Mayor Leal read a brief statement prior to calling for delegations:
“As the Chair of this meeting, it is my obligation to ask delegations to speak to the matter, which is on the agenda tonight, which is the question of the heritage considerations related to the GE property. The issue of the demolition permit is a subject of the provincial regulatory requirements under the Building Code Act, administered by the Chief Building Official. I will give some latitude this evening to residents because this is an important forum for our community, but I would also ask questions, etc. to stay on topic. I understand the concerns of many residents, who worry about the demolition plan and the disposal of potentially hazardous materials, IF a demolition permit is granted. I had many chats with citizens of Peterborough on this topic at the Farmers’ Market this past Saturday. That’s why I’ve asked the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and MPP Dave Smith to meet with me regarding the Ministry’s role in managing the GE site. Questions and concerns about this important demolition and its impact on our community are vitally important to all, but environmental controls on the property are outside of the jurisdiction of the municipality and not within the scope of issuing a demolition permit under the Ontario Building Code. GE Vernova and the provincial government, specifically the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, will be responsible for addressing environmental concerns.” [12:44 to 14:14]
Nine individuals made delegations expressing their concerns about GE’s proposal:
- Susan James, Peterborough Occupational Disease Action Committee (19:49 to 42:59)
- Deirdre McGahern (42:50 to 59:16)
- Robert DeMatteo and Dale DeMatteo, Peterborough Occupational Disease Action Committee (1:00:00 to 1:22:55)
- Daniel Miskin, Miskin Law (1:30:51 to 1:41:57)
- Jane Scott (1:42:04 to 1:48:34)
- Bill Templeman (1:48:44 to 1:54:00)
- Marie Bongard (1:54:51 to 2:01:37)
- Natasha Luckhardt,”Town of Widows” (2:01:58 to 2:15:11)
- Dr. Micky Renders (2:15:19 to 2:22:16)