By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
It feels good three-weeks back in the thick of things at Queen’s Park, which runs until December 11th. It goes quickly with my long to-do list.
On my to-do list is the Townsend Land Assembly. In early summer, to satisfy many constituents’ and my curiosity, I started asking the Ontario Government questions about government-owned land at Townsend. I have been asked repeatedly why government is not encouraging Empire Homes to develop there. Infrastructure is in place, conflicts with new homebuyers and their industrial neighbours can be avoided, and well-paying jobs can be saved like those at Imperial Oil and Stelco Lake Erie Works.
For those not aware, Townsend is one of Ontario’s biggest development failures. In the 1970s, Townsend was envisioned as a fully equipped city of 250,000. Swaths of farmland became wide parkways and municipal offices. But it was not the Field of Dreams, nobody came. Only 161 hectares of the slated 35,000 were developed. Subsequently, land has been sold; however, the Province of Ontario retains 567 hectares.
The 2,000 people who currently live in Townsend enjoy their sleepy rural community. I’m sympathetic to the fact many do not want thousands of people moving in and that’s why I felt it important I pinned down the Ontario Government’s plans. So, I started asking the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) and Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER).
After weeks of back and forth between ministries, I finally learned that Infrastructure Ontario owns the lands, but they are being held by IAFNER.
Last week at Queen’s Park, I asked the Premier to tell the people of Haldimand-Norfolk why the Townsend Land Assembly was transferred to IAFNER. The Minister of Infrastructure fielded the question and only responded the lands are being held for social purposes, which could mean long-term care, daycares, hospitals. The Minister did commit to sit down with me to discuss the matter – stay tuned.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Colby Adams, a grade 9 student from McKinnon Park in Caledonia, asked if he could travel with me to Queen’s Park for the annual Take Your Kid to Work Day – I was honoured! It’s heartening when young people take an interest in government.
I capped off the week with two very important tributes and this time Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley was my shotgun rider. Mayor Bentley attended House proceedings as I honoured the life of former Haldimand County mayor and councillor Marie Trainer. Marie would smile knowing she received a standing ovation. You can view the tribute at:
In solemn remembrance, five members of the Legislature, including me, were given the opportunity to thank our service men and women past and present. View
After days of meetings, questions and/or statements at Queen’s Park, I often head home to attend an event or meeting. Monday it was the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club’s banquet; Tuesday, I visited the Sonneveld Ranch on Hazen Road in Langton to get a sneak peek at Shop the Shore; and on Thursday, it was time to thank and congratulate businesses and volunteers at the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala.
Never a dull week in the political arena and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk