Request for status update, Red Hill Expressway

Dear Minister Dombrowsky,

Further to our letters of December 17, 2003, November 5, 2003, November 13, 2003, and August 21, 2003, we are writing to clarify the status of the Red Hill Creek Expressway project.

While we have been promised a response indicating whether or not the Red Hill Creek Expressway approvals warrant a reassessment under s.11.4(1) of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, we have not received a decision to date. This week marks the five-month anniversary of our request.

We would also like to draw your attention to the recent (January 14, 2004) registration of Mr. John Matheson and Ms. Hillary Dawson of StrategyCorp Inc.on the list of active lobbyists of the Province of Ontario. We presume that you understand Waterkeeper's request for your position on the need for a review of the Expressway approvals is a question of law and not a question of politics.

Further, your parliamentary assistant was quoted in the Hamilton Spectator on January 22, 2004 stating that your government is committed to the project and that it is 'full steam ahead.' Is this the official response of the Minister of Environment?

As we have stated in previous letters, Waterkeeper would be pleased to meet with you to discuss this issue. We would also be pleased to have a response from your ministry.

Thank you for your consideration,

Krystyn Tully Executive Director