Anti-Development

Beside the Indian demands for a halt to all development in Brantford, there seems to be a small vocal group with an anti-development mind set in the general community as well.

These people claim that new developments would spoil their "view". Or despoil the natural habit. All the while ignoring the fact that when their house was built that it also did just that as well. Ah, but that was before and doesn't count and now they have their nice abode and to heck with everyone else. The population of the world is growing at an alarming rate and another billion people will be added to the total in the next twelve years. While not as dramatic the population of Brantford and Brant county is also increasing. Where are these people supposed to live? On the streets or maybe under the Lorne Bridge according to this anti-development lobby. Anywhere but in a new house or housing development near them.

While there needs to be careful planning of any new developments to protect green space and the environment and access to the river and trails it is stupid and elitists to oppose all development because it doesn't suit you. Recently one of my neighbours added an addition to their house and another built a wooden fence and both of these affected my "view". Should we outlaw such construction as well?

Another argument put forth by some is that certain developments are only done to minimum standards. Not exactly sure what is meant by that but I assume that they mean to just what is prescribed by the building code. Well there are not that many house in Brantford unless in the most affluent areas that are ever built to exceed these standards and many older house would not even meet todays minimum building standards.

Maybe Brantford could pass a bylaw that every house must be occupied by at least two people for every bedroom contained in that house. Or maybe all yards that were large enough would have to have a second house built behind the original house. If there was a swimming pool there already all the better because the hole would be a good start to the foundation.That would provide more housing for the expanding population without developments on vacant lands. But somehow I doubt that the anti-development lobby would approve of this either.

Nope the anti-development clique is well housed and you can go elsewhere or freeze out in the cold, they don't give a damn, just don't block their precious "view".

I Own The Whole World

I can trace my ancestry back to the very first human inhabitants of the planet earth. At that time we were in possession of all the lands. Unless you have documented proof that you legally acquired any land that you claim to be yours from myself or any of my ancestors you are trespassing on what is rightfully mine. Please get out now or pay up. Thank you.

Councillor Calnan is Wrong

Brantford City Councillor James Calnan has changed his mind about how the city should deal with the Indian terrorists who are disrupting construction around the City and he feels that the City should stop all development on all lands under claim by the Six Nations. This would mean a virtual halt to any and all development in the City of Brantford because according to different groups no lands in all of the Haldimand Tract were ever legally obtained from the Six Nations so all of Brantford is or can be subject to claim. No new Y would be able to be built in the downtown, the University would have to suspend expansion plans and even the B.C. I. rebuild could be put in doubt. In other words all construction would grind to a halt. And for how long?

The consensus is that these negotiations could take a very long time, even centuries according to an Indian spokesman and there isn't even any negotiations taking place right now because the Indian side wanted a break. So how can any type of timetable be set for a resolution when that side although complaining about the lack of action for years doesn't want to seriously bargain when talks are supposed to be under way. And if they don't like any offers all they have to do is suspend these talks knowing that under this proposal it would only hurt the City more.

Kingspan and Hampton Inns are now preparing to abandon their development plans and locate elsewhere taking their hundreds of potential local jobs with them. Large lawsuits will also follow. And this will send a bad signal to the development community about Brantford and could lead to the decline and possible end of Brantford altogether. I guess the Indians would be rejoicing then. The terrorists would have won.

Surely Mr. Calnan will rethink his change of position on this matter or he might as well get out his hammer and drive a spike in the coffin of Brantford.