By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
History doesn’t lie but rather records the consequences of the choices we make.
With a little research, examples from across North America abound as to what happens when major development gets ahead of infrastructure. One just needs to look west where during the Fort McMurray oil sands boom, accelerated growth saw thousands of new residents in a short period of time. Although homes were initially built gradually, eventually roads, healthcare services, schools, emergency services and municipal infrastructure desperately struggled to keep pace. The pace of growth ultimately outstripped infrastructure planning.
The region of Fort McMurray grew from about 37,000 people in 1996 to nearly 80,000 ten years later. For comparison’s sake, according to the Census of 2021, Haldimand County is just over 49,000 people. The proposal from Empire Communities could see 15,000 homes built over the coming years. Assuming 2.5 people per household, 15,000 homes could mean 37,500 new residents to the Nanticoke area. At three people per household, that number reaches 45,000 new residents, which nearly doubles the county’s population.
Let me be clear: I am not opposed to growth, but I am cautious about promises that development will stop at a certain point. Once a large development is established and homes are selling, the momentum for continued expansion becomes real. I believe the communities of both Haldimand and Norfolk should understand not only the proposal on the table, but the precedent it might set.
Over the past four years, the proposed city at Nanticoke has been the topic of conversation nearly everywhere I go. People are not shy about raising infrastructure concerns, nor should they have to apologize for wanting to protect the quality of life generations have worked hard to build. I want to protect that too! Haldimand-Norfolk is home to practical people who cannot be convinced prosperity is measured by the number of homes or people. Rather, you believe prosperity is found in things like good jobs, protected farmland, quality healthcare and effective education.
Highway 6 is already a leading source of frustration in the area as it relates to safety and congestion. It is reasonable to expect more affordable housing at the industrial park could attract buyers from larger urban centres, with many continuing to commute to jobs outside the county. Thousands of additional daily trips will place immense pressure on an already chaotic highway.
While Empire Communities claims it will install a $60-$80 million wastewater treatment plant without the help of the taxpayer, I assure you any upgrades to roadways; building of schools, medical centres; hiring of police and paramedics will fall to the taxpayer.
So far, four Haldimand County councillors have spoken for the people of Haldimand County with respect to this proposal. Meanwhile, Norfolk County Council has largely sat idly by, despite the significant impact this proposal could have on the area. I am encouraged to see candidates seeking election in October bringing this issue to the forefront and giving voice to the concerns of Norfolk taxpayers.
The power is now in your hands. It is time to show the Ford government that the community of Haldimand-Norfolk is not a willing host for a city at Nanticoke. I maintain, democracy works best when people stand up, participate, and let their elected leaders know where they stand. Now is the time to do exactly that by inserting your comments at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0451 — please note the deadline to comment is July 3rd.
History doesn’t lie. Time and again, history has proven when growth outpaces infrastructure, communities bear the cost. Responsible planning means learning from the past, not repeating it. Next week I’ll dive into what history tells us about the ‘rust belt.’
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk