Empty the aquifers, the earth will drop out from
beneath you.
Simple physics.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
THINK ABOUT THIS
In 2009 when a small group of local citizens held their first meeting in Honeywood to figure out what the hell was happening, it looked like they were up against formidable odds.
BUT that first meeting drew an overflow crowd. There were some naysayers (mostly Highlands) with the standard phrases it is a done deal, they have too much money you can't fight them.
Then an amazing wonderful thing happened.
NDACT was formed.
They were right on the money with the size of the quarry, years before Highlands confirmed it.
They slowly but surely in their straightforward HONEST way started to bring worldwide attention to Melancthon.
And as a result:
So one thing we can all learn anything from this, it is things are only a done deal if you let them happen....
OR the truth will prevail....
OR...never believe anything a $23 billion Boston based hedgefund tells you.
BUT that first meeting drew an overflow crowd. There were some naysayers (mostly Highlands) with the standard phrases it is a done deal, they have too much money you can't fight them.
Then an amazing wonderful thing happened.
NDACT was formed.
They were right on the money with the size of the quarry, years before Highlands confirmed it.
They slowly but surely in their straightforward HONEST way started to bring worldwide attention to Melancthon.
And as a result:
- There were an unprecedented number of letters of objection submitted last April when Highland filed their application for an aggregate license.
- An unprecedented extension on the time for filing letters of objection was given thanks to 150,000 signatures in 48 hours on Avaaz.
- CAUSE was formed and other groups started noticing, people like Council of Canadians, Suzuki Foundation, Wellington Water Watchers and of course the very nervous Aggregate Industry.
- People started a savy social media campaign that even Hill of Beans and Knowlton couldn't fight (they threw in the towel on March 30, 2012 their last tweet).
- An unprecedented Environmental Assessment on the entire process was implemented last September.
- 28,000 people attended Foodstock held on the lands of 3 local farming familes.
- The government undertook a review of the Aggregate Resources Act, something not done in the last 40 years.
- After quietly and quickly setting six hours over four days in Toronto for the Aggregate Resources Act review, the Committee hearings are now going on a road show to hear more extensive consultations.
So one thing we can all learn anything from this, it is things are only a done deal if you let them happen....
OR the truth will prevail....
OR...never believe anything a $23 billion Boston based hedgefund tells you.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
GUEST COMMENTARY ON THE REVIEW OF THE AGGREGATE RESOURCES ACT
"The meetings to review the Aggreate Resources Act will begin yesterday.
If you'd like to make a presentation to the committee,
please submit your request by last Thurday"
DUPED BY HIGHLANDS
Were you one of the 400 people Highlands is speaking about in the following excerpt from a January 17, 2012 new article:
Highland has received 400 job application for the quarry and has a “hire locally first” policy. http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1280599--highland-sitting-on-the-fence-regarding-potential-omb-bill
REALLY, so when the mine has not received MNR approval, nor have the proponents submitted their terms of reference, nor are they anywhere close to putting a shovel in the ground (which won't happen anyway), why would they advertise job openings when there are clearly no openings?
Because they are using those people, who in all sincerely thought there really were jobs to be had. Highlands are now able to spin the number of people who applied.
They should be ashamed.
I know someone who applied for one of those jobs, despite my best efforts in advising him there were NO jobs.
He was desperate.
He had been laid off for five months and a second child on the way and really, really, really needed a job.
So if you were one of those honest and believing people who applied for a job with Highlands, why don't you email the Baupost Group, the $24 million Boston based hedgefund who are the actual owners of this scheme at inquiry@baupost.com and tell them how you feel.
You could also post your email to the facebook site STOP the QUARRY.
You needed a job, applied in good faith and have been left hanging.
WTF?
Highland has received 400 job application for the quarry and has a “hire locally first” policy. http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1280599--highland-sitting-on-the-fence-regarding-potential-omb-bill
REALLY, so when the mine has not received MNR approval, nor have the proponents submitted their terms of reference, nor are they anywhere close to putting a shovel in the ground (which won't happen anyway), why would they advertise job openings when there are clearly no openings?
Because they are using those people, who in all sincerely thought there really were jobs to be had. Highlands are now able to spin the number of people who applied.
