News

PRESS RELEASE - November 15, 2011

SPEEDWAY OPPONENTS FINALLY GET
THEIR DAY IN COURT

Fort Erie, ON: Residents of Fort Erie concerned about the proposed motor speedway development for the town will want to put January 17th, 2012 on their calendar. This is the rescheduled date set by the Ontario Municipal Board for a pre-hearing; the first step in the process to appeal the Town of Fort Erie and Regional Niagara’s decision to override the Official Plan in order to allow the construction of a speedway within a rural and residential area. Several appellants will be participating in the pre-hearing and hearing process; including local grassroots organization, the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie.

“We’re eager to get this matter in front of the OMB,” said CCGFE President, Sandy Vant. “It was very disappointing when, in the eleventh hour, the speedway development group asked to defer the originally scheduled pre-hearing date of April 8th, 2011. Hopefully, they are now ready to present the required and still outstanding noise, traffic and environmental studies for review, and we can finally get this process underway.”

As CCGFE prepares for this “David vs. Goliath” fight before the Ontario Municipal Board, several powerful environmental and conservation groups have stepped up in a show of support; including the David Suzuki Foundation, Ontario Nature, and the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society.

It follows that the renowned David Suzuki Foundation would have a specific interest in this issue. For the past decade they have been addressing the phenomenon of what is termed ‘urban sprawl’; with a recent focus on the loss of natural spaces in Southern Ontario. In their report, Understanding Sprawl: A Citizen’s Guide, Dr. Suzuki explains “Urban sprawl doesn’t pay. This type of expansion across agricultural lands will result in huge costs due to the infrastructure, as well as ongoing costs associated with the environmental and public health impacts.”

The decision of Municipal and Regional Governments to override the Official Policy and create a ‘special policy area’ to allow the speedway group to build on the 821 acres they have ear-marked in Fort Erie, paves the way for urban sprawl across agricultural lands, protected wetlands, creeks and forest areas.

CCGFE has also conferred with Ontario Nature, an agency charged with protecting the wildlife and biodiversity of the province. Ontario Nature is reviewing the impacts of the proposed development and will be closely following the OMB proceedings.

The Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society (PALS) is yet another prominent conservation group that is ever-watchful against the threat of urban sprawl in their efforts to protect the agricultural industry and natural heritage areas of Niagara. PALS will also be presenting their case against the speedway development before the OMB as a co-appellant in the proceedings.

In the recently issued Conservation Action Plan for Niagara, Carolinian Canada Coalition notes that the Niagara River corridor includes some of the most biologically diverse natural areas in the Golden Horseshoe. A project such as the proposed motor speedway would compromise several of the 11 goals outlined in the Niagara CAP.

“We are thankful that the review process gives us an opportunity to bring these serious health and environmental issues to the attention of the OMB and local residents,” said Vant.

The OMB pre-hearing takes place in the Fort Erie Council Chambers at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 17th; and is in place to identify all the parties in the case and establish a format for the actual hearing. The pre-hearing is open to the public and CCGFE encourages all those who stand in opposition to the speedway development to attend. Also, for more information on this issue, concerned citizens are urged to visit the CCGFE website at www.ccgfe.org.

Incorporated in 2010, CCGFE is a grassroots community group whose primary objective is to support responsible development that will enhance and protect the cultural and ecological assets of Greater Fort Erie and Regional Niagara.

Letter sent to Editor of Fort Erie Times. October 11, 2011

PROPOSED SPEEDWAY:
DISMAL ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR FORT ERIE

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the letter entitled “Speedway is exactly what this town needs” (October 8th issue of the Times). First, I certainly hope the EDTC will also have something to say to this reader who managed to completely insult new employer, Infocision, by suggesting ‘fly-by-night’ tendencies of the call centre business model; something I’m sure will not sit well with a successful, multinational corporation such as Rogers Communications.

For my part, I have often wondered who the misguided residents are that trust a high-powered PR campaign and fail to do their own research because they are so desperate to believe the hype. Mr. Harkins is “unable to get too excited” by Infocision’s announcement of 100 or more new jobs in the first year of operation and instead touts trumped up employment numbers in connection with the proposed speedway development. Regretfully, I am forced to burst his bubble and share the REAL numbers for existing speedways of comparable size to the 60-100,000 seat stadium that has been proposed for Fort Erie (e.g. Atlanta Motor Speedway-124,000 seats, Kansas Speedway-81,687 seats, Talladega Superspeedway-143,000 seats, Michigan International Speedway-119,000 seats). You see, I HAVE done the research and these speedways employ an average of just 50 full time staff; and rather than hire people at all, many have adopted the practice of inviting service clubs to man parking lots and concessions in order to avoid having to pay wages and employment taxes.

