Letters Pro and Con
Criticism Erupts Against Fort Erie Motorway Across Province
There have been many letters of protest made to the Provincial government for the proposed 827 acre Fort Erie motorway from across Ontario.
Here are 2 samples (excerpted from PALS Fall 2010 newsletter);
It has been brought to my attention that the Ontario government is considering re-designating 827 acres of good quality agricultural lands to site a proposed motorway, aka a NASCAR race track. I wish to express most strongly my opposition to the proposal for several reasons.
- For food security purposes, the Niagara Region must not allow such valuable lands to be used for other than agriculture or left in its natural state for ecological reasons. I believe that such a proposal violates the principles inherent in the Provincial Planning Act or equivalent.
- NASCAR racing is perhaps the worst so-called spectator sport because it inculcates messages that promote car racing thus setting a bad example for street racing in our cities, for wasting fossil fuels, generating air pollutants baneful to health ..and promotes a sedentary life-style.
- It will mean traffic congestion without expenditures being devoted to infrastructure necessary to remediate the road system in and around Fort Erie being affected.
- Aesthetically, it will destroy a countryside atmosphere that is so essential to counter the effects of stress-induced work demands of breadwinners and their families who live in the area. Indeed it is hard to imagine a more preposterous enterprise being proposed for your government’s approval.
Sincerely,
Robert Korol
Professor Emeritus, Civil Engineering, McMaster University
When Ifirst read of the proposal to re-designate 827 acres of Good General Agricultural Land in Niagara to turn it into the Canadian Motor Speedway, I thought it was a joke. Surely with Peak Oil looming concern about the loss of agricultural land growing, plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in place and public perception of the environment as a critical issue at an all-time high, it’s not possible that this proposal could go ahead. But apparently, I was wrong.
To approve this speedway would destroy some of the best preserved Carolinian habitat in the province, damage a Provincially Significant Class One Fish Habitat that harbours endangered Grass Pickerel, Wood Turtle and Muskie, cause the biggest loss of farmland in Niagara since the introduction of Regional Planning is a folly. The plan makes a mockery of Ontario’s Growth Management Plan allowing for an urban boundary expansion that would set a precedent that would have devastating consequences.
Please say no to this project.
Liz Benneian
President - Oakvillegreen Conservation Association
Re: Be Patient and watch Little Fort Erie Grow
Editor’s Notebook, The Times
Dear Editor:
Once again, I find myself at odds with comments in your latest Editor’s Notebook column, in regard to the proposed motor speedway project.
First, you continue to try to minimize the opposition to this project when you state ‘although contested by a group of residents’. When both the CARS (Citizens Against the Racing Speedway) and CCGFE (Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie) organizations collaborated on a grassroots petition and letter campaign several months ago; over 600 households registered their objection. Many more have since contacted both groups through their websites (www.forteriecars.org and www.ccgfe.org, respectively); voicing their concern, donating their time and money to the OMB appeal and praising the vigilant efforts of these groups on their behalf.
Secondly, I sincerely wish you would do what I have done and check the employment statistics for major NASCAR tracks throughout North America; all of which is readily available on line. Perhaps then you would refrain from making statements such as ‘a lot of jobs will result’ and ‘there will be a large amount of people directly employed through the speedway’. For your information, the average number of full time employees for even the big, high profile tracks such as Daytona and Indianapolis, ranges from 40 to 75 people; and based on their introductions at several Council meetings, I believe the speedway proponents have already hired their full time staffers; none of which are from Fort Erie. That leaves seasonal, minimum wage, part time employment; or like many of the big tracks, the CMS group may choose to operate parking lots and concession stands using volunteer not-for-profit groups and thereby avoid employment taxes and the payment of benefits.
Finally, like you, I have lived here my whole life. I attended FESS, Brock University, worked at Horton Steel Works/Horton CBI (at one time a thriving company that existed long before your time), PBB Group (formerly known as Peace Bridge Brokerage Limited, again long before your time), etc. In fact, I have lived at my current address; a rural property not far from the proposed speedway site, probably longer than you have been on the planet. So, when in your naivety you imply experience and wisdom in stating ‘I…have seen all the ups and downs the residents of Fort Erie have experienced’ it is merely laughable to those of us who actually do have a long standing commitment to this town and an insightful and informed position on this issue.
If we let this environmental monster take over our community and ruin our quality of life, I have no doubt you will gain a major advertising account (note your plea for same in the last two paragraphs of your column). Meanwhile, the rest of us will watch as Fort Dreary becomes Abort Erie, when in spite of a resulting drop in property values, hundreds of area residents try to sell their homes and move anyway in order to escape the chaos and pollution.
D. G., Fort Erie
Re: Be Patient and watch Little Fort Erie Grow
Editor’s Notebook, The Times
Once again, I am impelled to respond to your musings, “Be Patient and Watch Fort Erie Grow”.
Tsk! Tsk! Mr. Editor, you have STILL failed to do your homework and continue to give us ‘your opinion’, but an opinion is totally irrelevant unless based in FACT. Again, you have parroted the local politicians and the speedway proponent instead of doing your research and offering your readers an informed opinion.
How sad that some residents complain of nothing to do in Fort Erie. What a lack of imagination!
Certainly, jobs are desperately needed here and these have been promised by the CMS people and our local politicians, but what kinds of jobs and how many? The number given by CMS has changed so many times, it has become a joke. The real (read career-building) jobs will no doubt be filled by non-residents. Has anyone even seen a business plan yet?
My out-of-town friends wonder how any town could even consider such insanity as a speedway. The negative impacts…pollution, noise, crime, decreased property values and tax base, etc. etc. are so enormous and far outweigh any possible benefits, if this plan goes through. Fort Erie has an excellent chance of becoming known as Fort Stupid.
Today is a beautiful day in Fort Erie, but I fear days like this will be numbered if the proposed speedway horror becomes a reality.
So as usual, your extreme bias is evident and is becoming OLD, Mr. Editor, and you have once again done this town a great disservice.
K.W., Fort Erie
Re: Auto racetrack a win-win situation, Biagara Falls Review,
Letter writer Gary Spear of Fort Erie just doesn't get the reasons for residents to be concerned about a speedway in our backyard.
Besides the pollutants that already are in our air and water from emissions from trucks and cars, the speedway will increase it manyfold.
We are already a destination with one of the most beautiful and natural towns in the region.
As to increasing the tax structure, the proponent has yet to put out a sound business plan.
The attendance at racetracks has really decreased in the last two years, so the car racing business is in trouble financially and fans are bored with the same old round and round the track. We can do much better -- maybe having the Canadian cycling games or marathons that would bring thousands of people to our beautiful town.
Now that would be a win-win situation.
R.S., Fort Erie
Dear Editor:
(In response to the ‘Editor’s Notebook’ column in the September 4th issue, page 6; entitled “There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about speedway project”.)
I was quite taken aback by your article by which you basically say it's okay to oppose the speed way but if you do, get out of town.
