To the Mayor and Members of Council,
I am writing to you on behalf of the 28,000 grain and oilseed farmers represented by Grain Farmers of
Ontario, many of whom operate within the Prince Edward County community.
We are very pleased to learn about the upcoming agricultural addition to the Picton Terminals and ask for your help making sure this this facility is opened on schedule.
The new grain handling facility announced by Parrish and Heimbecker will bring numerous benefits not just for farmers in the region, but also for the residents of Prince Edward County, Canada, and the world at large.
Farmers need your help, the passing of the bylaw regarding the Terms of Settlement between the Picton Terminals is critical to moving forward on the construction of the agriculture facility.
Without resolution to the zoning of the property the construction of the agriculture addition cannot go forward. We request that you vote in favour of the bylaw on September 10th and work together with Picton Terminals and the province to establish the zoning of the property.
Proceeding with these important steps will help ensure that the agricultural addition is opened on schedule.
The grain industry in Ontario contributes $27 billion to the economy and employs 90,000 people. Grain farmers in Ontario grow corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, and barley. These crops feed people locally in Prince Edward County, across Canada, and globally.
The grain industry generates over two billion dollars in revenue for all three levels of government. Grains grown in this region reach over 70 markets worldwide, contributing critically to global food security. The new agricultural facility at the Picton Terminals will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a local opportunity to farmers for grain handling. Less time on the road means fewer fossil fuels are burned in transporting food to markets worldwide.
Local farmers will also benefit financially by saving on transportation costs, which, in turn, strengthens the local community’s economy.
We thank you, and the Picton Terminals for supporting this vital development for our region.
Jim Harrison, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario
My wife, son and I moved to the County in 1993. We lived on Hill St for a number of years, boating in and out of the harbor weekly.
The iron ore docks sat empty except for the salt and coal piles.
At that time nobody said anything about any runoff. Ten years ago it became Picton Terminals and a minority of people did not like this. They crowed about salt runoff among other commodities.
No mention of runoff from roads, streets, or septic systems. It would appear that it is ok to open restaurants, bars, art galleries, clothing stores, etc., which we support.
The three federal parties, and the three provincial parties support Picton Terminals. I support them as well. I do not want my tax dollars used to fight this nor my municipal tax dollars. Those that wish to fight this can use their own money. With the adding of agricultural shipments out of here, great.
In closing, I wish Picton Terminals all the success.
Captain Chris Holder, Picton
Mayor Steve Ferguson recently stated that he and Council have been open and transparent in their municipal governance.
This statement runs counter to the fact that both Council and the Mayor recently operated differently from that statement.
When it came to the recent terms of settlement with Picton Terminals, all meetings were behind closed doors and no information was available to PEC constituents. No public consultation occurred. At all. And now a vote will be held in the absence of any consultation with the public on the terms of the settlement.
Closed and secret. So, what is this statement…alternate reality?
Barbara Dahlman, Picton
See it in the newspaper
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