Councillor Lisa Robinson raises serious questions about Mayor Ashe letter to Minister of Legislative Affairs Paul Calandra.
There are many serious points Councillor Robinson raises such as
- full Council debate about the issues concerned,
- the impact Mayor Ashe’s decision will have on the regional environment and
- the questionable use of ‘Mayoral superpower‘
_____________
Councillor Lisa Robinson’s Official Statement In Response To Mayor Ashe’s recent email to Minister Calandra to revoke O, Reg.102/72
May 31, 2024
As a councillor committed to representing the best interests of Pickering, I am deeply troubled by Mayor Ashe’s recent email to Minister Calandra, wherein he invokes his strong mayor powers to bypass the council’s input on significant decisions affecting our community. The unilateral approach not only undermines democratic principles but also poses substantial risks to our environment and local governance.
Mayor Ashe’s decision to utilize strong mayor powers to advance amendments to the Municipal Act and related regulations without meaningful council involvement is a concerning departure from the collaborative decision-making process that our community expects and deserves. The concentration of power in a single individual is detrimental to the democratic foundation of our municipal government, effectively silencing the diverse voices and perspectives of the elected councillors who represent Pickering’s residents.
The request to revoke O. Reg 102/72 and push forward with the development of Northeast Pickering, as outlined in the letter, raises several red flags. While addressing the housing crisis is crucial, it must not come at the expense of thorough environmental assessments and sustainable development practices. The potential environmental impact of such large-scale development cannot be overlooked. Rapid, unchecked development could lead to significant ecological damage, harm to farming and agriculture, increased pollution, and the loss of green spaces that are vital for the well-being of our community and its habitats.
Furthermore, the exclusion of councillors from these critical discussions prevents a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term implications for Pickering. Our community deserves a transparent, inclusive decision-making process that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of development projects. By sidelining the council, Mayor Ashe is not only disregarding our input as elected representatives but also the voices of the residents we serve.
The environmental sustainability of Pickering is at stake. The push to keep Northeast Pickering within the Urban Area Boundary without adequate environmental scrutiny and public consultation could lead to irreversible harm. Protecting our natural habitats and ensuring responsible land use planning is paramount to maintaining the quality of life in Pickering. Decisions of this magnitude require robust debate, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to preserving our environment for future generations.
In conclusion, while the goal of addressing the housing crisis is important, it must be pursued through democratic and environmentally responsible means. I urge Mayor Ashe to reconsider his approach, engage with the council, and ensure that the development of Pickering is both sustainable and reflective of the collective will of its residents.
Councillor Lisa Robinson
