For Immediate Release
October 7, 2004

Barrett calls for 30-day consultation on Edwards Landfill Concerned citizens not informed about EBR posting

Simcoe – MPP Toby Barrett told a meeting of 200 concerned citizens in Cayuga last night that he is questioning the integrity of the EBR (Environmental Bill of Rights) process, after these taxpayers were left in the dark about a posting regarding Edwards Landfill site.

Between June 10th and July 10th, 2004, a proposal for a waste disposal site on Brooks Road, near Cayuga, was posted on the EBR website but no submissions were made. According to a Ministry of the Environment staff person, no advertisements were placed in local newspapers to inform the public about the EBR posting.

“This is the 10th anniversary of the EBR process and ironically here we are witnessing first-hand that this process failed several concerned citizens this summer,” Barrett said. “Over the years, all three political parties have been proud of the EBR because it provides an opportunity for citizen participation.”

Barrett told those at the public meeting that he will be asking Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky to open another 30-day consultation process with proper notification.

“It’s difficult for people to make submissions to an EBR posting if they don’t know that the posting is taking place,” Barrett said. “I would hope that Minister Dombrowsky will do the right thing and give concerned citizens of Cayuga the opportunity to be a part of this important process.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413