Gordon Prentice at Large - Politics in Newmarket
- Details
- Written by: Gordon Prentice
King Township prides itself on accountability and transparency. 
I applaud the Township’s commitment to openness. But despite innumerable Freedom of Information requests to King over many months there are some big questions about the Greenbelt lands in King – bought by the developer Michael Rice on 15 September 2022 for $80M - that remain unanswered.
That’s why I am asking the Township to hear an in-person deputation from me at the King Council meeting on either 16 or 30 October 2023 – whichever is more convenient to them. My deputation concerns:
The evidence given to the Integrity Commissioner by the Mayor of King relating to lands in the municipality that could be suitable for a new Southlake Hospital.
The wording may have to be tweaked a bit to ensure it is completely in order but that's what I want to talk about.
Speaking Notes
The Township asks all deputants for their speaking notes beforehand. Presumably to avoid surprises and ambushes. I have no problem with this.
As everyone now knows, on 1 November 2022 at a meeting hosted by Mayor Steve Pellegrini at King Municipal Centre, the developer Michael Rice offered Southlake Hospital’s Chief Executive, Arden Krystal, land for a new hospital on the then protected Greenbelt at Bathurst. It would essentially be gifted.
The Bathurst lands are designated in King’s Official Plan (2019) as “prime agricultural” lands in the Greenbelt’s Protected Countryside.
Rice told the Integrity Commissioner he believed it would be possible to build a hospital on these lands – despite their designation – and that both he and his colleague John McGovern:
"anticipated they would be able to potentially develop medical buildings, a long-term care facility and other long-term assets on land that was in the Greenbelt and not necessarily available for other types of development".
Rice refused to meet the Auditor General.
Not permitted
York Region’s Chief Planner, Paul Freeman, insists, then and now, that a new hospital or medical facilities would:
not be permitted on the King site and therefore likely directed to a settlement area.
King Township’s Director of Growth Management, Stephen Naylor, piloted King’s Official Plan (2019) through all its stages over many years. There is nothing in the Plan that even hints that the Bathurst lands would be opened-up for development. There is no mention of a hospital. He refuses to say what his opinion is on the development of the Bathurst lands. When I asked him for his views as a professional planner he referred me to the Province. 
This is the background to Mayor Steve Pellegrini’s appearance before the Integrity Commissioner who was investigating whether former Minister Steve Clark had breached the Members’ Integrity Act.
Mayor Pellegrini told the Integrity Commissioner (Report of 30 August 2023 in paragraph 288):
“… the Mayor explained that other lands in the vicinity (of the Bathurst site) had already been discussed as a possible hospital site and that if Mr Rice contributed land from his recently purchased property, he (Mayor Pellegrini) believed it would potentially be a viable option for the hospital and a significant benefit for King Township.”
Keys to the Kingdom
Over the months I have filed many Freedom of Information requests with the Township. But, despite this, I have not been told where these "other lands" are nor who discussed them as a possible site for a new hospital. The Township says it has no records of any search for land suitable for a new hospital. And there are no records of meetings where these sites were considered.
I have been in touch with other members of King Council and they cannot shed any light on these discussions – when they happened and who was involved. The man with the Keys to the Kingdom is Mayor Pellegrini himself.
But Mayor Pellegrini’s words as reported by the Integrity Commissioner suggest (in ordinary English usage) that the “other lands in the vicinity” are, in fact, contiguous. And if “Mr Rice contributed land” it would “potentially be a viable option for the hospital”.
The Missing Link: John Dunlap
If this is the case, the “other lands” in question are owned by John Dunlap, the former Southlake Board member and the land agent who facilitated the sale of the Bathurst lands from Bob Schikedanz to Michael Rice.
The schematic which was presented to the 1 November 2022 meeting by Michael Rice appears to show the Southlake logo straddling the Greenbelt lands owned by Rice and Dunlap. (see right)
Southlake has pretty much stonewalled on all Freedom of Information requests that could shed light on this. Ludicrously, they say they have no records of Michael Rice’s offer of land for a new hospital. Appeals to the Information and Privacy Commissioner on this and other related matters are slowly grinding forward. Southlake has a duty in law to keep records.
If the Township agrees to hear my deputation I shall ask Mayor Pellegrini to identify the other lands suitable for a new hospital and who was involved in the discussions.
We take it one step at a time.
Update on 30 September 2023: From Newmarket Today: Province vetoes proposal for hospital in Greenbelt bordering Newmarket
Timeline: Southlake and the sale of the Greenbelt lands in King, click here.
Click "read more" below to read the evidence of Michael Rice and Steve Pellegrini to the Integrity Commissioner
- Details
- Written by: Gordon Prentice
Steve Clark is going to be reprimanded. But will he say anything in his own defence?
Or will he slink away and hide under a slippery wet stone?
House Leader Paul Calandra, on behalf of the Government, this evening tabled the following notice of motion which appears on tomorrow's Order Paper:
That the Legislative Assembly accept the report of the Integrity Commissioner dated August 30, 2023 and approve the recommendation contained therein.
As well as being the Government's business manager in the Legislative Assembly, Calandra is of course also Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing - the job formerly held by the disgraced Steve Clark.
Update on 26 September 2023. From the Toronto Star: Government policy made on a massage table in Las Vegas
Update on 27 September 2023. Toronto Star editorial: Greenbelt scheme shows need for safeguards. Star backs call for a Public Inquiry
Update on 28 September 2023: From the Toronto Star: Doug Ford's Office severing formal ties with key aide implicated in the Greenbelt scandal
- Details
- Written by: Gordon Prentice
I see the Newmarket-Aurora Progressive Conservatives are organising a night of Oktoberfest fun at the Old Flame Brewery (140 Main Street South) from 7pm - 10pm on 10 October 2023. 
Tickets are a snip at $200-$400 per person but, remember, there are no refunds!
The invitation tells us:
We will be joined by MP John Brassard, Barrie-Innisfil, MP Dan Muys, Flamborough-Glanbrook and other special guets. With Fine foods and refreshing beer this is not a night to miss!
Attendees who have purchased a VIP ticket will be invited to an intimate reception with our special guest MPs prior to the main event. Then the evening will really get Going with a Fireside Chat for an insiders look at the recent Conservative Convention in Quebec City. The energy was electric, and our CPC Caucus members will share with us what happened at the Convention, plus where our Party is headed!
Reserve your spot today and help turn Newmarket-Aurora blue in the next election!
After last week's U-turn on the Greenbelt, I suspect Progressive Conservatives need a little something to lift their spirits.
"FREE" BBQ and Corn Roast
And here's another date for your diary...
On Sunday 22 October 2023 from 2pm - 4pm Dawn will be hosting her second annual "FREE" BBQ and Corn Roast.
There is no entry fee and there will be plenty to eat. No-one will be turned away. Everyone is welcome.
Just like last year, Dawn will be billing the taxpayers for the $11,000+ cost.