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Friends of the Cawthra Bush & Greater Mississauga Area
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Page - 3 - Mississauga News, Sunday, June 26/94 Man who would save woodlot being frozen out A Mississauga man involved in an environmental dispute with the City says he's being denied information any other citizen would be freely given. "I'm a victim of Censorship," Donald. Barber told councillors Wednesday. "I've been cut off in dealing with departments and individuals which I think is rather unfortunate. It's like an iron curtain has come down." Barber heads a group of citizens who complained loudly to city hall when it began to cull trees from the Cawthra bush, at the southeast corner of Cawthra Rd. and the Queen Elizabeth Way last winter. Barber has been a frequent visitor to city hall, seeking any documentation relating to the City's woodlot management plan and environmental policies. He said former Commissioner Brian MacRae told employees not to deal with Barber and to refer all inquiries to the commissioner. The only way he's been able to obtain information is through sweeping requests under the Freedom of Information Act Barber said. He has received some documents that way and understands why the City may have refused his requests, because the information was "damaging" to its position. "By what right do you cut a citizen off from what he's entitled to?" Barber asked, "I should be able to go in and ask for information at the counter like any other citizen does." Mayor Hazel McCallion defended her staff's action, saying that Barber will only have a cause when the community services department completely cuts off his access to information, "We have limited staff and we can't have people coming in and taking up all of staffs time," she said. She promised to look into Barber's complaint, however, and report back to him. Barber, who strongly opposes the removal of about 400 trees which City and conservation officials say will restore the health of the woodlot, said officials seem to be intent on proceeding with the second half of the cutting next winter despite, citizen input. While meetings were held among the City, his group and a group of environmental professionals, Barber said talks seem to have "broken off." He suggested the City would proceed with its original plans after paying lip service to the concerns. John Rydzewski, director of administration and parks, claimed the City is listening to input and consulting with provincial staff. A citizen advisory committee on the woodlot management policy is to be set up shortly. As a result of concern expressed, the City is now taking much broader look at the effects of the tree removal on the plants birds, amphibians, reptiles etc. who call the Cawthra bush home. Rydzewski said the City's original focus was primarily focused on the vitality of the woodlot but said it I now seeking quotes from consultants to look at the wider aspects.
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