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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 16, 2009 · 8 Mayor urges residents to be prepared Continued from page 1 This did nothing to calm the anger of many who continued to call the motion defeatist and unrealistic. Chartwell-Maple Grove Residents' Association leader Doug MacKenzie noted if the power plant is built, its emissions will be so great that no level of emissions reductions by other area polluters will be enough to compensate for the damage to the airshed. "While it would be marvellous if any of us could just wave a magic wand and make the pollution go away, we can't. We live in the real world with real problems and real issues and so we believe fanciful approaches with imaginary goals is not an effective strategy," said MacKenzie. "The proposed gas plant, relatively speaking, is a mammoth polluter. We hear them say it is clean natural gas, it's cleaner than dirty coal, that's about it... In order to reduce two for every one (emissions) it would entail closing down all of the major industries in Oakville and Clarkson, almost all 22 and, in fact, that still wouldn't get the PM 2.5 (particulate matter) down to a level below what it is at today." MacKenzie also noted the OPA would face no penalty if it were unable to get pollution down to agreed levels once the power plant is built. "That would be our problem," said MacKenzie. "The community takes all the risks and suffers all the consequences for a gamble with our health in support of a risky legal strategy." Vice president of the ChartwellMaple Grove Residents' Association Daniela Morawetz noted the motion goes against the united front Oakville and Mississauga have put forward because the motion assumes a power plant will be coming and that other "The province announced at the end of August that they are doing this and Mississauga has created a landing pad for it." Mayor Rob Burton emissions must be reduced as a result. "On Sept. 8, a joint statement of Mississauga and Oakville residents was released. I have copies for all of you if you haven't seen it. In this statement the resident communities of Oakville and Mississauga clearly stated their united resolve that there be no added emissions within the toxic Oakville-Clarkson Airshed," said Morawetz. "This statement was made on behalf of nearly 30 residents' associations representing tens of thousands of residents in Oakville and Mississauga. `No added emissions,' a clear and straightforward position unfettered by political double talk. We in Oakville expect you, our elected representatives, to also stand clearly on this issue as well and not fetter the message with intangible political promises. We ask you to withdraw this motion." Other speakers said the province's promises about reducing emissions could not be trusted, while one business owner said he had concerns about the OPA calling on him to alter the way he does business and reduce emissions to accommodate the power plant. In total, council heard from nine delegations all calling for the emissions reduction motion to be withdrawn, with nearly every presentation followed by extended applause. The meeting got out of hand on LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER SIGNS OF THE TIME: Signs of protest were raised at an Oakville rally against the potential for a gas-fired power plant in east Oakville. The protest was held in late July. more than one occasion with the mayor receiving a loud collective `NO' when he asked the crowd to hold their applause. In the end, council decided to withdraw the motion. Burton later stated that given the situation, withdrawing the motion was the best thing to do, but also expressed regret Oakville is not preparing more for the very real possibility that a power plant could soon be established in the area. "The ultimate fact that people just don't seem to want to listen to, is the province announced at the end of August that they are doing this and Mississauga has created a landing pad for it," said Burton. Burton also reiterated that he does not want a power plant to take root in the Oakville-Clarkson airshed, but should one come, he wants emissions in the airshed significantly reduced, hence the motion. The OPA is expected to announce where the power plant will be built and who will build it in late September. Council noted that emission cuts may be discussed again, if and when a power plant is built. Council also voted Monday night to ask the province for equal representation for Oakville on a renamed Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Advisory Committee to ensure Oakville has a strong voice at the table when discussing airshed improvements. Vision ­ To be the most livable town in Canada September 21, 2009, 7 p.m. Town Hall, Council Chamber, 1225 Trafalgar Road Oakville Council and Mayor Rob Burton invite you to attend a meeting of Town Council to hear an update on Council's work to date and an overview of its plans for the year ahead, including opportunities and challenges that Oakville will be facing in future. The meeting will also be broadcast on Town TV at www.oakville.ca. The Town of Oakville is conducting a municipal lighting strategy and policy study to review the town's current policy and practices concerning outdoor lighting at sports fields. Members of the public are invited to attend and provide input at this public information meeting on lighting of recreational sports fields in existing neighbourhoods. For more information, visit www.oakville.ca/lighting.htm. Your written comments and questions can be submitted to lighting@oakville.ca or by fax at 905-338-4254. Mayor's Oakville Status Report PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ­ MUNICIPAL LIGHTING STRATEGY AND POLICY STUDY October 1, 2009, 7 ­ 9 p.m. Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors 1565 Old Lakeshore Road, Oakville (east of Third Line)