They should be ashamed.
I know someone who applied for one of those jobs, despite my best efforts in advising him there were NO jobs.
He was desperate.
He had been laid off for five months and a second child on the way and really, really, really needed a job.
So if you were one of those honest and believing people who applied for a job with Highlands, why don't you email the Baupost Group, the $24 million Boston based hedgefund who are the actual owners of this scheme at inquiry@baupost.com and tell them how you feel.
You could also post your email to the facebook site STOP the QUARRY.
You needed a job, applied in good faith and have been left hanging.
WTF?
Friday, May 11, 2012
WELLINGTON WARDEN SAYS HOLD YOUR HORSES
My encouragement was based on an Editoral from the Wellington Advertiser dated May 4 (and another report which seems to have been removed):
http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=EditorialDetail&itmno=12059
However the Warden of Wellington County, in an article dated May 11 is clarifying that the meeting will be a one-item agenda.....impact on equine.....now that the province is removing its share of slots cash.....
http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=12137
Thursday, May 10, 2012
MAY 7 COMMITTEE HANSARD
The official Committee hansard on the Aggregate Resources Act Review is at this link:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_transcripts_details.do?locale=en&Date=2012-05-07&ParlCommID=8958&BillID=&Business=Aggregate+Resources+Act+review&DocumentID=26292
Points of interest:
The subcommittee met on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 and decided to start the hearings on Monday May 7 with the following to be invited:
No invite was extended to anyone else, despite the government having received thousands of letters about the Melancthon MegaQuarry.
They also decided to hold the hearings over 4 days in Toronto only and advertise in ONLY the Toronto papers.
Committee member Michael Coteau had this to say:
It is unfortunate indeed that this meeting is not the first time the public is hearing about the contents of last week’s subcommittee meeting.
REALLY? Was that the intent that no one from the unannointed and unwashed should know about the review in advance?
He then goes on to slag Sylvia Jones who let the cat out of the bag and good for her, by stating on the record:
Instead, we all got to read about it in a press release put out by the member for Dufferin–Caledon on the weekend.
... Conservative members violated a very important rule of this committee and this Legislature, which is that the discussion of in-camera proceedings are to remain private until such time as they are reported to the committee and to the House.
What a dope.
And if you would like to personally thank Sylvia for doing the right thing, her email is:
sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_transcripts_details.do?locale=en&Date=2012-05-07&ParlCommID=8958&BillID=&Business=Aggregate+Resources+Act+review&DocumentID=26292
Points of interest:
The subcommittee met on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 and decided to start the hearings on Monday May 7 with the following to be invited:
- staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources;
- authors of the consolidated report titled State of the Aggregate Resource in Ontario Study (SAROS);
- and Mr. Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.
- Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association
- the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
No invite was extended to anyone else, despite the government having received thousands of letters about the Melancthon MegaQuarry.
They also decided to hold the hearings over 4 days in Toronto only and advertise in ONLY the Toronto papers.
Committee member Michael Coteau had this to say:
It is unfortunate indeed that this meeting is not the first time the public is hearing about the contents of last week’s subcommittee meeting.
REALLY? Was that the intent that no one from the unannointed and unwashed should know about the review in advance?
He then goes on to slag Sylvia Jones who let the cat out of the bag and good for her, by stating on the record:
Instead, we all got to read about it in a press release put out by the member for Dufferin–Caledon on the weekend.
... Conservative members violated a very important rule of this committee and this Legislature, which is that the discussion of in-camera proceedings are to remain private until such time as they are reported to the committee and to the House.
What a dope.
And if you would like to personally thank Sylvia for doing the right thing, her email is:
sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
ANOTHER EMAIL...ANOTHER UPDATE
Good evening, everyone -- It's been an incredible afternoon at Queen's Park
as we witnessed what happens when ordinary people speak up for what's right. The
Standing Committee on General Government voted unanimously late this afternoon
to conduct public hearings across Ontario! (Sound of champagne corks
popping!)
It was revealed that nearly 80 individuals and organizations have asked
to make presentations next week while there are just 24 slots. Clearly the
public pressure and negative press had an influence. The committee voted to
start its road trip after June (when the Legislature rises) and visit much of
the province.