As far as the benefit to local businesses, I beg you to check with the people of Brooklyn, Michigan, a small town that is home to the Michigan International Speedway, the same NASCAR facility that our mayor and his entourage visited last year. (Although most may not be aware of his trip, since an official report on the visit that taxpayers funded has never been made available to the general public.) The town of Brooklyn has not changed in size or scope one iota since the speedway opened in 1968. Not only that, many local businesses in the town close during a NASCAR week and residents tend to leave the area, since the horrendous traffic and incessant noise make it impossible to bring in staff or to enjoy their own backyards. Meanwhile, the majority of economic benefit is being reaped 40 minutes away in the city of Ann Arbor, due to their existing hotel and attraction infrastructure; reminiscent of this area and the choices visitors could make between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls. In our case, racing fans will either elect to stay in Niagara Falls, or on site in the camping spaces; the latter being heartily encouraged by the speedway owners and supported by the retail outlets they intend to open within the compound, and if they ever leave the campground, it will be to hop the shuttle bus to Fallsview Casino. So…..lucky us. We get to deal with the noise, traffic, bridge delays, pollution, and security issues while businesses in Niagara Falls benefit. Not to worry, though. We’ll cross our fingers and hope our children get a seasonal, minimum wage job working in a concession stand. I don’t know about you, Mr. Harkins, but I would much rather my son or daughter work in a clean, safe environment such as a call centre, that offers professional skills training and opportunity for advancement.

Finally, how refreshing that you would “rather see my tax dollars go to costly infrastructure”. Will you be just as generous when it comes to funding the long term cost of health care due to respiratory diseases, particularly in the case of children who are forced to breathe the toxic fumes from leaded gas; or the debilitating effect of constant and excruciating noise that often leads to depression, sleep deprivation and impaired concentration?? Just checking.

Dianne Giliforte, Fort Erie

Letter sent to Editor of Fort Erie Times

Mr. Editor:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Mr. Harkins comments in the Oct. 22 issue of the Times regarding his opinion that U.S. speedways don't matter. Kudos to Ms. Giliforte for taking the time to research other speedways and the effects they have had on the communities in which they operate. It is the only way Fort Erie residents can glimpse a future with a speedway dominating our lives.

Perhaps Mr. Harkins does not need to look at the numbers, but I do. For me, the small number of full time jobs offered by the proposed speedway does nothing to compensate for the ill effects mentioned by Ms. Giliforte. Yes Fort Erie, like most communities that depended on manufacturing jobs in the past, has taken a hit since the late 1970s. Replacing those jobs with sustainable, good paying opportunities is certainly a challenge. Yet it does not mean that every development proposal is a good fit for a community. The speedway is a retrogressive venture, which threatens our environment and quality of life. Burning fossil fuels does affect health; particularly since the Federal Government allows race cars to burn leaded gas. Cancer, asthma and heart disease are all realistic expectations. Perhaps Mr. Harkins should read the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2004 to become fully informed on the effects of air pollution on ones health.

Why would we want to further degrade our air quality for a few part time, seasonal, minimum wage jobs? In my opinion, the town is better off actively attracting and assisting new industries with year round employment opportunities such as those that would be offered by Greensafe Demanufacturing Inc. Greensafe estimates they can offer upwards of 340 jobs, year round. They will be building (yes, that means construction jobs) in an appropriately zoned area close to the transit they require, and Greensafe maintains that the process is extremely clean. No need to extend water and sewer outside the urban boundary so that taxpayers can continuously pay for infrastructure upgrades. They would be located in town close to the work force; thereby eliminating long commutes.

Sustainable, full time jobs add value to a community. Tourist related jobs are not year round jobs. Mr. Harkins puts a high emphasis on tourist dollars; the most fickle dollars to chase. He pointed out that a call centre does not bring in tourist dollars. He's right. It brings in year round wages. He questioned what a call centre operation could do for local service clubs or charities? The answer...it would allow people to have a decent paycheque, pride in themselves and the ability to give back to their community.

In Mr. Harkins first letter to the editor, he mentioned his fear that Fort Erie will become a ghost town. Interestingly, according to Regional Niagara's statistics from 2006, Fort Erie's growth (2001-2006) was 6.3% which was 2.2% percent higher than the Region as a whole which only experienced a 4.1% growth level for the same time period. All this without a speedway! There must be a reason people choose to move to and stay in Fort Erie over other options in Niagara. Hmmm. Perhaps it is because this is a quiet, small, picturesque town, according to Mr. Harkins description; which affords a beautiful quality of life that must and can be protected by making smart choices with regard to the future development of the community.

Linda Julie, Fort Erie

May 23, 2011, Forbes

NASCAR’s Attendance Crashes As Economy Gets Worse

The business of NASCAR is more closely tied to the “real” economy than any of America’s top sports because of its reliance on corporate sponsors and the long distances its supporters must drive to see a race. The sport is a more realistic indicator of our how well American’s are doing than metrics that metrics like housing starts, industrial production or unemployment rates because it can’t be manipulated by printing money and endless borrowing.

July 16, 2011, Sporting News

Smith: No cash refunds for fans caught in Kentucky traffic

LOUDON, N.H.—If you were caught in traffic trying to get to Kentucky Speedway last Saturday and missed the inaugural Sprint Cup race there, don’t ask for a refund—it’s not happening.

Asked whether Speedway Motorsports Inc. considered refunding money to frustrated ticket holders, chairman Bruton Smith was succinct and abundantly clear.

.....Read More

Shawn Courchesne on July 16, 2011

Bruton Smith Dances On Lunatic Fringe With Disgraceful Response To Kentucky Speedway Traffic Debacle

Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith held court with the media to address the disaster that was the traffic situation last Saturday for the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Kentucky Speedway.

.....Read More

April 5, 2011, Niagara at Large

Fort Erie’s Speedway Opponents Draw Support From Suzuki Foundation And Others As Showdown Over Controversial Plan Is Delayed

SPEEDWAY CONSORTIUM DELAYS APPEAL DUE TO LACK OF COMPLETED STUDIES

Fort Erie, ON – The consortium hoping to build a motor speedway in Fort Erie is not ready to face-off before the Ontario Municipal Board and instead, has requested that the OMB delay the prehearing originally scheduled some time ago to take place on Friday, April 8th.

