www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, November 18, 2016 | 16 Letter to the Editor Desperate times call for desperate measures: reader reacts to Saw-Whet settlement Editor's Note: This letter was sent to members of Oakville Town Council and a copy filed with the Oakville Beaver Dear members of Oakville Council, I cannot begin to express my extreme shock, amazement and disappointment at the recent Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) decision to not only approve the development of the Saw-Whet lands, but in adding insult to injury, to significantly increase the number of houses that will be constructed. The ability of this non-elected OMB body to consistently override the decisions of local municipal councils, and in this specific case, the Oakville council, which has met the provincial growth targets for the next 15 years in its planning, is a travesty of democracy and must be stopped and reversed immediately. Even to those of us who are non-cynical this would appear to smack of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. The Saw-Whet decision absolutely does not bode well for the Glen Abbey application and so, immediate and drastic action is required. Given the Oakville council is de facto powerless against the OMB, I see only one solution, to get the ear of the Wynne government: the Oakville council must resign en masse immediately in protest. This will give the clear and unambiguous signal to the provincial backers of the dysfunctional OMB-centric development process status quo is totally unacceptable. At the next provincial, and for that matter municipal, election, this OMB issue should be at the top of the agenda and any party/politician that campaigns on "draining the swamp" of this laughable dysfunctional development process will certainly get my vote, and I suspect that of many other like-minded Oakville residents. I fully appreciate this en-masse resignation will be a drastic measure, but these are desperate times. Logically, if the Oakville council is not able to manage and control growth of the Town, with all its subtending critical implications on infrastructure, green spaces, and livability -- they are then unable to execute the most fundamental and important mandate and responsibility for which they were elected. The inability for Council to change the planning process status quo would appear to me to mean they are wasting their talent and valuable time, as well as taxpayers' money. Please pursue any and all other avenues within the current political structure to overturn this flawed decision to develop the SawWhet lands, which is wrong on so many levels. However, if as I suspect, this will result in more of the same, wringing-of-hands, and "it's not our fault" rationalizations, please seriously consider my suggestion for en-masse resignations. One way or another, Oakville Council will show real leadership on this critically-important issue, which will determine the growth agenda for the Town for the next decade and beyond. I have also copied the Oakville Beaver for its consideration in including my concern in its Letters to the Editor. Frank Mucci, Oakville Merriest Christmas from your friends at Daily Living Grab Bars Shower Stools Transfer Benches Tub Mount Grab Bars CPAP Therapy Supplies Hospital Beds | Bed Rails Over Bed Tables | Dressing Aids Mobility Scooters | Wheelchairs Stair Lifts | Vehicle Lifts | Porch Lifts Lift and Recline Chairs | Lifting Devices and much more! We can help you with your Home Health Care needs & we'll do it with a smile! No More Allergy Symptoms Heal quickly naturally & painlessly without medication Christine Ng, R.H.N., R.AC For more information & services please refer to our website: All Natural Solutions FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATION www.noallergiesplease.com Contact us @ noallergiesplease.com (905) 825-3528 Open your senses to what others have experienced. Mention this ad & save 20% on all lift chairs until December 24, 2016 does not include third party funded items 549 Bronte Rd, Oakville 154 Norseman St, Etobicoke info@accessabilities.ca 905-825-5335 416-237-9654 www.accessabilities.ca Plum'S food ShoP iS now oPen! We serve fresh breakfast & lunches daily Take-out only until 2:00, Monday - Friday We offer full service corporate catering 447 Speers Rd, unit 9 · 905-844-7110 Authorized ADP/WSIB/VAC Vendor. Licensed Medical Devices Establishment We will always happily honour our local competitor's prices. www.plumcatering.ca