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A lot has happened since July 6, 2004 when the McGuinty Liberal government decided to close the Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre. The initial shock following the announcement turned to outrage as people reacted to the sudden closure that took place without any sort of public consultation. People banded together to try to save the Frost Centre and the valuable educational and stewardship programs that they provided. There was constant and intense pressure from community activists and the organizations that they attracted to support the cause of keeping the centre opened and 10,000-people signed petitions. This all helped to convince the government to seek public input regarding the future of the property. It is now one year later, and the Working Committee, made up of local volunteers, is ready to present their recommendations to the government. Over the past several months they have met with the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) and a large number of groups and individuals who have an interest in the future of the Frost Centre. Although the environmental and historical assessments have been completed, there have been several expressions of interest by those who hope to have a role in operating the Centre. The Working Committee is not making specific recommendations regarding the future of the site as they have not had time to properly evaluate business plans, and the assessment process could uncover costs or result in restrictions being placed on the use of the property. They are providing the government with a detailed set of criteria that they wish the government to use in choosing who will be allowed to take over the operation of the Centre. The report also recommends that the Province retain ownership of the Frost Centre lands, and that the Centre should be used as a learning centre for sustainable living. The Committee has also stressed that public access to the trails system needs to be maintained. The Working Committee has put a tremendous amount of effort into this project, and they deserve our thanks. Once the report is presented to the Provincial Government, the ORC will then be able to move forward with a Request for Proposals process on the property. The Working Committee will stay active to ensure that the Provincial Government actually uses the criteria that they were given. Up until a few days ago, the Working Committee believed that they would be presenting their report to Minister Phillips, who as Chair of Management Board had responsibility for the oversight of the Ontario Realty Corporation. A recent cabinet shuffle has moved Minister Phillips to a new Ministry, and Minister Caplan now has responsibility for the Ontario Realty Corporation. It will be good to have Minister Phillip’s supportive voice at the Cabinet table, but the new Minister needs to hear how much the community values the Frost Centre, and how much they support the recommendations of the Working Committee. Please consider writing to Minister Caplan or Premier McGuinty, or you can arrange to receive a copy of a petition by calling my constituency office at 705-324-6654. It is also available on my web site www.lauriescottmpp.com. To write to Minister Caplan The Honourable David Caplan Or To write to Premier McGuinty Dalton McGuinty, Premier Or Dalton.McGuinty@premier.gov.on.ca. As the process of deciding on the future of the Frost Centre nears completion, the government needs to be reminded of the reasons why environmental education is important, and why we need to keep public treasures like Frost Centre in public hands. -30- For More Information Contact: |
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