COUNCIL FACING PUSHBACK ON JIGS HOLLOW PIT OUTCOME

Today's Woolwich Observer has this story "Residents call for legal challenge of Jigs Hollow OMB decision". Citizens were back at Council this week seeking an appeal of the OMB decision particularily in regards to the recycling of asphalt and concrete on site. Yes this is the same recycling that was expressly denied by Council for the site, last June. Gordon Haywood and Jan Huissoon both advised Council of the risks with crystalline silica dust from concrete recycling as well as particulates from diesel exhust fumes. As well they mentioned the lack of baseline measures of either to be able to measure increases because of the pit. Woolwich Council through staff appeared to dispute those concerns suggesting that they will or have been addressed. I suggest that this pit and all its' issues including proponents reports that were found to be less than stellar, will come back to haunt Council. Due to the intense efforts of many local citizens, Council were very well informed of a myriad of problems that can be expected including health issues. Despite this, possibly in order to save a buck at the OMB, they caved. Some citizens are beginning to see a relationship between a constantly burgeoning staff, salaries and benefits with accompanying tax increases and yet no increase in services to the public. These services include the protection of our municipal government when our property and health are being put at risk for the financial benefit of others. It would of course not be just the current set of Councillors who have forgotten this duty but past ones as well.