Hello! We have now completed four weeks of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing which will determine the future of the Tannery site. Some of us have been glued to this important daily event.
Complex Hearing:
It is clear that a lot of witnesses have worked hard preparing to testify before the OLT. The lawyers, too, have spent hours getting ready to present their cases.
This incredible effort and the hearing itself are because many Kingstonians want to protect an ecologically diverse and thriving Provincially Significant Wetland and a Significant Woodland in our city.
One of the City’s witnesses called the wetland “a little gem within the city”! Remember, the City is on our side because City Council opposed the proposed clearcut, capping, and high-density development.
We recommend that you tune in next week to hear our witnesses presenting the No Clearcuts case. The anticipated order/timing of the four NCK expert witnesses are as follows:
Grant Kauffman (ecology) - Tuesday, March 5th
Chris Rancourt (hydrogeology) - Wednesday, March 6th
Mark Dorfman (land use planning) - Thursday, March 7th
Dr. Douglas Hallett (environmental chemistry/toxicology) - Friday, March 8th
Here is the link to the Ontario Land Tribunal YouTube Channel - OLT Livestream.
Or, you can read Vicki Schmolka’s amazing daily summary of the hearing at Vicki Schmolka's Substack.
More Funds Needed:
We have raised a significant amount of money, thanks to all the Kingstonians who see the benefits of the forest and wetland to our climate and well being. However, the less positive news is that this lengthy hearing is costing us more money than we expected. Therefore we have to increase our fundraising goal to $60,000 to cover the costs of our witnesses’ participation at the hearing. Once again, we are asking our loyal supporters for donations.
So many of you have already been heroically generous, but we hope more of you will help!
You can access our program at the Small Change Fund through the link SCF Stop the Chop! or scan the QR code here:
Thank you once again! Our fingers are crossed in the hope that Kingston’s “little gem” and more are saved!!
No Clearcuts Kingston, Inc.
I feel espect and gratitude for this really important milestone in supporting an important wildlife space here in Kingston.
I am so impressed and appreciative of Vicky's updates. Thank you so much