'Is this a filibuster?'

Coun. Mark Bouwmeester was the only outlier. Before the vote, Bouwmeester spoke for a little more than 45 minutes, repeatedly outlining his reasons why he wouldn’t be supporting the motion.

At times, members of the audience responded in audible groans to his points and some even told him to “shut up.” Just before the 20-minute mark, someone yelled out “is this a filibuster?”

Township Mayor Chris White repeatedly pleaded the audience for silence and respect to allow the councillor to speak. But by the end of the talk, White was even asking Bouwmeester to “wrap it up.”

“We have a duty to follow the process,” Bouwmeester said, arguing city staff have not yet looked at the issue and whether or not the process should considered dry under the bylaw.

He said according to his understanding, the term “dry-use” has nothing to do with water-taking, but has everything to do with the fact that the site is not serviced by the township. He said he would like to have township experts weigh-in on this issue before members of council vote it down.

The motion made by Coun. Wolk, that council refuse the application by Xinyi Canada Glass because “the proposed use is not a ‘dry’ industrial use,” passes. This means the glass plant application stops here. Xinyi reps said they will issue a statement tomorrow. (Photo of motion) pic.twitter.com/S27cUkzqzF — Chris Seto (@topherseto) July 17, 2018

“This is about the process. I’m concerned about the water, as is everyone in this room. But I want to see the science first. I want to follow the process,” he said.

“As municipal leaders, are you prepared to make decisions effecting the entire municipality based on science, on public engagement and consultation, and on reason? Or are you going to make a decision based on squeeky wheels, political pressure and special interests?”

He recalled back when the township spent years dealing with the “hidden quarry” development proposal and how there were so many reports that came forward around that issue. “Where’s that process now?

“You know who makes arbitrary decision and who disregards due process? Dictators and totalitarians,” he said. To this comment, the crowd watching erupted in groans and boos.

Following the vote, he said he expected the result but still needed to express he was “fundamentally opposed” to how the motion went forward. He agreed the glass plant application has problems, but said if they could be worked through, the gains of the development — with Xinyi proposing to create 380 jobs and invest $450 million into the project — would be massive for the township.

Leadership called into question

Four of the delegates who were in favour of the motion spent time outlining the term dry — even providing a dictionary definition of the word to council — and reminding them exactly what their bylaw says.

Susan McSherry, speaking on behalf of GET Concerned, the group she helped organize to oppose the Xinyi proposal, said township residents expect more from their elected leaders, specifically calling out Mayor White and township CAO Ian Roger for the way they handled this issue.

“The fact that we’re here tonight having to ask our council to uphold our bylaw speaks volumes on so many levels, but particularly about a lack of leadership,” she said.

More will be written about this issue when Xinyi releases its comments.