During a time of complete…

During a time of complete upheaval, when literally each thing we do has the potential to negatively impact the already precarious balance between ourselves and our environment, I am astounded that this proposal has been brought forward. Particularly when viewed in light of the stated mandates of the Ministry of the Environment: protecting Ontario's air, land, water, species at risk and their habitat, tackling climate change and managing Ontario's parks and conservation reserves for present and future generations of Ontarians, and the mandate of the MNR: protecting Ontario’s biodiversity while promoting economic opportunities in the resource sector and supporting outdoor recreation opportunities. In no way does this proposal seek to uphold either of these mandates, indeed, it contravenes them. In fact, the MNR is obligated to minimize the impact on the environment; as a close neighbour of this property, I can state, without reservation, that the existing use is negatively impacting the environment; the dust, air quality and most importantly, the quality of our water, are all sadly not given the attention they merit. Add to the mix the additional 100 trucks per day that this proposal indicates and the environment and our very climate will both be negatively impacted exponentially - if the MNR has been unable to force compliance to date with the existing use plan, why is it assumed our small, local elected town council has the ability or the means to enforce it with the inherent broader scope of this proposal? That is beyond my realm of rational thinking - in fact, I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would contend that it makes good sense - fiscally, enforceably, or environmentally. Please insist that the site is rehabilitated as it was originally intended at the time Miller became licensee of the property - it is your very mandate to be a steward for the property, the environment, and for current and future generations of Ontarians, not the masters of its demise.