NDACT Public Meeting June 20, 2009

 
M I N U T E S Date: Sat. June 20, 2009 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: North Dufferin Community Centre, Honeywood Opening Dale Rutledge, President of NDACT, welcomed the public and specifically, Council members from Melancthon and Mulmur, NDACT members and volunteers and those supporting the cause. He urged the crowd to support the use of our specialty crop land for food and to protect our water over aggregate. MOTION: Dale Rutledge motioned to accept Ron Munro as moderator for the meeting. Seconded by Ralph Armstrong. Carried. Ron Munro asked that politicians in attendance be recognized and for the following to stand, Gord Montgomery (Mayor Mulmur and County Warden), Earl Hawkins (Mulmur), Bill Hill (Deputy Mayor Melancthon), John Crowe (Melancthon), Deb Fawcett (Mayor Melancthon) (to be present later), Janice Elliott (Melancthon). Also, he recognized Michael Daniher, representing The Highland Companies. David VanderZaag, NDACT Member gave an update on the committee’s progress since it commenced on January 17th, 2009. He also read the letter from G.W. Jorden to Denise Holmes, Township of Melancthon regarding The Highland Companies. The letter stated Highland Companies will be proceeding with an aggregate application probably within the next 3 to 6 months. As well the haul route will involve County Road 124 with no use of Township roads. Also, David continued with an overview of the rationale behind the proposed specialty crop designation and the relevant provisions of the Provincial Policy Statement, and then announced that on June 17th, 2009 the OFA supported the Specialty Crop Designation for the Honeywood area. Kate Armstrong, and five other youths stood on the stage. Kate delivered a passionate speech and said she is the 6th generation to live on the family farm at Redickville. She said the land and water are non-renewal resources that need to be preserved for the future. Future generations should not to have to try to fix something we do today. Kate is concerned about how the community is being impacted by the changes. Her closing statement was “only when the last tree is gone, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish is caught, we will then realize we can not eat money”. Adam Black, grandson of Jim Black, also stated he supported NDACT’s work and wanted to keep the land as farmland. Carl Cosack, NDACT Member stated the findings and infractions that NDACT brought forward to Mulmur, Melancthon and County Council regarding tree cutting and debris dumping. County Council has recognized one infraction; however, 8 others have been proven by NDACT. Carl concluded his presentation by asking everyone to let their elected officials know about their concerns. Jim Black, NDACT Member showed several slides and aerial photographs of how the property owned by The Highland Companies had changed by having sections of bush removed, swaths cut through the middle of hardwood bushes, fences removed, century homes demolished, debris dumped and covered up in a gully, impeding water runoff. Ted Oldfield, a Lawyer from Kitchener, who is a property owner in Melancthon, and son of the former long time Reeve, Gordon Oldfield, spoke about how a community organization in Elmira has been successful in making changes to improve water in Elmira after local wells were impacted by industrial waste (water may not be drinkable in their lifetime in Elmira). He said that there are parallels between the community activities between Elmira and Melancthon. Ted said it is ideal to deal with the environment crisis in front and not behind. His suggestions to be successful include: 1) be organized and stay together 2) support NDACT by attending meeting, working on subcommittees 3) stick to one theme – it can be done – fight back 4) lobbying – why is Council not more involved? Let Council know this is a vote changing issue. Lobby your MPP, Ministry of Environment, etc. Ted said there will need to be major fundraising and if it matters enough then residents should support the cause by making a donation. He indicated that it would take approximately $250,000 or more to go to the OMB. Garry Hunter, Hunter & Associates, Garry recognized in the audience, Chris Hibbert, Director of Planning from the Nottawasaga Valley Conversation. Garry said that approximately 100 monitoring wells and test holes had been dug and complete records had not been made. A formal complaint was made to the MOE and it is now enforcing completion of the records. Karren Wallace, a strong supporter of NDACT encouraged people to write letters to elected officials, make a financial commitment to NDACT, volunteer, buy a sign, and support NDACT fundraising activities. She noted that despite what some would have you believe this is not a “done deal”. Question Period M. Daniher indicated that Highland Companies plans to pursue aggregate along with agriculture and other land uses. He invited NDACT Executives to a face-to-face meeting to deal with concerns rather than writing news articles in the papers. Jane Pepino, a Core member, stated that it was her understanding that Highland Companies had stated that they had no intention to pursue aggregate extraction in Mulmur. Michael Daniher indicated that the focus of research and application has been on Melancthon. Ms. Pepino asked Mr. Daniher whether Highland Companies were prepared to back up this statement by entering into an enforceable agreement covenanting not to pursue aggregate extraction on their Mulmur lands. Mr. Daniher did not agree to offer that commitment. Rob Uffen informed the crowd about a document entitled The AEMOT Study that was commissioned in 2002 for five municipalities, including Melancthon Township. The cost was $275,000. The Study contained 150 pages of scientific evidence that confirmed that the water table and other hydrological attributes in the subject area, including a significant portion