Meaford is looking for allies among other Grey County member municipalities, as well as the County itself, in an effort to stop the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s latest plan.
The NEC has filed a new Escarpment Plan with the Province that calls for more than doubling the land under its control. The Commission also wants to change some land use designations, change the borders of recreational land, and make changes to its forestry management policies.
Meaford mayor Barbara Clumpus says the NEC wants to add almost 47,700 thousand hectares of land to the territory it now manages. The Commission now controls development in 38,440 hectares of land in the province. "Of the land the NEC wishes to gain, 32.6 thousand hectares lies within Grey County. And of the 32.6 thousand hectares, two-thirds lie within the Municipality of Meaford," stated Clumpus.
The Blue Mountains, Georgian Bluffs and Grey Highlands are also affected by the NEC proposal.
Mayor Clumpus says if the Province grants the NEC’s wish, the economic effect on farmers and other landowners in these municipalities could be considerable.
Changes to land uses could greatly affect how property owners can - or cannot- develop their land. These changes could also impact property assessment.
The period for towns to comment on the NEC proposal expires on September 30th. Mayor Clumpus said the staff from other municipalities agreed to work together on a draft motion to extend the period for comment.
