I fully appreciate the too often unrecognized contribution our local farmers have and continue to make to our community. Given that, I still have to question the statement made by the President of the Simcoe County Corn Producers in a letter to Barrie Mayor Aspden that an Ethanol Refinery would be a "win win situation for the City of Barrie, the local Economy and the environment." There may be one win and that is the chance that our regional farmers will produce a portion of the corn needed to run an ethanol refinery in Barrie. How big a portion, will likely be influenced by the ability to compete on price with heavily subsidized US corn imported from "Mega" farms that receive two thirds of the multi billions of dollars per year in US federal farm aid. With our rising Canadian dollar that is not likely to drop any time soon, imported US corn gets even cheaper by the day.
In the US Midwest the international demand for ethanol producing corn has been responsible for dramatic shortages and price increases on foods dependent upon many traditional cash crops to produce. Fields that once contributed to food production are now used for more lucrative bio fuel-corn production.
Rail line re construction, more frequent road repair and the effects the odor of fermenting corn will have on tourism plus home and business values, puts the prospect of a financial "win" for the City of Barrie far into the future if ever. Why our previous Mayor welcomed an ethanol plant with disregard for the side effects to his city is baffling. Some say this was a one last gasp attempt by his former worship to kibosh the Park Place development which Borders the former Molson's property to it's south and east.
I have to assume that any farmer who has researched the clearly documented environmental and health risks and concerns associated with ethanol production would have great concerns if an Ethanol refinery was proposed one half mile up wind from where their livestock grazes let alone where their children live, play and go to school.
I respectfully wish all farmers due compensation for the hard work they do but not at the risk to the health and wellbeing of their children and grandchildren who may choose to live in Barrie.
For further information, please visit www.CAREinBarrie.com or call 705-309-2273 (CARE).
I fully appreciate the too often unrecognized contribution our local farmers have and continue to make to our community. Given that, I still have to question the statement made by the President of the Simcoe County Corn Producers in a letter to Barrie Mayor Aspden that an Ethanol Refinery would be a "win win situation for the City of 
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