Our next post was meant to highlight the environmental aspects of Bill 23 “More Homes Built Faster Act“, but it appears Doug Ford and his Progressive “Conservatives” managed to one-up themselves today by proposing to remove or re-designate 7,400 acres from the Greenbelt. Among the proposed areas up for grabs in Grimsby is the 502 Winston Road lakefront property and a large block near Main Street West.
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This post seemed fit under “In Case You Missed It” as the Ford government introduced Bill 23 aka “More Homes Built Faster Act” one day after Ontario’s municipal elections. The bill proposes about “50 actions” that slashes and burns everything from the Planning Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, and the Conservation Authorities Act just for starters.
Continue readingWithout further ado, we are pleased to present to you the unofficial election results from Town Hall for the 2022 Municipal Election.
Continue readingWith only today and tomorrow left before we know who will be representing us as the Council of 2022-2026, it is time for those voters who have yet to cast their ballot to reflect on the past 4 years of Council, and the campaigns of incumbents and new-faces trying to secure a seat in the horseshoe at Town Hall.
With the ground-game of candidates pretty much winding down at this point, lets look at some points of consideration if you are yet to cast your ballot.
Continue readingTo say that the 2018-2022 term of Grimsby Council was fractured is an understatement. Take the contentious issues, lack of decorum from some Members of Council and amplify that through the use of Zoom meetings and it easy to see how things went off the rails at times.
What residents have called for loud and clear in the next Council is one that is more cohesive and works together well. But that can only happen if the Members of Council you elect possess at their core, decency and mutual respect for others, even in times of disagreement.
Continue readingLike a letter in an envelope, most people have a general expectation with email that the contents of the correspondence will remain confidential to those it is addressed to. When a person writes elected officials or government, the expectation of privacy is typically even higher.
For one resident, it turns out that writing an email to Council ended up in one Councillor forwarding it on, resulting in the resident being harassed, threatened and ridiculed online.
Continue readingWhile billed as a convenient and easy way to cast a ballot, voting online or via telephone is not without its share of legitimate concerns among voters and experts alike. This year the Town is using the services of “Voatz”, a US company that has come under heavy scrutiny in the past for flaws and lack of transparency.
Continue readingWhat would a GCFRG post-series be without a nod to The Beatles? That classic tune from the Sgt. Pepper’s album is the perfect lead-in on how the position of Chair of the Town’s “Heritage Grimsby Advisory Committee” was hijacked, not once… but twice.
Continue readingIf you have been wondering what ever happened to the $18 Million lawsuit against the former Mayor, Bob Bentley, and two of his co-defendants regarding the Biodigester, then you might be interested in this latest episode of the “Hydro Files”. The Ombudsman’s report and Council discussion of lawyers back in April, helped put together some pieces of that puzzle.
Continue readingWith some candidates, both incumbents and newcomers pitching their versions of fiscal and financial responsibility, it seemed fitting to look back at one of the more controversial financial decisions early in the G5 life cycle. Of course, before looking at the decision, it would be remiss not to look at the background leading up to it.
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