'A travesty': What residents, environmentalists say about proposed Newmarket development

‘A great community, not a threat to environment,' Shining Hill developer says

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 27, 2021

Opposition is growing to a proposed development by Shining Hill Estates on the Oak Ridges Moraine north of St. John’s Sideroad between Yonge and Bathurst streets.

In 2003, council at the time said the land was environmentally sensitive and could not be developed.

But at a council meeting Jan. 18, Shining Hill kicked off a proposal that, if successful, would allow development on the property while protecting its environmental features.

While a decision on whether that will be allowed is months away, many residents and environmentalists are alarmed by the proposal, while the developer insists they don’t have to be concerned.

Here’s what people are saying:

Consultant Don Given representing the developer

“This has the potential to be a great community … It’s not a threat to the environment.”

Resident David Ross

“(The) Shining Hill proposal violates environmental regulations, ignores public policies and presents traffic safety concerns … Preserve this priceless piece of property for current and future generations of Newmarket citizens.”

Resident Jason Allan

“If we allow developments to chip away at whatever protected spaces that we have available, then looking ahead another 50 years, there will be nothing left. One of the really nice things that make Newmarket and Aurora special is the green spaces we have.”

Debbie Gordon, on the steering committee of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance

“This property is the headwaters of the East Holland River … This is the very headwaters of a river that is already degraded.”

Resident Melanie Issett

“The proposed plan by Shining Hills Estate Collection Inc. and the consideration that is being held by the Town of Newmarket to redesignate the Environmental Protection Area --Oak Ridges Moraine --in order to justify the destruction of incredibly ecologically rich and increasingly threatened natural areas in the region is both incredibly short-sighted and irresponsible.”

Resident Julia Galt

“The request by Shining Hill Estates to develop two protected areas of Newmarket is a travesty. It must be rejected by council.”

Resident Keyvan Golestan

“Given the current climate change crisis, it's more crucial than ever to preserve our nature; therefore, as a Newmarket resident, I am absolutely against this plan.”

Resident Ron Clifford

“I was under the understanding these were already protected lands. To continue to make concessions would be a slap in the face to those who have worked so hard to create the protections in the first place.”

Mayor John Taylor

“The public has set the bar very high for the conversation. I want to echo that sentiment. It’s my personal belief that if anything occurs, it has to meet the needs of some very high environmental standards.

“I’m not saying by any means I’m at yes, but I’m certainly saying I’m not at full no, full stop, because I really want to understand all of those challenges (including the need for public trails and affordable housing), all of the environmental implications, what that knowledge and understandings will do to our decision-making process, either favourable or unfavourable.”