Date: February 16, 2024
Update on the MOB
Delving Into the Key Points of the Recent CMC (Case Management Conference)
Regarding the Manors of Belfountain Development Proposal
By Edi Cadham
On February 1, 2024 the Case Management Conference (CMC) took place to set the hearing dates in our Appeal against the conditional approval of the Manors of Belfountain (MOB) Development Proposal.
The Belfountain Community Organization (BCO) submitted an issues list, conveying important issues we wish to address at the hearing. The BCO is working to protect our community’s access to safe drinking water, an issue deeply important to each member of Belfountain.
When members of the community delegated to the Town of Caledon last fall, the Town agreed to support residents in our appeal against the MOB development. This was recognized as a major win. Unfortunately, during the CMC, the legal counsel for the Town of Caledon expressed they had not submitted an issues list and were working to negotiate with the legal counsel to the developer at this time. Members of the Region of Peel were also present at the CMC, they did not submit an issues list and are currently acting as an observer in this case; however, their position may change if they feel they need to become more involved and submit an issues list.
The legal counsel to the MOB requested a consolidated hearing. This would combine the Appeal to the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s conditional approval of the MOB development, and the developers Appeal made due to the Town of Caledon’s failure to make a decision about the development. The legal counsel to the MOB requested this consolidation under section 21 when it normally falls under section 16. Using section 21 for the consolidated hearing would mean the final decision in regard to the proposed development would rest with the Ontario Land Tribunal and could not be put forward to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. This is an unusual occurrence and the BCO’s legal counsel is attempting to ensure the consolidated hearing will be put under section 16 only. On May 23, 2024 there will be another CMC where motions will be tabled regarding the consolidation of the hearing.
The date of our hearing has been set for February 10, 2025. It is anticipated to last 3 weeks. A hearing of this length will be costly, but the security of our drinking water is invaluable. With this in mind, we are taking pledges for donations in the fight to preserve Belfountain’s water and decrease the number of houses in the proposed development to a sustainable outcome.
While we await an update at the next CMC regarding the Town’s negotiation with the developer and the future of our case, the BCO is requesting pledges to donate to protect Belfountain’s water. We need your financial support now more than ever. Pledge to protect your drinking water now!
The BCO’s door knocking campaign will begin February 24th.
Belfountain may be small, but this quaint community has flooded Town Hall meetings with booming voices and calls for change, we have fought long and hard to protect our drinking water and wildlife in Belfountain, and we must continue to stand together to create a positive difference for residents and for the future. Small is Beautiful.
Sincerely yours,
The BCO Board of Directors