Shunpiking Online Vo.3 No.2 Phenomenal number of conflicts of interest By ANNE DUNSWORTH

I AM Anne Dunsworth from Boutilier's Point (826-2269). You've heard so much from the community, but one aspect that bears repeating is the phenomenal number of conflicts of interest with this proposal.

The first pertains to Jacques Whitford being hired by the developer to do an Environmental Assessment of the site, to file with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. You are already aware -- but not all here may, their report had to be obtained through Freedom of Information. In it, they state they're developing lobster condos, Why Nova Scotia needs those when there is a thriving industry staffed by real people is beyond me. But the real question here is how can there be an objective environmental study when the firm conducting the study has so much to gain?

Another conflict: Hector Jacques of Jacques Whitford is a Committee Member of HRMs Economic Strategy. Two months ago, along with a developer and four others, presented the Strategy Update to HRM council. Three major points they presented were:

• "This strategy will provide an action framework for HRM and all the agencies that fund economic development.
• "The goal is to have the best business climate in Canada by 2010
• "There is a need to address HRM's infrastructure deficit."

Oh really? At the expense of the communities and its people? Why was Jacques Whitford involved in this? Because they supply jobs and are trotted out by HRM and the province as an exemplary business? Well, both Jacques Whitford and Terrain Group -- who is fronting Destiny Developments -- receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from all levels of government.

Both Terrain Group and Jacques Whitford are investors ($5,000 to $10,000 dollars) in the Greater Halifax Partnership which states investors receive a host of benefits, including "preferred status in requests for proposals" and to "participate in the decision making process of initiatives." This year, private investors such as Terrain and Whitford are projected to give $1.6 million while almost $1 million comes from HRM. Reg Rankin -- we're wondering why you did not declare your conflict of interest in this vote considering you are on the Board of Directors of this partnership. I quote from the website:

"When the Partnership met with Jacques Whitford, they discovered several key ways they could work together. First, the Partnership looked at the economic footprint that a local head office such as Jacques Whitford has on our community ... Briefing key community stakeholders on the added value of keeping head offices such as Jacques Whitford is a key component of creating a viable community."

Is part of creating a viable community ignoring the citizens and concentrating only on the wishes of your business colleagues?

Even the HRM planning department is engaged -- Terrain Group and HRM were even two sponsors for Atlantic Planners Institute's 2003 Conference with thanks to Barry Zwicker, who happens to be treasurer of Terrain Group and is well-known to HRM.

So as far as trusting anyone involved in pushing this development down the community's collective throats -- shame on you. And Greg (Hammnd, the developer -- editor) -- you even had the gall to stand up at the last public meeting and state you had a letter guaranteeing you the water lease. And what's on your website -- at least prior to today as it is "under construction" -- is laughable when you say you care for your communities. How is it you care for us, or we can trust any of the companies involved with you?

Councillors: why is the only reason you are so interested in approving this proposal because you have so many business connections with these companies? Primarily, you represent the votes -- that is ALL of us in this room -- not those sitting at the table with you.

Anne Dunsworth
7112 St. Margaret's Bay Rd
Boutilier's Point, NS, B3Z 1W1
(826-2269)

References

Economic Strategy Update, Halifax Regional Council, Minutes September 20, 2005 meeting Item 8.2.+

_ HYPERLINK "http://www.atlanticplanners.org/newsletr/june2003/pp_june03.pdf" __www.atlanticplanners.org/newsletr/june2003/pp_june03.pdf
pg 15, 3rd column, Barry Zwicker
BARRY. O ZWICKER Title: † Treasurer † Area of Responsibility: † Finance/Accounting
Telephone: † (902) 835-9955 Fax: † (902) 835-1645 Email: † bzwicker@wml.ns.ca

_ HYPERLINK "http://www.cip-icu.ca/English/conference/sponsor2.pdf" __www.cip-icu.ca/English/conference/sponsor2.pdf
The Canadian Institute of Planners, the Atlantic Planners Institute and the 2003 Conference Committee members, wish to thank and acknowledge our Sponsors and Exhibitors for their contributionsÖ
Halifax Regional Municipality
Terrain Group Inc.