Makes me also wonder if their investors know about that.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
MAKES ME WONDER
Makes me wonder how a large company would have trouble securing an operating loan for their business.
Makes me also wonder if their investors know about that.
Makes me also wonder if their investors know about that.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
STOP THE QUARRY YEAR IN REVIEW 2011 AND WEEKLY CALL TO ACTION
The Stop the Quarry initiative is suggesting that you forward this letter to Mr. Klarman at inquiry@baupost.com
For the special attention of Seth Klarman and the Baupost Group
EXCERPT:
As 2011 draws to a close, Mr. Klarman, we hope this report finds you in good health and spirits. It’s been a remarkable year for thousands of us in Canada, thanks to you folks in Boston. We didn’t really know much about you when 2011 began, just that you had set up the Highland Companies in 2006 and bought 8,000-acres of prime farmland in the lovely Hills of Headwaters northwest of Toronto. We were told by your Highland reps that you were here to farm our rare Honeywood silt loam. “We want to become the largest potato producers in Ontario!” they said. There were rumours you had other plans for the land and the aquifer beneath the fields, but being polite Canadians, we didn’t want to believe them
Click here for full article:
http://users.xplornet.com/~dbaylis/mega-quarry/Call%20to%20Action/111227_2011%20Year%20in%20Review.pdf
For the special attention of Seth Klarman and the Baupost Group
EXCERPT:
As 2011 draws to a close, Mr. Klarman, we hope this report finds you in good health and spirits. It’s been a remarkable year for thousands of us in Canada, thanks to you folks in Boston. We didn’t really know much about you when 2011 began, just that you had set up the Highland Companies in 2006 and bought 8,000-acres of prime farmland in the lovely Hills of Headwaters northwest of Toronto. We were told by your Highland reps that you were here to farm our rare Honeywood silt loam. “We want to become the largest potato producers in Ontario!” they said. There were rumours you had other plans for the land and the aquifer beneath the fields, but being polite Canadians, we didn’t want to believe them
Click here for full article:
http://users.xplornet.com/~dbaylis/mega-quarry/Call%20to%20Action/111227_2011%20Year%20in%20Review.pdf
BIG BUSINESS BIG GOVERNMENT BIG BULLY BIG MESS
Another local family who thought they would be able to deal with a big company and be treated fairly and not get screwed.
Hydro One project leaves family farm in shambles
GRAND VALLEY, ONT. - A massive construction project by Hydro One has turned this small corner of paradise into a hellish nightmare.
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/16/hydro-one-project-leaves-family-farm-in-shambles
Thursday, February 16, 2012
YOUR VOTE COUNTS
The Orangeville Citizen is conducting an on-line poll as to whether you are concerned about Highland’s rail deal proposal with Orangeville. (As you know, Highland is trying to buy a rail-line stretching north to Georgian Bay, far from the GTA market it claims it will serve.)
Please VOTE:
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2012-02-09/Front_Page/Highland_town_renew_railway_sale_deal.html
Please VOTE:
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2012-02-09/Front_Page/Highland_town_renew_railway_sale_deal.html
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
CAN YOU HELP?
I opened this email this morning:
Artists Against the MegaQuarry would like to create a special segment that focuses on the 31 homesteads that have been destroyed by Highland.
They envision paintings, photo collages, old letters from previous owners -- a visual history of the farms, the families who lived on them and what's been taken from the community since Highland bought the land.
They need photos of the old places -- homes, barns, laneways, families -- anything that can inspire the artists. They will post the images on the Artists Against the MegaQuarry website and put out the call to the artists to submit artwork depicting these lost places so should you submit something, please know that it may be posted in the public realm and reproduced.
Can you help in finding those photos, letters and history about the properties from the past and help tell their stories before they are lost forever.
Before and after photo's would be wonderful.
If you were an owner or resident of a property that is still standing, but which Highlands now owns, please forward the same things-as these homesteads face the same fate.
Please indicate the name of the homestead/lot and concession as well, which helps in identifying the properties.
Thanks for your help.
I have removed the email and contact name from the above, so check out the facebook site or http://www.ndact.com/ to find out details where you need to remit the stuff.
Artists Against the MegaQuarry would like to create a special segment that focuses on the 31 homesteads that have been destroyed by Highland.
They envision paintings, photo collages, old letters from previous owners -- a visual history of the farms, the families who lived on them and what's been taken from the community since Highland bought the land.
