Community rallies at Queen's Park to oppose power plant
Oakville, March 3, 2010 - For Immediate Release
Over 2,000 people rallied Tuesday at Queen' Park to oppose the 900 megawatt natural gas-fired power plant proposed for Oakville. Oakville residents were joined by their neighbours from Mississauga and other GTA communities to tell the Ontario government that power plants should not be dirty nor located close to homes and schools. "Power plants should be clean and in safe places," said Mayor Burton as he addressed the crowd. "I call on the government to start over. How does it make you feel to know that the last 84 power plants under George Bush were cleaner and in safer places? We want the best." Gatherers also heard from Oakville MP Terence Young, Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. "The number one reason children end up in hospitals in Halton is respiratory conditions caused in part by toxic air," said MP Terence Young. "This plant will emit particulate pollutants into an already over-taxed airshed. That is totally unacceptable." "I was pleased to see thousands of Oakville residents come to Queen's Park today to oppose the construction of natural gas power plants in residential communities," said Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. "The government needs to ensure that these facilities are built in safe locations away from homes and schools and the proposed TransCanada power plant in Oakville is stopped." "I am very pleased to be working with Halton residents and other elected officials to fight the power plant in Oakville." said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "We have passed three unanimous resolutions where all of council has shown its opposition to the plant locating in our community. I will continue to fight the province on this critical issue." The Town of Oakville and concerned residents have raised concerns over the effect a power plant could have on air quality, health and safety in the community. The proposed site for the power plant in Oakville is less than 400 metres from the closest homes, school and businesses. Mayor Burton asked the Province to reconsider the location of the plant after an explosion at a natural gas-fired power plant in Middletown, Connecticut in February. Premier McGuinty asked Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Brad Duguid to respond. To learn more about the town's actions in response to the proposed power plant, visit the town's website. -30- For more information:
Mark De Paoli
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3445
mdepaoli@oakville.ca
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