For immediate release:
November 21, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – Now is the time to convey concerns to multiple Ontario government ministries with respect to an imminent request for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) from Empire Homes. The request/application, if granted, will give the green light for the development of a city of 15,000 homes, 40,000 people.
“It is my understanding the request for the MZO has not been submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; however, the application is expected at any time,” Brady said. “Once the online comment period begins, it might well be too late; therefore, we must act now.”
On November 14, 2024, Brady attended the Nanticoke Environmental Committee Open House. Many of the attendees asked Brady what the community should do to continue to fight back against the proposed development. In general, the local MPP continues to hear from constituents who are worried sick about the future of the area.
“It’s a hare-brained idea and why we are going down a path that only a few believe is a good idea is beyond me,” Brady questioned. “There are several reasons a city of 40,000 at the industrial park is a bad idea – first and foremost, an industrial park is for industry, not thousands of people. The jobs at Stelco and Imperial Oil must be protected.”
Stelco has in the past articulated there is nothing in the proposal from Empire Homes that gives the steelmaker confidence they could survive a development of such magnitude.
Brady also pointed to issues with critical infrastructure. She said municipal leaders think largely of the need for water and wastewater; however, there remains other critical infrastructure needed by residents daily – infrastructure like hospitals/healthcare, schools/education, and safe and efficient roadways.
“Highway 6 is already a disaster, along the entire stretch,” Brady said. “We know the buyers of these new homes will arrive from the GTA and GHA and they will travel Highway 6 back and forth to their jobs.”
Brady is suggesting the public urgently express their concerns to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and Premier Ford.
“This is our final opportunity to let this government know that there is no confidence in this proposed development despite what five Haldimand County councillors have voted. It’s time to let the government know that the community knows better and understands better the ever-lasting negative repercussions,” Brady concluded.
Following is contact information for the ministries Brady suggests constituents contact:
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Minister Paul Calandra
[email protected]
Ministry of Environment
Minister Andrea Khanjin
[email protected]
Ministry of Health
Minister Sylvia Jones
[email protected]
Ministry of Transportation
Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria
[email protected]
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Minister Victor Fedeli
[email protected]
Office of the Premier
Honourable Doug Ford
[email protected]
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For more information, please contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800- 903-8629