Development Applications

Ummm, we didn't reject the original offer, we're just still thinking about it.

Looks like Burton finally took the hint though.

14_Royston_asks_LWRA_to_abandon_2008.11.04.PDF

Ok, neon signs are gauche. Instead, he decides to write an innocent little letter to a third party, outlining the course of action he wants Burton to take and includes Burton in the CC list.

13_Royston_to_ecojustice_2008.oct.29.PDF

Ok, remember the earlier letters where Royston asserts that Burton is in the driver's seat? But that he might want to withdraw? Apparently Burton needs a stronger hint.

What's next, a 10 foot tall neon sign?

12_Royston_asks_burton_sept_23_08.pdf

Oh wait, we're the District. If we don't like the rules, we can just change them!

All it takes is a $10,000 untendered contract awarded without council's knowledge or approval and voila! The water in Waseosa is magically all better now!

No, really -- Hutcheson made a mistake the first time so we'll pay him another 10 Gs to fix it now. 

I know -- we'll just call it a "statistical review" and make it all sound so routine. What's another 10 large between friends?

11-brouse-sept-15-08b.pdf

Ok, let's see if we've got this straight:

The LWRA will give up it's claim for costs against the District and in return the District will withdraw from the proceedings -- with the proviso that they can jump back in again at any time for any reason and without penalty. 

Ummm. Let me think about that and get back to you...  

In May, 2008 the District chair offered to meet with LWRA Directors. We agreed, subject to certain conditions. First, that the meeting be held "without prejudice" -- in other words, that what was said at the meeting could not be used in later actions. Second, that both sides left their lawyers at home. Certain senior staff members were also invited to sit in.

At the OMB review hearing, the chair noted that Royston and Burton (Pieper's lawyer) were obviously in cahoots.

At the Divisional Court hearing, Royston spoke for several hours in support of the applicant's proposal -- longer than even Burton. It was so blatant that our lawyer likened Burton to the "caboose" on the District train.

Ya gotta love the line "It is not up to Muskoka to make the case of any party represented by counsel." Isn't that what you've been doing all along Mr. Royston? The line about phosphorous loading being their only area of interest is in stark comparison to his arguments at Divisional Court.

06_from_royston_reply_to_OMB_2008.02.29.pdf

This letter is so strange and so far outside of the proper rules of procedure that not only could we not figure it out, neither could the OMB. They wrote him back the next day explaining to him the proper procedure he should follow if he wanted to make a submission to the Board.

04_Ltr_Royston_to_OMB_Feb_26_08b.pdf