Homelessness, wind turbines, landfills, oh my.
These items are at the forefront of the minds of many a Chatham-Kent resident these days.
The homeless encampment on Grand Avenue East has led to public outcry, and council will reconsider municipal options Aug. 11.
A wind turbine farm could be coming to parts of East and South Kent in the future if Capstone Infrastructure deems it worthwhile.
And the Ford government has all but paved the way for York1 to develop a landfill and recycling centre just outside of Dresden.
These are legitimate concerns for area citizens.
Despite these issues, we have to admit Chatham-Kent remains a great place to live. We must at times take a step back and remember the positives.
We’re not saying ignore what is transpiring, but we encourage people to try to avoid developing tunnel vision on matters.
Step away, recharge and reapproach your issues of concern.
Summer in C-K leaves one with a plethora of local getaway options. Weekends are jammed with a multitude of activities and go-to destinations.
Take advantage and avoid developing mental health issues of your own.
As for the issues we are enduring, citizens can complain (and the people of C-K are very good at doing just that), offer suggestions for improvements, or join together in protest to bring further awareness to their concerns.
Complaining about potential wind turbines is one thing. Are the concerns legitimate? Will their construction and operation foul water wells as they did in parts of North Kent? We don’t know the geology of the area, so we can’t comment.
Are they eyesores? To some, yes.
As for the homeless encampment, residents that abut the PUC property on Grand Avenue East should remain vigilant and contact the authorities when warranted.
The tiny cabins project is to be unveiled this week and it could take some of the pressure off the encampment by providing a number of the homeless a place of their own.
The proposed landfill remains a potential environmental burr in the sides of a growing group of individuals and environmentally friendly organizations. Premier Doug Ford must continue to hear about the concerns of the people on a daily basis and at the very least re-institute an environmental assessment for the property.
But, folks, take a step back, breathe, find and smell the proverbial roses, even for an afternoon. It could change your perspective and help find solutions.
“We don’t know the geology of the area, so we can’t comment.”
Yes we do. There are government geological surveys which show black shale in this area, and it’s not that deep. Please take a moment to google this for yourself, and review the surveys.