TORONTO, March 2 /CNW/



More than 2,000 protestors arrived at Queen's Park with signs, cowbells and drums today to tell the Ontario government that a proposed gas-fired generating plant in Oakville is unsafe because it's too close to the community and because it will further contaminate an already toxic airshed.

Organized by Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA), the rally was attended by school groups and individuals who arrived on 42 school buses and on foot, by car and by subway. Colleges, the University of Toronto at Mississauga, elementary and high schools participated.

Michael "Pinball" Clemons, who lives in Oakville, launched the rally with a "kids first" chant.

C4CA President Doug MacKenzie thanked the crowd for carrying the message that a gas plant only 320 metres from a school and 400 metres from homes made no sense. Other speakers calling for reconsideration of the plan included Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Mississauga South MPP Charles Sousa and MP Terence Young, Oakville.

 Liberal MPP Kevin Flynn, who represents Oakville, said he will introduce a private member's bill next week calling for a legislated setback from communities for any gas-fired plant constructed in Ontario.



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