OrilliaMatters received the following letter to the editor from Gerry Metzger about city council’s decision to float a new plan about Grape Island, and the story that was published by OrilliaMatters yesterday:
Many feel what council did last Monday was unethical.
They agreed to a resolution (the previous) week, posted it on the city agenda, then completely changed course just hours before the vote, without notifying anyone. All due to the pressures from one group.
The original motion was a compromise with some restrictions on commercial barging in this residential area. These restrictions have now been eliminated to the horror of the neighbourhood.
Everyone wants to give the Grape Island residents access from this location. But to turn this into an official industrial barging terminal at the bottom of a steep hill is an accident waiting to happen.
Councillor Ainsworth didn't care about the environmental impact or the fact that the residents can't go swimming when the barge is operating in the area. Would you?
Shoreline residents pay huge taxes to enjoy the water. Now council has turned the area into a virtual industrial zone.
Everyone is looking forward to a better solution. And soon.
Gerry Metzger
Victoria Point (Orillia)