....Read More

PRESS RELEASE - April 4, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE SPEEDWAY FIGHT ATTRACTS NATIONAL ATTENTION
FROM ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOGS

Fort Erie, ON - As the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie prepares for its David vs. Goliath speedway fight before the Ontario Municipal Board, several powerful environmental and conservation groups have aligned themselves with CCGFE in a show of support; including the David Suzuki Foundation, Ontario Nature and the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society.

The David Suzuki Foundation has been addressing the phenomenon of what is termed 'urban sprawl' for almost ten years, with a recent focus on the loss of natural spaces in Southern Ontario. "Urban sprawl doesn't pay," explains Dr. David Suzuki, the award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. "Along with negative conservation and quality of life issues attached to the proposed development, this type of expansion across agricultural lands will also result in huge costs due to the infrastructure, as well as ongoing costs associated with the environmental and public health impacts."

The decision of Municipal and Regional Governments to override the Official Policy and create a 'special policy area' to allow the speedway to build on the 821 acres they have ear-marked in Fort Erie, paves the way for urban sprawl across agricultural lands, protected wetlands, creeks and forest areas.

Likewise, CCGFE has had several communications with Ontario Nature, an agency charged with protecting the wildlife and biodiversity of the province; who is currently reviewing the impacts of the proposed development and will be closely following the OMB proceedings.

The Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society (PALS) is yet another prominent conservation group that is ever-watchful against the threat of urban sprawl in their efforts to protect the agricultural industry and natural heritage areas of Niagara. PALS will also be presenting their case against the speedway development before the OMB as a co-appellant in the proceedings.

Coincidentally, the Carolinian Canada Coalition has just published the Conservation Action Plan for Niagara, which notes that the Niagara River corridor includes some of the most biologically diverse natural areas in the Golden Horseshoe; and it is interesting to note that several of the 11 goals outlined in the Niagara CAP would be compromised should the speedway project be allowed to move forward.

"It is rare that a single issue can attract the attention and support of so many watchdog agencies," said Sandy Vant, President of CCGFE, "which certainly serves to bolster our commitment to fight the environmental nightmare that a speedway in this location represents."

The OMB prehearing was originally scheduled to take place on April 8th. However, late last week CCGFE received a notification from the proponent's lawyer requesting that court proceedings be delayed due to the fact that their client still had not completed the necessary environmental and health studies that must be provided to the OMB and all appellants. In the spirit of cooperation and transparency, CCGFE agreed to allow the delay. The purpose of the prehearing is to identify all the parties in the case and establish a format for the actual hearing. It is open to the public and CCGFE encourages all those who stand in opposition to the speedway development to attend. Also, for more information on this issue, concerned citizens are urged to visit the CCGFE website at www.ccgfe.org.

If they Build it Will they Come?

After plowing under fertile fields for the last time and possibly exposing tax payers to an estimated $53 million dollar infrastructure bill, (estimate from Niagara Regional Staff Report PWA 121-2009) what if race fans do not come?

Indy drops ticket prices for 2011 Brickyard 400 as attendance continues to decline

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which according to NASCAR estimates has seen its attendance decline by nearly half in the last three years, announced that it would lower ticket prices on select seats for the 2011 Brickyard 400.

.......Read More

Auto Club Speedway president addresses attendance, racing

Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker brushed off attendance concerns and praised the quality of racing at her track during an open interview session at Sunday’s Pepsi 500.

.......Read More

NASCAR Attendance, Ratings, Sponsorships Down As Fans Cut Costs

NASCAR has seen attendance "at nearly every track slip this year as recession-weary fans continue to cut costs"....

.......Read More

B.Y.O.B.

The folks at Homestead-Miami Speedway have figured out that to get more bums in the seats at the South Florida track for the finale of the NASCAR season it had better make the fans happy. And what better way to do that than to announce that fans can pretty much bring in as much beer as they can carry on race day. HMS has adjusted its bring-your- own food/beverage policy to allow fans to enter the track with soft-sided coolers measuring up to 14x14x14 inches -- six times the previous dimension limits. For the uninitiated that's big enough to carry 24 to 36 cans of beer ... Over in the Grand Am series, Canadian-based AIM Autosport has put out the help wanted sign for qualified drivers for its Daytona Prototype sports car. Driver positions (Read: Come with enough sponsorship money for a full season) are available for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and the balance of the 2011.

Article ID# 2840770
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2840770

http://www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com/?homepage=true

GENTLEMEN, STALL YOUR ENGINES!

OBAMA ECONOMY KILLS NASCAR ATTRACTION AT DAYTONA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It's a case of "Gentlemen, stall your engines" in the racing capital of the Sunshine State as a once-popular NASCAR tourist attraction is closing down due to the persistently sluggish economy.

DARLINGTON RACEWAY HOPES PRICE CUTS ON YOUTH TICKETS
BRINGS MORE FAMILIES TO NASCAR RACES

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Darlington Raceway hopes to bring more families back to NASCAR by expanding youth discounts for next year's racing season.