As well, it plans to tour existing aggregate quarries, proposed
quarry sites (Melancthon, here we come!) and sites that are no longer in
operation. MPP Sylvia Jones revealed that an invitation from Honeywood had
already landed on her desk!
The request for extended hearings on the road goes to the three House
Leaders. We were told by one of the committee members that those House Leaders
have been discussing extending the hearings and allowing for travel since Monday
(when this all blew up.) They meet tomorrow, so there could be confirmation as
soon as then.
The two hours of hearings were fascinating. The aggregate industry
presentations had obviously been well-prepared in advance.
One company suggested
the province follow the lead of the federal government and "streamline" the
Environmental Assessment process which did not go over well.
Another
representative complained that an aggregate application advanced to a certain
stage and then "they dropped the Bobolink on us!" Yet another admitted the
industry is self-monitoring but he wants it to stay that way.
Next Monday and Wednesday, the public gets its chance. More details on that
later. For now, we chalk up another victory in this remarkable campaign. Thanks
everyone. We did it.
Cheers, XXXXX
AGGREGATE RESOURCES ACT REVIEW UPDATE
Holy crapoli people, excellent job. Keep it up.
Just received this notice via email:
The Standing Committee has voted in favour of travelling across the province to hold public hearings on the ARA! Their request now goes to the three House Leaders who are expected to approve their request. Nearly 80 individuals and organizations have asked to appear next week. Bravo, everyone!
The transcripts of the committee meetings are posted at this link http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_transcripts_current.do?ParlCommID=8958&locale=en.
The May 7 and 9th transcripts aren't posted yet, so keep checking.
Just received this email from info@ndact.com:
We have learned that the Clerk of the General Government Committee, Sylwia Przezdziecki, has gone on maternity leave as of Friday afternoon. As a result, her replacement’s email is now the best way to request a chance to present to the committee as it begins the Aggregate Resources Act review.
Tamara Pomanski is the replacement clerk, and can be reached at:
tamara_pomanski@ontla.ola.org
Please also cc Meghan Stenson at:
meghan_stenson@ontla.ola.org
We have been assured by the Clerks’ office that requests sent to Ms. Sylwia Przezdziecki’s email will still be received and considered; however going forward Ms. Tamara Pomanski is the preferred contact.
The committee is taking presentation requests until Wednesday, May 9th, by 5:00pm.
The contact phone number is the same: 416 325-3515.
Thank you,
Just received this notice via email:
The Standing Committee has voted in favour of travelling across the province to hold public hearings on the ARA! Their request now goes to the three House Leaders who are expected to approve their request. Nearly 80 individuals and organizations have asked to appear next week. Bravo, everyone!
The transcripts of the committee meetings are posted at this link http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_transcripts_current.do?ParlCommID=8958&locale=en.
The May 7 and 9th transcripts aren't posted yet, so keep checking.
Just received this email from info@ndact.com:
We have learned that the Clerk of the General Government Committee, Sylwia Przezdziecki, has gone on maternity leave as of Friday afternoon. As a result, her replacement’s email is now the best way to request a chance to present to the committee as it begins the Aggregate Resources Act review.
Tamara Pomanski is the replacement clerk, and can be reached at:
tamara_pomanski@ontla.ola.org
Please also cc Meghan Stenson at:
meghan_stenson@ontla.ola.org
We have been assured by the Clerks’ office that requests sent to Ms. Sylwia Przezdziecki’s email will still be received and considered; however going forward Ms. Tamara Pomanski is the preferred contact.
The committee is taking presentation requests until Wednesday, May 9th, by 5:00pm.
The contact phone number is the same: 416 325-3515.
Thank you,
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
ANOTHER VOICE WEIGHS IN
David Vanderzaag, local farmer and member of the North Dufferin Agricultural Taskforce (NDACT) was interviewed on CBC radio tonight.
Here is the podcast http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/episode/2012/05/08/the-tuesday-edition-29/ (listen to Part 2)
And for the people who need a visual...here he is....