They need photos of the old places -- homes, barns, laneways, families -- anything that can inspire the artists. They will post the images on the Artists Against the MegaQuarry website and put out the call to the artists to submit artwork depicting these lost places so should you submit something, please know that it may be posted in the public realm and reproduced.
Can you help in finding those photos, letters and history about the properties from the past and help tell their stories before they are lost forever.
Before and after photo's would be wonderful.
If you were an owner or resident of a property that is still standing, but which Highlands now owns, please forward the same things-as these homesteads face the same fate.
Please indicate the name of the homestead/lot and concession as well, which helps in identifying the properties.
Thanks for your help.
I have removed the email and contact name from the above, so check out the facebook site or http://www.ndact.com/ to find out details where you need to remit the stuff.
HOT OFF THE PRESSES (OR AT LEAST EMAIL)
"Fortune magazine in the U-S has published an article about Seth Klarman and the mega quarry fight. A reporter from the magazine visited the area in December for a couple of days and interviewed several farmers about the controversy. Keep in mind it is a business magazine which applauds the business acumen of investors like Seth Klarman. But it's the first time a leading American business magazine has covered our fight. There's room to comment below! "
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/02/15/seth-klarman-baupost-quarry/
Here is hoping these comments don't disappear like the last ones!!
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/02/15/seth-klarman-baupost-quarry/
Here is hoping these comments don't disappear like the last ones!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I GOT NOTHING
Guest anon blogger tonight....
from The Banner this week:
In nearby Melancthon, data shows the municipality losing 56 residents, bringing its total population down to 2,839 from 2,895 in 2006, or 1.9 per cent.
In addition, Melancthon has the lowest population density ranking in all of Dufferin, with 9.1 residents living on each square kilometre of land.
“I’m actually surprised by the number,” commented Melancthon Mayor Bill Hill. “So, it does concern me.”
Surprised by the number!? Does the Mayor really know what is going on in the township?
Can you take down 30+ farms and still have the same population? If the quarry (and the next batch of turbines) goes through, he could be Mayor of an uninhabited wasteland, but he might be raking in $5 million per year due to the generosity of our biggest taxpayer ( Lowndes did say that). Maybe then (ha!) the remaining hangers on, trapped by economic circumstances, might have (or better yet, deserve) ZERO property tax.
from The Banner this week:
In nearby Melancthon, data shows the municipality losing 56 residents, bringing its total population down to 2,839 from 2,895 in 2006, or 1.9 per cent.
In addition, Melancthon has the lowest population density ranking in all of Dufferin, with 9.1 residents living on each square kilometre of land.
“I’m actually surprised by the number,” commented Melancthon Mayor Bill Hill. “So, it does concern me.”
Surprised by the number!? Does the Mayor really know what is going on in the township?
Can you take down 30+ farms and still have the same population? If the quarry (and the next batch of turbines) goes through, he could be Mayor of an uninhabited wasteland, but he might be raking in $5 million per year due to the generosity of our biggest taxpayer ( Lowndes did say that). Maybe then (ha!) the remaining hangers on, trapped by economic circumstances, might have (or better yet, deserve) ZERO property tax.
Friday, February 10, 2012
KUDOS TO SHELBURNE
Shelburne cites major mega-quarry concerns
In a hard-hitting letter to Environment Minister Jim Bradley, the Town of Shelburne has listed six major concerns about the Melancthon mega-quarry and set out stringent demands for a full Environmental Assessment (EA).
Simply stated, Shelburne’s position is that “given the magnitude and duration of the proposed Highland quarry operations, the livelihoods and quality of life of the people who would be adversely affected by the project for generations to come should it proceed, and the need to fully consider and evaluate the rationale for, the alternatives to, and the alternative methods – locations – of carrying out this undertaking, Shelburne urges you to only approve a TOR (Terms of Reference) document from Highland that proposes the preparation of a full EA, as promised by Minister Wilkinson, pursuant to Sect. 6.1.2 of the EAA,” the letter states.
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2012-02-09/Local_News/Shelburne_cites_major_megaquarry_concerns.html
A SERIES OF CURIOUS EVENTS
First an article appears early in the week about a new proposal for the abandoned rail line-the chinese want to use it to construct a hydro corridor to service their turbines. They make the statement that:
“It would be placed on the side of the rail line easement, which would not prevent any future rail use,” Hammond said. “It was actually a stipulation in the discussions.” http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1292539--county-ponders-new-rail-land-proposal
Awfully good of them to be worried about maintaining the bed for rail.
