Proposed Pristine Plant & All Candidates Meetings

I can’t say that I’m surprised that the bulk of the emails that I (and I assume most of the other candidates as well) have been receiving recently have been on the proposed Pristine Plant and how we as candidates feel about it.

Here’s just one of those emails from Andrea…
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Hi,

Andrea

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This is just one of the dozens of emails I get daily on this issue. Here is my response with some additional comments.

The Pristine Power Plant is something that has got many people in Milton worried because there is a lot of information floating around and has caused a lot of concern. To my knowledge the body that will make the decision on which of the 3 proposals out there belongs to the Ontario Power Authority. Thats the agency of the Ontario provincial government. The decision is expected on November 15th, just 2 days after the municipal election.

Its my understanding that if/when this particular site is approved, it will go through a rigorous public information process where input will be given by the Town of Milton, Region of Halton and of course the residents in the affected area. The Town of Milton is a consultant in this matter but the final decision goes to the Ontario Power Authority and the province of Ontario.

At the final council meeting last Monday, Town Council put forward a motion to oppose the Pristine Power proposal, unanimously. I for oneapplaude them for coming out with such a clear statement. All the facts are not in at the moment and the Town of Milton has a report from Pristine Power for review (its a HUGE document) and was given only 30 days to review. I have been trying to read through the document myself and its quite the chore believe me.

To answer your question on what my position on the matter, its quite simple. I want to make sure that if has to go in, that the public gets a chance to voice its concerns and gets all the information needed on potential health issues that might arise, how it will affect the local economy and the quality of life for the residents (mostly Ward one residents) surrounding this new venture.

I agree with many others that we DO NOT want it THIS close to homes when there is a fully zoned area just north of Milton that would be the Towns ideal location, instead of near homes and farm land. During my campaign over the past few months I have talked about Green Growth and the protection of our natural resources. If there is any proposal out there that goes against this, I will oppose. Plain and simple. If while I’m out knocking on doors and the majority of residents in the area disagree with the proposal, as your elected representative, I will oppose.

There were some public meetings back in September regarding this proposal and they got some public input. As your town councillor I will make sure that your voice is heard at the table when it goes through the approval process. As I have promised since day one of my campaign, I will continue to knock on doors, use my website and my blog as a form of communication. This is all assuming that Pristine Powers proposal is the one chosen.

I, like you, am very concerned about the new power plant and I am looking for as much information as possible. The final decision is not councils to make unfortunately, but we can be a loud voice at the table. If elected I will do my best to ensure the residents of ward one have a voice and that their concerns are heard and acted upon.

Lets hope for the best on this one. If you have any other concerns, please feel free to let me know. I hope to count on your support on Election Day.

Best regards,
Mike Cluett
Candidate, Ward One Town Council
(905) 878-1327 Home
mike@mikecluett.ca
www.mikecluett.ca

There is an information session being held on Monday October 30th at 7:30PM at the Milton Sports Centre. Please take some time to attend and get more information.

Speaking of information, there is an all candidates meeting to be held November 1st at 7PM also at the Milton Sports Centre, run and sponsored by the Milton Rural Residents Association. Click on the MRRA website for details.

Finally there is another all candidates meeting at the Agricultural Museum held by the Halton Compass on November 2nd. Please email me for more information on that as well.

I look forward to meeting you at these events to answer any questions you have of me and to get your input on other issues that affect us in Milton.

On a personal note, it’s Pat’s birthday today and I’d like to wish her a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY and another Thank You for her help in the last few months, keeping me on track, being my biggest supporter and for her paitence throughout the campaign.

I’ll see you at the doors.