Uxbridge Township Requests Delay in Appeal of Controversial Grain Mill

GOODWOOD (UXBRIDGE), ON, July 2, 2019 /CNW/ - The Goodwood Conservation Association (GCA) announced today that the Township of Uxbridge has requested a 6 month delay in the Appeal Proceedings already underway with the Province's Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).  On June 12, the Province gave the green light with its approval to proceed of the Association's Notice of Appeal to the Township of Uxbridge's approved Zoning By-law 2019-054 (Grainboys Holdings Inc.).

In this by-law, Mayor Dave Barton and Council unanimously approved the application from Grainboys to build a 40,000 sq ft, 6-story, high-hazard industrial milling operation on Prime Agricultural land on the protected Oak Ridges Moraine in the Hamlet of Goodwood.  It is opposed by 93% of Goodwood Residents, only due to its location, which introduces a number of serious environmental, conservation and public safety concerns.

This request by Uxbridge Township to delay the proceedings is highly unusual so early in the Appeal process.  It originated shortly after the Association received the Province's green light approval with the Letter of Valid Appeal to proceed. The Township submitted that they believe the delay may make it possible to resolve the matter without a hearing by exploring another opportunity.

The Association, acting in good faith, agreed to the Township's request of postponement for 6 months.  The Association was within hours of submitting its Appeal Record and Case Synopsis when the delay request surfaced. The Association has compiled over 1,000 pages in its submission, including affidavits from numerous Planning Experts, challenging the Township's Zoning approval on 24 separate errors and omissions by Durham Region and Township officials. If the Appeal resumes, these documents will be submitted immediately per the original filing requirements

A high level summary of the Association's approved Notice of Appeal outlining its 24 arguments for Grounds of Appeal can be found on the Township's website:

https://uxbridge.ca/sites/default/files/council_agendas/May%2027%202019%20-%20Addendum%20II.pdf

When asked why the delay and why now, Association President, Conrad  Richter, offered "I think that's a question best left to the Mayor"

About the Goodwood Conservation Association:

Founded in 2019, the Association is 200+ members strong dedicated to upholding the spirit and principles of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and ensuring planning and development is compatible to healthy, livable and safe communities.  Learn more at nomill.com

SOURCE Goodwood Conservation Association