Then a flier went out to all mailboxes in Melancthon. In my opinion, while it purported to be against wind turbines, it was thinly veiled disguise against opponents against the mega-quarry (either those who wouldn't sell out or have been very visible and vocal against the quarry). The flier spoke more about the mega quarry, specialty crop and opposing the mega quarry than it did about wind turbines.
Then this little article appears today:
The Town of Orangeville and the Highland Group of Companies are arranging a five-year extension of an agreement regarding sale of the town-owned Orangeville Brampton Railway to the company.
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2012-02-09/Front_Page/Highland_town_renew_railway_sale_deal.html
This is the little deal where Orangeville is paid $500,000 a year from Highlands for the option to purchase the rail bed located in Dufferin should the votes at County happen to fall in favour of Highlands. To date, Orangeville has received $2 million and over the next five years will received $2.5 million more.
“It would be placed on the side of the rail line easement, which would not prevent any future rail use,” Hammond said. “It was actually a stipulation in the discussions.” http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1292539--county-ponders-new-rail-land-proposal
Awfully good of them to be worried about maintaining the bed for rail.
Then a flier went out to all mailboxes in Melancthon. In my opinion, while it purported to be against wind turbines, it was thinly veiled disguise against opponents against the mega-quarry (either those who wouldn't sell out or have been very visible and vocal against the quarry). The flier spoke more about the mega quarry, specialty crop and opposing the mega quarry than it did about wind turbines.
Then this little article appears today:
The Town of Orangeville and the Highland Group of Companies are arranging a five-year extension of an agreement regarding sale of the town-owned Orangeville Brampton Railway to the company.
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2012-02-09/Front_Page/Highland_town_renew_railway_sale_deal.html
This is the little deal where Orangeville is paid $500,000 a year from Highlands for the option to purchase the rail bed located in Dufferin should the votes at County happen to fall in favour of Highlands. To date, Orangeville has received $2 million and over the next five years will received $2.5 million more.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
SETH KLARMAN THE WORLD'S GREATEST LIVING VALUE INVESTOR!!
UPDATE: It would seem the author of the article calling Seth the World's Greatest Living Value Investor has Seth's back. All of the comments that were posted to the article have been removed and there is no ability to post comments at all. Freedom of the Press? Free speech? I guess not.
Read this article and then be sure to check out the comments and then be sure to comment:
http://www.moneyweek.com/investment-advice/how-to-invest/strategies/seth-klarman-value-investing-strategies-20600#comments
Best quote in the comments?
"Value but no VALUES!!!"
Spot on.
Read this article and then be sure to check out the comments and then be sure to comment:
http://www.moneyweek.com/investment-advice/how-to-invest/strategies/seth-klarman-value-investing-strategies-20600#comments
Best quote in the comments?
"Value but no VALUES!!!"
Spot on.
WHEN THE HELL IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?
The biggest, deepest limestone mine in North America.
The MOST freaking turbines in Ontario.
When is enough, enough for Melancthon?
Now another rail plan.
Instead of trails and rails it is proposed to be rails and a FREAKING HYDRO CORRIDOR to service wind turbines.
Dufferin Wind Power Inc. has requested permission to run a hydro line alongside the county’s rail lands from its proposed 100 MW wind farm in Melancthon to the Orangeville Transfer Station on County Road 11.
The company, owned by a North American subsidiary of China Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited and Farm Owned Power (Melancthon) Ltd., would use the easement to install a single, wood-pole utility line to connect its proposed wind farm to Ontario’s electrical grid.
“We just think that this is a good solution for the community,” said Jeff Hammond, senior vice-president of Dufferin Wind Power Inc.
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1292539--county-ponders-new-rail-land-proposal
I am so tired of foreign companies telling us what THEY think would be good for OUR community.
The MOST freaking turbines in Ontario.
When is enough, enough for Melancthon?
Now another rail plan.
Instead of trails and rails it is proposed to be rails and a FREAKING HYDRO CORRIDOR to service wind turbines.
Dufferin Wind Power Inc. has requested permission to run a hydro line alongside the county’s rail lands from its proposed 100 MW wind farm in Melancthon to the Orangeville Transfer Station on County Road 11.