This proposed speedway is a bigger deal then the condo in Crystal Beach, public beaches or the street finishes in Ridgeway. It could have as much of an impact on the community as the ER issues at Douglas Memorial and, dare I say it, maybe more. (Hint to candidates: election issues)
I live in both Toronto and in Fort Erie in a house that has been a part of my family for generations. In Toronto I live on the 18th floor of a 30 storey tower by Maple Leaf Gardens. When the Molson Indy takes over Lakeshore Boulevard the sound the cars make is astounding. I can hear them despite all the buildings between me and the Lakeshore, over the all the traffic, sirens and screaming party goers. I promise you, it’s hardly a “slight humming” as you say in your article. The Molson Indy is an occasional event and this speedway is a permanent venue.
Fort Erie, with all its open and unobstructed space would only allow sound to travel further. It would be hard to appreciate a re-enactment at the Fort with the high pitched whining sound of high performance engines in the background not to mention the enjoyment of a simple Saturday in the backyard.
The Speedway development has the capacity in the league of the Rogers Centre. Anyone who’s been to a Jays game knows what traffic is like after the game lets out. Further to that, this development has a foot print that competes with Canada’s Wonderland and anyone who has been there has seen its crowds and the sea of cars in its parking lot.
The thing with the Rogers Centre is that it hooks up to 6 lanes on the Lakeshore and 6 lanes on the Gardiner. That’s 12 lanes of highway to get people in and out and still it is not uncommon to see police officers managing the traffic flow and people’s tempers. Wonderland has its own four lane roadway that dumps people onto the 400 and its 8 lanes of highway in order to keep people out of the neighbourhoods.
The QEW, the Garrison and Dominion Road will be very different places all year round – more traffic all the time. I can assure you that people take the path of least resistance when driving.
Being hoodwinked by the prospect of one solution to great economic fortune made by developers and the politicians they have in their back pockets can be very disappointing. Gains in tax revenue will be eaten up the increase costs in service demands. The revenue will go to companies from places like Niagara Falls, St Catherine’s, Hamilton and yes, Toronto. Slower economic times mean they are hungry to take this business, no problem. Yes, much of that revenue will leave Fort Erie in the paycheques of people who live else where. All the while property taxes – assessed by value – slowly erode. Where is Fort Erie then?
But what equally rings in my ears, so to speak, is paving over sensitive farm land to support an oil-addicted sport with investors that have no connection to our community and whose only interest is their own fortune. Ethical and environment impacts – well that is its own letter.
Kris, perhaps you would prefer to live in Toronto. There’s lots of “slight humming” here as and is, ironically enough, the reason why I spend my free time in Fort Erie.
Sincerely,
S.L.
Fort Erie/Toronto
Letter in Niagara Falls Review
Dear Sir:
As summer turns to fall, our quiet town slumbers on, seemingly unaware of the looming threat to Fort Erie's peace and tranquillity posed by the proposed speedway.
The Town Council plans to pass the necessary rezoning bylaw on September 13th but the more one considers it, the more the decision appears to make no sense. It is said that the speedway will mean jobs, tourism and greater tax revenue for the town. Let's consider these one by one.
There will surely be temporary construction jobs if this monstrosity is built, but it is likely that outside contractors will be employed for this. What about long-term? The promoters have been particularly vague about this, stating at various times that the number of jobs would be 100, or 60, or 50. Has no definite figure been given because there are no definite jobs? The town's website says that the speedway will host 8 major races of three days each per year. Can we assume that a full staff will be needed on only 3x8 = 24 days? Even if locals are employed, any jobs would appear to be part-time at best. Why would our elected representatives not insist on specific details about the promised jobs before committing to a multi-million dollar development? Will there, in fact, be any jobs for locals at all? At least one North American speedway operates using a volunteer staff.
Secondly we are told that tourism will bring spending at hotels and restaurants. But race fans are notorious for camping, cooking and 'partying' on the race site. Attracting tourists to an arts festival or for shopping (as in Niagara-on-the-Lake) would make far more sense. It would also add some much-needed culture to the town rather than debasing it with year-round incessant noise, pollution and traffic chaos (not to mention the destruction of irreplaceable wetlands and green space).
The third reason given for supporting the speedway proposal is tax revenue. And why does council want more tax revenue? No doubt they'll need it to pay for all the new sewers, road improvements, waste removal, police officers and equipment etc. etc. which wouldn't be needed if this whole crazy scheme wasn't getting bulldozed through in the first place.
As if all this wasn't enough the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's Toronto office agrees that property values within 5 miles of the track will likely fall! That's from the Peace Bridge to Ridgeway to Stevensville to Black Creek! What will a decline in property values do to tax revenue? And are residents really okay with watching their property values collapse? Somehow I doubt it, but at this late date the only possible way this destructive plan can be stopped is at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Concerned citizens should give their full support to the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie (ccgfe.org) which is appealing Council's actions to the OMB on behalf of all residents who want their lifestyle preserved.
Why does Town Council have so little regard for the opinions of the voters who elected them (and hopefully will not again)? Perhaps they feel their actions will reap them personal glory. I can assure council that if this speedway deal does go through their names will be remembered for a long, long time. But I sincerely doubt that the memories will be fond ones.
W. T., Fort ErieDear Editor:
(In response to the ‘Editor’s Notebook’ column in the September 4th issue, page 6; entitled “There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about speedway project”.)
I see you’ve returned from vacation not only perky and refreshed, Mr. Editor, but with your biased and uninformed opinion about the proposed speedway development completely intact. A case in point would be choosing to tout comments regarding the speedway made by former Fort Erie natives now living in Toronto; experts on the subject, no doubt, who can’t imagine why anyone would object to a speedway “coming to a small town like Fort Erie”. Well perhaps if they actually still LIVED in Fort Erie and faced the threat of the air, water and ground pollution; traffic problems, security issues, and the ear-splitting noise caused by a speedway, they might have a clearer understanding of why “someone would want to deter an industry with a bottomless pit of money attached to it”. And that’s the real issue, isn’t it, Mr. Editor? It’s about the money offshore developers are waving in our face. That’s why our Mayor orchestrated the deal a long time ago; and why regional and municipal councillors have agreed to look the other way as they sacrifice the quality of life of hundreds of area residents, endanger the health of this and future generations, and watch property values in Fort Erie plummet. And we are talking about hundreds of residents; not a select few as you are determined to imply! Hundreds of households in Crescent Park, Ridgeway, Stevensville and Fort Erie will be severely impacted if we allow this disaster in our midst.
Even your Times colleague Councillor Lockwood who, when she and fellow councillors voted last December to override the Town’s Official Plan in favour of allowing this environmental nightmare, commented on how badly she felt for anyone who lived in close proximity to the speedway site. What she and others fail to understand, however, is that close proximity for a project of this magnitude will be anyone living within an 8 kilometer radius. How far from the speedway site do you live, Councillor Lockwood? And I appreciate your compassion as well, Mr. Editor, when you state that those with the audacity to oppose this project should “consider a relocation”; and “if we have to lose a few residents….then so be it”. Let’s just throw them all under the bus, shall we, while area taxpayers pay for massive infrastructure and policy makers pave the way for ‘this bottomless pit’ to ride roughshod over our community.