PRESS RELEASE - September 1, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Erie Speedway Likely to Bring Property Values Crashing Down
September 7th Council Meeting Will Discuss Rezoning to Allow Development

Property values in Fort Erie will likely plummet due to the effect of a speedway on the local environment, according to staff at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation‟s Toronto Office. The Canadian Motor Speedway is a proposed development which would attract 60,000 to 100,000 participants to NASCAR-style racing events in the midst of a community of 30,000.

Concerned local resident and home owner, Susan Speck, has diligently amassed data which supports the correlation between a speedway and decreased property values; and recently brought her findings to the attention of the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie. According to Ms. Speck, “This occurrence is commonly called „Property Stigmatization‟ and is associated with health, environmental or investment risks.” She learned that property stigmatization “may be due to natural hazards and aesthetic disamentities; social conditions such as the crime rate; and infrastructure conditions with potentially obnoxious characteristics such as nearby highways, airports, industrial facilities, and racetracks.”

This reality is echoed by real estate professionals in both the United States and locally. “Everybody living within five miles or more . . . will have their property values decreased by 50 percent or maybe more,” said Realtor Robinson Leach, recounting his experience selling property in the small town of Lakeville, CT; adjacent to Lime Rock Raceway. “The experience of selling homes around our local auto race track for over 30 years bears me out on all my opinions.” Local real estate agents concur that noise and traffic congestion are known irritants that will decrease property values; and the Appraisal Institute of Canada concurs that “Diminution in value to a property is a result of buyer resistance which may be real or perceived”, and it follows that the public perceives health risks and other stigmas associated with close proximity to site which generates noise and air pollutants.

The Citizens' Coalition of Greater Fort Erie (CCGFE), a group of local residents in support of sustainable development that respects the integrity of established neighbourhoods and local citizens, is concerned that changes to the Town of Fort Erie‟s Official Plan have been approved to allow the development of the CMS in an agricultural area surrounded by residential neighbourhoods; without having strategies in place that will ensure protection from the noise and pollution.

At their meeting on September 7th (6pm), Town Council will be considering bylaw and zoning changes to further support the development of the speedway. Among other zoning protections, Council will likely discuss overriding Bylaw Nbr. 129,90, Sec. 6.23 which currently prohibits “obnoxious uses” of land due to the “creation of noise or vibration” or by the “reason of emission of gas, fumes, smoke, dust, or objectionable odour”, etc.

“Our organization wants to ensure the public is fully informed and consulted”, stated CCGFE President, Sandy Vant. “We urge council to follow a course of action that provides for serious contemplation of by law changes and to table any decisions until the proponent‟s Noise Study is complete and peer reviewed; and the Ontario Municipal Board Appeals are completed and the results known.” Area residents are encouraged to get involved by attending the Council Meeting on the 7th, and visiting www.ccgfe.org for updates.

July 18, 2010 (Toronto Star)
by Wendy Gillis

Does Toronto still want the Indy?
Gas Guzzling Extravaganza Leaves Many Indifferent


	There's still plenty of seating available 45 minutes before racetime at Sunday's running of the Honda Indy Toronto. (July 18, 2010) CARLOS OSORIO/The Star

In its heyday, Indy fans used to come for the raw energy of
speeding cars, the deafening roar of engines and screeching tires, the stench of gasoline and burned rubber.

In Toronto, that used to be considered fun. And in many cities — mostly in the car-racing crazy centres in the American Midwest — it still is.

But at Toronto’s once-premiere racing event, attendance over the years has steadily dropped, and holes in the grandstand seating this weekend mean this year is no different.
..............Read More

June 1, 2010 (Windsor Star)
By Lee Greenberg

Debate urged on road tolls, carbon tax

Ontario should start charging drivers for using its roads, says the province's environmental commissioner.

In a report issued Monday, Gord Miller says tolls and other measures, like a traffic zone system similar to those in place in London and Stockholm, will help the government reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
..........Read more

From The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web site

Regulations Amending the Gasoline Regulations

In fall 2009, Environment Canada consulted stakeholders on a proposal to amend the Gasoline Regulations to allow the use of leaded gasoline in competition vehicles. Proposed amendments were then published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on April 3, 2010, for a formal 60-day public comment period that was required before final publication.

The Gasoline Regulations have been amended to allow for the production, import and sale of leaded gasoline for use in competition vehicles.

The amendments have been registered and are in effect. The amendments will be added to the Orders in Council database in the coming days and publication will follow shortly thereafter in Canada Gazette, Part II.

The amendments to the Gasoline Regulations state the following:

Regulations Amending the Gasoline Regulations

Amendment

1. Subsection 3(2) of the Gasoline Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) These Regulations, except for sections 2 and 11, do not apply in respect of gasoline for use in competition vehicles.

Coming into Force

2. These Regulations come into force on the day on which they are registered.

http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceparegistry/temp_docs/documents/regs/leaded_gasoline/2010-06_amendment.cfm

June 2, 2010 (Niagara At Large)
By John Bacher

New Study Shows Importance of Wetlands Threatened By
Controversial Fort Erie Motorway Plan

Currently there is a lull before the storm of the planned Ontario Municipal Board hearing on the Fort Erie Canadian Motorway Speedway.

This scheme, facilitated by the amendments to the Fort Erie and Niagara Region Official Plans which are under appeal, would designate some 817 acres of land that are now protected as “Good General Agricultural Land”, into a “Special Policy” area.

