Two and a half years ago, a community organization was formed to bring the voice of citizens to the newly amalgamated Township of Centre Wellington.
A journey that began with selfless, spirited, and idealistic concern for community well-being is now leading to a strong organization which will increase civic participation in Centre Wellington.
The Centre Wellington Citizens' Coalition is poised to make a significant contribution to public dialogue on important social and economic development issues. As stated in a Guelph Mercury editorial recently, "The coalition may have lost its legal battles, but it certainly appears to have gathered strength, support and momentum where it ultimately counts."
Our community - especially since amalgamation - needs strong neighbourhood networks to bring your views to discussion on vital topics such as town planning, water usage, and zoning bylaws.
As Centre Wellington continues to grow, there will be conflicts between economic needs and community values. Coalition members recognize that a strong community voice needs to be heard when decisions are made. They believe that citizen input into civic affairs does not end on voting day, that it's an ongoing process.
Because of the "costs" controversy, far more people in our community recognize that the most fundamental issue before us now is the right of citizens to participate in public debate without fear of retribution.
This controversy, which has lately drawn national attention, began with the formation of the CWCC in the spring of 2000. The very first issue tackled by the Coalition resulted in citizens being unjustly punished for taking responsible action to protect the future of their community.
It all began when an overture was made to bring a slots/raceway facility to the outskirts of Elora. Township council leapt at the opportunity to increase revenues. But the community was divided. Council's flawed attempts to gather public input, combined with its hasty decision-making, created further division. Council itself was split on the issue. Armed with support from public meetings and the signatures of more than two thousand residents, the Coalition raised sufficient funds to take the Township and County to court. Its position was that the decision to admit the slots/raceway facility was based on a hasty and flawed process. This argument was not accepted by the courts.
Having won the legal battle, the Township and County were given the option to collect court costs from their citizens. After an assessment process, the amount was set at over $86,000. The Coalition has made strong arguments that this option should not be pursued, since it will further divide the community and send a chilling message that responsible citizen participation in governance issues is not welcomed.
The Coalition's position has been supported by a number of prominent national organizations, including the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. A television documentary on CTV's W-5 has focused national attention on the issue. The debate, discussion, and negotiations are ongoing.
A fundraising campaign has begun which is helping the Coalition bring Centre Wellington's residents together and build an even stronger organization. There is tremendous support because many people recognize the importance for our democracy of the right of citizens to participate freely, without fear of retribution.
Concerned residents are asking: How, in a democratic society, can claiming costs against public-spirited citizens be justified? They don't want anything like this ever to happen again. They are speaking up and speaking out, and they want the Coalition to make their voices count.
They recognize that it's precisely this kind of situation which underscores the need for citizen participation in the governance process, to strengthen our democratic system.
The Coalition itself is uniquely placed to make a vital contribution to our community precisely because of the adversities that are being overcome. The Coalition has earned its stripes.
David Crombie, president of the Canadian Urban Institute and former Mayor of Toronto, said to Coalition supporters, "The true well-being of anycommunity depends not so much on financial gain, but on the capacity of that community to be a place for all citizens to discover their sense of identity by facing important questions: Who am I, what do I believe, and where do I belong?"
Your membership in the Coalition will keep you posted and involved. It will give you a voice in the important issues facing our community. It signifies that you are speaking up and being heard. We invite parents to include their children in debate and discussion on local issues through family membership.
Coalition members love their community. They want to make it even better by supporting participatory democracy and responsible governance in order to protect and enhance the quality of life in the Township of Centre Wellington. That is our vision.
Coalition members from all walks of life are working with local groups, including the business community, elected officials, and municipal staff, to initiate and encourage collaboration, creativity, and thoughtful long-range planning for economic, social, and cultural development.
Coalition members work towards the maintenance and enhancement of our natural environment through responsible and sustainable development. They wish to promote the healthy economic development of the community through strategic planning for new business opportunities and positive employment.
Coalition members are your friends and neighbours. Join us in this worthwhile and rewarding enterprise.
For more information go to: www.cwcc.info