The company, owned by a North American subsidiary of China Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited and Farm Owned Power (Melancthon) Ltd., would use the easement to install a single, wood-pole utility line to connect its proposed wind farm to Ontario’s electrical grid.
“We just think that this is a good solution for the community,” said Jeff Hammond, senior vice-president of Dufferin Wind Power Inc.
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1292539--county-ponders-new-rail-land-proposal
I am so tired of foreign companies telling us what THEY think would be good for OUR community.
ANALYSIS CONTINUED ON THE BANNER ARTICLE
Excerpt from the Orangeville Banner article:
"Melancthon is within 75 km of areas with a high need for aggregate. If we bring it down from North Bay, the cost is three to five times as much,” Lowndes said."
Full article here: http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1293349--the-highland-companies-wants-to-pay-municipalities-more
In my opinion, I think they are really saying is if they bring it down from North Bay, the anticipated PROFIT to Baupost would be less.
So instead of making $43.2 BILLION as the article in ValueWalk suggests, their return would ONLY be say $35 BILLION?
And what no one is mentioning in this argument is, Ontario will always need aggregate.
Even if they get their shit together and figure out how to use less and recycle more, the Province of Ontario will still be the biggest consumer of aggregate and will continue to need aggregate.
So, when Baupost mines out Melancthon and disappears with their BILLIONS in profit, not only will someone else HAVE to go north to mine that limestone with all the resultant extra costs, Ontario will also be left with a big hole in the ground, 75km from the GTA that once produced "local food".
Oh yeah, Ontario taxpayers will also be left with a big bill for pumping water- not in perpetuity- just until the sun explodes!! (I stole that from the speaker at the NDACT meeting).
So the only one who wins here by "selling the close to market" strategy is Baupost investors.
NOT ONE OTHER PERSON.
"Melancthon is within 75 km of areas with a high need for aggregate. If we bring it down from North Bay, the cost is three to five times as much,” Lowndes said."
Full article here: http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1293349--the-highland-companies-wants-to-pay-municipalities-more
In my opinion, I think they are really saying is if they bring it down from North Bay, the anticipated PROFIT to Baupost would be less.
So instead of making $43.2 BILLION as the article in ValueWalk suggests, their return would ONLY be say $35 BILLION?
And what no one is mentioning in this argument is, Ontario will always need aggregate.
Even if they get their shit together and figure out how to use less and recycle more, the Province of Ontario will still be the biggest consumer of aggregate and will continue to need aggregate.
So, when Baupost mines out Melancthon and disappears with their BILLIONS in profit, not only will someone else HAVE to go north to mine that limestone with all the resultant extra costs, Ontario will also be left with a big hole in the ground, 75km from the GTA that once produced "local food".
Oh yeah, Ontario taxpayers will also be left with a big bill for pumping water- not in perpetuity- just until the sun explodes!! (I stole that from the speaker at the NDACT meeting).
So the only one who wins here by "selling the close to market" strategy is Baupost investors.
NOT ONE OTHER PERSON.
QUOTE FROM A WALKERTON SURVIVOR
"So goes the health of the water, so goes the health of the community." Bruce Davidson from Walkerton
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
CALL FOR ASSISTANCE
Orangeville Banner reporter Bill Tremblay is looking for assistance. See his Twitter account:
Bill Tremblay
@billtremblay Any geologists out there specialize in the relationship between limestone and agriculture? #longshot
Can anyone help? Anyone but Hill of Beans and Knowlton and of course Lowndes.
Bill Tremblay
@billtremblay Any geologists out there specialize in the relationship between limestone and agriculture? #longshot
Can anyone help? Anyone but Hill of Beans and Knowlton and of course Lowndes.
FUNNIEST THING I HAVE EVER READ
Lowndes added removing the limestone would not affect the land’s class one prime farmland designation following rehabilitation.
“It’s not the limestone that makes it class one prime land,” Lowndes said. “I do not believe that to be a true statement.”
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1293349--the-highland-companies-wants-to-pay-municipalities-more
And remember, this guy is a supposed Queen's grad with an engineering degree.
Read the rest of the asinine statements being made by Highlands.
Analysis tomorrow.
“It’s not the limestone that makes it class one prime land,” Lowndes said. “I do not believe that to be a true statement.”
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1293349--the-highland-companies-wants-to-pay-municipalities-moreAnd remember, this guy is a supposed Queen's grad with an engineering degree.