Referring to speedway noise as ‘a slight humming sound’ might be true for your friends listening from Toronto. However, those of us in Fort Erie will be exposed to excruciating noise pollution at levels of between 80 to 140 decibels (FYI: 140 decibels is equivalent to a jet engine taking off at a distance of 200 feet, but not quite as loud as a sonic boom), for hours and days at a time. Hearing loss begins to occur at 85 decibels by the way; as does increased stress level, hypertension and a debilitating effect on the immune system.
And when you state there will only be “a handful of days a year”, I have to wonder if you have read any of the documents submitted by the speedway proponents where they clearly request ‘a minimum of 150 race days per year’. Have you? And do you understand they intend to race year round; i.e. cars, motorcycles, and even snowmobiles??
How dare you attempt to trivialize the negative impact of this project and dismiss a group of citizens who, unlike you and our town council, are doing the research and asking the right questions in an effort to protect us all.
Finally, I challenge you to print this letter AS WRITTEN, rather than making ‘convenient’ and sometimes grammatically incorrect alterations, as is often the case.
Thank you.
Dianne Giliforte
Fort Erie Resident
The comments in the Fort Erie Times, Sept. 4, by the Editor Kris Dube'
suggesting that those who are opposed to the Motorsport Speedway
should relocate (get out of town) are callous and uncaring about the
plight of those who find their quality of life is threatened by the noise, pollution and traffic. As well, the value of their homes could fall. Many of those, who are opposed, have been long-time resident taxpayers who have also volunteered in various capacities in support of the Town of Fort Erie. Is it right that they should now be subjected to the obvious costs and difficulties that are part of such moves? Perhaps Kris Dube' should meet with those who oppose the Speedway, get to know them and listen to their concerns. Surely, as an editor, he should realize there are two sides to be heard.
R.A.
Dear Editor:
(In response to the ‘Editor’s Notebook’ column in the September 4th issue, page 6; entitled “There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about speedway project”.)
I can’t believe I am even responding to your latest effort, Mr. Editor. Your speedway coverage is particularly insulting and dismissive of the tax-paying citizens of this area.
You have done your readers a great disservice with your extremely limited, biased and one-sided reporting of this issue. The enormity and impact of this proposed project has not been clearly or adequately described to the citizens of this town.
Had you done your homework, Mr. Editor, you might have learned that the environmental, noise and air pollution, security, quality of life, etc. impact is huge. And for those who do not care about these things, I am sure they will care when they realize that their financial investment in this town (read property values) has been decimated. According to staff at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s Toronto Office, “property values for homes in Fort Erie will probably decrease because of the Canadian Motor Speedway’s effect on the local environment.” And those living within five miles". . . will have their property values decreased by 50 percent or maybe more.” This, according to a realtor with 30+ years experience selling homes around an auto race track.
And don’t tell me the noise will only be a ‘slight humming’. I lived approximately 8 km (5 miles) from the Molson (now Honda) Indy in Toronto and despite the noise being buffered by thousands of trees and high-rises and the usual city noises, I could plainly hear the high-pitched whine of the races. But that was tolerable, because it was for only one weekend a year. This proposed speedway will have 8 major races (each comprising 3 days), and that does not include all the lesser races/activities planned for other days and nights throughout the year.
Perhaps you could read an expert’s research for a change and then write a thoughtful editorial. There are many excellent and reliable sources for the information.
K.W., Fort Erie
Letter to Editor, Fort Erie Times,
I was extremely disappointed to read your Editor's Notebook of September 4th. Your short-sighted echoing of Council's position on the proposed speedway for Fort Erie reflects an ignorance of the facts.
The citizens who oppose the speedway are not opposed to "a project of this caliber (sic)". They would welcome any large, job-creating, environmentally-friendly project in Fort Erie. What they are opposed to is specifically this projected speedway, and the reason is that the whole character of the town will change if this becomes reality.
A speedway in any community creates unique problems. Some of these are noise, environmental degradation, traffic congestion and increased policing requirements. Another is a negative impact on property values. All these will affect the whole town, not just "a small group of people" as you claim.
To refer to the noise of any speedway as "a slight humming sound" is naive at best. The distance sound carries depends on a variety of factors including natural and artificial barriers, wind direction etc. Its full impact will only be known when races begin, but then it will be too late to object, and citizens who moved to Fort Erie for peace and quiet will get a rude awakening.
But you, Mr. Editor, claim to have the solution. You think it's time for those who value the tranquillity of the town to "start considering a relocation". Unfortunately it's a little late for that because the threatened presence of the speedway has already affected property sales in the area. And common sense should tell you that those closest to the site who, in your words are "raising legitimate concerns" are the least likely to be able to sell their properties!
And what is this "plethora of jobs" you refer to? There will be short-term construction jobs (probably done by outside contractors) but we have yet to hear any details of permanent jobs at the speedway. If you have details of specific full-time jobs that the speedway will provide please share them with your readers, bearing in mind that there will only be eight "major" three-day events in a year.
It behoves your paper to give a more balanced view of things that affect the community. But, as you say, "why would someone want to deter an industry with a bottomless pit of money attached to it...?" Logic often goes out the window when a bag of money is dangled before the eyes. That appears to be what has happened in this case. The town has been blinded by vaporous promises, and has ignored the debit side of the ledger. If this project goes through I predict that the town will live to regret it.
B.T., Fort Erie
Letter in Niagara Falls Review
Subject: Fact Finding Too Late
Reflecting on the trip that Mayor Martin and his entourage have just completed to the Richmond International Raceway, I find it fascinating that:
- AFTER his extensive negotiations with the ownership group behind the proposed speedway project for Fort Erie (dating back to early 2007) and,
- AFTER a charade of inviting community dialogue on the project, which was permitted on just two stilted and time restricted occasions in September and December of 2009, and
- AFTER he pressed and received a vote from both Municipal and Regional Councils to amend their respective Official Plans in order to allow an urban expansion over agricultural land and a Provincial Significant Wetland,
he now feels called upon to ‘mitigate resident concerns about noise, pollution and traffic congestion’ (Niagara Falls Review, April 23, 2010) by visiting the Richmond track during a NASCAR event there last weekend. To some, it might appear that Mayor Martin and the Town and Regional staff accompanying him on the jaunt to Richmond, were practicing due diligence on behalf of area citizenry; except it is more accurately a case of locking the barn door after the horse has escaped. But for the diligent efforts of opposing resident and environmental concerns, the speedway would be a ‘done deal’ if left solely to our elected officials. Thankfully, the opposition is taking the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board Appeals Court, although it is shameful that this type of irresponsible development is allowed to proceed to that level.
