWNSHIP, YOU COULD BE AFFECTED. There is no guarantee that the water tables, both in Millbrook and the surrounding areas will not be affected by diverting water from the Millbrook Wells. This may not happen for 5, 10 or 20 years, but if it does happen down the road to our well and possibly many other wells, who is going to pay to fix the problems?
In addition, from what we understand, a $20 million grant from the Federal and Provincial Governments, plus $10 million from Cavan-Monaghan Township is to be used to finance this project. Is this project being “fast tracked” because of the Federal and Provincial Grants and what about cost overruns? Due to the magnitude of this project, costs could very well be in excess of $30 million. Why is Cavan-Monaghan Council, and our Federal and Provincial Representatives, Mr. Devolin, MP and Mr. Johnson, MPP, not concerned regarding the potential high costs of overruns?
With so many of the residents objecting to this project, why is a referendum not being considered?
Do we really need a large development in Fraserville, when Peterborough is so close and what will happen to Millbrook - will it become a ghost town?
Our council says that Fraserville development costs can be “recouped”? Does council have a crystal ball that says that manufacturing plants, hotels and approximately 600 homes will be built? Why on earth would a family want to relocate to Fraserville and face traffic and bright lights from the Slots; plus noise from the race track and a soon to be expanded Peterborough airport. I know Fraserville wouldn’t our first choice, nor would we recommend the area to our family or friends that might be looking to relocate.
If this project goes through, we the taxpayers of Cavan-Monaghan are going to be left to foot the bill - for generations to come!!
One final point, is Cavan-Monaghan Council, because they are so focused on Fraserville, ignoring projects that would benefit the whole of the township? Are they ignoring other federal and provincial grant applications to focus only on the Fraserville development?
Where is Democracy in action? Where is our voice - the people of Cavan-Monaghan Township? It is going to be municipal election time in the fall – get out and vote; ask the candidates some hard questions; find out if they support the Fraserville Project. We need a council that doesn’t have “tunnel vision”. We need a council that supports and listens to us, the people of Cavan-Monaghan!
If you are concerned, write, call or email your local representative, plus your provincial and federal representative. If you want more information, check out the website: www.socm.ca
Pat and Bryan McBain
Cavan
Monday, February 8, 2010
The BIG Picture
The following has been posted with the permission of the original author ...
Let’s stop for a moment and look at the big picture of what is going to happen in Cavan-Monaghan Township if the Council’s has it the way their plans are.
“The whole thing (-) about bringing water to Fraserville is for Kawartha Downs. That’s still our goal” Neil Cathcart said in his interview with Peterborough Examiner. Well, Kawartha Downs could drill their own well, build water treatment and sewage treatment plants, just like Sysco did. But the Slots owner has got much more ambitious plans – to expand slots, add casino, entertainment centre, golf club? Anything else? So we will have Las Vegas here. Do we want to be ruled by the overblown and overbuilt gambling facility? This council has no interest (or rather a very particular interest, it seems) or vision of what is going to be here in a few years – they would be gone by that time and the population of this Township and the surrounding area will be paying in whichever way for their ”wisdom”.
There is still time to stop the madness and hopefully more people here will take part in rejuvenating the politics and eventually vote wisely in the 2010 October elections.
More to learn about it – http://www.socm.ca/
Eva Hans
Cavan Ward, Ont.
Let’s stop for a moment and look at the big picture of what is going to happen in Cavan-Monaghan Township if the Council’s has it the way their plans are.
“The whole thing (-) about bringing water to Fraserville is for Kawartha Downs. That’s still our goal” Neil Cathcart said in his interview with Peterborough Examiner. Well, Kawartha Downs could drill their own well, build water treatment and sewage treatment plants, just like Sysco did. But the Slots owner has got much more ambitious plans – to expand slots, add casino, entertainment centre, golf club? Anything else? So we will have Las Vegas here. Do we want to be ruled by the overblown and overbuilt gambling facility? This council has no interest (or rather a very particular interest, it seems) or vision of what is going to be here in a few years – they would be gone by that time and the population of this Township and the surrounding area will be paying in whichever way for their ”wisdom”.
There is still time to stop the madness and hopefully more people here will take part in rejuvenating the politics and eventually vote wisely in the 2010 October elections.
