If you are like me you almost disconnected when the robo call came through this weekend before hearing the invitation to join a Virtual Town hall on Monday, January 30 to discuss the upcoming provincial budget. It is being hosted by Oakridges-Markham MPP Helene Jaczek; special guest is the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Minister Dwight Duncan.
No matter what your political stripe, if your schedule allows you may want to participate. Apparently, at 8 PM on Monday your phone will ring again; if you pick it up you can participate. Unfortunately I can’t participate as I will be at our Council meeting.
But if I could and if I got a chance to comment on the upcoming Ontario budget I would express the expectation that the Province will commit to protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) by making an investment in the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
Without a new investment in the Foundation we will not have the data to protect the ORM in the 2015 review. It is the Foundation which is monitoring what is happening on the ORM. How healthy are the aquifers which are the source of drinking water to >200,000 people and the source of water for numerous rivers and streams providing water to important agricultural areas. Is the health of the streams flowing from and through the Moraine better or worse? Are we winning or losing on biodiversity? Do we have more or less wetlands and what is their health?
We know that in 2015 there will be many people arguing that the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) is too restrictive. They will claim that more land is required for houses; as Councillor in a municipality with 60% of its land protected by the ORMCP I know that our rural area is coveted by those wanting to build on it. They will cite the need for more gravel quarries to build Toronto’s condos and to build new roads. I know that our “empty spaces” are viewed as an excellent venue for more roads.
There is ample evidence that the Foundation uses its funding very wisely. In 2002 the Province invested $15 million in the Foundation; it has been leveraged with other sources to realize $50 million. The Foundation’s accomplishments include restoration of more than 1,000 acres of land; creation of 5,582 acres of conservation lands; completion of a 75km continuous east/west recreation trail known as the Oak Ridges Trail; education of over 7,500 school children; and scientific research on the Moraine.
The Foundation is almost out of funds and will close its doors. If you can’t participate I urge you to contact your MPP to ask for an investment in the Foundation. If you live in Oakridges-Markham riding your MPP is Dr. Helene Jaczek; phone her at 905 294 4931 or email her at hjaczek.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org and tell her that funding the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation is a priority.
You can read the Foundation’s published research “Measuring Success” here.
When I contacted Helena by e-mail when Dumpsite 41 was an issue, and respectfully asked her to do what she could to have it stopped, her reply was that it had all been investigated years ago by experts and that the conclusion they came to was that it was perfectly safe to continue with the dumpsite. This surprised me, coming from a former Medical Officer of Health. Therefore, I suspect that she may not be quite as concerned about the aquifers as one might hope.
However, I thank and commend you for your usual good work by trying to make things safe for future generations
Kay Brooks
Hello Kay, What can I say? Your previous interaction does not give me confidence. But given her position it is appropriate to give it a try. Thank you for your words of appreciation! Debbie