Support the Horse Hill Area Structure Plan

Tomorrow begins the Public Hearing for the Horse Hill Area Structure Plan (ASP). 

That's right folks...Monday Feb.25, and Tues. Feb 26 will be the days set aside for the Public Hearing. Finally we will get peace in our Community and leave our fellow friends, neighbors and community with a sense of direction by our civic leaders. We will have a vision and know the direction after 32 years and defending of our property rights.

For those North Edmonton Agricultural Producers (NEAP) who hid behind being; "non suspecting and naieve local farmers who didn't know who you were selling your land to"?
Let's explain shall we;

This has been a well-mastered and heavily orchestrated plan for which we as a community have been witness to. The commercial agricultural producers left the sanction of this Community who supported them during and after annexation (1982 - 2004). Because you sold much of your land since 2000 and as recent as Jan. of 2012, this community could no longer support commercial operators views that require Ag land to conduct their business when they became tenants. TOPSOIL, Legacy Lands (NEAP as they are known today) wanted back then to lock up the same land they just sold. We as a Community refused to support those ideas then as today. It would be hypocritical and just wrong from a community standpoint.

We still believe the "Landowner" has Rights 

In the Municipal District Plan (MDP) in 2009, the Horse Hill Community spoke on the support of the City of Edmonton requiring an ASP for each of the last three Urban Growth Areas SE, SW, and NE. When we took part in the process we suddenly learned whom the Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA) was! Apparently since 2006 our resident, commercial agricultural producing neighbors had found a NEW community to support their initiatives, GEA. We as a Community had been blind sided! Not a mention, meeting, common or uncommon ground before the MDP.

From that process, research for a Food and Ag strategy was to be required before the ASP in NE only had to be completed. A third land study in 30 years? That process has concluded, interestingly it read much as the previous two, which were conducted in the mid 80's and 1996. Many of the special claims of the NE soils made by NEAP and GEA groups, were not substantiated with scientific studies and documented proof. 

Facts are; it's like the myth of the Sasquatch, it's there right? I was told it's there! Does it have to be proven to believe in it? Experts say it's there but not one skeleton has been found. Called an "Urban Myth." 

For years now, many of these same commercial producers have their business participating in international markets and are conducting their business on "rented" land as they no longer own enough to maintain their present business models. Simply put - without NEEA members land - no more commercial agricultural producer. For those who think the produce is "Organic" far from it. Our members have lost bored water wells due to high levels of recorded  nitrates from water run off due to over concentrated fertilizer applications to gain maximum yields. Trees have been killed or stunted from chemicals being sprayed in windy conditions and topsoil from fields blown off in high winds. In our experience and knowledge of practices, none of these lands in "all" of NE Edmonton would pass organic certification.

Our position is clear and concise. If you Own your land, speak on it's behalf! Do not speak on behalf of your neighbors wishes. We have supported these commercial producers from the beginning by representing their rights in the ASP. If it's green on the map, that's all they own and have the right speak to. For all the land that is not green? We will do the speaking for it! NEEA has the interest of those landowners. NEAP and GEA do not have permission from those landowners to represent their interests! We respected and supported your decision; now in return, respect your neighbors wishes. 

As for GEA and their members, the treatment and tactics displayed by their Local Foods Team will long be not forgotten and unnoticed by this Community. You attacked our members on personal levels; discredit their experience and knowledge for your "common good"?

We question your tactics and integrity?

NEEA urges the land owned by these commercial agricultural producers to be registered and locked up for perpetuity through the Edmonton Area Land Trust (EALT). We would encourage all residents in Edmonton to support these producers in accomplishing this goal by sending emails to the Greater Edmonton Alliance and requesting them to have proof at the Public Hearings that these producers have done this before the ASP. NEEA has asked! EALT to date does not carry their titles to preserve it as ag?

Do it for the "common good" 

Contact them at the listed address  office@greateredmontonalliance.com   suggesting these producers make the commitment before they request for more land they do not have the right to represent.

This is by far the most extensive, time consuming design than others done previously for and in conjunction with the City of Edmonton. This ASP has vision, a balance for ag land, residential, environmental protection, park sites and commercial developments.Our members are excited to make NE Edmonton proud for the foresight it contains and how it will support the Edmonton Energy and Technology Park to the north of our location for generations to come.

NEEA will be in City Council Feb 25 & 26 to participate in the process and witness the undeniable act of others speaking on our rights. We require our civic leaders to show leadership to make this happen. They will be required to listen and make the best decision  for Edmonton and it's surrounding Capital Region.

We participated in far too many studies, plans and developments in the past 32 years

The Capital Region too has NE Edmonton as a "Growth Area"!

NEEA will be encouraging Council show leadership and pass this ASP!