To Whom It May Concern, I…

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you today in hopes of conveying my concern with the proposal by Vince Moceri Holdings to operate a 24/7 garbage facility on Road 3 East in Kingsville. I have had the great opportunity to live across the street from the subject lot for over 30 years and have enjoyed not only the joys of country living but the various wildlife that inhabits the area. I understand that the lot in question was previously zoned for light industrial, however I believe it is important to point out that this was done over 30 years ago and the lot has changed drastically since that time.

Farming has always been an important industry in the area, and along with my family’s peach/sweet potatoes farm, an additional peach farm operates adjacent to the subject lot. In discussions with Vince Moceri Holdings, they will not guarantee that greenhouse materials or other hazardous waste will not be dumped at the facility. Vince Moceri Holdings was also dishonest in the hours of operations, as it was previously presented to Town Council that the site would only operate Monday thru Saturday during normal business hours, however this has changed to 24/7. I am very concerned about the disease and odor that would be present in the soil and air if the garbage facility is allowed to be built. The seepage into the now fertile soil will cause irrevocable damage to any crops that are planted, but also harm to our farm’s reputation of selling fresh locally sourced fruits and vegetables. I myself would not want to purchase produce from a farm that is directly located from a garbage facility.

As previously mentioned since the initially zoning was completed over 30 years ago, the area around the subject lot as turned into a peaceful nature preserve with a variety of wildlife that call the area home. On numerous occasions I have seen Eagles, Owls, Turtles and many other animals wandering about the lot. I implore the Ministry to complete a full assessment on the variety of species who call this area home to ensure they are not displaced unnecessarily. I would also like to point out that many years ago behind the lot in question, a garbage dump was in operation, however this was closed due to the impact to the environment and the residents. The area has recently been transformed into a nature trail linking to the Trans Canada Trail. I find it dumbfounding that the Government would approve a nature trail on a once garbage dump, just to have a new one placed on its doorstep.

I realize that I am one voice, up against a large company, but this is my home, and the development of this garbage facility will not only impact my family’s well-being, but also our health and the health of the environment. I thank you for taking the time to read this letter and to consider my concerns.