The delay in the OMB hearing is because the Town of Fort Erie and the Niagara Region are seeking to develop new zoning categories to replace the agricultural designation which now prohibits motorways. At the same time, proponents of the motorway are likely engaged in arm-twisting with the province over the fate of a predominately Pin Oak Swamp Forest. This is an area the developer seeks to cross with a bridge that would allow motorcars to race over the forest below.
.........Read More

May 27, 2010 (Niagara This Week)
by Paul Forsyth

Lead fuel ban threat to speedway

Major 2010 racing events at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold could be in jeopardy if the federal government doesn’t quickly approve an exemption for the use of leaded fuel in Canada’s racing industry.

An existing exemption for the racing industry expired at the end of 2009, and while the government is proposing the exemption be extended for an indefinite period, it hasn’t been passed yet.

Peter Bicknell, co-owner of the local speedway, said it’s expected the government will consider approving the exemption in early June. But if there are delays, that could spell trouble for Canadian speedways.

While many Canadian racers already use unleaded fuel, Bicknell said American racers — where leaded gas is allowed in racing cars — don’t.
......Read More

May 7, 2010 (letter in Niagara Falls Review)

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

financial problems keeping race in Edmonton

Edmonton homeowners' taxes going up 6.5%
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/04/27/13739671.html

Off-track fun cut at Indy
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/02/17/12922091.html

Edmonton Indy lost $3.9M, to be covered by city
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/11/24/11912936.html

Permanent track for Indy eyed
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/12/18/12198546-sun.html

Posted By RAY SPITERI / Review Staff Writer – April 22, 2010

MARTIN HEADING TO VIRGINIA TO RESEARCH TRACK

Mayor Doug Martin is heading to Virginia next weekend to see what impacts the Richmond International Raceway has had on the community.
While thousands of motor heads will be cheering on their favourite driver during the May 1 Crown Royal Heath Calhoun 400, part of NASCAR's Sprint Series, Martin and a handful of town and regional officials will be meeting with municipal staff and the mayor of Richmond on how best to mitigate resident concerns about noise, pollution and traffic congestion.
"The track over there is in the middle of a residential neighbourhood and we want to see what it's like on race day – how you get people in and out, the sound in and outside of the stadium, and the general atmosphere," said Martin, adding the group will likely see very little of the race.
Martin said the trip is not designed to promote the controversial Canadian Motor Speedway proposal in Fort Erie, planned on about 820 acres of land just west of the QEW between Bowen and Gilmore roads.
Earlier this week, Fort Erie council voted to send Martin on the Apr. 30 to May 2 trip at an approximate cost of $700.
.........Read More

PRESS RELEASE - March 31, 2010

NEW CITIZENS GROUP TAKES SPEEDWAY ISSUE TO ONTARIO APPEALS COURT

Fort Erie, ON - Fort Erie residents now have non-partisan representation committed to protecting and preserving our natural heritage. A group called the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie (CCGFE) is an incorporated entity that stands ready to represent the best interests of area citizenry. The primarily purpose of the Coalition will be to liaise with government, corporate and non-profit agencies in order to effect positive change and have a collective voice with regard to decisions that impact the community at large.

The first matter to be scrutinized by the group is the proposed motor speedway development; tentatively planned for an 800 acre site at the juncture of the QEW Highway and Bowen Road Exit. Initially, the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie plans to work closely with CARS (Citizens Against the Racing Speedway); who have been compiling information and participating in public meetings regarding the speedway project since their formation last September.

“We're fortunate that CARS has already extensively investigated the components of this project” stated Coalition President, William Nelson, “and through their website and petition campaign, they've done an excellent job of informing the general public on the speedway issues. The Coalition now plans to take this background and experience to the next level.”

Nelson went on to explain that following the Regional Government decision to mimic the Town of Fort Erie and vote to amend the Regional Official Plan at a February 11th meeting, the Coalition has filed a motion to appeal the matter through the Ontario Municipal Board hearing process.

“We intend to champion the rights of area citizens at every level where this initiative is concerned.” said Nelson. “And residents are urged to get involved through participation and financial support.”

The CCGFE has launched a membership and fundraising campaign in order to hire legal representation as well as the environmental impact experts needed to ensure a successful appeal. An individual annual membership is $10, and donations at any amount are gratefully accepted.

Interested parties can get further information by referring to the Coalition website at www.ccgfe.org; or the CARS website at www.forteriecars.org.

Niagara News - Thorold Edition, Feb 19, 2010
By Tom Wilkinson

POLITICIANS NEED TO FIGHT FOR NIAGARA'S QUALITY OF LIFE

I had a bit of a discussion with a municipal politician last week. In my heart, I know that he means well and I apologized for some of the things I said. I am not going to name him because I think he's doing what he thinks is right.
.................Read More

Letter in Niagara Falls Review
March 10, 2010.

COMING SOON TO YOUR COMMUNITY...NOISE AND POLLUTION

An application to establish a Motorsports Park at the intersection of Sodom Road and the QEW has been submitted to the Region. If this is not what you envisioned when you moved to your quiet rural abode or the quaint community of Chippawa, then start making your own noise now and make it loud and clear, since some politicians are hard of hearing.
....................Read More

Letter in Fort Erie Post, Niagara This Week
Feb 18, 2010.