Here is the podcast http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/episode/2012/05/08/the-tuesday-edition-29/ (listen to Part 2)
And for the people who need a visual...here he is....
Thank you Dave and thank you NDACT!~
EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW which will break your heart, outrage you and move you to act:
QUESTION: How will your farm be affect do you believe by the open pit mine?
HONEST ANSWER: It will...finish us.
The water table is only 7 metres below the water table at my home farm.
1,000 metres from my house will be a cliff the depth of Niagara Falls.
Aggregate industry invited....Agricultural Industry weren't
To put it into perspective, if the Province were a 100 acre family farm...that would mean only 3.5acres would be farm and of that 3.5 acres only 5/100 acre would be vegetable land.....
Have to be careful...you are talking about 1.5% feeding the other 98.5%.....
to describe the Honeywood Silt Loam and what makes it special.....
seven attributes makes land special.....and if you have two or three of those you are doing really good....this land has all seven...
Something that is really rare
SETHUATION
Wow, who knew a little old $23 billion Boston based hedgefund could create such a Sethuation in little old Melancthon?
Last year at planting time the Highland Companies, aka Baupost, aka Seth Klarman filed their application for their 2,300 acre 200 foot below the water table bigger than Niagara Falls open pit limestone mine.
I bet they were pretty surprised when, on the closing day of the Native Walk, the final day for filing submissions the MNR had received over 2,300 letters regarding their application. All within 45 days. All during planting season.
Now with absolutely no notice, the Aggregate Act Review has gone to committee.
During planting season.
In downtown Toronto.
I will beT the poor Clerk who is coordinating the emails, letters, delegation requests and phone calls has a few choice words for old Seth.
Here is last night's newcast from CTV Barrie-something for everyone.
Special thanks to the Chair of NDACT, Mayor Hill and Sylvia Jones MPP. http://ctvnewsbarrie.ca/play.php?vid=829
Last year at planting time the Highland Companies, aka Baupost, aka Seth Klarman filed their application for their 2,300 acre 200 foot below the water table bigger than Niagara Falls open pit limestone mine.
I bet they were pretty surprised when, on the closing day of the Native Walk, the final day for filing submissions the MNR had received over 2,300 letters regarding their application. All within 45 days. All during planting season.
Now with absolutely no notice, the Aggregate Act Review has gone to committee.
During planting season.
In downtown Toronto.
I will beT the poor Clerk who is coordinating the emails, letters, delegation requests and phone calls has a few choice words for old Seth.
Here is last night's newcast from CTV Barrie-something for everyone.
Special thanks to the Chair of NDACT, Mayor Hill and Sylvia Jones MPP. http://ctvnewsbarrie.ca/play.php?vid=829
Monday, May 7, 2012
LITTLE FANFARE AND NO NOTICE
With little fanfare and no notice, except of course to the Aggregate Industry, the McGuinty government made good on a pre-election promise to review the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA).
Where they fell short is on a full inclusive comprehensive review.
Six hours dedicated and the time slots prefilled with the Aggregate Industry.
And all in downtown Toronto.
So.....your help is needed.
You must make noise about this.
To the press;
To your local Councils;
To your MPP;
To the Committee who is reviewing the Act;
Please do not think it isn't important, that someone else will do it.
If people thought that way:
Every single thing you do makes a difference.
Here is a link to NDACT's response:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/92686549/NDACT-Responds-to-ARA-Review-Committee-May-7-2012
Where they fell short is on a full inclusive comprehensive review.
Six hours dedicated and the time slots prefilled with the Aggregate Industry.
And all in downtown Toronto.
So.....your help is needed.
You must make noise about this.
To the press;
To your local Councils;
To your MPP;
To the Committee who is reviewing the Act;
Please do not think it isn't important, that someone else will do it.
If people thought that way:
- there would not have been 100,000 signatures in 24 hours on the Avaaz petition;
- there would not have been over 2000 letters and comments in 45 on Highlands filing of their application with the MNR;
- there would not have been 28,000 people at Foodstock;
- there would have been no review of the ARA ordered in the first place.
Every single thing you do makes a difference.
