MPP Fullerton: “From day one I have been fighting for Kanata residents”
Kanata-Carleton MPP Merrilee Fullerton is adamant in her desire to see the ClubLink development of the Kanata Golf and Country Club halted: “From day one I have been fighting for Kanata residents to preserve their greenspace, to save the golf course and stop this development. As a long-time resident of Kanata I love the greenspace in our community and I want to preserve it. It’s what we know as Kanata.”
In a public statement made last year, the MPP said: “Since the beginning in December 2018, I have stood with the community against ClubLink’s efforts and I will continue to do so.”
MPP Fullerton is responding to the correspondence she is now receiving relating to the preservation of Kanata greenspace. She is pleased to be receiving the public input, “The writing of letters is something I have been talking about for years. Though this issue is a municipal issue, I now am hearing from municipal leaders that they want the Province to intervene in the municipal planning process.”
“There is a suggestion that Kanata can repeat what happened in Oakville.” The MPP states, “In Oakville it took a community effort to stop the development. The Oakville Mayor led a very public battle to save the Glen Abbey golf course. Oakville Council passed a couple of resolutions against the development and the Council and local residents’ groups sent strong messages requesting the Provincial Government intervene.”
“Frankly, it is how the development at the Glen Abbey golf course was halted. Oakville Mayor and Council worked with local residents and the local MPPs.”
MPP Fullerton adds, “As the approval or rejection of the development remains within the purview of the City, I will work closely with the Mayor and Councillor Curry in the short term, and if necessary the new Mayor and next Ottawa Council to halt this development.”
Over Easter Weekend, Kanata-Carleton MPP Merrilee Fullerton received correspondence from Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry and Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition (KGPC) Chair Barbara Ramsay asking the Province to intervene in the City of Ottawa’s municipal planning process involving ClubLink and the Kanata Golf and Country Club. On Easter Sunday evening, KGPC distributed a template letter urging residents to write to the MPP.
The MPP is in agreement with recent public statements by the Ottawa Mayor and local Councillor regarding the Ontario Land Tribunal decision. Fullerton states, “The Mayor and Councillor Curry are correct in their assessments that there remains many compelling and legitimate arguments against the development. The OLT’s decision has provided a clear path for the City to put an end to ClubLink’s plans for the golf course. The significant outstanding issues relating to stormwater and infrastructure are conditions for approval that must be met, and these fall within municipal authority. So, it is reassuring to know the Mayor and Council are pursuing these issues.”
BACKGROUND
On July 23, 2021, the Kanata-Carleton MPP issued a public statement on the issue. Entitled “MPP Statement in support of Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition and the residents of Kanata” the statement read:
“In the past few weeks I have been contacted by constituents about my support for the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition and the community to stand opposed to development of the Kanata Golf and Country Club. As we await the Ontario Court of Appeal decision and the response from the City of Ottawa on ClubLink’s development application, I would like to assure Kanata residents of my position.
“Throughout this ordeal, I have been very clear about my support of the local efforts to stop the Clublink’s plans to develop the Kanata Golf Course and protect the 40 percent agreement. I have grown up and lived in Kanata since 1967 and, for a period of time, I lived in a home that backed onto the golf course. I can fully appreciate the detrimental impact a development on the golf course would have on the local community.
“I have been active in support of the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition and their work including attending related community and fundraising events. I have been in constant contact and have ongoing discussions with Councillor Jenna Sudds, KGPC head Barbara Ramsay as well as a number of active residents. I have also kept apprised of information from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“For two years this was a municipal issue and City Hall heard clearly from all concerned of the direct negative impact the development would have on our Kanata neighbourhood. Now, it is before the courts and I am limited as to what I might say in public. But, be assured that I will continue to work with our community leaders to assess what beneficial steps my office may take to resolve this matter in favour of our community.
“Since the beginning in December 2018, I have stood with the community against ClubLink,s efforts and I will continue to do so.”