TRACK THREATENS ENVIRONMENT

Until the controversy about the proposed Fort Erie Canadian Motorway Speedway recently eruputed, Niagara’s rural landscapes were well protected against the blight of urban sprawl by the combined impact of the Greenbelt and more recent Growth Management Plan. The speedway however represents a new threat to the quality of our environment, especially to the mix of farm land and Carolinian forests that provides the greatest bio-diversity of any area in Canada. This is our nation’s equivalent of tropical rainforests.
.....................Read More

by Dean McNulty, Sun Media

IN 2008, MAYOR MARTIN CALLS IT "A DONE DEAL"
$200-million dollar baby

With help from Kuwaiti investors, it looks like Fort Erie will get a NASCAR-ready oval. Just a year after one multi-million dollar plan to build a NASCAR-ready oval in southern Ontario went bust, a new group -- headed by Kuwaiti oil interests -- has announced it will go ahead with a one-mile banked oval near Fort Erie, Ont.
......................Read More

Posted by Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
February 21, 2010

NASCAR TO LOOSEN CONTACT RULES

NASCAR is relaxing some of its rules this season, and encouraging drivers to show more aggression and emotion, in part to answer a growing fan sentiment that the sport has gone stale. The restrictions on bump-drafting will be lifted and horsepower will be increased by the use of the largest restrictor plate since 1989. The noise will greatly increase and more accidents will happen............Read More

The Columbia Paper
Editorial by Parry Teasdale

BAD DECISIONS COST TOWN MONEY

The town officials who abandoned common sense and good judgment enabled Mr. Wilzig to indulge himself once again in this latest courtroom go-around on the track. That was a huge disservice to their fellow taxpayers. Their actions forced the town to squander money on defending a pretext that was absurd from the outset....................................Read More

The Columbia Paper
Debora Gilbert

A ROAD BY ANY OTHER NAME
State judge slams brakes on Wilzig motorcycle track in Taghkanic

"I am very, very happy. If the track had been built I would have lost everything," said Mary Bartlett, a long time resident and close neighbor of Mr. Wilzig. A similar sentiment was expressed by Diane Rodriguez, who owns property adjacent to Mr. Wilzig's. She called the ruling “a huge relief.”

“We consider it over,” Ms. Rodriguez said of the three-year long legal battle.

....“The system works and is a viable option when things don't function at the local level as it should,” said Warren Replansky, attorney for the plaintiffs. "The judicial system has worked well, but the local government has really failed its citizens,” said Sam Pratt who helped found the Granger Group. He called the on-going court battle “a grueling and costly process involving needless duplication...........................Read More

GROUP IS "CAUTIOUSLY CELEBRATING" DECISION

"The Granger Group describes themselves in a press release as an “informal organization of civic-minded residents…formed to seek the fair and even-handed enforcement of Taghkanic’s zoning code in the face of the town’s failure to do so.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Taghkanic, New York
January 11, 2010

CITIZEN GROUP WINS DECISIVE VICTORY

Neighboring property owners working with The Granger Group, a citizens’ organization in the town of Taghkanic, won a decisive legal victory with Supreme Court Justice Patrick J. McGrath’s January 6 Decision and Order that permanently bars Alan Wilzig from paving or using his mile-long, forty-foot-wide professional grade racetrack.

..........Read More (PDF)

Dr. John Bacher,
Researcher, Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society

PROPOSED MOTORWAY PLANS TO RIP UP GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN
AND RARE CAROLINIAN HABITATS

The Town of Fort Erie has some of Ontario’s greatest concentration of threatened Carolinian
forests. However, this concentration of rare forests is being proposed as a new location for a
massive 60,000 capacity, “NASCAR-like” racing track (known as the Canadian Motorway
Speedway) by the Niagara Regional Council. The speedway and associated light industrial and
commercial development is proposed to take over an 800 acre site which is predominately
designated as “Good General Agricultural” in the Niagara Regional and Fort Erie Official Plans..........Read More

IS THIS WHAT FORT ERIE CAN EXPECT?

What you should know about Bristol Motor Speedway

Public intoxication and inflated prices again ruined things for some visitors and residents in Bristol. Newspaper headlines carried numerous complaints on gas prices being raised due to the races, trash, drunken race fans police refuse to touch, etc. One visitor below puts this in perspective:

Greetings from Trenton, Michigan!

My family and I just returned from Bristol's Family Race Night and the Sharpie race, which was held on Thursday and Friday nights. We had never been to Tennessee, much less to the Bristol Motor Speedway. I must say that we were all disgusted and we will NEVER return to Bristol or any other part of northeastern Tennessee.

That was the most disrespectful group of citizens we have ever encountered. I would estimate that approximately eight out of every ten persons had the possession of an alcoholic beverage in their hands. We are not exactly race fans but as a family we visioned that it would be a good experience to escape to the mountains before our children began school. That was a BIG mistake. Our children are ages 7 and 11. They asked my wife and I repeatedly what certain words meant.

We witnessed your typical Bristolian (with a mullet, and rotten teeth) observe young female girls as they would pass near them, then whistle and make obscene remarks towards them. It was a horrible place to be. We also witnessed things that people did in front of police that would normally call for an arrest, but these police LAUGHED and IGNORED the actions. Why are people so backwards there? Your website is excellent and I wish that I would have found it before we purchased our race tickets. We will NEVER come back. Best wishes for your website, it is great!

