http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary...#ixzz24kkxX078
Quote:
A private southeast landfill’s promise to give $1.75 million to a neighbouring suburb in exchange for supporting its permit extension from the city is paying off.
BFI struck the deal with the community before its permit was set to expire in 2010.
Amid ongoing complaints from residents about issues and problems that some residents believed were the result of the company’s operations in the community, the landfill was struggling with the city’s subdivision and development appeal board to keep from closing.
It offered to enact a seagull mitigation plan, among other goodwill gestures, and to pay the Chaparral Community Association $1.75 million in royalties if area residents agreed to back the landfill’s extension bid.
BFI had also donated $3,000 to become the main sponsor at a postelection fundraiser for then-rookie Ward 14 Ald. Peter Demong.
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Curious as to peoples thoughts about this.
Personally I think it sets an ugly precedent. Even though it happened in the public record I can't view it as anything other than the equivalent of a bribe to get what BFI wanted. I wonder what kind of monetary concessions the residents of Ramsay could get out of Lillydale to keep the plant in their community?
So what say you forumers of CP? Am I out to lunch, or is has this just set an ugly standard that other communities can now leverage to extort money out of companies looking to conduct their business in the city.