There’s a Big Stink In Collingwood Part 2
What a week-end. A protest was held yesterday in front of Collingwood Ethanol by citizens who are fed up with the endless excuses and promises this company has made for the last 15 months. Also over the past week-end, just about every house and business in Collingwood received a recorded phone message taking swift aim at Mayor Chris Carrier. Without defining any real issues, it generally suggested that the Mayor and Mayor alone, was responsible for a potentially huge tax hike. The message ended by saying it had been sponsored by the Progressive Group for Independent Business.
Thanks to a new, anonymous blogger in town, it was quickly revealed that this organization has a direct link to Collingwood Ethanol (CE); a local company that has been the subject of significant controversy since its arrival in Collingwood about 15 months ago.
The Executive Director of this group is a fellow by the name of Craig Chandler. Out of interest, I took a look at their website and note that all of PGIB’s directors are based in Alberta and that very few of their initiatives have taken place in Ontario and certainly not in Simcoe County or even close. The 905 phone number they list for Central Ontario is out of service. They state that they lobby for less government and in this case, they sure are!
Now you’ve got to wonder why a neo-conservative, western based organization with no previous interest in our area has suddenly gotten so interested in little ol’ Collingwood. Well, let’s see. The Executive Director of their organization just happens to be the son of CE principal, Bruce Chandler. Coincidence?
Here’s the thing. I totally support vocal debate and active participation in democratic process. I also know that decisions of council are made by a majority of 9; not by one Mayor. This council has shown by their voting record that they are very pro-business and, they’ve shown more fiscal responsibility than any previous council. They tried to work patiently with CE to resolve the problems but finally, their patience (and that of the MOE) has run out. And rightly so.
What PGIB has attempted with this utterly unsubstantiated smear campaign of erroneous statements against our municipal leader is to divert attention from the real issue and the search for solutions. They have not engaged in any factual debate of the issue at hand and, they are using tactics usually not seen north of the border. I think they may be surprised to learn that Collingwoodites are not hicks. They may be surprised to learn that their campaign is backfiring. They will surely be surprised to learn that Collingwood is pretty smart. But still stinky.
Related Posts:
There’s a Big Stink in Collingwood Part 1
Do you like what you’re reading? Click here to subscribe and we’ll send new blog posts directly to your email inbox. P.S. Bloggers like comments!
When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!
I caught your comment over on RFC and thought I would give your site a read. I find it refreshing that a local business person is speaking in support of council. A question though – are you certain that council is speaking in one voice on this issue? My personal observation is that council is in three camps: the Mayor, those criticizing his methods (not his decisions), and those who say nothing.
I caught your comment over on RFC and thought I would give your site a read. I find it refreshing that a local business person is speaking in support of council. A question though – are you certain that council is speaking in one voice on this issue? My personal observation is that council is in three camps: the Mayor, those criticizing his methods (not his decisions), and those who say nothing.
Thanks for your kudo’s but I think most business people are supportive of the council on this issue.
Your point is a tough one. Are they divided? Yup, I’d say so in a general sense but it’s another question on this particular situation. I would hope they all are in agreement that CE MUST comply – how could they not be?
Thanks for your kudo’s but I think most business people are supportive of the council on this issue.
Your point is a tough one. Are they divided? Yup, I’d say so in a general sense but it’s another question on this particular situation. I would hope they all are in agreement that CE MUST comply – how could they not be?
That town has always reeked long long before that plant ever started up. Before them the East end always reeked of starch, the North end stank from the sewage plant, the West had that old carpet factory for years and the center and South had the horse crap and sewer issues. I know some locations in the residential areas if the day and night temperatures are just right all one can smell is a stink of dead fish with no visually locatable source. The only reason none of that was ever dealt with is because most of the town that was dealing with it ARE hicks, or poor, or druggies. The only reason anyone was listening to these people is because they have more money and people with money in that town are usually stuck up snobs that don’t realize everyone has been suffering in that hell hole one way or another for way over 40 years so they gripe and complain for the town to change their pampers because they think they are special case, they aren’t, they just had more money in that area of town. Personally I hope that plant blows up and takes that trap of a town with it, it would be a great thing in this world to wipe that toxic stain they call a town off the planet for good.
That town has always reeked long long before that plant ever started up. Before them the East end always reeked of starch, the North end stank from the sewage plant, the West had that old carpet factory for years and the center and South had the horse crap and sewer issues. I know some locations in the residential areas if the day and night temperatures are just right all one can smell is a stink of dead fish with no visually locatable source. The only reason none of that was ever dealt with is because most of the town that was dealing with it ARE hicks, or poor, or druggies. The only reason anyone was listening to these people is because they have more money and people with money in that town are usually stuck up snobs that don’t realize everyone has been suffering in that hell hole one way or another for way over 40 years so they gripe and complain for the town to change their pampers because they think they are special case, they aren’t, they just had more money in that area of town. Personally I hope that plant blows up and takes that trap of a town with it, it would be a great thing in this world to wipe that toxic stain they call a town off the planet for good.
Wow, you are a little late out of the gate on this one Llehnikcuts given that the plant, as it was, went into receivership and has since been sold. Seems you have a hate on for Collingwood and that’s too bad.Since you probably don’t wish being blown up yourself, I’m guessing you’ve moved and so, I wish you happiness where ever you may be.
Wow, you are a little late out of the gate on this one Llehnikcuts given that the plant, as it was, went into receivership and has since been sold. Seems you have a hate on for Collingwood and that’s too bad.Since you probably don’t wish being blown up yourself, I’m guessing you’ve moved and so, I wish you happiness where ever you may be.