of the lands owned by Highland Companies, were extremely vulnerable. The Study provided some 60 recommendations that were never implemented. Bill Hill, Deputy Mayor of Melancthon, indicated that the MOE had not acted on the report to date, and this matter had been battled for some time, even by former Mayor Garry Matthews. He recommended NDACT submit a letter to ask Council to follow up. Bill Hill said he would take the recommendation that Council retain a planner to follow up on the Study back to Melancthon Council to discuss. Mr. Sanford inquired about how many homes have been demolished in Melancthon and how many will be demolished in the future. Michael Daniher indicated that 3 houses have been demolished, and stated the reason being that they were either uninsurable or condemned. He had no specific number regarding how many will be demolished in the future. Another person asked how the debris from the houses was discarded. She asked if the material was inspected as she was concerned about toxic material in the environment. Michael Daniher indicated that he would report back to the Committee. Debbie Fawcett, Mayor of Melancthon indicated that none of the debris had gone to the Melancthon dump as it was not allowed. Marg McCarthy felt that if Highland Companies through their CD, ads in the local paper and being in the Community is being open and transparent, then they would be able to disclose the size of the quarry and if there will be further applications? Michael Daniher indicated that there would be a voluntary pre-consultation to allow the public to ask questions about the aggregate operation. Roger Short said that Highland Companies have purchased land at up to two times the previous transaction prices for comparable land. Michael Daniher said that the price of transaction was set by willing buyers and sellers. Michael said there are no plans for a 5,000 acre pit. Highland Companies have researched rehabilitating the area after aggregate has been extracted to return it to agriculture. No specifics on rehabilitation were given. Roger Short indicated the Highland Companies is a hedge fund out of the U.S. He said Mulmur should be very concerned about the dust, noise, and water. Garry Matthews, former Mayor of Melancthon, challenged the purpose of Highland Companies purchasing land on the west side of Hwy 10. He also wondered about the need for Highland Companies to purchase the Orangeville/Owen Sound rail line. Michael Daniher said it is part of their vision to restore a transportation route up to Georgian Bay. He said that their company would be one of the consumers. A question was asked, if the limestone will be shipped overseas? Question – why are you indicating that 400 jobs will be created, in Melancthon, by the quarry when the 6,000 acres quarry in Rogers City, Michigan, which is the world’s largest quarry, employs only 120 jobs? Michael Daniher indicated that this includes direct and indirect jobs, but did not confirm or substantiate these numbers or whether they would all be in Melancthon. Question – Who are we dealing with? Michael Daniher responded that the company represents private investors in Canada and the U.S. Heather Hayes stated her concern that more than 2,000 trees have been removed from the environment. She asked what best practices are being followed regarding tree removal and replacement. Michael Daniher indicated that the tree cutting allegations were unwarranted and they are disputing the one allegation. Margaret Mercer informed the audience the name of the American hedge fund is, Baupost Group. She also stated that she felt Melancthon Council should be holding these types of meetings to get resident input and that she was disappointed that Mayor Fawcett left the meeting early. Ron Munro closed that meeting at noon. Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary: Diane Cowen The Invitations NDACT North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Task Force Box 15, Honeywood Ontario L0N 1H0 email contact: info@ndact.com Website: www.ndact.com June 8, 2009 RE: INVITATION TO ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING JUNE 20, 2009, HONEYWOOD, ONTARIO The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Task Force (NDACT) was formed after a public meeting was held in January 2009, with over 300 ratepayers in attendance. Concern was expressed at this meeting about the Highland Companies amassing landholdings in Melancthon and Mulmur Townships, in the County of Dufferin of over 6,000 acres of prime agricultural land. Two presentations at the January inaugural meeting provided evidence of significant core sampling, well testing, tree cutting, archaeological and other studies that were being conducted on the lands that were consistent with pre-testing for aggregate/limestone extraction. Additionally this company is negotiating with local municipalities to purchase the rail corridor between Orangeville and Owen Sound. The primary concerns of NDACT are loss of non-renewable prime agricultural land, deforestation, impact on water, environment, wildlife and wetlands. This is not a local issue, this is an issue for anyone who lives in Ontario, who eats food and drinks water. The soil on the lands in question, are unique to Southern Ontario. Known as Honeywood silt loam, this soil it is conducive to growing consistently high quality yields of potatoes and is located less than 100 km from the Greater Toronto Area. This area is also known as the primary sources for water recharge, feeding the Nottawasaga and Grand Rivers. NDACT has scheduled a meeting to be held at the Honeywood Arena on June 20, 2009 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, to update NDACT’s activities since the January meeting. Several speakers have been arranged and there will be a question and answer period. The dignitaries, agencies, municipalities and ministries that have been invited are as follows: Premier Dalton