Dear Alta Vista Neighbours,
I am writing to you with respect to the virtual meeting hosted by Hydro One on Thursday October 15, 2020 to share my personal observations and the actions I will be taking.
Hydro One’s responses to the concerns of neighbours and users of the corridor were wholly unsatisfactory. One major concern brought to my office is in the lack of consultation with residents. This meeting confirmed those feelings. Questions went unanswered, others resulted in corporate communication non-answers and the meeting was abruptly cut off at 7:30 pm.
This was not consultation. The platform did not allow for easy transparent engagement. Further to that point, the participant list was hidden, and it is unknown how questions were chosen, in what order or by what method or how many questions were left unanswered.
The questions we did hear included valid concerns about water mitigation in the area, requests for a clearer definition of work to be done and affected areas, historical considerations and requests for more time for conversations to be had with people who care deeply about this area and who use it frequently to engage, meaningfully, with Hydro One to establish an acceptable, long-term plan for the area. Though the property is owned by Hydro One, we are the ones who will be using this space long after the backhoes and bulldozers stop.
I have been clear that Hydro One needs to be;
- Selective in the vegetation that need to be removed
- Strategic in the implementation of the plan
- Sensitive to the needs of residents.
I feel compelled to host a follow up call with members of our community and so on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 7pm I will host an informal virtual Zoom meeting to continue to gather your questions and concerns.
Let me be perfectly clear that on Monday evening I alone will not be able to provide you answers to your concerns and questions. I will invite Hydro One representatives to the meeting on Monday. Whether they attend or not, I will be able to provide residents of our ward with a forum to express concerns, pose questions and exchange with neighbours.
In addition to this public letter, I will prepare a ‘What we heard’ report to share with Hydro One and other elected officials’ offices on behalf of the residents of Alta Vista.
Like you, I am deeply concerned with the work Hydro One intends to undertake in a few short months, particularly in the section of the hydro corridor between Knox Cres. and Abbey Rd.
Please join me on Monday evening via Zoom:
Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83921444990?pwd=eGVLeWFjM0JpaVlHMXdsSDhvcCtNZz09
OR
Call in option: +1 647 558 0588
- Meeting ID: 839 2144 4990
- Passcode: 801530