NDACT
(North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc.)
We are an incorporated, not for profit, entity which was formed in January 2009 by concerned citizens from Melancthon and Mulmur Townships.
The NDACT executive board was formed by a group of volunteers nominated by community members.
At the inaugural meeting, members of the community gathered to voice their concerns and to find out more about The Highland Companies plans regarding the more than 6,000 acres of prime agricultural land that they had amassed as of that date. Up to that point in time, and for a lengthy period of time afterwards, Highland reiterated to the community that they had been acquiring large tracts of agricultural land solely with a view to creating a world class farming operation, but residents were highly skeptical.
By the date of the meeting, there was a growing suspicion in the area that other plans were afoot, although the applicant would not clearly admit so. There was significant evidence that the applicant was undertaking activities that were inconsistent with its stated intentions (of just being interested in potato farming) including well testing and drilling, archaeological studies, woodlot and fence row clearing and the demolition of homesteads. Highland stated that these activities were merely to improve their farming operations.
NDACT Press Release - Jan. 24, 2022
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 27 January 2022 01:50
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For Immediate Release
January 24th, 2022 – Dufferin County
North Dufferin Agricultural Community Taskforce (NDACT) held a public meeting on Saturday January. 15th, 2022 with a virtual audience of over 300 concerned Ontarians in response to Strada Aggregate’s proposal to quarry below the water table at their pit near Honeywood.
During the meeting, NDACT solicited input from the community and stakeholders on NDACT’s proposed strategy with Strada Aggregates.
Key Components of NDACT’s Approach:
Strada would be required to hire a Community Trusted Consultant and make them part of the Strada application development team.
NDACT will be this community’s Communication conduit to Strada for the process duration.
If the Community Trusted Consultant agrees with the science behind the application studies and should that science deem the application viable, NDACT is prepared not to challenge the application when it is filed.
As part of NDACT’s agreement not to challenge the application, NDACT would require specific funding commitments from Strada to this community.
Strada has communicated that if the science is not solid, they will not continue with their quest. We expect them to keep their word. Should Strada still pursue an application for a quarry NDACT would fully engage in opposing such a quest.
So far the results of the survey are overwhelming in support of NDACT’s approach. NDACT is encouraging you to participate in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5VB6B5Q
Strada’s plans to quarry below the water table is reminiscent of the proposal put forth by the Highland Companies and a billion dollar hedge fund, during the Stop the Quarry campaign. NDACT and the community are well aware of the scientific facts and potential for water contamination.
NDACT will be requesting a meeting with Strada to discuss moving forward and as well, meeting with Provincial leaders, in order to ensure a safe future for Southern Ontario’s water sources.
NDACT's mission is to preserve and protect the unique and non-renewable resources of North Dufferin County. The Headwaters that supply Water to millions of Southern Ontarians. Our exceptional Prime Agricultural Farmland and the environment. Our social economic and cultural characteristics that have been such an important and vibrant part of our community and its heritage for more than 150 years.
For further information or to arrange an interview with NDACT, please contact:
Nanci Malek
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