Here is a link to NDACT's response:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/92686549/NDACT-Responds-to-ARA-Review-Committee-May-7-2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
INFO FROM FACEBOOK
Mega-quarry fight heats up as hearings begin in Toronto
The Dalton McGuinty government is excluding Dufferin County residents who will be most affected by a proposed mega-quarry from crucial hearings that begin in Toronto Monday.
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2012/05/20120506-104616.html
And the meetings ARE open to the public.
Tomorrow 2pm in Room 228 at Queen's Park.
Listen to Gordon Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and at 3pm a representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
You will need identification when you sign in.
Make a game out of it, kinda like Where's Waldo...
See if you can spot the aggregate "plants" in the audience.
The Dalton McGuinty government is excluding Dufferin County residents who will be most affected by a proposed mega-quarry from crucial hearings that begin in Toronto Monday.
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2012/05/20120506-104616.html
And the meetings ARE open to the public.
Tomorrow 2pm in Room 228 at Queen's Park.
Listen to Gordon Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and at 3pm a representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
You will need identification when you sign in.
Make a game out of it, kinda like Where's Waldo...
See if you can spot the aggregate "plants" in the audience.
YOU ARE INVITED AND YOU SHOULD ATTEND
In the fall of 2011 the Lieberal government announced they would be reviewing the Aggregate Resource Act (ARA).
The ARA is more than 40 years old and heavily weighted in favour of aggregate trumps everything, food, water, people, etc.
We cheered, we thanked them and many voted them back into office again.
With no notice, except apparently to: Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, St Marys Cement, Ontario Professional Planners Institute, Holcim Canada, MNR and Environmental Commissioner (he is one of the good guys for sure) the hearings will start TOMORROW and will only be conducted in Toronto and for a total of six hours over four days.
Should we be surprised? No, when the ARA was ordered the wording in the minutes stated: "to strengthen the Aggregate Act"....
Another slap in the face to rural Ontario-just like wind turbines for the much needed hydro in Toronto, hydro corridors that run directly to Toronto, killing the horse racing industry that provides up to 60,000 jobs for rural Ontario, incinerators and sludge factories to dump GTA garbage and of course dumping of fill from the GTA in rural Ontario, generally on properties that were purchased by the construction industry and once filled with fill they walk away.
But many rural municipalities and Ontarians have had enough.
With LOTS of notice to all, the Warden of the County of Wellington is inviting rural Ontario to a meeting on May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aboyne Hall in the County of Wellington Museum,0536 County
Road Fergus , Ontario , CANADA N1M
2W3.
The stated purpose of the meeting is: "to discuss what they see as a war against them by urban areas and led by the provincial Liberal government and Dalton McGuinty"
http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=12055
It would be nice to see some representation from the urban areas, showing they recognize that killing the host that feeds and waters them is the demise of everyone.
The ARA is more than 40 years old and heavily weighted in favour of aggregate trumps everything, food, water, people, etc.
We cheered, we thanked them and many voted them back into office again.
With no notice, except apparently to: Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, St Marys Cement, Ontario Professional Planners Institute, Holcim Canada, MNR and Environmental Commissioner (he is one of the good guys for sure) the hearings will start TOMORROW and will only be conducted in Toronto and for a total of six hours over four days.
Should we be surprised? No, when the ARA was ordered the wording in the minutes stated: "to strengthen the Aggregate Act"....
Another slap in the face to rural Ontario-just like wind turbines for the much needed hydro in Toronto, hydro corridors that run directly to Toronto, killing the horse racing industry that provides up to 60,000 jobs for rural Ontario, incinerators and sludge factories to dump GTA garbage and of course dumping of fill from the GTA in rural Ontario, generally on properties that were purchased by the construction industry and once filled with fill they walk away.
But many rural municipalities and Ontarians have had enough.
With LOTS of notice to all, the Warden of the County of Wellington is inviting rural Ontario to a meeting on May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aboyne Hall in the County of Wellington Museum,
It would be nice to see some representation from the urban areas, showing they recognize that killing the host that feeds and waters them is the demise of everyone.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
UNDER TWO MINUTES!!
Under two minutes-----no, no, not Minebusters last romantic encounter....
