Kingston, Ontario – Today on World Wetlands Day, No Clearcuts Kingston (NCK), a non-profit residents’ group, announced that it has retained the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) to represent the group in an upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing on the proposed multi-residential and commercial development of a former industrial site in Kingston.
“NCK and its directors participated extensively in the land use planning process because we have serious concerns about the current development plan, which proposes the destruction of significant woodlands and the degradation of a provincially significant wetland partially located on the subject property,” said Kerry Hill, an NCK Director. “We are thrilled to have CELA’s expertise in helping us to address our environmental, planning, and public health concerns at the Tribunal hearing.”
For over 50 years, CELA has provided legal assistance to individuals, groups, and First Nations in Ontario who cannot afford counsel in court proceedings or administrative hearings involving projects, undertakings, or activities that may adversely affect environmental or public health.
In this case, the developer applied to the City of Kingston for an official plan amendment (OPA) and zoning by-law amendments to allow the large-scale development to proceed in several phases on land adjacent to the Cataraqui River. However, on September 6, 2022, the City decided to refuse the requested OPA and rezoning, and the developer then appealed the City’s refusal to the Tribunal under the Planning Act.
“CELA looks forward to working with NCK in presenting evidence and argument at the Tribunal hearing in support of the City’s refusal to grant the requested OPA and rezoning,” said CELA lawyer Richard Lindgren, who now represents NCK. “Our client agrees with the City that the current development proposal does not adequately protect ecological systems, natural heritage, water, and public safety, particularly given the risk of natural hazards and climate change impacts.”
The Tribunal has scheduled a Case Management Conference via videoconference on February 21, 2023. At this preliminary hearing, Mr. Lindgren will be requesting the Tribunal to grant NCK party status so that the group can fully participate in the hearing.
Other members of the public who wish to have their views about the development proposal considered by the Tribunal must complete a Participant Status Request Form outlining their concerns (citing Case No. OLT-22-004597) and email it to the Tribunal by February 10, 2023.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Kerry Hill, NCK Director (613-542-3956) / Richard Lindgren, CELA (613-385-1686)
Environmental Lawyer to Represent Residents’ Group at Tribunal Hearing on Proposed Development of Former Tannery Site in Kingston
Kingston, Ontario – Today on World Wetlands Day, No Clearcuts Kingston (NCK), a non-profit residents’ group, announced that it has retained the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) to represent the group in an upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing on the proposed multi-residential and commercial development of a former industrial site in Kingston.
“NCK and its directors participated extensively in the land use planning process because we have serious concerns about the current development plan, which proposes the destruction of significant woodlands and the degradation of a provincially significant wetland partially located on the subject property,” said Kerry Hill, an NCK Director. “We are thrilled to have CELA’s expertise in helping us to address our environmental, planning, and public health concerns at the Tribunal hearing.”
For over 50 years, CELA has provided legal assistance to individuals, groups, and First Nations in Ontario who cannot afford counsel in court proceedings or administrative hearings involving projects, undertakings, or activities that may adversely affect environmental or public health.
In this case, the developer applied to the City of Kingston for an official plan amendment (OPA) and zoning by-law amendments to allow the large-scale development to proceed in several phases on land adjacent to the Cataraqui River. However, on September 6, 2022, the City decided to refuse the requested OPA and rezoning, and the developer then appealed the City’s refusal to the Tribunal under the Planning Act.
“CELA looks forward to working with NCK in presenting evidence and argument at the Tribunal hearing in support of the City’s refusal to grant the requested OPA and rezoning,” said CELA lawyer Richard Lindgren, who now represents NCK. “Our client agrees with the City that the current development proposal does not adequately protect ecological systems, natural heritage, water, and public safety, particularly given the risk of natural hazards and climate change impacts.”
The Tribunal has scheduled a Case Management Conference via videoconference on February 21, 2023. At this preliminary hearing, Mr. Lindgren will be requesting the Tribunal to grant NCK party status so that the group can fully participate in the hearing.
Other members of the public who wish to have their views about the development proposal considered by the Tribunal must complete a Participant Status Request Form outlining their concerns (citing Case No. OLT-22-004597) and email it to the Tribunal by February 10, 2023.
– 30 –
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Kerry Hill, NCK Director (613-542-3956) / Richard Lindgren, CELA (613-385-1686)
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