Roger Varley has been in the news business almost 40 years with The Canadian Press/Broadcast News, Uxbnridge Times-Journal, Richmond Hill Liberal and Uxbridge Cosmos. Co-winner with two others of CCNA national feature writing award. In Scout movement over 30 years, almost 25 as a leader. Took Uxbridge youths to World Jamboree in Holland. Involved in community theatre for 20 years as actor, director, playwright, stage manager etc. Born in England, came to Canada at 16, lived most of life north and east of Toronto with a five-year period in B.C.
Giving business the business
There are limits to due diligence
It might be because they're almost halfway through their term; it could be because the summer break is looming. Whatever the reason, council has seemed what I might call a little mean-spirited of late. Monday night's council meeting was a case in point.
Three deputations received a rougher ride from councillors than they probably had expected and, in at least two cases, the deputants left the council chambers just a little hot under the collar.
Steve Harrison was drawn into a shouting match with Regional Councillor Jack Ballinger over his proposal that the Highlands of Durham Games organization resurrect RibFest. What led to the exchange was a discussion about whether RibFest should be charged rental for the use of Elgin Park. It wasn't required to pay in the past because proceeds went back into the community. Mr. Harrison assured council the same would be true this time, as has always been the case with the Games.
But Mr. Ballinger insisted on calling the proposed event a private business. He also raised the question of disrupting the Township's children's summer camps which are held in the park. Strange, but I don't remember hearing that issue raised when past RibFest events were organized by the Uxbridge Legion, of which Mr. Ballinger is a long-serving member.
Next up were Matt Ottenhof and Syd Healey, two young men with a modest dream. They want to install a bank of solar panels on the roof of the Cobra building on Highway 47 to take advantage of Ontario Power Authority's Feed-in-Tariff Program. The panels would generate renewable energy which would be sold to the province. As a first step, they asked Council for a letter of support for their application to the OPA because that will give them extra points in the competition for a contract. That's all, just a letter of support with no obligations attached.
But Councillor Jacob Mantle, a future bright light in the Progressive Conservative Party, used the occasion to attack the provincial Liberal government's Green Energy Act. He said he wanted to get his thoughts on the record. What that had to do with the two young men is beyond me. But that set the tone for Councillor Gordon Highet to raise bugaboos about what such an installation might mean for the owner of Cobra Industries and suggest consultations should be held to make sure said owner understands. Since Mr. Ottenhof and Mr. Healey had already stated that the solar project, if it went ahead, would be built "in close partnership" with Cobra and since Cobra has been running a successful business in that location for many years, it would seem to me the business owner is not quite as naive as Mr. Highet seemed to be suggesting.
And then Richard Vandezande, manager of development services, jumped in to tell the young men that eventually they will face thousands of dollars in fees if the project comes before Council for approval.
Firstly, the young men themselves realize their application to OPA is just a first step and there is no guarantee they will obtain a contract. Secondly, why would the councillors and staff try to jump on their dream at this early stage of the game instead of encouraging them to be successful?
And then there's Luke Dillon. This young man has worked hard and long to overcome all opposition to his proposed motocross event in Zephyr. He addressed the concerns of his neighbours to the point where almost all of them now support his endeavour. He has appeared before council several times to answer their concerns and, as a motocross competitor for many years, offer expert opinion on all things motocross. From the beginning he has stressed that it will be a family event, alcohol free and certainly not a magnet for Hell's Angels. In fact, two weeks ago, his appearance led council to ignore a staff report recommending the event be rejected and allow him to go ahead.
But then came the stopper. He must have $10 million insurance coverage. No event in Uxbridge has ever required such a huge amount of insurance. He must have two paid-duty police officers at the event full time, another first. These requirements put his expenses up to the point that he will lose money even if the event is fully attended and held under ideal conditions.
So, three small dreams: one poked, one kicked and one stomped on. Why? I suppose one could applaud council for showing due diligence in trying to protect the township's coffers. But if due diligence means sending a message to all the dreamers and innovators that Uxbridge is not the place for dreams and innovation, this community will suffer as a result.
Tell me, am I wrong?
