Ernie Hilts

September 22nd, 2009, the County of Simcoe passed a motion by Adjala-Tosorontio Deputy Mayor Doug Little to discontinue construction and future development of North Simcoe Landfill Site 41. The County Council had the motion first on the agenda, and quickly dismissed the dump; wiping their hands clean. Even Warden Tony Guergis, who was the opposition’s main opponent, made a complete turn-around by voting in favour to stop the dump.

Although the County passed this motion, there is still concern over the CoA, Certificate of Approval, being sold to a private company with the land. The CoA, issued by the province, permits development of a dump site on the land. Chris Carrier, Mayor of Collingwood, proposed an amendment to include the CoA in the motion “so there [are] no such values attached to any potential land sale discussion to private development.” Carrier’s amendment motion was not carried. Carrier told me it could be raised again at a later date as a seperate motion. George Lawrence, Deputy Mayor Township of Tiny, at recess following the vote said he will check with the province if the CoA can be transferable.

The sacred fire was ceremonially put out at the camp across from Site 41. Until clarification of the CoA, my “PROTECT OUR WATER,” “STOP DUMP SITE 41″ sign will remain at the front of my house.

Dump Site 41 Stopped!