The following editorial appears in the February 27 edition of the Guelph Mercury. Although not a Ward 2 specific topic, this issue has drawn considerable community interest.
In retrospect, perhaps the leaders of those opposed to a controversial zoning application in Guelph’s south east corner should have crafted a more positive label for the group if they were concerned about it being painted as NIMBYist or worse.
After all, “stop-the-temple,” asserts only what is being opposed. It doesn’t convey what so many in this group assert they are trying to protect and promote. So many members of this group are invested in drawing attention to matters they insist are or ought to be supported by good planning policy and by council – things such as optimal sight line protection and residential traffic flow.
Selecting, for example, by choosing names like “Keep Westminster Woods residential,” or “Stick with the City Plan,” the group might have avoided being labelled as under the influence of racism or sectarian prejudice. But, then again, some commentary attributed to members of this group or to other, unaffiliated opponents might well have given rise to such labeling in any event.
The group has raised neutral planning and other concerns about this application. Those concerns seem in danger of being overlooked as this issue has become more heated and more politicized because of the actions and comments of many actors. Some supporters and opponents of this group have asserted some unproductive and hurtful things. Meanwhile, both camps have urged council to listen to the facts of the case.
Council may struggle to hear the facts amid the noise on this file.
But that’s what it must do Monday and later as it moves to resolve this application.
This application’s wake has demonstrated rifts and some unsettling attitudes in the community. Those will be difficult to address but must be – though later.
For now, council and city administration must address this application on its merits and act in the best interests of the community. Politics will enter the process too – but politics of division or intolerance should be opposed and denounced by all stakeholders.