Food and Water First
Food Water First
About UsNDACT
(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.
Recap of NDACT's Jan. 15, 2022 Meeting-with supporting documents
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- Published on Thursday, 20 January 2022 16:03
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Did you miss the ZOOM meeting on January 15, 2022
regarding Strada Aggregates upcoming plan?
Presentation by Karren Wallace.
Chat dialog from live meeting on Jan. 15. 2022
Please note that to this date, there is no application by Strada Aggregates to quarry their existing lands.
Their intentions have been stated in the report above.
NDACT has been approached and our suggestions are summarized below:
Key Components of the NDACT Approach:
- Strada 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 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 January 15, 2022
Further details can be found by listening to the video and reading the slide presentations.
Videos that Tell the Story
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- Published on Monday, 17 January 2022 20:35
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During our battle with The Highlands Company in 2009, there were many videos produced, which told our story.
We have a few favorites that have parallels to the present Strada Aggregates situation.
Take a look:
"King of the Hole" by Hobo Wally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76urC3_XYxQ&feature=youtu.be
A satirical perspective on the Company's devastating mega quarry project in Ontario's Melancthon, County. Recorded and filmed in the surrounding farmlands of eh proposed quarry site and Toronto Hobowally as a company executive confesses the companies true intensions, set to a timeless hobo classic song.
This is a satire folks. All in good fun.
Disclaimer: Hobo Wally assumes no liability for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. All information should be verified independently before being used and relied on. You agree not to hold Wally Hobo responsible for the content or operation of such websites.
"The Mega Quarry"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8ZkwK22hqI&t=23s
This video features many of the original Board members.
"If you want to live with with yourself, you have to live with your principles." Ralph Armstrong
Melancthon farmer and NDACT Board member (begins at 4:29 of the video)
"Mega Quarry, Mega Worry" The Agenda with Steve Paikin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTTR-Fer0aE
NDACT's Carl Cosack, on "the Agenda with Steve Paikin" (2011). Paikin states he has never had more emails on any environmental issue other than the Mega quarry.
Citizens, farmers, environmentalists and chefs are raising concerns about a proposed mega quarry in Ontario's Melancthon Township. The Agenda examines the competing claims in the Melancthon mega quarry fight.
Another video by Hobo Wally: "Walk with me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06N9KUJ54d0
Hobo Wally was moved by the Great 5 day walkers, They marched over a 100km from Toronto to the proposed Mega Quarry site. On a busy freeway, In the rain with fast trucks... nothing stopped them... so, this one goes to out to you.. and everyone fighting the quarry!
In 2011 History Professor, John Varty wanted to draw attention to how food is produced and the struggles faced by farmers. We welcome him to Dufferin County, as he traveled from P.E.I. through the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario, ending in Melancthon.
“My goal is to put farmers on camera and give them a sustainable voice,” said Varty, who adds that there are a number of documentaries being released right now about food, but they don’t go into much detail about the role of farmers and farming.
Melancthon organized a tractor convoy of all sizes to join Professor Varty to "Stop the Mega Quarry." It sure was a sight to behold.
Part 1 of the tractor tour
Part 2 of the tractor tour
In 2012, hundreds of protesters recently gathered in Queen's Park to stop the creation of a proposed "mega quarry". Zoomer News Videographer Darrin Maharaj and Dale Goldhawk were there and had the details...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa4T0tQZKGs
Proposal to Strada Poll Results - as of Jan 17, 2022
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- Published on Monday, 17 January 2022 19:37
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These are the results from the:
NDACT Community Survey on Proposal to Strada Aggregates
Poll taken after our Community ZOOM meeting held on January 15, 2022
Recording of NDACT's Community Meeting Jan. 15, 2022
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- Published on Sunday, 16 January 2022 20:28
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Strada Aggregates' - Proposal July 2021
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- Published on Saturday, 15 January 2022 19:04
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Strada Aggregates
Shelburne Quarry Proposal
Government Briefing July 2021
Although to this date, no official appllication has been made, Strada's Quarry Proposal as presented to Melancthon Council, can be viewed here.