Black Bear Ridge opposition piece “misinformed”

City of Belleville Ward 2 Councillor Kathryn Brown says its unfortunate that a document being circulated through the ward calling for an end to the proposed Black Bear Ridge Village is full of incorrect information.

Black Bear Ridge Village would see the construction of more than 3,000 residential units, resort accommodations, and recreational facilities on 370 hectares of land on Harmony Road.

Brown says both she and fellow Ward 2 Councillor Paul Carr have heard from several residents about the five-page document that’s been hand-delivered to many homes.

Brown adds that while the unknown author, who did not sign the document or provide any contact information, took time to write a well-thought-out piece, it is misleading.

The project is under a Minister’s Zoning Order and must meet provincial guidelines to move forward.

Brown says the city supports the project but, because it the land does not fall under the city’s Official Plan, it’s being monitored by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“So the individual doesn’t clearly understand that there’s an MZO in place that allows us to do all of these things. And what’s interesting is the letter itself started indicating all the regulations that we’re breaking. And they’re all Ontario regulations and they’re not being broken when the ministry has given you permission to do this.”

She says the MZO will determine exactly how the development, expected to take decades to fully complete, can move forward.

“And then once approved, the owners of Black Bear Ridge, their consultants, their engineers work with us hand in hand with the city’s Engineering and Planning Department and we go, they go through all the same processes any other developer would do.”

Brown says the author of the document is making false claims about what the development means for current residents in the area.

“If somebody hasn’t been following the project closely, it will incite angst among people. It’s telling them their taxes are going to go up. It tells them that we haven’t done proper environmental assessments. That this project is going to create environmental damage and none of that’s true.”

And while bringing water and sewer service to the area is a major component to ensuring the project moves forward, she reminds residents that adding such infrastructure won’t affect their taxes as the developers would be responsible for paying for it.

Brown also says the developers are following all the rules and meet regularly with city officials and have held several public consultations with more in store.

An application for the first phase of the project is before the city’s planning committee and will likely be up for approval sometime this fall.

Brown says it’s regrettable that the author of the document didn’t contact her, Councillor Carr or the city for more information.

“I would suggest this is just a little bit cowardly – not a word I use lightly. But, why not put your name on it? If you feel this committed, that these things are wrong, put your name on it so that people can get you the right information.”

She invited the author to contact them.

Brown also notes the City of Belleville’s getinvolved.belleville.ca website is a hub for information and a place to share feedback on city projects.

Documents related to the Black Bear Ridge development will be shared on the site.