The very fact that we have…

The very fact that we have to relentlessly fight for clean air, free of cancer causing contaminants is absolutely absurd. What gives you the right to even consider this proposal that puts residents in The Rockcliffe-Smythe and Mount-Dennis neighbourhoods at even HIGHER risks of asthma and cancer??? For years our neighbourhood has been asking for answers regarding the relationship between the industrial users on Glen Scarlett and the incidence of asthma. We have higher than average cancer rates in York South Weston as it is. Before the ministry of the environment even contemplates any increases to allowable emissions in the Glen Scarlett area, we need to first understand the impact of current emissions. The applicants need to be thoroughly investigated for current emission levels and the public needs transparent access and freedom of knowledge of what we are breathing in the air of York South Weston. This lack of transparency and failure to follow due process works against us and systematically discriminate poorer communities like ours with visible minorities, residents of colour and lower socioeconomic status. St. Helen's Meat Packers have already demonstrated with past actions that they are not prepared to be good neighbours, and this further demonstrates their lack of regard for our community. We do not want any increase in chlorine dioxide, lactic acid, nitrogen oxides, noise, or odour in our atmosphere before we get a scientific report that explains the local effects of these emissions and nuisances on the populations of the various census neighbourhoods in York South Weston and Parkdale High Park. This is a serious matter, the Ministry needs to understand that this neighbourhood is already suffering negative health effects that are more than likely due to the industrial presence on Glen Scarlett. NO MORE CONTAMINANTS IN THE AIR before our questions are answered to our satisfaction. The low income and moderate income households of York South Weston, as represented by the local ACORN chapter will not stand idle in the face of these increased emissions; if permission is granted or if the community's questions about the health effect of these contaminants remain unanswered we will resort to direct action to improve our air quality and get satisfactory answers. For decades our nerighbhourhood has been marginalized and is currently identified as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area with a Neighbourhood Equity Index score of only 33. What’s even more disappointing is the indifference that Hon. Rod Phillips and the Ministry of Environment and Conservation and Parks have towards our community. When our MPP contacted the Honourable Minister about other concerns regarding St. Helen's Meat Packers on behalf of the community, he suggested that we call 311. Hon. Rod Phillips - our community is ENTIRELY against the proposal to increase pollutants into our community. Please do the right thing.

[Original Comment ID: 214573]