Food and Water First
Food Water FirstProposed mega-quarry is a mega-bad idea
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- Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 16:20
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At the request of a reader, I would like to clarify my position on the proposed mega-quarry.
In a previous column, I compared the proposed Gateway oil pipeline through British Columbia (BC) to the mega-quarry in Melancthon, noting that in both cases the locals take all of the environmental risks, while the benefits are reaped by those far removed from the consequences.
In a letter of response, D. Crump of Toronto argued the mega-quarry benefits Ontario and even Melancthon, given that we all use aggregates.
Crump suggested my view was parochial by drawing a comparison between BC and Melancthon. I must confess, I do tend to write this political column with our Dufferin-Caledon constituency in mind, but the mega-quarry would be bad for Ontario by subsidizing the cost of aggregate by eliminating prime farmland.
By Rob Strang, Sep. 17, 2012
In his column "On Politics", Published in the "Orangeville Banner".
Highland Officials Have Desire to Re-establish Rail Line Between Orangeville and Owen Sound
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- Published on Thursday, 06 September 2012 23:59
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Orangeville has a pending $7 million deal to sell its rail line to The Highland Railway Group — $2 million of which will come only once the first mile of track has been laid to the north of Orangeville, on lands currently owned by Dufferin County.
Acknowledging many issues relating to the proposed Melancthon quarry need addressing, Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams places selling the rail corridor atop his totem pole of priorities. He argues it would go a long way toward reducing truck traffic on county roads if Highlands’ proposal, which will be subject to an environmental assessment (EA), is approved.
“The best alternative for the community, if that goes ahead, would be to have the rail corridor used. ... The truck traffic on the roads would be horrendous,” Adams said. “If that wasn’t to happen, I’d agree (recreational use) would be my second alternative.”
Posted in the "Orangeville Banner", Thursday, September 6, 2012
By Chris Halliday
ALSO
Owen Sound in talks with a potential third party owner for the harbour to get it dredged.
Mayor Deb Haswell says there are companies interested in owning Owen Sound's harbour -- but she wouldn't elaborate due to confidentiality agreements.
Posted on "Bayshore Broadcasting News Centre", friday, August 31, 2012
By Manny Paiva
Plan to protect water sources ready for public comment
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- Published on Monday, 27 August 2012 17:41
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Headwaters
A proposed plan to protect municipal drinking water sources in the Grand River watershed is now available for public comment until Oct. 3.
The Draft Source Protection Plan outlines policies and programs needed to protect municipal wells and surface water intakes from contamination.
The plan is available online at www.sourcewater.ca and will also be available for viewing at municipal and First Nation offices throughout the Grand River watershed.
Next month a series of public meetings will be held throughout the watershed to give residents an opportunity to learn more about the plan and to comment on it. Written comments can also be submitted until Wed. Oct. 3.
Posted in the "Cambridge Times", August 23, 2012 by Editor
Feds walk away from environmental assessments on almost 500 projects in B.C.
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- Published on Wednesday, 22 August 2012 13:42
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Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has washed its hands of environmental assessments of nearly 500 projects in B.C. as a result of a revised Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Paddle the Grand event aims to raise opposition to quarry proposal
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- Published on Friday, 10 August 2012 13:17
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Paddle the Grand organizer Sophia Sanniti (right) is shown on the river last summer with Alison Carlyle (left) and Kaylyn Echlin.
The task force is inviting the public to Paddle the Grand along a four-hour course this weekend. Organizers hope that the more people who experience the river, the more voices they will have to protest a proposal for a 2,300-acre mega-quarry in Melancthon Township near the headwaters of the Grand River.
“Here we are … with this beautiful landscape and we’re ready to dump this giant mine on it and potentially contaminate this water forever,” said Sophia Sanniti who is organizing Sunday’s event.
Posted in "The Record", Friday August 10, 2012
By Linda Givetash