I was reading some articles on Wagg’s Wood on Manitoulin and I was very confused on how the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) does business.
In an article titled “Committee made up of Council members in favour of divestment of Wagg’s Wood to EBC” by Tom Sasvari (December 21/18) (www.manitoulin.com) I read comments by Dr. Roy Jeffery, a local director for EBC. Well, assurances really.
Then I read the article “Citizen group supports transfer of Wagg’s Wood to EBC” by Tom Sasvari (June 28/19). In this article there are quotes by the EBC’s Executive Director Bob Barnett which, in my opinion, assures residents and council that the EBC does not interfere with neighbouring properties. Here are 2 quotes: “We have no authority over what people do next door to any property we have”… “We have the right to object but the point is we don’t”. The quotes go on.
So I’m led to wonder, and I know those following this story are going to wonder, why is the EBC opposing a cottage build by a 94-95 year old lady on Sadler Creek Rd., NBP, who has owned the property since the 1940s, who paid taxes all those years, who wants to build a family cottage for her family to enjoy for generations? The family completed Environmental studies, Archaeological studies, surveys etc. etc. It’s a fully serviced road with hydro, culverts and even mail delivery.
The EBC had put a facebook post up on its facebook page urging its members to oppose the build from all over Ontario, who probably in some cases have no clue where it is. This was after those on Manitoulin listened to the assurances such objections didn’t happen about a month before.
Then after council approves the zoning for this lovely family on Sadler Creek Rd. The EBC puts in an LPAT (Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) appeal. This time it appears they only used about four people from the letters of opposition (21-22) from the facebook post and added some more for a total of 13 persons. Again, from all over Ontario with some lovely credentials after their names.
I hope that this LPAT gets dropped; the sooner the better so this nice senior gets to fulfill her dream for her family and relax and enjoy her golden years.
Life has enough challenges for seniors. Imagine having to fight a Conservancy group with all its big credentialed friends. A group who gets some gov’t grants etc. with our tax monies.
To the EBC. Shame on you. Manitoulin might be a bit of a drive/swim from NBP but we know how to google and read in these backwoods. I also found “the Escarpment Biosphere Foundation” a good read. Same Executive Director.
As I told Mr Barnett at the NBP public meeting. You got 21-22 letters of appeal against the cottage build by a 94 year old lady through a facebook post. I could have got 1,000 in support, but that’s not how we do business here in Grey/Bruce. We try to look after our neighbours and good people.
Let the good people of Grey/Bruce read and google and reach their own conclusions. The Browne/Martin family are lovely people. I hope you all get the opportunity to meet them. If? they get to build.
Let’s hope all those living beside “reserves” don’t have to deal with such issues when they have fulfilled all requirements and got the vote of council, whom we elect.
Carol Porter,
Georgian Bluffs
