City Council Meeting, June 17,2014
Jason here. Last Night’s Council meeting featured a moving endorsement of turtles and one by Councillor Downes on Councillor Glover. It did not feature a spirited discussion of the new Homestead subdivision adjacent to the Cataraqui Cemetery. I expected the latter. Councillors Schell, Hector and George declared potential conflict of interest on the subject. One wonders if this was intentional on the part of the developer. The suggestion is because when funds were being raised for the C.R.C.A. Outdoor Learning Centre Homestead said they would contribute financially IF the plan for a golf course on this property was approved. Time passes. Clearly a new subdivision is a much more appropriate use than a golf course- even if it does have three very high residential buildings. Because of the open space and the historic nature of the cemetery, this is one of the most desirable locations in the city.
Turtles: It seems that after the discussion at Council where a fence to stop turtles from crossing a busy highway to lay eggs was turned down because of the cost BUT Council approved a motion requiring it to match ‘dollar for dollar’ any funds collected for this purpose. This motivated turtle lovers. Still, the $22,000 contributed is less than the $30,500 required but the hope is that the fence can be put up before the next breeding season Is this a possible initiative where those who have different concerns than Council can reach into their own pocket books and make a difference at little cost to the city?
Finally, the spirited (he stood up) by Councillor Downes of Councillor Glover. Council was on the edge of refusing to pay the $4000 owing (what would have happened if the amount had been $40,000?) before Downes defence. He said that he would do the same for any other member of Council. Downes said that Glover was a man of integrity and had done nothing maliciously. Glover’s action may have been inappropriate but not malicious. This was Councillor Downes at his best and Glover’s costs will be paid.
Title: Turtles Saved for Another Day.