In regard to the hasty trip to Virginia, what a challenge it must have been to cram all we need to know into a single weekend experience. No wonder Martin & Co. expected they would ‘see very little of the race’ (Fort Erie Times, April 24, 2010). As Mayor Martin announced prior to the trip, they “wanted to see everything.....the impact on water and sewer, the environmental impact, the economic impact, you name it.” (Niagara Falls Review, April 23, 2010). An ambitious undertaking indeed, gleaning and observing all of that and hopefully, public health issues and safety risks while they were at it, at a facility that has been in operation since 1946; decades before we became environmentally conscious and our esteemed politicians touted green policies and eco-friendly, sustainable development. Instead, why even consider the presence of an environmental blight that will negatively impact our area for generations? Rather than struggle to mitigate or mask the problems wrought by the racing industry – just don’t make the mistake of building another speedway!
Sadly, Mr, Mayor, your ‘fact-finding mission’ to ‘see what we have to do’ (Niagara This Week, April 29, 2010) smacks of “too little - too late” to many of your constituents.
Dianne Giliforte, Fort Erie
Subject: Proposed auto Speedways in Niagara Region
Dear Mr. Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and
Mr. Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure,
I am writing to you today to plead with you to vote against the proposed motor speedway in Fort Erie.
In this day and age with the ever looming threat of global climate change, the last thing we need to support is recreational motor use in mass quantites and the destruction of already fragile eco-systems. The Niagara Peninsula has been ravaged by the devastation of industrial polluntion for generations, and has seen little
compensation for the natural damage caused here. Business moves in, takes the resources available, dumps its pollution and leaves us, the citizens, with the mess... and no jobs. I don't think I need to educate you on this situation.
The proposed motor speedway will not be a solution to our current economic downturn, as the jobs will be part-time, low-earning positions, most likely without benefits, vacations or any other perks that few of us are fortunate enough to enjoy these days. This is not the type of employment we are willing to accept here in Niagara. Furthermore, the citizens of Niagara are definitely not going to accept these jobs if it is going to cause further destruction, pollution, damage and loss of quality of nature.
Mr. Bradley and Mr. Duguid, I am urging you to make the right decision for the long term good and well-being of the citizens of Niagara and the natural habitats that we imminently must protect. Please vote against the motor speedway.
With thanks,
V. S., Port Colborne resident
Subject: Proposed auto Speedways in Niagara Region
To: jbradley.mpp@liberal.ola.org, bduguid.mpp@liberal.ola.or
Thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail. As a resident of Niagara (who is not directly impacted by the proposed speedways), I would like to share my views regarding the use of lands for the purpose of auto racing. As you know, we are not talking about an annual event such as the Monte Carlo Rally or the Molson/Honda Indie, we are talking about drag racing; and street vehicles that have been extraordinarily modified for the sole purpose of creating noise and pollution. There are numerous horse farms, stables and other properties in the vicinity that keep a wide range of livestock. Only last year, the OMB went against a Fort Erie Town Council approved proposal for a golf course. The owner of the golf course land, made every effort to ensure that animals and wetlands were not adversely impacted and yet, a year later, serious consideration is being given to the creation of two motor speedways just a short distance from the where the golf course was supposed to be. If a golf course is inconsistent with the vision for this area and would adversely impact the environment, why would a motor raceway be consistent with what is envisioned for this part of Niagara Region. It is not always about economic impact. Who wants a career working at a speedway. Let's be more ambitious and creative in the kinds of jobs we create and the kind of people we want to attract to the area. Packed camp grounds, garbage, waste that ends up in the creeks and roads are inevitable residual factors. I would seriously like to see anything like this being proposed for Niagara on the Lake, St. David's or Virgil. Please help us to ensure that this area is not treated any differently than any other part of Niagara Region. It would be a sad thing if the young people in this region had only slots and speedways as their main venues for things to do and all of the underground and criminal activities that will inevitably occur. It also sends out all the wrong messages about this area and what it strives for. It is a beautiful and rural environment and just because there is land available doesn't mean that the only thing it is good for is a speedway. I would be immensely disappointed if these proposals (the one for a speedway in Fort Erie and another proposal for a speedway at Sodom Road/QEW) were supported by a local MPP. Just imagine your children, nieces or nephews hanging out at a speedway because it's there and it's close by. Please give these proposals serious consideration - it is not all about money, it's about culture, its about the environment, its about ensuring that Fort Erie and Niagara Falls are presented in a way that is not derogatory or negative. This is a beautiful part of Ontario...let's not throw in the towel and approve projects that will turn it into a typical border town. I am confident that speedway racing will have a lasting negative impact on this part of Niagara Region. I have never seen a film or television show that portrayed these types of racing activities in a positive light - have you? Please think of the seniors and the children that live in this area and also, think of the animals, the birds, frogs, turtles, ponies, horses and, all the wildlife that make this area their home.
I look forward to hearing your views regarding these proposals.
C.K.
Response to article in Fort Erie Shopping Times and Niagara News - Thorold Edition, Feb 19, 2010
Dear Mr. Wilkinson:
I am remiss in not getting this out to you sooner, as I have been intending to thank you for your February 24th column (Fort Erie Shopping Times) entitled "Politicians Need to Fight for Niagara".
Although you do not identify the 'development issue' that prompted your piece, your observations perfectly describe the frustrations that the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie and CARS (Citizens Against the Racing Speedway) groups have experienced with area politicians and the 'process' with regard to the motor speedway proposal in Fort Erie.
Hundreds of local residents and many organizations are opposed to this project, yet this fact is bearly acknowledged or given any weight by our local representatives. Meanwhile, we have watched while every courtesy has been extended to the proponent, including allowing THEM to dictate a deadline to both our Municipal and Regional Councils when they insisted on a vote by year's end on whether to amend the Official Plans and allow this urban expansion over prime agricultural land and 'protected' Provincial Significant Wetlands. Adding insult to injury, our representatives dutifully towed the line and snapped out a vote in favour of the amendments within the timeline assigned by the proponents - and were 'miraculously' able to do this without the benefit of completed noise and traffic studies, or the proponent's adherence to stipulations set out by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment.
Rather than fighting to uphold the by-laws that were put in place to protect local residents and enhance our quality of life, our elected representatives seem to have adopted the attitude of 'development at all costs'. In the instance of the racing speedway project, the costs will be crippling to all of us in the Niagara Region and I fear for this beautiful area and the legacy we are leaving behind for future generations!
Dianne Giliforte
To: Mr. Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Mr. Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy, Public Infrastructure Renewal
Re: Request for Provincial Intervention to Stop a Proposal by the Canadian Motor Speedway Consortium to Build a NASCAR Type Track on Rural Lands in Greater Fort Erie
The Canadian Motor Speedway consortium has submitted a proposal to build a NASCAR type track on rural lands in Greater Fort Erie. It is their intention to build two different style tracks, grandstands for tens of
thousands, parking and such ancillary services as retail space and campgrounds.
The consortium has already approached the Town of Fort Erie and The Regional Municipality of Niagara for approval of the re-designation of 827 acres of land in the Fort Erie which comprises lands currently
designated Prime agricultural land and a large section of intact Carolinian forest.
