Whether it was the never-ending line-ups for the H1N1 flu shot, or the massive train derailment that crippled the city for a few days, 2009 was a year Oshawa residents won’t soon forget.
But throughout the year several issues emerged that will continue well into 2010. The first that is of great interest to Oshawa residents and those living in the region is the Energy From Waste facility that may be constructed in Courtice.
Regional Council essentially gave it the go-ahead after more than 15 hours of debate. The decision happened despite numerous residents shedding tears and angrily opposing the waste-burning facility.
While the province has final say on whether it will go through or not, rumblings continue around the community among councillors and residents as to whether Regional Council made the right move – many think not.
Another area that has some residents scratching their heads revolves around Oshawa’s harbour.
While negotiations continue with the feds, the city has been looking towards getting some of their lands back.
It looks as though some progress is being made, and that could be to the relief of many residents.
But with FarmTech recently resubmitting their environmental application, the possibility of an ethanol plant is also a harsh reality and some residents want nothing to do with it. Some councillors couldn’t agree more. Many want to see the harbour flourish with recreational activity, but the idea of a Canada Port Authority and an ethanol plant have some worried.
It’s hard to say what the future holds for Oshawa’s harbour, but with the federal government resuming in March, some answers are certainly coming down the pipe. Will they be the answers Oshawa residents are looking for? That remains to be seen.
And with 2010 bringing about a municipal election, there may just be many more issues that come out of the woodwork, with some new faces at the forefront.
There is never a dull moment in Oshawa.