This little guy kinda reminds you of minion Mikey, doesn't it?
2006-2009 – Lowndes/Highlands purchases large tracts of prime agricultural land in Melancthon, under the guise of “merely having the world’s largest potato operation”. They pay about $1-$2,000 an acre above the going rate. To date Highland, under a variety of numbered companies, owns about 6,000-7,000 acres of prime agricultural land in Melancthon
2007 – Highlands begins clear cutting thousands and thousands of trees in contravention of the County tree cutting bylaw
2007-2009 – citizens make repeated calls to the County regarding the illegal tree cutting. County staff reply to all complaints that there is nothing untoward going on
2008- Orangeville signs an agreement with Highlands to sell their portion of the rail line for $5 million, contingent on Orangeville “ensuring” that a portion of the rail line that Orangeville does not own (but the County does) gets sold to Highlands. Orangeville stands to realize an additional $2 million to ensure this sale happens. Note: Orangeville has a weighted vote at the County and as a result has the required votes at County to ensure this happens
Aug 2008 – Highlands demolishes the first of 17 homes, and takes all unsorted refuge, including insulation, wiring, glass, brick, appliances to the Melancthon landfill. Mayor Fawcett denies at a public meeting in July 2009 that the house went to the landfill
Aug 2008 – a group of concerned ratepayers attend Melancthon council re: demolition of houses and business transactions between elected officials and Lowndes
Aug 2008 – a private citizen makes a presentation to Council about their options to fight the proposed open pit mine. Council takes NO ACTION
2009 – The County commences an action against Orangeville regarding the rail issue, claiming Orangeville has a conflict of interest due to the $2 million “side deal”
Jan 2009 – a group of concerned farmers and ratepayers hold a meeting in Honeywood attended by more than 300 concerned ratepayers. The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) is formed. Highland spokesperson is asked about their intentions and he NEVER reveals a 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine
Jan 2009 – a private citizen begins a campaign to have Melancthon Council post agenda items in advance of meetings. Council responds with a legal opinion from Osyany stating that would be a violation of privacy issues. The ratepayer responds with a $2,400.00 legal opinion from George Rust’D’Eye that in fact Melancthon MUST post agendas to be in compliance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Council starts posting agendas
Feb 2009 – immediately after NDACT’s January meeting in Honeywood, at which it was revealed by a ratepayer that in fact Lowndes/Highlands has been in touch with at least 3 provincial ministries regarding his plans for an open pit mine, Highlands issues a news release stating they have never denied their intention of searching for aggregates.
Feb – June 2009 – NDACT lobby’s Melancthon Council and County Council regarding illegal tree cutting pursuant to the County’s bylaw. Melancthon washes their hands. NDACT proves to the County that Highlands contravened the tree cutting bylaw NINE times, but Council decides not to fine Highlands.
Feb – June 2009 – NDACT lobby’s Melancthon Council to move the “impacted lands” into a special agricultural designation. Council refuses to consider the request.
Apr 2009 – County gets a ruling that Orangeville is violating the Municipal Conflict of Interest legislation regarding the “deal” on the rail line.
Apr 2009 – John Lowndes of Highland Companies invited to attend a meeting of Council to defend the number of local jobs that were included in Highlands DVD that was sent out-to date has never showed his face inside the municipal building since that time.
May 2009 – Melancthon issues Highlands the second of what will be a total of 17 permits to demolish century homes and barns. At a public meeting in June Highland spokesperson stated the homes were all declared unfit (the Building Inspector denies this) and further states Highlands the number of homes they will be taking down will be “less than double digits”
May 2009 – Highland advises they will be filing for an aggregate license within 3-6 months
June 2009 – NDACT holds a public meeting attended by more than 400 individuals.
Continued tomorrow.....
No comments:
Post a Comment