More to learn about it – http://www.socm.ca/
Eva Hans
Cavan Ward, Ont.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Still more Questions
The following is being posted with the consent of the original author ...
With respect to Jim Chaplin’s report on Dec 3, “2010 Municipal Budget” Mr. Chaplin stated that “we must wean ourselves for the Slots funding”. My question is why? Is this not part of the OLG agreement that the township receive a portion of the funds from the slots, so what is the problem??
Seems to me that this statement is nothing more than a lead in for a tax increase. Mr Chaplin also stated that because of a new accounting practice for the municipalities that allows for the depreciation of capital assets that Cavan Monahan should have had approximately 4.2 million in reserve to replace these assets. This is a “new” accounting practice and we can not correct what was not required in the past. Also, this does not mean you have to replace the assets if they are in good working condition and keep in mind this is an accounting practice and nothing more. Is the money from the slots being used to purchase capital assets and if so I still do not see why would we need a tax increase?
Perhaps if Council had not spent 2.8 Million on consultants, lawyers and engineers for the Fraserville plan, which we will never recover, we would have had that money in the coppers. I also wonder if this warning of a possible increase in taxes is due to the required pipeline and water diversion from Millbrook to Fraserville? Who gets to pay for the land that will need to be expropriated! Yes, I have heard that the Township would get the money back over 20 years of development charges and that the province & federal governments may each pay about 1/3 of the cost of this project but we still have to come up with 1/3 ourselves and pay the original costs for a project that no one seems to want except council. Perhaps this is another reason to remember that Millbrook’s water and sewer bill has recently been increased. Furthermore, what will happen to Millbrook if this water project does deplete our supply of water or if this diversion contaminates the water?? Out homes will not be worth anything should either of these events happen. What about the wetlands and protected endangered species if this pipeline goes through? These two questions have yet to be answered. Without water there is no life of any kind!
Nor has the question of why the wells in the Fraserville can not/will not accommodate this project. Furthermore, how many phases are on this project, is the estimated 600 homes to be built all that are to be built or are more homes to built in the future phases, which of course will require more of Millbrook’s water.
Some other points of interest that Council has accomplished -- in spite of our protest:
Dropped “Millbrook” from the Township name (done in spite of our protests) this also cost money – new logo, signs, legal fees, etc.
Moved the meetings from evening to day time when most people can not attend.
Sold off the Town hall (a Historical Landmark) and then spent over $400, to purchase and repair the current office, this does not include the cost of the move, new office equipment, renovations and letterhead etc.
They moved the OPP into an area where they are no longer visible as a deterrent for criminals. (out of site out of mind)
Removed the “fourth line theatre from the library – one would think that any business that brings revenue & tourism to our town would be supported by council.
Will not hold a referendum on the “Water” issue in spite of over 90% of the Millbrook rate payers not wanting this diversion.
Note the definition of accountable - obliged to account for one's acts, being responsible.
This is a new decade and perhaps time for some accountability, please remember this when it comes time for the election.
Linda Brown
18 Huston St
Millbrook, On
L0A 1G0
With respect to Jim Chaplin’s report on Dec 3, “2010 Municipal Budget” Mr. Chaplin stated that “we must wean ourselves for the Slots funding”. My question is why? Is this not part of the OLG agreement that the township receive a portion of the funds from the slots, so what is the problem??
Seems to me that this statement is nothing more than a lead in for a tax increase. Mr Chaplin also stated that because of a new accounting practice for the municipalities that allows for the depreciation of capital assets that Cavan Monahan should have had approximately 4.2 million in reserve to replace these assets. This is a “new” accounting practice and we can not correct what was not required in the past. Also, this does not mean you have to replace the assets if they are in good working condition and keep in mind this is an accounting practice and nothing more. Is the money from the slots being used to purchase capital assets and if so I still do not see why would we need a tax increase?