I find it difficult to believe that this proposal is being seriously considered given that it is wrong on so many levels. Reasons for opposition include the assault on the environment, destruction of valuable farmland (undermining national food security), the threat to health it poses for those residing in Fort Erie and the Niagara Peninsula, and the 'junk' economics used to justify it. It is an obvious attempt to circumvent the Niagara Region's official plans with what is an expansion of Fort Erie's urban boundaries. This expansion is
incompatible with the principles of the Provincial Planning Act/Provincial Growth Plan.
Environment
The speedway proposal would destroy Provincially Significant wetlands, Carolinian woodlands, and pristine creeks -- including the headwaters of Miller Creek -- the habitat of rare and endangered species. Wetlands
provide free environmental services filtering/cleaning water. Their degradation would lead to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. As I understand it, this contravenes the revised 2007 Provincial Endangered
Species Act.
The proposed development would devastate existing farmlands. The Regional Municipality of Niagara's decision to support the speedway is in direct contravention of its own Securing a Legacy for Niagara's
Agricultural Land: A Vision from One Voice 2004 Report which identified the priority "protection of the land base"; with the stated goal to support agriculture. Lands designated as Prime (see Figure 1) - which include Class 1, 2 and 3 - "must be subject to the most rigorous of protection policies designed to protect the land while leaving the flexibility for agriculture to prosper." The implementation principles begin with "A growth management strategy that sets firm urban boundaries and directs growth away from Unique and Prime agricultural areas." The report states that "Future decisions by the Region will be made in compliance with this strategy."
Health
Of the many threats to health that the speedway will cause one of the most prominent can be attributed to air pollution/smog. Both the competitors and the spectators' vehicles will generate a toxic soup of fine particulate matter and ground level ozone. Ground level ozone - comprised of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and NOx (nitrogen-oxygen compounds) - will damage area crops and human health. The ground level ozone and airborne particles have been linked to aggravated cardiac and respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer and heart disease. Pregnant women, people with respiratory and heart
conditions, children and seniors are the most vulnerable.
The August 2008 report released by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) 'No Breathing Room: National Illness Costs of Air Pollution' put the death toll in Niagara, due to exposure to air pollution, for that year alone at 425 deaths (Paul Forsyth, Niagara This Week, August 22, 2008). In addition to the tragic personal cost in lost lives, there is the economic impact of higher health costs (due to increased visits to hospital, emergency, and doctors' offices). The CMA report tracked the costs caused by air pollution/smog to healthcare, lost productivity, premature death, and quality of life. The provincial estimate currently sits at almost $ 4 Billion annually. The proposed track will significantly increase these costs in Southern Ontario. The Canadian Motor Speedway Consortium has readily admitted an estimate of four hours to clear the spectators' vehicles following and event. This is FOUR HOURS of idling and releasing carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and NOx (nitrogen-oxygen compounds) into the environment. (I will not go into the other major issue - the generating of greenhouse gases - that this scheme would unleash.)
The speedway and its customers would be a source of excruciating noise pollution. A quarter of all hearing loss can be attributed to excess noise (David Schimke, Utne, July-August 2005). It also causes other health problems including increased stress levels, indigestion, high blood pressure/hypertension and a weakened immune system. Research has shown that such noise entering classrooms, slows learning rates and
interferes with children's development of language and cognitive skill (Arline L. Bronzaft, Chair, Noise Committee, Council for the Environment, New York City). Noise is the equivalent of auditory litter.
The Great Lakes basin serves as the source of drinking water for more than 11 million Ontarians. Air pollution is a major source of contamination of the Great Lakes. (Jan 2010 report from Canadian
Environmental Law Association [CELA] and Environmental Defence)
Economic
Belief that this project would generate economic and tourist opportunities for Fort Erie and the region are based on faulty assumptions. With changes to cross-border traffic and economic factors, tourism has continued to decline across the Niagara region. In addition, the evidence confirms that there is a significant trend of declining attendance at all existing NASCAR tracks. At best, it would generate between 50 and 100 poor quality, mostly seasonal, part-time jobs. However, it will also create huge cost increases in infrastructure, policing, waste management, health care, etc.; which will devolve to the regional taxpayer. There are also the unknown costs in damage to regional agriculture crops. (Air pollution/smog is already responsible for millions of dollars of annual crop damage in Ontario.)
Other
NASCAR racing promotes rowdy behaviour and hooliganism and encourages dangerous street racing. It is a poor use of the remaining supply of fossil fuels. The consortium admits that there will be severe traffic congestion - mitigation, of which, they have not resolved. This will reduce quality of life for permanent area-residents.
A perfect example of the folly of this proposal is the former Garden City Race Track - a similar venture in St. Catharines - which ripped up rural lands for a standard racing venue. The track operated for less than 10 years before being abandoned.
This proposal will cause undue hardship, increased health threats, and huge costs for the residents of Niagara. The people of Niagara are relying on the province to intervene and appeal the expansion of Fort
Erie's urban boundaries. Thank you, in advance, for acting on behalf of those living in Southern Ontario.
Yours truly,
Susan Corcoran
Letter posted in Niagara At Large by Bob Korol
A Written Plea To Ontario’s MPPs To Reject Proposal For
NASCAR Race Track On Niagara’s Rural Lands
Dear Honourable Members of the Legislature,
It has been brought to my attention that the Ontario government is considering re-designating 827 acres of good quality agricultural lands to site a proposed motorway, aka a NASCAR race track.
I wish to express most strongly my opposition to the proposal for several reasons.
............Read More
Mr. Chairman and Councillors, Regional Council Meeting
My name is Sandy Vant, chairperson for CARS (Citizens Against Racing Speedway) and I thank you for the opportunity to address Amendment 3-2009. As you may know, CARS opposes the development of the Canadian Motor Speedway in the current location in Fort Erie. Recently CARS has aligned with a civic minded, incorporated group Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie.
After reviewing Amendment 3-2009 to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area we feel that a vote to pass this amendment at this point is a disservice to the ratepayers of the Niagara Region and Fort Erie.
Based on the available studies, reports and correspondence provided to us by Regional staff, there appears to be a number of outstanding issues, incomplete studies, and many approvals that the proponent has yet to complete to see this project move forward. Amending the official plan at this point only results in hastily thrusting opponents, local governments, and proponents into the expense and time commitments of an OMB hearing.
Comments we have received from some Fort Erie and Regional Councillors and staff, as well as many Provincial agencies, indicate that without a doubt there are still many months to wait for updated studies and approvals before a shovel goes into the ground. Well if this truly is the case, why not wait for the studies and approvals? They have to be done anyway. Please give the electoral the opportunity to be satisfied that the decisions made by the Region are a result of the best information and allow them to trust that all the research is done, that their taxpayer money is being used wisely rather than squandered to defend a position at OMB based on incomplete information.
By passing this amendment at this point you are asking opposing residents and groups to embrace a project with many negative side effects, the mitigation of which on so many levels is not clear. As a representative of a large group of citizens who are concerned about their quality of life being diminished, and the simple enjoyment of the homes they have heavily invested in being degraded, I ask that you postpone passing the Regional Official Plan Amendment until you can ensure, without a doubt that this development is a win for the community as a whole, on all levels. That you can ensure that the agricultural and wetlands have not been sacrificed for the sake of a precedent setting urban boundary expansion and that whatever taxpayer money is used in conjunction with this project, be it infrastructure dollars or exemptions in development fees, that the Town of Fort Erie and Region of Niagara ends up with a viable and positive corporate citizen that will fulfill all its promises of grandeur and economy.