Read the rest of the asinine statements being made by Highlands.
Analysis tomorrow.
Monday, February 6, 2012
GOOD NEWS FOR QUARRY OPPONENTS
The stunning closure of a London locomotive factory shows the federal law on foreign purchases of Canadian firms needs more teeth, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Monday.
That’s the only way to shrink the odds that plants will be “bought and stripped clean.”
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1126902--caterpillar-deal-shows-ottawa-needs-to-toughen-investment-law-says-dalton-mcguinty#article
So, based on his position on the Caterpillar plant, and his calls for Ottawa to protect Canada, our Premier can hardly support a US based hedgefund from buying and stripping clean prime agricultural land in Ontario. And leaving nothing but a hole wider and deeper than Niagara Falls.
Send your emails of support to Premier McGuinty and thank him for supporting laws to stopping the Highland Quarry!!!
Twitter: @Dalton_McGuinty
Email: info@ontarioliberal.ca
or dalton.mcguinty@ontario.ca
That’s the only way to shrink the odds that plants will be “bought and stripped clean.”
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1126902--caterpillar-deal-shows-ottawa-needs-to-toughen-investment-law-says-dalton-mcguinty#article
So, based on his position on the Caterpillar plant, and his calls for Ottawa to protect Canada, our Premier can hardly support a US based hedgefund from buying and stripping clean prime agricultural land in Ontario. And leaving nothing but a hole wider and deeper than Niagara Falls.
Send your emails of support to Premier McGuinty and thank him for supporting laws to stopping the Highland Quarry!!!
Twitter: @Dalton_McGuinty
Email: info@ontarioliberal.ca
or dalton.mcguinty@ontario.ca
ANOTHER GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE BY GOLDHAWK
Dale Goldhawk interviewed Kim Palacios who is an investment analyst with the U-S website, ValueWalk, and has written three critical articles about Baupost's plans for the project in the past six weeks.
http://zoomerradio.ca/dale-goldhawk/2012/02/06/kim-palacios-2/
If you would like to thank Dale, please forward your emails:
dgoldhawk@rogers.com
http://zoomerradio.ca/dale-goldhawk/2012/02/06/kim-palacios-2/
If you would like to thank Dale, please forward your emails:
dgoldhawk@rogers.com
TWEETS AND TWITS
For those of you who are not on twitter, here are some recent posts.
Remember the good guys are, well anyone EXCEPT @Teamhighland
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
Given delays & opposition to the Highland #megaquarry, @valuewalk analyst says "strong possibility" Baupost could lose $$. @dalegoldhawk
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
U-S @valuewalk analyst tells @dalegoldhawk "none of what I heard was encouraging" when Highland #megaquarry reps spoke to council Jan 12th.
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
@taggart7 Is it just us or is one Highland rep using the other as a human shield to avoid the TV camera? 4:52 mark: http://ow.ly/8Qt8g
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
@TeamHighland Your vague promises about the supposed economic benefits of the #megaquarry take another hit in the U-S. http://bit.ly/AlfB7O
And Teamhighlands cutting rebuttals? Well the last tweet was February 3 so clearly they aren't being paid by volume. Hope they also aren't being paid by quality because both are lacking:
Highland Companies @TeamHighland
Yesterday’s presentation to the Melancthon Township Council has been posted online and can be found at http://bit.ly/wxHE7H
Remember the good guys are, well anyone EXCEPT @Teamhighland
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
Given delays & opposition to the Highland #megaquarry, @valuewalk analyst says "strong possibility" Baupost could lose $$. @dalegoldhawk
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
U-S @valuewalk analyst tells @dalegoldhawk "none of what I heard was encouraging" when Highland #megaquarry reps spoke to council Jan 12th.
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
@taggart7 Is it just us or is one Highland rep using the other as a human shield to avoid the TV camera? 4:52 mark: http://ow.ly/8Qt8g
Team Headwaters @TeamHeadwaters
@TeamHighland Your vague promises about the supposed economic benefits of the #megaquarry take another hit in the U-S. http://bit.ly/AlfB7O
And Teamhighlands cutting rebuttals? Well the last tweet was February 3 so clearly they aren't being paid by volume. Hope they also aren't being paid by quality because both are lacking:
Highland Companies @TeamHighland
Yesterday’s presentation to the Melancthon Township Council has been posted online and can be found at http://bit.ly/wxHE7H
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