-by Joey Gentile

Often times, one can step foot into any City, Town or Village and see big signs: "Luxurious Condominiums", "5 Star Hotel", "New Development Complex" etc. These sights have not just happened. They were planned. They were planned by many politicians, private and corporate land developers and many, many contractors.

Mayors and Councillors of many rural Ontario Communities call it "Economic Development". But what exactly is Economic Development besides the fantasy of the advertisements and media? It is a system, asystem devoted to exactly what its name implies. Developing or "strengthening" the local economy. Rural Ontario, particularly Grey Bruce has not seen the best times in terms of economic status. But, one can also argue that that is typical of a two season town.

Economic Development has recently taken over many local council meetings and ended up in the minds and action of many local citizens who free spiritually talk about it with open arms. Economic development is necessary and vital to not even a town, but a regions growth and economical health. Many have different views on how Economic Development is being conquered and played out.

Is selling land for a fraction of its value to entice non-local buyers right? Is the action of gingerly signing away plot upon plot of land to developers ideal for a community? Do present day residents of such a peaceful town deserve the headaches of construction and turmoil that comes along with the process? All of these questions have seemed to disintegrate, or fall off a long table of discussions in recent years.

Economic Development, while trying to inappropriately attract buyers, investors, visitors and further residents is undoubtedly ruining the environment, character, charm, civil pride and even just the privilege of saying "I live in Rural Ontario."

Once politicians start the process of building and development, it will never, ever stop. "Let's build a hotel to increase visitors. Let's build a big recreation centre to cater to youth. Let's build a housing complex to sell homes and create revenue. Let's lend our friendly atmosphere to our fellow GTA people and fill them with advertisements and heartbreaking posters and billboards to our area." Is this what YOU want? Is this what you live here for? We should not work to increase the flow, rather help and embrace the current population. Lets see tax dollars help us instead of "to be's".

A community needs to stand up to these people. Do not give away the land of your ancestors which hold more than just a price tag. Do not let planners rip up the soil of rich, agricultural soil to pour in tons of cement and mortar. Because once your serine countryside is gone, it is undoubtedly safe to say it is lost. Lost in the winds of yesterday and lost in the sins of tomorrow.

Lets take a vow to respect our land, and not free handedly give it up. Build our economy; strengthen our pride together without the disturbances of urban life. We live in rural Ontario because we chose to. We do not want to see our homes, our hearts ruined. Attract youth, attract investors and whatnot without harming our sustainability. So, what do you say? You are the only thing in the way of peace and disturbance. What you do now, your actions, will determine how we live the rest of our lives.