But rather Hill of Beans & Knowlton's (Hob&K) explaination about what a lobbyist does.
They have dumbed it down for people like me.
Watch and learn:http://billywantsadog.hillandknowlton.ca/
But rather Hill of Beans & Knowlton's (Hob&K) explaination about what a lobbyist does.
They have dumbed it down for people like me.
Watch and learn:http://billywantsadog.hillandknowlton.ca/
Friday, May 4, 2012
MY FEELINGS ARE HURT!!!
What the hell?
Hill (of beans) & Knowlton (heretofore known as Hob&K)recently held a forum for well known, active and vocal bloggers. http://alexaclark.com/blogs/hill-knowlton-bloggers-panel/
And I wasn't invited?
Honestly, who is more vocal than me?
I know I am well known because I won a Tater Award for Best Blog on the Baupost Open Pit Mine issue.
Here I am accepting it.
And I KNOW (Hob&K) follow this blog religiously and in fact even post on it, so again, What the HELL?
They probably knew that there is not enough money in Seth Klarman's right pocket to pay this blogger off, so not worth the invite.
Hill (of beans) & Knowlton (heretofore known as Hob&K)recently held a forum for well known, active and vocal bloggers. http://alexaclark.com/blogs/hill-knowlton-bloggers-panel/
And I wasn't invited?
Honestly, who is more vocal than me?
I know I am well known because I won a Tater Award for Best Blog on the Baupost Open Pit Mine issue.
Here I am accepting it.
And I KNOW (Hob&K) follow this blog religiously and in fact even post on it, so again, What the HELL?
They probably knew that there is not enough money in Seth Klarman's right pocket to pay this blogger off, so not worth the invite.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
HIDDEN CAMERA IN BAUPOST CORPORATE OFFICES
Minebuster has managed to secure never before seen video of a job interview at Baupost's head office.
If you have these skills, you are IN. I believe this guy was hired as Seth's go to guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOzBBn5SPW0
If you have these skills, you are IN. I believe this guy was hired as Seth's go to guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOzBBn5SPW0
NORTH EAST DUFFERIN NOTES
There is a small municipality in the northeast of Dufferin.
It is facing some big issues, turbines, quarries, financial capacity issues.
It has for all intents and purposes a new Council in 2010-new mandate, fresh faces.
Onward and upward, but it isn't working out so well.
Here are some excerpts from "an integrity commissioners" report:
"we are dysfunctional"
"members who dislike each other and whose conduct as a member of council is governed more by that relationship than the interests of the public"
"at least one member who is micromanaging staff and exceeding the statutory requirements of the responsbilities of a member of council"
"a demonstrated disrespect for staff by some members which has resulted in an unpleasant working atmosphere for many staff"
"communication practices by members of council intended to keep deliverations from the public resulting in a less than transparent local government"
Oh sorry, did you think I was talking about Mulmur and the antics of the gruesome twosome?
NO, this is a report done by "an Integrity Commissioner" for another municipality but it COULD ALMOST have been written word for word about our little municipality in the Northeast of Dufferin.
Who is the Integrity Commissioner who made those findings?
Fred Dean.
Anyone in municipal government will know who Fred is.
So perhaps the Dynamic Duo should read Fred's findings on this other municipality and his recommendation (which is, in a nutshell grow up, and do the job you were elected to do instead of personal vendettas against anyone who ever looked you the wrong way) and then apply it to their own conduct.
Read all about it:
http://consider-this.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Integrity-Report-April-2.pdf
It is facing some big issues, turbines, quarries, financial capacity issues.
It has for all intents and purposes a new Council in 2010-new mandate, fresh faces.
Onward and upward, but it isn't working out so well.
Here are some excerpts from "an integrity commissioners" report:
"we are dysfunctional"
"members who dislike each other and whose conduct as a member of council is governed more by that relationship than the interests of the public"
"at least one member who is micromanaging staff and exceeding the statutory requirements of the responsbilities of a member of council"
"a demonstrated disrespect for staff by some members which has resulted in an unpleasant working atmosphere for many staff"
"communication practices by members of council intended to keep deliverations from the public resulting in a less than transparent local government"
Oh sorry, did you think I was talking about Mulmur and the antics of the gruesome twosome?
