The Creemore
Echo
Friday, May 27, 2016 Vol. 16 No. 22
www.creemore.com
Inside the Echo
In the Hill
Getting Fresh
Bungalow with a view takes shape
Farmers' Market season upon us
PAGE 6
News and views in and around Creemore
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Wind turbine tribunal continues next week by Trina Berlo Week two of the Environmental Review Tribunal regarding the wpd Fairview Wind project begins Monday. The hearing began in Collingwood on May 16. By the close of the tribunal, it will have heard from two dozen witnesses speaking on the subject of the wind turbines’ impact on aviation safety and the natural environment. Approval was granted by the MOECC on Feb. 11. Shortly afterward, John Wiggins, Gail Elwood, Kevin Elwood, Preserve Clearview, the County of Simcoe, the Township of Clearview and the Town of Collingwood appealed the approval to the Environmental Review Tribunal on the grounds that the project will cause serious harm to human health and serious and irreversible harm to plant life, animal life and the natural environment. Later, participant status was granted to the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association and presenter status was granted to the Collingwood Flying Club, Susan Richardson, Elizabeth Marshall and Mandy and Stephen Bridson. Opening statements were delayed at the opening of the hearing because wpd’s lawyers had not disclosed the statement from their expert witness. Clearview Township’s lawyer Harold Elston of Barriston Law said the witness statement from a Dr. Cox was received late in the day on Friday, May 20 and the law team is now working out how to respond to it. “Everybody is now focused on replying to Dr. Cox and some of the other witness statements. We are already part way into the hearing,” said Elston adding that they have until the end of (See “Aviation” on page 3)
Mulmur in the lead for concert contest
As of Thursday, Mulmur Township was in the lead for the Air Miles Detour contest and a chance to host a concert with Meghan Trainor. People who collect Air Miles are encouraged to visit the national contest website to view a mini documentary about Mulmur's musical heritage and to register as a supporter. Every mile collected at participating retailers is equal to one vote for the town of their choice. To register for the contest, visit detour.airmiles.ca. The contest runs until May 31. The winning town will be announced in June and the concert will take place in August.
Church holds golf tourney
Staff photo: Fred Mills
The young Queen Victoria (MacKenzie Young) welcomed royal subjects to a tea party at Creemore Log Cabin on May 21 in celebration of her birthday.
Letters tell opposing stories by Trina Berlo John Beattie says he first learned of wpd from Kevin Elwood, who, back in 2010, was interested in purchasing Beattie farmland for the purpose of putting up wind turbines. Beattie sent a letter to local media on May 17 claiming Elwood initiated three meetings in the spring of 2010, held outdoors, between the Beattie Bros. farm and Elwoods’ place (Clearview Nursery) on County Road 91, to discuss the possibility of a land purchase deal for the purpose of initiating a wind turbine project. Beattie says he already knew Elwood, because he used to rent Elwood's fields for farming.
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Elwood denies the claims, saying in a letter sent May 18 that there were no meetings and he did not express interest in the wind turbine project. Beattie says he doesn’t have any paperwork from the meetings but remembers Elwood referring to the possibility of putting up wind turbines as ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’. According to Beattie, Elwood claimed to be in talks with potential investors in order to get together the eightfigure purchase price. At a subsequent meeting, Elwood expressed an interest in buying into the farm operation for the purpose of erecting the turbines, if (See “Elwood” on page 3)
New Lowell United Church is holding a golf tournament to raise money for the ongoing expenses. The church undertook an ambitious accessibility renovation project, which was complete this year. With expansion and growth, comes new and larger expenses for upkeep, such as maintenance for the elevator. This year ’s fundraising golf tournament will be held at Bear Creek Golf Course on June 11. A fee of $100 per person includes golf, use of a cart prizes and dinner. Register online at newlowellunitedchurch.weebly.com or contact Tom Macham at 705-4240579.
Sponsor Vorstermans in Walk for Alzheimer's
Matthew Vorstermans will be participating in his 11th Walk for Alzheimer’s on June 2 at the Southshore Community Centre in Barrie. He is endeavoring to raise $3,900 – a sizeable addition to the $26,000 he has raised for the cause in the past 10 years. To find Vorstermans’ online pledge page, visit support.alzheimer.ca, choose Ontario and then Barrie and search for Matthew Vorstermans. Donations can also be made in person or by calling 705-466-2756.
Taking care of buyers and sellers in Mulmur and the Creemore hills for 39 years
RCR Realty. Brokerage
Ginny MacEachern
B.A., Broker
The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections 1-800-360-5821• 705-466-2607 • maceachern.ginny@gmail.com www.ginnymaceachern.com