McGuinty Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister of Environment Minister of Natural Resources Minister of Environment Minister of Agriculture, Food &Rural Affairs Sylvia Jones, MPP David Tilson, MP Randy Hillier, MPP Bill Murdoch, MPP County of Dufferin Township of Clearview Township of Melancthon Township of Amaranth Township of East Luther/Grand Valley Township of Mulmur Town of Shelburne Town of Mono Township of East Garafraxa Town of Orangeville Municipality of Grey Highlands Niagara Escarpment Commission Grand River Conservation Authority Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Gravel Watch Ontario F.O.R.C.E. Ducks Unlimited Dufferin Federation of Agriculture Ontario Landowners Association (Dufferin) Ontario Potato Marketing Board Ontario Nature You are formally being invited to attend this critical community meeting to report on the concerns of the residents of Dufferin County regarding the significant and profound impact an open pit mine will have on our community and the food and water sources for the Province of Ontario. Yours truly, Dale Rutledge, Chair Norm Wolfson, Vice Chair NDACT North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc. P.O. Box 15, Honeywood, ON L0N 1H0 June 3, 2009 John Lowndes THE HIGHLAND COMPANIES 477476 Third Line, R.R. #2, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S6 Dear Mr. Lowndes: On behalf of The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc. (NDACT) and the concerned residents of Melancthon and Mulmur Townships, I would like to invite you to a Community Meeting that has been arranged for June 20, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., to be held at The Honeywood Arena. It is our hope that you will be able to personally attend this meeting to answer questions. Thank you in advance for your personal attention and hopefully candid responses to the community’s questions and concerns. We look forward to a productive and positive dialogue with you. Yours truly, Dale Rutledge Chairman NDACT c.c. Shelburne Free Press and Economist Orangeville Citizen Creemore Echo Michael Daniher, Special Situations Inc The Presentations Karren Wallace For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Karren Wallace. I am not a member of NDACT, but I am a very strong supporter of the committee and its activities and have been very vocal in my opposition to this proposed open pit mine. I feel NDACT should be commended for what they have accomplished in a very short period of time. I know for a fact that these people have spent hundreds of hours, taking time from their families and jobs; meeting to determine and implement strategy as to how best protect our community from this threat. On behalf of everyone here today I would like to thank NDACT. The other thing I know for a fact is that this is NOT a done deal, despite what you may have heard. The individuals who would like us to believe this rumour are perhaps the ones who will profit from it. I would suggest that if Highlands still believed this was a done deal they would not currently be making conditional offers, with hush clauses, on properties they wish to acquire. They would be buying people outright instead of hedging their bets five years down the road. All of you today took time out of your busy weekend to attend this meeting, so I know this issue is extremely important to you as well. That is encouraging as everyone must realize, 11 people can’t do this alone. One way to shape and change provincial policy is to undertake an ambitious public and media campaign. The hundreds of people here today can assist with a letter writing campaign. Write via email or snail mail to every single agency, ministry and politician on the contact list that is listed on NDACT’s website www.ndact.com . Please copy NDACT when you do. Until a political champion publically stands up and takes on and finances this issue, the job appears to have fallen by default to NDACT to undertake and pay for this work on behalf of ratepayers. This will be a long and costly undertaking and funding must be sustainable. I encourage you, on behalf of NDACT, to make a commitment for an ongoing donation that fits your own economic circumstances. Almost as important as money, is volunteering. Please sign up, distribute fliers, buy and display a sign, write letters. Experts who know much more than I, tell us that with climate shift, food shortages will occur and the next world war will be fought not over oil, but water. Why is a corporation with supposedly the community’s best interests in mind jeopardizing what is increasingly becoming a scarce commodity that is vital to life? Finally, the Highland Companies has been very generous to community organizations and causes: the Orangeville Legion, Jennifer Widbur Breast Cancer tournament and Hornings Mills Hall are the most recent beneficiaries of Highlands’s largess. I would hope that everyone realizes this is a transparent attempt by a U.S. based corporation to make people believe they have local interests at heart. I choose agriculture over aggregate, I hope you do too. Support NDACT. Thank you. Karren Wallace Melancthon Township karrenwallace@sympatico.ca Jim Black Jim Black’s talk was presented in PowerPoint and the original was a very large file, 104.5MG., too large to be presented directly on this page. In order to make this available for anyone who is interested in viewing it, the Webmaster has edited out some of the photos and translated the file to an Adobe Acrobat pdf file of approximately 74MG, still a fairly large file and not one for anyone with only a dialup connection would want to download. With a relatively fast connection, the file should download in less than 10 minutes. You can down load the file by clicking: Black.pdfmailto:info@ndact.comhttp://www.ndact.com/http://www.ndact.com/mailto:karrenwallace@sympatico.cahttp://www.ndact.com/NDACT/Black.pdfshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4