Source: http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/fundienazis/motel_rates.htm

BILLION TREES NEEDED TO RESTORE ONTARIO

The short-eared owl and the Jefferson salamander are just two of the many species at risk in Ontario because the province lacks more than 1 billion trees, according to Trees Ontario...........Read More

Article in Toronto Sun
December 30. 2009

AIR POLLUTANTS FROM VEHICLE EXHAUST LINKED TO SEVERE PNEUMONIA IN SENIORS

Prolonged exposure to high levels of chemicals from motor vehicle exhaust fumes and industrial air pollutants can lead to hospitalization for pneumonia among seniors, a study has found.............Read More

Article in The Canadian Press
By Sheryl Ubelacker, Health Reporter

Letter in Fort Erie Post, Niagara This Week
December 23, 2009

SPEEDWAY APPROVAL WAS NO REAL SURPRISE

Setting aside the issues presented to council at the regular weekly meeting on Monday, Dec. 7 by delegates for or against the speedway, as I see it, councilors in making their decision, were simply following in the footsteps of their predecessors, who were also predisposed to hosting venues for people with disposable income, supporting their individual entertainment preferences. First came the Race Track, next came the bingo halls, strip clubs, slots, and now a motor speedway........................Read More

Why is Fort Erie not chasing this type on industry?
As shown in the article below from the Sarnia Observer, construction of two 20-megawatt solar farms creates 600 jobs. An 800-acre site in Southern Ontario can support 80 megawatts generating capacity, or four 20-megawatt farms. Thus, in theory, turning the CMS site into a solar farm would create 1200 jobs.
A. F.

Article in The Sarnia Observer (Article ID# 2221885)
Byline: Shawn Jeffords

TWO MORE SOLAR FARMS PROPOSED (ENERGY)

Sarnia-Lambton could soon be home to two more solar energy farms. First Solar, which is already building an 80-megawatt project in southeast Sarnia, confirmed Monday it's planning two more solar farms in St. Clair Township.

With provincial approval, work on each of the 20-megawatt projects could begin in spring of 2011, said First Solar spokesperson Peter Carrie..........................................Read More

Exerpt from a Press Release dated October 14, 2008 (!!!!!!)

BAYT AL MAL LEADS Cdn $200 MILLION GCC INVESTMENT IN ONTARIO
Kuwaiti Islamic investment bank spearheads finance for motor-sports complex

“We have been working closely with Bayt Al Mal for the past 18 months”, stated Mayor of Fort Erie, Douglas Martin whose city will host the complex. “This agreement has generated great excitement and anticipation amongst my regional colleagues and my fellow Mayors of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, and
Port Colborne.”

Fort Erie Mayor, Doug Martin and Shams Faiz, Chief Operating Officer at Bayt Al Mal Investments discuss a major motor-sport, entertainment and commercial complex Bayt Al Mal intends to bring to the Niagara region of Ontario.

Article by Dr. John Bacher, Researcher, Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society
December 10, 2009

PROPOSED MOTORWAY PLANS TO RIP UP GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN AND
RARE CAROLINIAN HABITATS

The Town of Fort Erie has some Ontario’s greatest concentration of threatened Carolinian forests. However, this very concentration of rare forests, is seen by the Niagara Regional Council as making it as an excellent location for a proposed massive 60,000 capacity, “NASCAR-like” racing track, know as the Canadian Motorway Speedway.....................................................Read More

Letter in Fort Erie Post, Niagara This Week
December 10, 2009 (Article ID# 230130)

SPEEDWAY WILL MEAN MORE DAMAGE THAN JOBS

It is clear that most Fort Erie residents do not realize the implications of the speedway development proposed for their town. They appear to be aware of the vague promises of jobs, but quite unaware of the damage that may be done....................................................Read More

Article in The Hamilton Spectator
December 11, 2009 (Article ID# 688785)
By Wade Hemsworth

NASCAR-STYLE SPEEDWAY ON FAST TRACK
Backers set 2011 date for Fort Erie complex

McMaster has an interest in high-performance auto research, but spokesperson Andrea Farquhar said it's still too early for the university to make a formal commitment.

"It's very preliminary," she said of the university's interest. "There's nothing that's been confirmed or determined or decided."

Though it has no official connection to NASCAR, Mohammad said the speedway and its facilities would all be built to NASCAR standards in the hope the racing giant would sanction races at Fort Erie........Read More

Column in Niagara Falls Review
December 8, 2009 (Article ID# 2211770)
By Corey Larocque, Review Staff Writer

FORT ERIE SPEEDWAY MEETING GOES ROUND IN CIRCLES
Seven-hour marathon session was avoidable if council, staff had led public

A gentle snow fell outside Fort Erie's Leisureplex Monday, but it was all blustery inside the community hall where town councillors held Monday's meeting about the Canadian Motor Speedway.

There were so many people who wanted to weigh in on the wildly controversial issue they relocated its meeting from town hall to a room big enough to accommodate the crowd.....................................Read More

Article in Niagara Falls Review
December 8, 2009 (Article ID# 2210428)
By Ray Spiteri, Review Staff Writer

NO SHORTAGE OF OPINIONS AT TOWN SPEEDWAY DEBATE

Close to 60 people planned to take to the podium to voice their support or opposition to the Canadian Motor Speedway proposal in Fort Erie Monday night..............................................................Read More

Article in The Times
December 3, 2009 (Article ID# 2201205)
By Kris Dubé

SPEEDWAY SUPPORTERS RALLYING BEFORE COUNCIL MEETING

Supporters of the Canadian Motor Speedway are hoping the Town of Fort Erie will give the project its full endorsement at Monday's council-in-committee meeting.

