The Millstone has learned that the Mississippi RiverWatchers asked for a meeting to start dialogue with Enerdu concerning its hydro electric project on April 15, 2014. Almonte resident Mike O’Malley sent the e-mail below to Councillor Garry Dalgity on the recommendation of Councillor Shaun Mclaughlin, who felt that as Mr. Dalgity had not been involved in the issue, would be a good elder statesman.
Councillor Dalgity brought the matter before council shortly after this e-mail request. Mayor Levi suggested he should lead a delegation to confer with Enerdu, and agreed to be responsible for contacting the company. Council agreed. After no progress appeared to have been made, despite several follow-ups with Mayor Levi, Mississippi RiverWatchers chair Bryn Matthews and Al Seaman arranged to meet with Mayor Levi on July 18. Matthews prepared the minutes of the meeting set out below and sent them to the Mayor. He has had no acknowledgement or response from the mayor nor has he had a response to a follow-up call to the Mayor two weeks after the meeting.
Minutes of Meeting
Meeting at Mississippi Mills Council Offices – 11:10 AM – Friday, July 18, 2014
Present: MM. Mayor J. Levi, A. Seaman, B. Matthews
Matthews apologized for any confusion that resulted from the brief conversation with Mayor Levi in the corridors and stairway of the Municipal offices earlier in the month, which resulted in the interpretation by the Mayor that the RiverWatchers now “refused” to meet with the Enerdu principals. Matthews reiterated for the record, that he would never give the impression of a refusal to meet, and did not refuse to meet with Enerdu. In the corridor meeting it was unclear if the Mayor had made contact with Enerdu to arrange the meeting. Matthews did tell the Mayor he would be surprised if Mr. Cavanagh accepted the request. Matthews suggested a clarification by the Mayor was in order, but did not press the case.
Matthews and Seaman asked the Mayor to reactivate the request for a meeting with Jeff Cavanagh. Mayor Levi agreed to request the meeting with Mr Cavanagh and Mr. Campbell.
The conversation turned to the Mayor’s characterization of the RiverWatchers as purveyors of “Misinformation” and “Special Interests”. No specific instances of misinformation were forthcoming. As for special interest, the Mayor indicated a great number of Mississippi Mills residents are in favour of the Enerdu redevelopment, and the special interest opposition is a minority voice.
There was discussion about the evidence of damage to the ecology (soft maple die-off) along the shores of Reach 18. Mayor Levi pointed to the MNR opinion that there was no proof that the continuing hold back of water in the dry season had created the die back.
Mayor Levi stated his position that the Enerdu project is a “reasonable business, fitting into the community.” He indicated he is not in favour of the one year moratorium on development in the defined heritage area, as provided in the Heritage Designation application regulations. He believed that provision is being used as a delay mechanism, and not applied as it is intended.
Matthews informed Mayor Levi that there is now a new ad-hoc group of opposition to the Enerdu expansion, which is not part of RiverWatchers. StopEnerdu will be far more socially active and entirely different than RiverWatchers. The work of the RiverWatxchers has largely concluded, having focused on careful analysis of the Enerdu expansion plans as published, followed by written submissions to and meetings with the staff in the various Ontario Ministries, the Office of the Premier, MVC, Mississippi Mills Council members, and the Steering, or advisory Committee of the Mississippi River Water Management Plan. At this time a reduced role of the RiverWatchers will be to provide copies of its documentation and correspondence to those who request it.
Seaman and Matthews repeated the request to Mayor Levi that he ask Mr. Cavanagh to meet with us. The Mayor agreed to make the request.
Meeting concluded at 12:05.
