Survey shows majority want MZO for warehouse in Blair revoked

Mainstreet Research conducted a survey, which confirmed there is more support in the fight against the MZO for a warehouse in Blair.

The majority said they want the MZO rescinded. 71 per cent say they are very disappointed by the City of Cambridge's lack of engagement with residents. 51 per cent would also like to see more engagement with First Nations.

“We were trying to understand, and the politicians that support us are telling us that this is just a Blair issue, and that's why Cambridge council isn't paying attention to us. But, clearly, from the poll, this is a widely understood issue across Cambridge, and most people do support us,” said Tim Armstrong, a resident from the Village of Blair.

Blair Engaged has yet to hear back on whether or not Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark has accepted Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry's letter about the MZO approval. 

“This clearly shows to him that this is a broader issue than just a small Village of Blair, and it is across the city. It is also telling our council that they need to start paying attention.” But, he said, “we have the opportunity here. There is a traffic study and a heritage impact study that has to be reviewed to council.”

Blair Engaged is asking council to be a part of that process and to meet them before it is taken to council.

“We recently got a letter back from the head planner from the city saying, 'thank you for your questions, but you attend the council meeting when this is discussed.'” That is not democracy as far we are concerned.”

CityNews 570 reached out to Mayor McGarry's office. Still, Mayor McGarry had no further comments on the survey results from Blair Engaged. 

In a statement to CityNews 570, a spokesperson from Mayor McGarry's office said:

Cambridge City Council endorsed the MZO application to the Province requested by Broccolini Real Estate Group, following all legislated requirements and obligations under the Act.

This site has been zoned for industrial use since the late 90s. It has been zoned as M1 industrial since 2015, with consultation having occurred since the Blair Area Special Study in 1997.

The site application plan documents have been posted publicly on the City's website and circulated to various agencies and Six Nations, and MCFN. The Traffic Study and the Heritage Impact Assessment will be presented before Council at a future date.