Replacing the ineffective Oshawa Harbour Commission with a port authority is hard to understand. Other than a few vested business interests, no one in our community has advocated for this option.
Federal control of Oshawa’s Harbour has given us a rotting and polluted hulk which cannot compete in a modern economy. For decades, residents and civic officials have pressed successive federal governments for improvements to the infrastructure of the port and a cleanup of the contamination. These requests have been met with indifference, scorn and, too often, hostility. Personal agendas have overshadowed the needs of the city.
David Crombie was hired by the current federal government to get beyond the personalities and provide us an impartial view. He consulted widely with all stakeholders. His report made it clear the future of the Oshawa Harbour was best served by transferring it to the City and establishing an arms-length agency to manage the port. If the federal government had no interest in Mr. Crombie’s recommendations, why was he hired? An explanation of the factors behind this decision is clearly warranted.
Now that Colin Carrie and Jim Flaherty have ignored Mr. Crombie and have chosen to support federal control, what is in the cards with this new authority? What lands are to be included? Is the proposed ethanol plant in or out? When will the lands be completely cleaned? Is a local marina still on the table? What is planned for the West Wharf? Is the rail line part of the plan? Will the Second Marsh and waterfront be protected? There are lots of questions, but to date, very few answers.
But as important is a clear vision on the future of the Port of Oshawa. The reason given by Transport Minster John Baird for the decision to go with a port authority was that Oshawa’s port is vital to the integrated marine transport network. While many would question this, the onus is now on our local MPs to ensure our federal government backs up its words with actions and dollars. The current rotting state of the port is unacceptable and significant federal investment is needed to give Oshawa’s port a fair opportunity to succeed. Without millions of dollars worth of rehabilitation, new infrastructure and environmental cleanup, our port has no chance to compete. With the feds keeping control, it is now their responsibility to make these investments. Without significant new capabilities, our port will continue the slow death of the last two decades.
These questions were so eloquently asked by City Councilor Brian Nicholson. Gail Bates, Oshawa’s Green Party candidate believes they are worth repeating until the citizens of Oshawa get some answers. It is time for Colin Carrie to start listening to those who elected him, and to stop being Harper’s yes man, after all it is our Harbour!
