By Edi Cadham
As you may recall from our recent update, in February 2024 a Case Management Conference (CMC) was held to decide on a hearing date in our appeal against the proposed 75 house development in Belfountain. To reduce the number of houses in the Manors of Belfountain Development, the BCO has retained a lawyer and experts who will represent us in a hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The OLT makes decisions regarding development proposals, and we must follow their process to protect our water.
Following the recent Case Management Conference (CMC), the Town of Caledon has reached a settlement with the Manors of Belfountain (MOB) developer. This is deeply disappointing news. Community members put our trust in the Town of Caledon politicians, who we elected and felt would support us, and they have let us down.
The Town of Caledon agreed to support our appeal against the MOB development, and yet, as the CMC in February approached, the Town withdrew their appeal, failed to submit an issues list (a document required in the OLT process outlining any issues that will be addressed at the hearing), and has now, as of March 18, 2024, decided to reach a settlement.
The Town of Caledon reached this settlement through secret discussions with the developer. These negotiations failed to include our lawyer and BCO board members. The Town also failed to thoroughly review our professional hydrogeologist’s recommendations about the MOB lands. Faith has been lost in our elected officials.
The Town of Caledon sent a draft approval of the development which included 92 conditions in phase one and 82 conditions in phase two of the development. None of these conditions addressed Belfountain community members’ concerns regarding our domestic water supply. Phase one would consist of 48 houses, while phase two would total 75 houses. Presently, there is insufficient proof that the 75 lots with private septic tanks and wells can support our drinking water and avoid groundwater pollution for the hamlet of Belfountain in the long-term. The Town of Caledon has failed to act on behalf of residents of Belfountain who wish to protect our drinking water.
With this extremely disappointing news, it is imperative that residents of Belfountain do not lose hope. The fight is far from over. While we may not have the Town on our side, we are hopeful that with our team of experts, our lawyer, and the tenacious community spirit seen in Belfountain, we can reduce the number of houses to a reasonable number to avoid adverse effects on our drinking water supply. We may be a small community, but we are mighty. Small is beautiful. Let’s keep working together to protect our drinking water.
Sincerely yours,
The BCO Board of Directors