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9 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Oakville doesn't want plant in backyard By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF They already have 800-900 signatures calling for the proposed Oakville Generating Station to be built somewhere else, but they still want a lot more. The newly-formed Chartwell-Maple Grove Residents Association (CMGRA) is holding a drive-through petition blitz on Saturday in an effort to gain more signatures and support needed to keep a 900-megawatt, gas-fired power plant out of their backyard. "The petition is asking that no contract be awarded by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for the operation of any gas-fired plant that would impact the Oakville and Clarkson Airshed Study area," said Doug MacKenzie, leader of the residents' association. "The problem is people are not aware of this issue in Oakville and that's why I got involved "The problem is people are not aware of this issue in Oakville and that's why and we formed this new CMGRA." The group's concern stems from the fact that I got involved and we formed this new four companies are currently bidding on a con- CMGRA." tract to build and operate the power plant from the OPA. Doug MacKenzie, If successful in its bid, the company, Chartwell-Maple Grove Residents Association TransCanada, will establish the Oakville (CMGRA) Generating Station on a site located at 1500 Royal Windsor Dr. If any of the other three companies are successful in their bids, the plant would be built just across the border in Mississauga and, therefore, would still have an impact on the Clarkson MacKenzie fears the introduction of a new power plant would only add to the problem. Airshed Study area, MacKenzie noted. MacKenzie also expressed doubt about the With the Airshed Study already deeming the air in southeast Oakville overtaxed by pollutants, OPA's reasons for bringing the power plant to this area. "The electricity demand from 1996 has fallen off quite a bit, even before the recession," said MacKenzie. "They simply took linear regression and said (demand) is going to grow two per cent a year forever and what's happened since? Petro Canada has closed in Oakville, that was a large electric demand, and the Petro Canada plant in Mississauga has also closed, so the demand has restructured down. They're not even taking that into account as far as I can tell." The petition blitz will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. along Cornwall Road, near Chisholm Public School. The petitions will then be delivered to the Ontario Legislature. For more information about the CMGRA, visit www.cmgra.org. New power plant not welcome in Clarkson Continued from page 1 ions from environmental and health consultants commissioned by the Ministry of Environment at the public meeting at Lorne Park Secondary School. After studying the four-part Clarkson Airshed Study, initiated in 2006 by the Ministry of Environment, experts' findings in the Clarkson Airshed Expert Consultation revealed the air quality in Clarkson is typical of urban areas in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada and the U.S. The report also recommended devising a research plan to look into the community's air quality issues. However, the majority of community members felt the new report underplayed the issue that the airshed is taxed by toxic emissions from heavy industry in the Southdown Industrial District and Hwy. 403 and the QEW. Speaking during open discussion, Mississauga Councillor Pat Mullin said the community is insulted and feels there is no integrity with the Minister of Environment. She asked Mississauga-South MPP Charles Sousa to stand up in Queen's Park and ask the ministry "how they can water down their own airshed study in order to facilitate a gas plant." "I would also like you to stand up in the legislature and comment loud and clear that this community wants an action plan," said Mullin, who is also a member of the Clarkson Airshed Study Advisory Committee, which looks at local air quality issues. "I've lived in Clarkson for over 20 years, I have three children who go to school here in Clarkson and I breathe the same air that you do, so I share the same concerns as you do," said Sousa. "I'm doing everything I can in the House to fight the issue and voice your concerns." Throughout the night it was clear residents were frustrated. Holding signs that read "protect your health" and "stop the power plant," many said they wanted more action and a definitive answer that no power plant will be built in their community. Vision ­ To be the most livable town in Canada Make Your Move challenges you to complete 60 activities this summer. Record your 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity and get rewarded for staying active this summer. Complete 20 activities and you will receive one free swim/skate pass (up to a maximum of three per person). Complete all 60 activities and your name will automatically be entered into a random draw for great PRIZES!! The challenge is FREE and open to all Oakville children 4-13 years of age. Sign up now www.oakville.ca/makeyourmove.htm, or visit one of our community centres to pick up your Activity Log. Get Active for FREE! Saturday, June 13 Try a new sport or activity for free in celebration of Make Your Move Oakville and June is Recreation and Parks Month! Iroquois Ridge Community Centre is guaranteeing fun for all ages and capabilities. Try skateboarding, games of grace, field hockey and a variety of fitness and dance programs among many other free activities! Bring your bike and helmet and join the bike rodeo! Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Drive For a complete list of "Be a Try-Athlete" activities as well as the calendar of events for June, visit www.oakville.ca/makeyourmove.htm. Bronte Park passes, sports equipment, t-shirts, free registration to a variety of sports programs such as Oakville Gymnastics and Town of Oakville Recreation Programs. Go to www.oakville.ca/makeyourmove.htm for ideas to help you and your family stay active and have fun this summer!