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In this travesty of civic process, the onus for stopping the illegal activity appears to rest solely on the protest groups — “Save Oro” and “West Oro Ratepayers’ Association” (WORA) — to extract information Council has refused to share, and, at a cost of $50,000-plus, consult a lawyer, sound engineer, agrologist and other experts to assess the impact of the mega-concerts, as well as the positive claims made for the project.

One rationale for the concerts is alleged economic benefits to Oro-Medonte. But economist Dr. Peter Tomlinson, who lectures at the University of Toronto, has categorically rejected any such notion.

The issue has roiled the township. There are people who live far enough away from the site that the all-night partying won’t be heard in their homes, or who believe the promoter’s unfounded prophecies of economic spinoff, or who are unfazed by the disappearance — daily — of 350 acres of Ontario farmland.

But I sympathize with farmers whose routines will be disrupted, those who can’t escape the noise pollution, and residents who will be trapped in their homes by road closures and traffic gridlocks.

(How ironic it is to see über-environmentalist Neil Young featured in the coming concert, given his commitment, stated in Farm Aid, to “build[ing] a system of agriculture that values family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities.”)

This may seem like a parochial issue, affecting one small district but, given the scope of Republic Live’s ambitions, the illegality of the project and the anti-democratic nature of the process, the Battle of Burl’s Creek should be a cautionary tale for similar paradises all over Canada.

Republic Live spokespeople have boasted that Burl’s Creek’s planned expansion will make it “Canada’s largest outdoor event venue.” For rock fans — here today, gone tomorrow — thrilling words. For residents, farmers and environmentalists — here today, here tomorrow — chilling words.

National Post

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