It appears that the City of Brantford is going to be the brave little mouse that attempts to bell the cat.
The ‘cat’ in this case is the H.D.I. which has been creating an unstable business atmosphere for developers in that city. Brantford has finally had enough and is seeking a court injunction and damages for harm caused by the uncertainty.
The City of Brantford is also asking that the Canadian armed forces be put on notice that they may be needed very shortly.
This will certainly be one to watch because while Dalton McGuinty advises businesses not to pay what has been called an ‘extortion ‘ fee, he does nothing to back up the advice. Police are told to merely ‘keep the peace’.
So it seems that Brantford has decided that they are going to draw a line in the sand here.
But as today’s Expositor editorial notes, just who will be falling over the cliff is anyone’s guess.
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Saturday Update : BRANTFORD’S ACTION SCOFFED AT – Spectator .
Injunction case on hold – Expositor .
A sad day in court – Expositor .
“A physical confrontation and disturbance of the peace or riot is inevitable and imminent,” … “With 150 officers, city police are not able to “effectively protect public safety when the full-scale disturbance or riot occurs.”"
Inevitable? Imminent? Full-scale? When the judge asks what is meant by this what will city lawyers say? Do they know something we don’t?
Bells and cats …. lines in the sand …. cliffs ??
Too many metaphors IMO!
But what is important is that at least ONE level of government is going to take responsibility for enforcing the law in their jurisdiction.
But what is important is that at least ONE level of government is going to take responsibility for enforcing the law in their jurisdiction.
You got it. Very encouraging to see someone with some intestinal fortitude.
The court house sits directly across the street from City Hall. Is a message being sent?
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1040651&auth=John+Paul+Zronik
Wow. Thanks for that update, Fernando. This could get very interesting. I wonder if the City will back down.