DON’T AXE THE TAX

I am getting annoyed at the constant barrage of propaganda using the catchy phrase “Axe the Tax.” My quarterly carbon rebate, which arrived in my bank account on 15 January, was $201 for a couple.        I use 400 litres of propane and about 200 litres of gasoline and diesel a year. The tax according to my calculation is $40 for the propane and $28 for the gasoline and diesel. Unless I am mistaken or being fooled, I seem to be $736 to the good. I tend to trust a politician who risks his life climbing the CN tower for a cause he believes in.

To be fair, by 2030 I will probably just break even, but surely it is worth a little effort to address climate change. Admittedly, I do try to limit my use of fossil fuels, but that option is open to all, including those who live in the County and insist on buying new gas-fuelled vehicles and not the electric variety.

Next year, if the axe should do its work, most of us will find our wallets a little lighter.

W.M. Smith, North Marysburgh

DISAPPOINTED

When Chris Fanning and Karen Valihora took over publishing the Picton Gazette and made all the changes to the format, I felt we still had our local newspaper. It was interesting and easy to read.

I was very disappointed, however, to read Karen Valihora’s editorial Green and Clean (January 10),  in which she managed to open up that deep wound caused by the Industrial Wind Turbine controversy. Then Chris Fanning adds fuel to the fire with his editorial on the BESS situation, Blowing in the Wind ( January 16).

I prefer to listen to the farmer who is doing his best to maintain his land to be productive and the naturalists who are trying to protect nature’s biodiversity. Going green is necessary but not at the expense of our farmland and nature that we already have.

Bruce Dowdell, MIlford

BASE31 FUTURES

I have listened to all the worry and angst over the development planned for the former Camp Picton. I understand it. It’s a lot. But if it really all comes to be as promised, well, maybe we should just consider this a tremendous opportunity. Something to get in on. I agree with those who have noted that these developers did not need to choose Prince Edward County. They could easily have gone elsewhere. If you actually sit down and read all that is supposed to be in store — the artistic and commercial core, the small neighbourhoods, the emphasis on green space and outdoor recreation — what is not to like? Maybe it’s time to get over all the angst and anxiety and start thinking about what this new little town could be. You don’t get too many chances to build a town from the ground up.

How about renewable technologies built in from the beginning? Some cool climate-forward building innovation would be a huge draw, carrying  through on the promise of creating a real showpiece, not just in terms of entertainment, but something truly innovative, and that contributes to the future. Why not create this whole now town as something worth visiting just on its own terms.

Sam Strait, Prince Edward CLounty

KUDOS

I want to thank each of you at The Picton Gazette for the easy format you have created for reading the paper online. To be able to catch up on our local news is wonderful while away. So happy you are part of our hometown.

Sheila Hobson, Prince Edward County

INTERVIEWER ON AUTOPILOT

Re: An Interview with Minister of Energy Todd Smith (January 31). Karen Valihora’s interview with MPP Todd Smith was disappointing. It allowed Mr. Smith to repeat scripted talking points without saying anything of substance. The full-page interview sounded like a Ford Government press release. I can only imagine that Mr. Smith wishes other journalists would treat him with similar deference. 

Where were the questions about the process and impact of the Ford Government’s cancellation of 750 renewable power projects in 2018? Exactly how much did those cancellations cost the Ontario taxpayer? How far behind did those cancellations put us? And how was the decision made to refurbish the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, Canada’s oldest, and extend its life for another 30 years? And what did Mr. Smith mean when he said in the interview, “The power grid is a local thing?” 

Mr. Smith’s job as Minister of Energy is one of the most important at Queen’s Park. His decisions have a huge impact on how our province fares in the coming climate crisis. Surely the Gazette should have asked him tough questions rather than letting him cruise on autopilot.

Larry Tayler, Picton