NO, this is a report done by "an Integrity Commissioner" for another municipality but it COULD ALMOST have been written word for word about our little municipality in the Northeast of Dufferin.
Who is the Integrity Commissioner who made those findings?
Fred Dean.
Anyone in municipal government will know who Fred is.
So perhaps the Dynamic Duo should read Fred's findings on this other municipality and his recommendation (which is, in a nutshell grow up, and do the job you were elected to do instead of personal vendettas against anyone who ever looked you the wrong way) and then apply it to their own conduct.
Read all about it:
http://consider-this.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Integrity-Report-April-2.pdf
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
A BRIBE? PAID FOR WITH TAXPAYERS OWN MONEY?
Cash an insult
When asked about criticism by some who call the proposed payment a bribe to the municipality, Fairfield
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
WELLINGTON WATER WATCHERS NEED HELP
Over the last three years, the people opposing the rape of Melancthon by Highlands have received help from some predictable people, groups and places and some have come completely unexpected.
All of it has been helpful.
We have a group now asking for OUR help and they have been great supporter of our cause.
Can you help?
Hello People,
As you know the Wellington Water Watchers is a volunteer organisation which has been working steadily for 5 years now on protecting source water.
We have recently submitted a large document (Request for Review) in partnership with the Council of Canadians to the Province asking for a total review of the water permitting process as it applies to commercial bottling and environmental values. We do not believe that the EBR process is working and are getting people to flood Minister Bradley with comments regarding the current Nestle renewal of their permit on a farm near here.
Nestle bought the farm and got the water rights and trucks the water 50 kms to their Aberfoyle plant. Ironically this degrades roads which need GRAVEL! All totally avoidable.
Nestle is looking to get a 10 year renewal, we oppose it outright.
So we are asking people take direct action by sending the MOE Minister an email or a letter.
The link on our site is self explanatory.
We need critical mass of people sending emails to the Minister now.http://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/home/the-issues/hillsburgh/
Mike Nagy
Chair, Wellington Water Watchers519-829-6249
All of it has been helpful.
We have a group now asking for OUR help and they have been great supporter of our cause.
Can you help?
Hello People,
As you know the Wellington Water Watchers is a volunteer organisation which has been working steadily for 5 years now on protecting source water.
We have recently submitted a large document (Request for Review) in partnership with the Council of Canadians to the Province asking for a total review of the water permitting process as it applies to commercial bottling and environmental values. We do not believe that the EBR process is working and are getting people to flood Minister Bradley with comments regarding the current Nestle renewal of their permit on a farm near here.
Nestle bought the farm and got the water rights and trucks the water 50 kms to their Aberfoyle plant. Ironically this degrades roads which need GRAVEL! All totally avoidable.
Nestle is looking to get a 10 year renewal, we oppose it outright.
So we are asking people take direct action by sending the MOE Minister an email or a letter.
The link on our site is self explanatory.
We need critical mass of people sending emails to the Minister now.http://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/home/the-issues/hillsburgh/
Mike Nagy
Chair, Wellington Water Watchers519-829-6249
Monday, April 30, 2012
ANOTHER ORGANIZATION WITH MORE SENSE THAN HIGHLANDS AND BAUPOST PUT TOGETHER
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has sent a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources this week, recommending that it decline the application made by The Highlands Companies for the Melancthon Quarry.
“Once the aggregates are removed from beneath prime agricultural land such as this, full rehabilitation is impossible. The good drainage of „gravel-bottom‟ land is what makes the land so valuable as farmland, especially for higher value crops such as potatoes,” according to Slater.
http://www.farms.com/news/nfu-recommends-that-the-highlands-companies-application-for-melancthon-quarry-be-rejected-51890.aspx
“Once the aggregates are removed from beneath prime agricultural land such as this, full rehabilitation is impossible. The good drainage of „gravel-bottom‟ land is what makes the land so valuable as farmland, especially for higher value crops such as potatoes,” according to Slater.
http://www.farms.com/news/nfu-recommends-that-the-highlands-companies-application-for-melancthon-quarry-be-rejected-51890.aspx
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