Conservation principles threatened

Check out this Spec opinion piece by Thomas A Beckett regarding the proposed development at 140 Garner Road E (location of Ancaster Creek wetland and headwaters.)  Beckett is a resident of Dundas, a retired superior court justice, and the first Chair of what is now know as the Hamilton Conservation Authority 

The board of the Hamilton Conservation Authority will soon be voting on a proposed new policy that would allow development on sensitive wetlands.

One such proposal on Garner Road East in Ancaster would pave over a huge area to allow for the construction of five warehouses and parking for 3000 employees. The waters from that wetland are part of the headwaters of Ancaster Creek, which flows over Tiffany Falls. This proposal will allow the developer to substitute land elsewhere for the existing wetland, contrary to existing HCA policy.

he obligation of a board member of any organization, whether private or public, is to always vote in the interest of the organization. If a member of the HCA board finds they are unable to support the authority and intends to support the developer’s interest instead, then their obligation is to resign their seat.

This includes the authority’s chair, Lloyd Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson cannot serve two masters at the same time. If he is unwilling to support the authority’s principles and policies he should resign and be replaced by someone who does.

​It is ironic that members of the public should find themselves fighting the HCA in order to maintain the policies and principles of good conservation. Thomas A Beckett, Dundas

Source: 

Hamilton Spectator Letters to the Editor