Thank you for your time.
Sandy Vant
Chair, CARS
Letter to Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
As residents of Fort Erie, we implore you and your government to step in and oppose the construction of a Nascar-like motor speedway over 821 acres of good agricultural land in Fort Erie, which will effectively expand the urban boundary.
This development is only a couple of kilometers from one of Fort Erie's largest family subdivisions and is surrounded (within 2 km) by more than 100 rural homesteads, churches and schools. Fort Erie is a semi-rural town of 30,000 residents who, up until now, have enjoyed the advantage of Carolinian forests, environmentally friendly recreation and quiet enjoyment of property. The building of this speedway will be like a cancer that will spread throughout the agricultural area gobbling up land and spitting out pollution.
The Provincial Policy promotes the "sustainability of the agri-food sector by protecting agricultural resources and minimizing land use conflicts." How is this achieved by allowing a motor speedway across what the Region has designated as "Good General Agricultural" land? Additionally the proposal indicates the relocation (they call it realignment) of a major creek system rated a Critical (Type 1) Fish Habitat. This is the same creek system which opens to the Niagara River. Residents have given up all pesticides and toxins on this land in order to protect this creek and the now abundant wildlife. Why should a corporation be allowed to turn this creek into a storm drain? Why will thousands of vehicles and campers be allowed to park over the headwaters of this and a similar creek?
As a population we are being encouraged to sort our garbage and recycle, do our laundry at midnight to save power, buy low fuel consumption vehicles, buy new energy saving windows, furnaces, appliances and such. The province bans pesticides for use by home owners, limits watering yards in the summer, and encourages sustainable food practices, such as eating locally to reduce carbon output. After the writing of Government green policies and Provincial growth plans purported to enhance and protect the quality of life of Ontarians, HOW does a speedway happen across good agricultural, and environmentally sensitive lands as well as a Provincially Significant Wetland?
The hook the proponent is using is money, promising jobs, jobs, jobs. For the most part the type of job that keeps financially struggling workers, struggling. Part time, seasonal offerings with low pay and no benefits. Great for a student, but who can raise a family on that type of employment? Of course, off-season there is employment insurance to fill in the gap. And what is the ultimate cost of these jobs? A small town deafened by noise most nice days of the year, increased air pollution to compliment those hot humid days in the summer, forcing home owners off the deck, indoors, windows shut to be able to breathe and hear. Loss of open green spaces and biodiversity. Massive infrastructure costs for the ratepayer, offset slightly by the reduction of property values of those home owners within earshot, which is most of Fort Erie. The expanded tax base potential that has hypnotized our local governments is the real crux. It eliminates the need for smart budgeting--just bring in more tax money. That is of course if development fees are not altered to satisfy the developer. Now subtract the additional services of police for the increase in crime and traffic problems, EMS, trash and litter pick up from the streets, sewage plant updates, continuous road upgrades and on. So what is the net value? Racing fans will be happy but the quality of life for Ontario citizens diminished.
Really where is Ontario heading? The lowest common denominator? Polluting speedways, internet gambling, ultimate fight venues? What is happening to the province we love?
Respectfully,
J.W., W.T., S.S., D.G., S.V., B.W., G.H., K.W., J.D., K.S., R.J., U.N., and W.N.
Letter to the Editor re: Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie
Something’s wrong. We’re all too eager for the speedway proposal. Is it gold rush fever? Why don’t we slow down, take a deep breath, and first ask ourselves whether this is gold for fools.
For about a year I have informally sampled public opinion on this; in the dressing room before hockey; shopping at Sobeys; over a coffee or a beer. Some are unaware of the proposal. Others express no concern, believing economic conditions south of the border ensure the project’s early demise. Most, in my judgment, want this speedway to happen.
Some proponents are not concerned about potential negative impacts. In fact one gentleman living less than one km from the location of the proposed oval said to me, “I love the smell of rubber”. I was tempted to share my secret fear with him, that Amercian racing fans would drink all OUR beer. While he was certainly an exception, most, including many who are prominent in our community - a fact which worries me, believe the downside is minimal or not worth mentioning. I’ve heard, “I will not be able to hear any noise because the stadium will be in a dish”; or “the track will operate only a few days a year”, or “the nearby creeks are only ditches and water quality in our creeks can only improve”.
Mr Brady, a representative for this project, while understandably placing emphasis on its favourable aspects, has made it quite clear. There will be negative consequences. A simple Google search demonstrates many of the issues we should be anticipating. Although tourism-based businesses in Niagara Falls and McMaster University in Hamilton, where automotive research investment is expected, will benefit most, note that this speedway is not to be located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, for instance, where sophisticated, affluent residents might object. Indeed while other jurisdictions proactively pass ordinances to prevent such speedways, Fort Erie is eager. Why is this?
At similar speedways, in spite of extensive noise mitigation measures, persons living more than 10 miles from the track complain about noise. Mr. Brady noted at the public meeting he could hear Humberstone speedway although he lives miles away in Lorraine. My understanding is that it is unavoidable that MOE guidelines for noise will be exceeded. Cresent Park residents in particular should note the 15 metre high stands planned for the North side of the oval which will direct noise, light and air pollution away from Niagara Falls towards your neighbourhood, carried by the prevailing wind. Whether you live at the tip of Point Abino or the mouth of Black Creek, you should expect to hear this speedway. Why are we telling ourselves otherwise?
The project team estimates there will be 150 racing days a year, which is consistent with other speedways of this magnitude. However, in his presentation Mr. Brady made it clear, as a result of the automotive research agreement with McMaster University, this track will be in use every day, weather permitting – four seasons a year. If you live in Cresent Park, you may be subjected to noise from either the road course or the oval at any time. Elsewhere in Fort Erie, you could hear the track on any of the 150 racing days per year, most of which will be in the summer when American racing fans are eager to escape southern heat. Why are we telling ourselves the speedway will operate “only a few days a year”?
The scale of this project makes it certain the associated infrastructure costs will be enormous. Plans include seating for almost 100,000 fans. If the speedway is successful, we can anticipate applications to further increase seating. This proposal potentially quadruples the population of Fort Erie to 130,000 for 150 days of the year. Think of the traffic on the Peace Bridge, the QEW and the secondary roads. Who will pay for road improvements, water, sewer, garbage, policing, and the many other services these racing fans will require? My understanding is that Town council is currently considering a bylaw exempting stadiums from development charges. Are we kidding ourselves as taxpayers if we believe we will not be heavily subsidizing these costs?
