Silent majority is encouraged to become vocal

Sentiments were unanimous last Wednesday as Our Caledon Our Choice, a broad-based citizens' group, met with a number of their newest members to listen to their concerns and to discuss effective ways to show support for Caledon council's position on population growth.

"Without a doubt what we're hearing is that people are extremely troubled by statements in the media that convey the false image that the majority of Caledon's residents and businesses are in favour of opening up our growth numbers or expanding our boundaries," said co-chair Rob Mezzapelli. "This is simply not true."

Indeed, for this group, whose membership grew to more than 100 within a week of their first meeting May 26, having council "stay the course" is the message that they intend to get across. The meeting ran overtime as both newcomers and long-time residents voiced their concerns and suggested ideas for making their voices heard.

"As taxpayers we have already paid for the research and effort that went into creating our Official Plan," Co-chair Cheryl Dell commented. "The population numbers it contains were arrived at by democratic process, and as citizens we expect our council to stand firm and stay the course."

Patti Foley, chair of the group's Communications Committee, reiterated how the group's members see Caledon.

"We want healthy and stable communities that are established at a rate which ensures sufficient infrastructure and services, supports a thriving business community, protects the environment, and maintains our Caledon values," she said.

"We want small communities that are green, clean, safe, friendly, and respectful of our natural and cultural heritage."

Mezzapelli compared residents of Caledon concerned about increasing the growth numbers or expanding the boundaries to "a sleeping giant that needs to be awakened, and Our Caledon Our Choice is endeavouring to do so."

The group, which professes to have no affiliation with any particular member of council or political party, encourages people to watch the papers for news about initiatives they will be moving forward with shortly and added they expect to see their membership surge in the coming weeks.

For more information, the group can be contacted by e-mail at OurCaledonOurChoice@gmail.com