Is Josh Matlow the overlord of the provincial Liberals? Probably not—but the Grits did announce an environmental assessment for his controversial quarry
One of the issues that Josh Matlow has been following is decidedly outside of his ward: the proposed quarry in Melancthon (about 100 kilometres north of Toronto) that could become one of the largest in North America. Matlow previously asked the executive committee at city hall, in turn, to ask the province to force an environmental assessment of the proposed “mega-quarry” project, but before the committee could even meet, the Ontario government beat them to the punch.
From the CBC:
“Today’s decision ensures that a transparent and independent assessment of the environmental impacts of Melancthon quarry proposal will be conducted,” said [environment minister John] Wilkinson in a statement.
Highland Companies says the area has one of the largest deposits of high quality limestone in the province.
Wilkinson says he believes a comprehensive and independent assessment of the environmental impacts of Melancthon quarry proposal is required.
Apparently, the mere thought of facing a non-binding motion sponsored by Councillor Matlow was enough to bend the provincial government to Matlow’s all-powerful will! Er, not really. The fact that an election is around the corner—and that the prospect of luring even more environmentalists away from their traditional homes in the Green and NDP parties is mighty enticing to the Liberals—might have something to do with it. But, hey, what’s the harm in giving a local councillor some credit?
• Controversial quarry to get environmental assessment [CBC]
I would like to see Mr. Matlow put a little more focus on serious issues in his ward. Ward 22 has one of highest percentages of rental tenants in Toronto. The many owners/landlords/property management companies of the many high-rise buildings in his ward are running roughshod over tenants and the current Rent Control legislation. There are too many loopholes in the current legislation, which is allowing enormous rent increases and poor maintenance of aged rental buildings. The previous Ward 22 councilor, Michael Walker, was a strong tenant advocate and understood who his constituents were and who had kept him in office for 22 years.
Not sure that Mr. Matlow is planning to remain a City of TO councilor for any length of time. A little surprised that he isn’t running in the October election.
What else do you expect from Liberals? His waving with the wind on City Council, and now his deeply offensive public meddling in labour negotiations, shows how out of touch Liberals such as Matlow are with the needs of ordinary people.
Being concerned about fresh food and clean water is hardly out of touch with ordinary people. Josh Matlow shows a foresight rare in his contemporaries. Sorry Toronto, your problems are not always the ONLY problems. Sometimes you have to think beyond yours borders. Yes, there is a world north of Steeles, and it will affect YOU.
I can’t stand Josh Matlow who has done nothing for the the people in St. Pauls. All he does is waste time talking nonsense to the media…Focus on the crime and robberies in your riding..How about the bikers running over the pedestrians walking on sidewalks..IDIOT
If he is such as environmentalist, why did he not speak about the Gas power Plant being built in Mississauga…What a hypocrite. What a media Hound…Its only about you Josh…..You are the only person that matters to St. Pauls and to heck with the taxpayers in your riding…RESIGN…YOU ARE INCOMPETENT.