The environmental costs will be significant by any measure. There will be an increase in light, air, water and noise pollution, stressful for humans and animals alike. Birds, frogs, toads and many species of insects use auditory signalling for mate selection and other social functions. Do we care what happens to them? We will be losing the ecological services of almost 1000 acres of land sitting at the head waters of two of our creeks, Frenchmens and Millers. Sustaining 100,000 persons here for 150 days a year without seriously affecting water quality in these watersheds flies in the face of 10,000 years of human history. Do we care if the water in our creeks and the Niagara River is more polluted? Our air will be more toxic due to increased exhaust chemicals produced by vehicular traffic as well as by generators at the campground. Do we care about the negative health consequences, particularly for our children living in Cresent Park? There are clearly serious environmental costs. Why are we telling ourselves otherwise?
And lastly, have we considered the effects on the character of our community? Will those who appreciate Fort Erie for its peace and quiet, particularly our retirees and families who have just seen their medical services reduced, now move away for a better quality of life? Are we willing to potentially trigger a significant decline in property value for those families living where the environmental impacts are most severe? What state will Fort Erie be left in once the gold rush is over and racing fans have gone elsewhere?
This is the most difficult decision we in Fort Erie have faced to date. Straight advice from all our civic leaders is critical; medical, political, governmental and particularly our spiritual leaders. Before we get giddy about the gold, we must be clear-eyed about the consequences.
T. S.
Real Estate Agent's response to letter
Hi Sandy:
You are the second person to write me on this subject in 2 weeks! Wow: you/your town is in for it!! If that raceway, which is much larger than the 'hobby track' JUST DENIED ANY PERMISSION to exist in any format by NY Supreme Court 10 or so days ago, is built, and, if there is a regular schedule of racing, all my comments may pale in comparison to what I think would happen to the real estate values of ALL residential properties within the track's vicinity.
Values, depending on where they are at now, could/would probably plummet, the higher up the value scale they are, now or might otherwise go if no track were permitted/present.
If you are principally in a primary home, or working home community/city, with relatively low real estate values, it might not be the end of the world, but if the real estate market in that area was one of retirement/vacation homes AND VERY QUIET in general, it does not bode well for their current/future values, or of those owners of same, any ability to sell in a normally reasonable time frame, if at all (meaning years) without giving away the real estate.
The town/city, is essentially sentencing those properties to an unknown lowered level of values and unknown marketing time frame. That is all I can say based on the content of your original email.
The Taghanic situation has been resolved with a PERMANENT INJUNCTION order, by the NY SUPREME COURT, prohibiting any motorized use of the track built there, and prohibiting any of the town's officers from granting any kind of permission. The applicant may appeal but it would have to go to the Supreme Court of the US, I believe. So, the citizens won, but at great legal cost. I hope this is clear.
There is no defense, in my opinion, that would promote any increase in value of residential status by allowing such a track/operation to 'invade' what you suggest is a quiet small Canadian Town. Dust, congestive traffic at events times, noise both from the track and traffic, wear and tear of local roadways, etc. are all fallout to towns from such an activity. In my view, there are not enough 'positives' to persuade me that such a track would be justified, unless there is something about the area that I don't know about.
If you have no zoning, you probably are not going to stop it. I wish you luck. I will also send you a recent press release on the Taghanic situation that you may have already seen. It will come separately.
"Real Estate Agent"
Letter to Real Estate Agent
Hi "Real Estate Agent"
I live in a small town in Canada, just across the boarder from Buffalo N.Y. I came to contact you after reading about a raceway in Taghkanic and found a quote from a Real Estate Agent regarding property value decreases caused by speed/raceways.
If this is not you, I apologize. I am looking for an opinion on the impact of speedways on property values as our Town has approved the development of a speedway, 1 mile oval and 2.5 mile road course, on 821 acres less than a mile outside of town and surrounded by approximately 100 rural homes less than one mile away. The proposal is for seating capacity of 65,000 with build out to 100,000 with approximately 300 acres of camping/parking and a testing/research facility as well as a full service commercial /shopping element and operating year round to include motorcycles, cart racing and snowmobiles. To date construction has not started and all the studies (like noise, air quality, economic impact etc.) have not been completed however the town has approved the zoning change to allow the speedway.
Having no first had experiences I was hoping you had a couple minutes to spare from your busy schedule to give me your point of view.
Thank you in advance for your attention to my concerns,
Sandy Vant
Mayor's response to letter
Subject: Fort Erie's next step Re: CMS
As I have previously stated that the applicant must comply with all Government regulations regarding noise, air quality, traffic impact and water and waste water treatment prior to the project going forward. All studies and reports necessary must be completed. This process with go through the requirements of the planning act all rights within the act will be afforded to those in opposition and in favour of the proposal. I will forward this to our planning staff for any additional comments they may have regarding the process and timelines.
Doug
_________________________
Letter sent to Mayor Doug Martin cc: A Noyes, Bob Steckley, M Lockwood, Richard Shuler, Sandy Annunziata, Tim Whitfield, Rino Mostacci , Kira Dolch , Harry Schlange, Carolyn J. Kett, Ms.Shirley Cordiner, Mr.Peter Partington , Ms. M. Radman, Mr. Peter Colosimo, Mr. Patrick Robson, Mr. Brian Dick, Kevin Bain, Kim Craitor, Victor Doyle, carlene whittingham
Subject: Fort Erie's next step Re: CMS
Mr. Mayor,
It was interesting to read your quote in the Niagara Falls Review earlier this month regarding the Canadian Motor Speedway.
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2242049&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter <http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2242049&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter>
As you know, CARS disagrees with the development of a motor speedway in the current location. After many presentations and hundreds of signatures and letters of concern from ratepayers, I am pleased to see you "want to appease" local residents in opposition.
I applaud the Council's efforts to engage residents by inviting comments and suggestions regarding some of the new developments in Fort Erie. These include the many opportunities for neighbours and the public to express opinions regarding the skate park; the second open house on January 14th, 2010 regarding the Crystal Beach Gateway Project and compromises already made to the original plans by The Molinaro Group; the three open houses to discuss the development of Ridgeway, and most recently the Market Square concept for Ridgeway and the fact that project plans were on display at town hall along with suggestion forms available to the ratepayers; and finally, what looks to be a very transparent process surrounding the Bridgeburg revitalization.
What then are your plans to protect and "appease" the residents impacted and concerned about the negative by products of the speedway? Will there be open houses so that ideas can be shared? Will there be an opportunity for ratepayers to have their concerns addressed prior to the drafting of bylaws? Will residents be involved with site plan amendments? Will the Town ensure that the speedway meet MOE noise guidelines and will they be enforced through bylaws?
We are most anxious to see how the Town will make this a win/win for all the residents of Fort Erie. I look forward to your timely response.
Sincerely,
S. V.
Letter sent to Dr. Loeb, McMaster University, c.c. Dean of Eng., McMaster
Subject: Automobile Exhaust Pollution
Dear Dr. Loeb,
I recently read a report in the Hamilton Spectator outlining your study of automobile exhaust pollutants and the dangerous effects they have on the respiratory system of senior citizens.
Perhaps you know that there is currently a proposal "on the table" to build a 65,000 seat Motor Racing Speedway in our town, Fort Erie, Ontario, capable, so we are informed, of accommodating NASCAR-like events on an all year round basis.
