Jesus Bids Us Shine

 

Jesus bids us shine with a clear pure light,

like a little candle burning in the night;

in this world of darkness so we must shine

You in your small corner, and I in mine.

Many of us have been stunned by the complete about face by the government of Ontario regarding the portions of the Green Belt lands which had been unilaterally removed from protection. It really is good news, except that it should never have happened in the first place. Premier Ford had broken his election promise to preserve the Green Belt and even declared it a scam. Then, as public pressure mounted and evidence of sketchy deals with developers emerged Ford became contrite and held a "my bad" news conference. 

This decision was followed by another huge surprise, the housing minister rescinding directives to municipalities, again without consultation, to open up areas for development which were not part of the short or long-term plans for those communities.

We live in Belleville and almost alongside an environmentally sensitive area known as the Bell Creek watershed. We can walk to this area from our home in a few minutes and do so a number of times each year. We have seen lots of wildlife in these woods, including Barred owls, and there are some huge oak and maple trees. A few months ago the Ford government arbitrarily declared that an area adjacent to this watershed could be developed, even though the city had no plans to do so and the effect on the ecosystem could be catastrophic. 

I continue to mull through what has happened as a concerned citizen who expects accountable government "for the people" and as a Christian who cares for the Earth. I think about attending a local rally on a raw day during the winter and realizing that a member of our congregation was there as well, barely recognizable beneath multiple layers of clothing. She distributed the signs in opposition to the development, including one which ended up on our lawn for months. 

We were the only household on our court to do so, even though we all live so close to a unique ecological area. We felt that our efforts were a drop in the proverbial bucket, even foolhardy,  but lots of drops eventually filled the tub which was sloshed over the premier's head to wake him up. 

Now, to address Highway 413, and Ontario Place, and the Science Centre, and ... Jesus bids us shine. 

Have a read of this excellent piece written last year about protecting Bell Creek

https://naturestuff.net/web/thoughts-on-the-bell-creek-watershed/