Oshawa Waterfront and The Purposed Ethanol Plant

Well, it seems like a busy news week for Oshawa, what with IQT shutting down and the growing protest against the purposed ethanol plant that the Federal government wants to build in Oshawa.

Now, I hate jumping on bandwagons. Especially when I haven't done any research into whatever it is im jumping on to. Its fine if you have an opinion either-way about an issue but do yourself a favour and research. Read and look at the facts and decide on your own what your viewpoint is.

Around town lately I have been seeing a lot of flyers and signs saying "No Ethanol". At first I didn't understand why this Ethanol plant was so bad, so I decided to do a little reading and look into it further. Well, the biggest problem people have with it is the fact that it will be built on the Oshawa Waterfront. Ok, now I get it. For people that are new to Oshawa or don't know, the Oshawa waterfront has been such a big issue for so many years. Oshawa cant figure out what the hell to do with it exactly. Currently the Oshawa waterfront is designated as "mixed use" which means its used as part commercial and part recreational. Here's a little background info from the city's website:

"In 1966, the City of Oshawa transferred about 61
acres of land to the Government of Canada (“Crown”)
specifically for harbour purposes and the growth of
the local economy."

So basically everything that wasn't Lakeview park was owned by the Government of Canada. In 2010 Oshawa filed a lawsuit to get some of the land returned to the city and they were successful. The area of land that is to the East of Simcoe St. and South of Harbour St. where the Oshawa creek empties into the harbour was returned to the city. Everything east of the harbour was retained by the Federal Government. Finally the city of Oshawa can start building a nice waterfront which is currently one of the worst ive seen. If you want a good comparison, go to Port Hope, its gorgeous.

Im all for bringing jobs to Oshawa but I have to admit I had a little problem with this Ethanol plant. The only problem I have with it is that it backs on to the Second Marsh area which in my opinion is an amazing area. Earlier I talked about doing things in the city "on-the-cheap" and this is a good one. Go to Colonel Sam Dr. and walk the trails its really awesome that a place like that exists in Oshawa. I just wish Oshawa would promote it more. Farewell creek runs through the Marsh and empties into the Oshawa Harbour too but on the government owned side.

So, whats my opinion. Its both good and bad. It will bring jobs to Oshawa but it will create a big eyesore and be potentially harmful to Second Marsh. But that's what life is about in an industrialized country. Its hard to strike a balance. The Federal Government has made a lot of promises (legally binding ones) regarding the Second Marsh and minimizing the environmental impact. My hope is that there is no environmental impact if the ethanol plant get built and that all we are left with is just an eyesore.