To the editor:
Don't be fooled by the provincial central development plan for Seaton in Pickering. The provincial government is giving away huge amounts of provincially owned land to developers in Pickering. They say it's to save the Oak Ridges Moraine. Don't be fooled by the spin doctors. Seaton land is more environmentally sensitive that any land in the greenbelt area.
The Province conducted a non-comprehensive "class" Environmental Assessment that did not fully examine the effects of urban development on the 111 wetlands, 38 species of fish, three cold-water streams, Duffin creek, 38-per cent woodlots, wildlife habitat and three aquifers in Seaton.
The Province's resulting Central Pickering Development Plan will fragment Seaton into 13 neighbourhoods surrounded by natural corridors. But 42 roads, bridges and utilities will cross the natural corridors to connect those neighbourhoods.
Dr. Ken Howard, a hydro-geologist in a review of the provincial plan, says the provincial plan ignores the complex hydro-geological systems, the sensitive aquifers and the potential long-term impacts of urbanization on the quantity and quality of water in local wells and river systems. From a hydro-geological standpoint, the provincial plan as it currently exists, is unacceptable.
A full individual environmental assessment would have included a complete sub-watershed study and the validity of the provincial plan for Seaton. The City of Pickering has not demanded a complete sub-watershed study. The City of Pickering does not have any development sustainability laws to this day.
Dalai Lama once said people know how to solve problems like hunger and environmental degradation but they don't act. Therefore the biggest challenge of our time is making bystanders take action.
Is our natural environment not worth our best effort?
David Steele
Pickering
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