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Town wins OMB hearing to protect Oak Ridges Moraine
Town wins OMB hearing to protect Oak Ridges Moraine
NEWMARKET, Ontario, January 8, 2009 – Recently, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) announced its decision to rule in favour of the Town of Newmarket in a hearing between the Town and Mademont Investment Ltd. (Mademont) regarding the development of a portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine located in Newmarket.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of having an open process to ensure that resident’s voices are heard and acted upon,” says Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen. “This is truly an example of the Town and the community coming together to protect our environment.”
Mademont’s request to build on the Oak Ridges Moraine was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in September 2007. The land is designated as “Environmental Protection –Oak Ridges Moraine” in an amendment to the Town’s 1996 Official Plan. This amendment provides a higher level of protection for lands located on the Oak Ridges Moraine as mandated under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan introduced by the Province of Ontario in 2001.
Mademont’s appeal to the OMB was for approval to build 448 homes on the east side of Bathurst Street, south of Mulock Drive on 25.6-hectares of land. The first phase of the two phased hearing took place from August to September 2008 and the decision was announced at the end of December. This decision means that the second phase of the hearing will not proceed.
“This is a victory for the Town of Newmarket and the environment,” says Esther Armchuk-Ball, Newmarket’s Municipal Solicitor. “We hope that this case will set an example and help lead the way for other municipalities that are also dedicated to preserving green space.”
Newmarket residents and property owners have been vocal in supporting the Town’s decision to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine. This is consistent with the community’s continued commitment to a number of environmental causes.
“I would like to thank Newmarket residents for once again demonstrating their strong beliefs and unwavering dedication to protecting our green spaces,” says Dennis Ramsarran, Ward six Councillor. “This decision ensures that the Oak Ridges Moraine will continue to be an integral part of Newmarket’s landscape for years to come.”
See below for the full decision from the OMB.
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OMB decision
Media Contact:
Amber Harrison, Senior Communications Specialist
Town of Newmarket
Tel: 905-953-5300 ext. 2046 | E-mail:
aharrison@newmarket.ca
