Hanlon Creek Conflict Heats Up Again in Guelph Special

October was a quiet period in the conflict between environmentalists opposed to construction of a 700 acre business park in the southwestern corner of the city.

The occupation and subsequent court experiences were over. The city announced that they would not resume construction until the spring, subsequent to further exploration of the presence of the Jefferson salamander. Last week the issue exploded in to flames again. Monday the city announced that it was going to approach the Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield, requesting an exception from Standard Operating Procedures and permission to proceed in the spring even if Jefferson salamanders are positively identified on-site. Then the city announced that on Thursday, November 8 they planned to have a 'silver shovel' sod turning. The city were careful to allow only 'invitees' and approved media. The opponents of the Hanlon Creek Business Park responded with a 75 strong counter-demonstration. In the spirit of Halloween their costumes, including Jeffy the Salamander, their drumming and their demonstration was all directed towards making their presence known. The situation was more raucous than any previous confrontation. The official party arrived in two municipal buses. When they attempted to leave after the ceremony as they drove past the demonstrators there was pushing and shoving between police and demonstrators. This, coupled with obscene chants, made this confrontation an edge. No one was injured and the police reporting laying no charges.

Bob Gordon

Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex (HCWC), Downey Road entrance. On the first day of the occupation, July 27, 2009, banners proclaim the occupants intention to protect the land.

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Also last week, the city announced that it plans to restart work on the project immediately.In September they announced there would be no work done until the spring This may have added to the anger and aggression of the events of Thursday. The city intends to have it's contractors undertake preliminary grading and installation of storm sewers and similar services. The work has not started yet, but the city has clearly committed themselves to starting this month.