If approved by the local government, the project will still need to be given the green light by the regional government at its next meeting on Dec. 9th.............................................................Read More

Article in Fort Erie Post
November 27, 2009

MANY RESIDENTS ARE OPPOSED TO SPEEDWAY: CARS

There is plenty of opposition in town to a proposed motor speedway, according to a group campaigning to stop to the project.
“Our phone is ringing off the hook and emails have been pouring in since our grassroots committee known as CARS (Citizens Against Racing Speedway) was formed just over two months ago,” said Sandy Vant, the group’s chair. “Most people we have spoken with are frustrated by the lack of transparency on the part of the Town and their insistence to “Fast Track” approval of a community altering project. Hundreds of residents do not want a motor speedway in our town.” .............................................................Read More

Article in Fort Erie Post
November 27, 2009
Richard Hutton, Staff Writer

SPEEDWAY EDGES TOWARD STARTING LINE
Council will vote on change to Official Plan at Dec. 7 meeting

Drivers, start your engines.
Those four words are set to become commonly heard in town as the proposed Canadian Motor Speedway moved another step closer to becoming a reality Monday.
Richard Brady of Urban & Environmental Management Inc, speaking on behalf of project proponents MaseRace, led by CEO Jay Mason and his son, Jesse, and Azhar Mohammed of Bayt Al Mal Investments, the major investor in the track.............................................................................Read More

Article in Fort Erie Post
November 27, 2009
Paul Forsyth, Staff Writer

FALLS GROUP SEEKS TO BUILD TRACK OF ITS OWN

Plans are underway for a major motor speedway to be built in south Niagara Falls next to the QEW.

Lee Abrahamson, co-founder of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, is proposing a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometre) racetrack, drag-racing strip, karting track and associated uses such a conference centre, museum, food and service facilities on a 230-acre piece of property in the northeast corner of the QEW-Sodom Road interchange, regional documents show..................................................................Read More

Article in Niagara Falls Review
November 23, 2009
Alison Langley, Review Staff Writer

TRACK BID FACES ROADBLOCKS

A group of Niagara residents have raised the caution flag over the proposed Fort Erie motor speedway project.
A grassroots organization, known as CARS -- Citizens Against Racing Speedway -- warns the proposal will not be an economic windfall for the town. Rather, it will be its "worst nightmare." .........Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: www.forteriecars.org
November 21, 2009

RESIDENTS URGE TOWN TO PUT THE BRAKES ON
Hundreds Oppose Speedway Project in Fort Erie

Fort Erie, ON – Contrary to recent media reports and the comments of some area politicians, hundreds of residents are strongly opposed to the prospect of a NASCAR-style speedway in Fort Erie, and they’re demanding that their voices be heard.

‘Our phone is ringing off the hook and emails have been pouring in since our grassroots committee known as CARS* (Citizens against Racing Speedway) was formed just over two months ago,” said CARS Chair, Sandy Vant. “Most people we have spoken with are frustrated by the lack of transparency on the part of the Town and their insistence to “Fast Track” approval of a community altering project. Hundreds of residents do not want a motor speedway in our town.”

An investment consortium led by the Kuwaiti Islamic Investment Bank and Bayt Al Mal Investments is awaiting approval from the Town of Fort Erie and the Region of Niagara to construct a racing speedway on an 800 acre site in Fort Erie currently described as “Good General Agricultural Area, Environmental Protection, Environmental Conservation and Fish Habitat (Miller’s Creek Critical Type 1 Fish Habitat) as shown on the Region’s Core Natural Heritage Mapping”; as well as a Provincially Significant Wetland and Woodlands over 2 hectares. The speedway developers are seeking an amendment to the Town bylaws and the Official Plan and also an amendment to the Regional Policy Plan.

In the meantime, CARS is researching all sides of the issue and sharing this information on their website. They have also launched a comprehensive petition signing and letter campaign, and personally delivering these to both the Town of Fort Erie and Regional Niagara. “At this point, several hundred people have contacted us and signed the petition,” says Vant, “and we want our Town and Regional Councils to be aware that so many taxpayers want this application rejected.”

Local Stevensville residents, David and Catherine Currey, are typical of many who have contacted CARS, stating that “We are particularly concerned about the excessive and continuous noise we will be subject to, and are extremely anxious that our principal financial investment – our home and property – will be seriously devalued.” They join the ranks of many who are firmly opposed to the speedway as they “urge the Town of Fort Erie to help preserve the value of our property and that of our neighbours, as well as the peaceful lifestyle we opted for when we chose to live in this area.”

Likewise, many conservationists stand in opposition. In his extensive brief to Fort Erie’s Town Council, Dr. John Bacher, PhD of the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society states, “We find it especially offensive that the rezoning that is required would remove agricultural zoning controls from a site that is intended to be protected from such (urban) sprawl by the Province’s basic charter for land use planning in South Central Ontario. Dr. Bacher goes on to make the point that, “Rather than spending a lot of effort to develop restoration projects, the emphasis should be on vigilantly protecting the habitat that is already there.”

The public is urged to participate in this effort by submitting comments, attending meetings, etc. For more information, visit the website at www.forteriecars.org or call 905-994-7422 to learn the date and time of the next CARS meeting.

*It is the mission of CARS and partner agencies to campaign against the proposal to build the Canadian Motor Speedway on an 821 acre site located in the municipality of Fort Erie in the province of Ontario; in order to protect area residents from the adverse environmental and social ramifications of a development that is in direct violation of municipal land use planning objectives.

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