Perhaps if Council had not spent 2.8 Million on consultants, lawyers and engineers for the Fraserville plan, which we will never recover, we would have had that money in the coppers. I also wonder if this warning of a possible increase in taxes is due to the required pipeline and water diversion from Millbrook to Fraserville? Who gets to pay for the land that will need to be expropriated! Yes, I have heard that the Township would get the money back over 20 years of development charges and that the province & federal governments may each pay about 1/3 of the cost of this project but we still have to come up with 1/3 ourselves and pay the original costs for a project that no one seems to want except council. Perhaps this is another reason to remember that Millbrook’s water and sewer bill has recently been increased. Furthermore, what will happen to Millbrook if this water project does deplete our supply of water or if this diversion contaminates the water?? Out homes will not be worth anything should either of these events happen. What about the wetlands and protected endangered species if this pipeline goes through? These two questions have yet to be answered. Without water there is no life of any kind!
Nor has the question of why the wells in the Fraserville can not/will not accommodate this project. Furthermore, how many phases are on this project, is the estimated 600 homes to be built all that are to be built or are more homes to built in the future phases, which of course will require more of Millbrook’s water.
Some other points of interest that Council has accomplished -- in spite of our protest:
Dropped “Millbrook” from the Township name (done in spite of our protests) this also cost money – new logo, signs, legal fees, etc.
Moved the meetings from evening to day time when most people can not attend.
Sold off the Town hall (a Historical Landmark) and then spent over $400, to purchase and repair the current office, this does not include the cost of the move, new office equipment, renovations and letterhead etc.
They moved the OPP into an area where they are no longer visible as a deterrent for criminals. (out of site out of mind)
Removed the “fourth line theatre from the library – one would think that any business that brings revenue & tourism to our town would be supported by council.
Will not hold a referendum on the “Water” issue in spite of over 90% of the Millbrook rate payers not wanting this diversion.
Note the definition of accountable - obliged to account for one's acts, being responsible.
This is a new decade and perhaps time for some accountability, please remember this when it comes time for the election.
Linda Brown
18 Huston St
Millbrook, On
L0A 1G0
Friday, January 15, 2010
Against Proposed Mega Community in Fraserville
The following is being posted with the consent of the original author ...
I would like to speak out against the proposed plan to build a mega community in Fraserville (and an expansion to the OLG Slots) using water pumped from Millbrook. I feel this is a very bad idea for many reasons.
1. Experts believe the huge increase in the amount of water being pumped out of the watershed (over 500%) could seriously deplete and pollute the groundwater that supplies drinking water to the residents of the Millbrook area.
2. The building of a pipeline to transport the water from Millbrook to Fraserville will destroy or damage many important natural features including wetlands.
3. At least $30 million of taxpayers’ money from three levels of government will be spent on the pipeline alone. If development is needed there are other areas ready and waiting where the infrastructure is already in place.
4. A portion of the money for this project is coming from the Federal government as part of its economic stimulus plan. I feel stimulus money should go toward things that benefit the community as a whole benefits. Millbrook badly needs a rec centre. Stimulus money should not go to projects that feed bad habits like gambling, or line the pockets of developers. Building a pipeline such as this would normally be paid for by the developer who will profit from the project. In this case it will be paid for by taxpayers. I feel that is unacceptable.
I hope Cavan Monaghan council comes to its senses and rejects this plan.
Linda Elgar
I would like to speak out against the proposed plan to build a mega community in Fraserville (and an expansion to the OLG Slots) using water pumped from Millbrook. I feel this is a very bad idea for many reasons.
1. Experts believe the huge increase in the amount of water being pumped out of the watershed (over 500%) could seriously deplete and pollute the groundwater that supplies drinking water to the residents of the Millbrook area.
2. The building of a pipeline to transport the water from Millbrook to Fraserville will destroy or damage many important natural features including wetlands.
3. At least $30 million of taxpayers’ money from three levels of government will be spent on the pipeline alone. If development is needed there are other areas ready and waiting where the infrastructure is already in place.
4. A portion of the money for this project is coming from the Federal government as part of its economic stimulus plan. I feel stimulus money should go toward things that benefit the community as a whole benefits. Millbrook badly needs a rec centre. Stimulus money should not go to projects that feed bad habits like gambling, or line the pockets of developers. Building a pipeline such as this would normally be paid for by the developer who will profit from the project. In this case it will be paid for by taxpayers. I feel that is unacceptable.
I hope Cavan Monaghan council comes to its senses and rejects this plan.
Linda Elgar
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