Noise pollution, amongst others was, and is a factor, but obviously seniors must now seriously consider health issues as a major concern should this proposed speedway come to fruition.
We are also given to understand that McMaster is, for want of a better word, supporting this proposed speedway, and will have an Automotive Research & Development centre on the speedway property.
Ironic, don't you think!
A concerned senior.
J. D.
Response Letter sent to K. Podesta at McMaster, c.c. mayors, councillors, et al.
Re: Canadian Motor Speedway and McMaster University... Media Reports...Hamilton Spectator
Dear Mr. DePodesta:
Thank you for sharing a recent communication from the Dean of Engineering at McMaster University in regard to their potential relationship with the proposed speedway development in Fort Erie.
I am one of the ‘individuals’ who read the December 11th article in the Hamilton Spectator and was taken aback by the somewhat contradictory statements made by a university spokesperson when asked about their relationship with the speedway proponents. As a resident of Fort Erie, you will no doubt agree I have every right to bring this anomaly to the attention of our political representatives and request their input. Likewise, I understand your role in representing your clients, but do take exception to your charge that I might ‘use selected media articles to support (their) cause as/when it suits their cause’. It implies manipulation on my part, and I can assure you that was not the case. My actions stem from a genuine concern and the pursuit of a transparent process with regard to this impactful development in the Town of Fort Erie.
Again, thank you for alleviating some of that concern.
D. G.
Letter sent to Gene Nakonechny at McMaster
Mr. Nakonechny,
We would appreciate confirmation of several recent public statements regarding McMaster University made by proponents of the Canadian Motor Speedway project in Fort Erie.
It has been claimed that McMaster is going to "co-develop" and manage a research and development facility on the Speedway site, and will provide funding on the order of $30 million.
I am part of a group of environmentally-minded residents of Fort Erie who are critically concerned about the impact of the planned non-research activities at this facility, such as daily private racetrack rentals, which were the cause of the recent shutdown of the Dunnville Autodrome by the Ontario Municipal Board for excessive noise.
The first quote is from the website of the Canadian Motor Speedway http://www.cdnmotorspeedway.com/index-1.html
"McMaster University
As one of Canada's top universities, McMaster has earned an enviable reputation as a global leader in materials and manufacturing research. Its researchers have been involved in major research and development initiatives in high end automotive research and development, particularly in the areas of flex fuels, powertrain, and composite materials. Its work has been supported by major Automotive OEMs in the industry and they continue to play a Global lead in this area. McMaster’s highly accredited Faculty of Engineering will now co-develop and manage the Canadian Motor Speedway’s Research & Technology Park: An R&D Facility for advanced studies and testing to support the global motor sport industry as well as Canada’s vast Auto Sector."
The second is from the newspaper Niagara This Week, Nov. 26, 2009;
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news/article/218814--speedway-edges-toward-starting-line
" McMaster University is on board with the idea and has already pledged $30 million for the facility."
Many similar statements from the Speedway proponents can be found by searching "Canadian Motor Speedway McMaster".
We have not been able to find a similar statement made by anyone from McMaster.
The proponents have attracted a great deal of positive interest from job-desperate citizens of Fort Erie, as well as from various levels of government, with the Research and Development Centre concept. Thus, given the concerns above, as well as those of the groups CARS, http://www.forteriecars.org, we ask you to confirm the quotations above, or to take appropriate action if they are not accurate.
Thank you for your attention.
A. F.
Response from Gene Nakonechny at McMaster
December 16Fort Erie <forteriecars@googlemail.com>, 2009
Dear A. F. :
The Faculty of Engineering at McMaster is in discussions to develop an advanced automotive-related research and development centre in conjunction with the group pursuing the development of the motor speedway. There was a short news item on page three of today's Hamilton Spectator in this regard. No financial commitment has been made at this time. It was incorrectly reported in the newspaper article you referenced.
Sincerely,
Gene Nakonechny
Subject: FW: Canadian Motor Speedway and McMaster University... Media Reports...Hamilton Spectator
To: douglas.martin@town.forterie.ca, ANoyes@town.forterie.on.ca, bsteckley@town.forterie.ca, sannunziata@town.forterie.ca, twhitfield@town.forterie.ca, mlockwood@town.forterie.ca, rshular@town.forterie.ca, mayor@forterie.on.ca, chairman@niagararegion.ca, Shirley.cordiner@niagararegion.ca, william.smeaton@niagararegion.ca, tim.rigby@niagararegion.ca, council@town.forterie.on.ca, CKett@town.forterie.on.ca, dgil56@aol.com, forteriecars@googlemail.com, tsalci@niagarafalls.ca, mayordave@pelham.ca, gburroughs@notl.org, mayor@portcolborne.ca, bob.bentley@niagararegion.ca, mayor@welland.ca, henry.dangela@niagararegion.ca, bhenderson@township.wainfleet.on.ca, bhodgson@lincoln.ca, bmcmullan@stcatharines.ca, jthrower@westlincoln.com
Cc: Rino Mostacci <RMostacci@town.forterie.on.ca>, Ron Tripp <RTripp@town.forterie.on.ca>, Harry Schlange <HSchlange@town.forterie.on.ca>, Azhar Mohammad - Emirates Consulting <azhar@consultemirates.com>, rbrady@uemconsulting.com
I’ve forwarded the most recent email from David Wilkinson (Dean of Engineering, McMaster University) to each of you in view of the conflicting messages in the marketplace at this time for clarification.
It’s unfortunate but not surprising that individuals and organizations in opposition to the proposed Canadian Motor Speedway development use selected media articles to support their cause as/when it suits their cause…Dean Wilkinson is correct in his covering email which is attached…’we don’t get to write the articles’. Hopefully, the link below to the most recent Hamilton Spectator article assists you in understanding, in no uncertain terms, the relationship that has be forged between the Speedway group headed by Azhar Mohammad (under Emirates Consulting) and McMaster University for the development of the Centre of Excellence in Automotive Research and Technology on the site.
This mutually beneficial business relationship has been consistently presented as such by our Team at all Public sessions for well over a year. I will trust that you will forward this e-mail to those on your respective Councils that need to know this most current ‘news’ about McMaster and the Canadian Motor Speedway.
Respectfully
Ken DePodesta, P. Eng., Principal Consultant, AMEC Earth & Environmental
Letter to Azhar, Ken DePodesta
Subject: FW: Canadian Motor Speedway and McMaster University... Media Reports...Hamilton Spectator
Azhar and Ken;
There is a brief article on the speedway in the Hamilton paper http://www.thespec.com/article/691670 today. It indicates that McMaster’s engagement is real and goes beyond was suggested last week. The comment Wade attributes to me is in fact still a weaker endorsement than what I gave him on the phone, but we don’t get to write the articles.
Azhar, I assume that the advisory body will be meeting sometime in the new year. I am looking forward to meeting this group and getting a stronger sense of where the whole thing is going.
Regards, David
David S. Wilkinson, PEng, FRSC, FCIM, FACerS, Distinguished University Professor, Dean, Faculty of Engineering
McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
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