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Speaking at the rally on behalf of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture, which also shares deep apprehensions about the province’s increasing use of ministerial zoning orders, vice-president Sara Wood said the local farmers’ advocacy organization had been concerned with the proposed development since the City of Stratford first announced its intentions to annex the parcel of Perth South farmland last year.
“We object to the short notice received by everyone with regards to the (zoning order),” Wood said. “It was evident that the city and its partner municipalities had made up their minds and had consequently provided no avenue for input.
“Of course, we now understand that the application of a ministerial zoning order was impacted by this issue. We categorically object to the addition of the subject lands being added to the City of Stratford with the (order).”
In a post to the city’s website published earlier this month containing information about the genesis of the proposed glass factory, the city said it was exploring an opportunity with investStratford two years ago that “would bring additional industrial development and jobs to the city.” One of those options included the glass-manufacturing facility, which the post said was discussed in November 2018 and then in December 2018.
Two Stratford council meeting originally scheduled for last week – one that would have given city councillors an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification from representatives of the Chinese glass manufacturer and the other to allow councillors to debate a draft infrastructure cost-sharing agreement with the company – were cancelled to give councillors more time to review information and public feedback on the proposed development.
Those meetings have yet to be rescheduled.
