Liberals appeal Fort Erie development

Opposition leader Tim Hudak wants to know what the province has against the town of Fort Erie.

Hudak says the latest slight against the town is the Liberal government’s appeal of a decision by the Ontario Municipal Board, that gave the green light to a 55 unit development on 37 acres of land on Thompson Road near the Niagara Parkway. Half of the land is within the urban boundary. The other half is not: “That project’s been approved by the town of Fort Erie, by the region of Niagara. It’s been appealed by you to the OMB, and the OMB decided in favour of the town of Fort Erie. So, Minister, what I have to ask you is, why is the Liberal government standing in the way of economic development? Why are you kicking a town going through some tough times? Why don’t you stand aside and let them bring good jobs and new business to Fort Erie.”

Linda Jeffrey, Minicipal Affairs Minister responded thus: “I wouldn’t comment on a case that’s before the Ontariuo Municipal Board, But I think that the Ontario Municipal Board plays an important role in land use planning and I think certainly the committee has worked hard to develop a case for land use planning in that community and I would value your input as to the consultation we are just about to begin on how we can improve the process.”

The Mayor of Fort Erie, Doug Martin is furious with the Liberal government’s decision to appeal the OMB ruling. He says taxpayers are having to use scarce resources to to “fight our own government.”