THINK ABOUT THIS

For every 1 acre of land that is mined:

1 acre of farmland is lost - non renewable
1 acre of aggregate is lost - non renewable
land in the development area is paved over-once it is paved/built on, it never goes back to its original use

Do we need aggregate-yes, of course we do.

Do we need to be more thoughtful of the way in which aggregate is used?

Think about this: at the west end of Orangeville there is a mega grocery store, that used to be a Garden IGA (in the same plaza where the beer store is). It is sitting empty. It was occupied for less than 10 years. I wonder how much aggregate went into that little construction project.

The Dairy Queen at the east end of Orangeville-lease came due, Dairy Queen moved to a newly constructed building (wonder how much aggregate was used there) and their old location was bulldozed (wonder how much aggregate was used there).

These big box stores are constructed with about a 25 year life span.

Many of the houses that Highlands just bulldozed and burnt had stood for almost 100 years. Think about that.

OFF FOR A FEW DAYS

Taking a break....see you Monday.

Things to do, people to see, politicians to "out"

Gone fishing? Not quite, just fishing for the truth.

FIRST ONE OUT OF THE GATE

Came home Wednesday night to a steak dinner and was all ready to enjoy the evening. Lo and behold sitting beside the dinner plate was......no, not a cold beer, but rather Bill Hill’s notification that he has filed papers to run for Mayor of Melancthon and is looking for my vote.

(NOTE: THE TWO PAGE FLIER IS TOO DETAILED TO OFFER A REBUTTAL ON EVERY STATEMENT HE MAKES SO I AM PICKING OUT THE ONES I FIND THE MOST OFFENSIVE/PUZZLING/TROUBLING)

Where to start? Where NOT to start?

Firstly he makes a statement in bold, advising the activities in his life are driven by three very basic beliefs:

Knowledge is power – I would have to agree

If you don’t tell lies you don’t need a good memory – well I would also have to agree with that

What goes around comes around –WHAT??? Hold on.... What the hell does that mean? Is he out for vengeance against anyone who has crossed him or spoke out against his decisions (or lack of them) on Council this term?

But wait, the next statement he makes sounds promising: “Some residents have been critical of the decisions that Council has made this term. In some instances the criticism could be justified."

Well there you go. Sounds like perhaps he has learned something over the past few months about humility, grace and respecting ratepayers.

Oh, but wait, the next statement clears up THAT misconception because he states: “As with anything there are two sides to every story”.

Right. I would presume that would be the ratepayer’s version and then the CORRECT version being that of Mr. Hill.

He is going to offer a travelling road show beginning in March to LISTEN to VOTERS, I mean ratepayers concerns. Wow, that will be a change.

This is the same Deputy Mayor who, when challenged by any ratepayer on inaction by this Council in taking steps IN ADVANCE of an aggregate application to better position Council in fighting this mine, would make statements like, "I am personally offended by (fill in the blank)"....or better still take the time to put his offended feelings in writing, telling the ratepayer(s) over and over again why he couldn’t do anything about anything, because well, EVERYTHING was the fault of the province and local Councils had no authority.

Well then, what do we need a local Council for?

In fact I have personally heard Mr. Hill state on numerous occasions in Council meetings that ratepayers should be writing to the provincial government to object to what they are doing.

I am sorry, but I thought it was a politicians role to actually do some politicking. The Deputy Mayor had the opportunity at OGRA/ROMA in Feb 2009 and AMO in August 2009 to request meetings with all Ministers in all Ministries to bring the issue of the open pit mine and what Highlands is doing to the community and applying pressure to the provincial government to change their aggregate policies. Did he do this – NO HE DID NOT.

Finally he states: “I can apply effective leadership”. I guess he can only do that if he is elected as Mayor of Melancthon, which would mean he can’t provide effective leadership until December 2010.

Why do I think he has to wait? Well he has been on Council for term after term after term and has done NOTHING to support ratepayers in their concern with what Highlands is doing.

EXAMPLES??? Let me give you three:

Nine proven violations of the County tree cutting bylaw by Highlands in Melancthon Township and Mayor Hill did not move a resolution at County Council to fine Highlands. Well, to be fair, he wasn’t even actually at the meeting, skipped out. He refused to support ratepayers requests for a local tree cutting byaw.

Took the position in January 2009 that he would NOT be attending the meeting in Honeywood that was organized by concerned ratepayers and farmers to discuss the issue of Highlands because he was not PERSONALLY invited. He had only received a notice in his mailbox, like every one else. It was ONLY after raising public pressure and anger by ratepayers that he decided to attend what turned out to be a meeting attended by more than 400 concerned citizens.

He refused to support ratepayers requests for a demolition control bylaw to stop Highlands destruction of the community in Melancthon. In fact he stated the ratepayer who suggested this solution was WRONG. Finally after 20 permits were issued to Highlands for demolition of century homesteads, THEN he decides to do something. Coincidentally it was at the beginning of an election year.

CAMPAIGN SLOGAN?
He should use the same catchphrase for his campaign slogan that he utters in Council ad nauseum which is: – we can’t say no to anything or else we will have to go to the OMB.

His biggest success this term??

I would have to say it is a tie between belitting and shutting down ratepayers who ask questions at Council meetings OR voting to protect Melancthon from the invasive species, Giant Hogsweed.

I just can't decide.

UPDATE ON DEMOLITION PERMITS

Two posts for the price of one today:

Since Council woke up in December and decided to consider passing a demolition control bylaw (must have realized it was an election year), Highlands not only issued a letter to Council threatening a legal challenge over the bylaw, they also ran out and got THREE more burn/demolition permits.

West Part Lot 18, Concession 3 O.S. Total Assessment 205,500

West Part Lot 23, Concession 1 O.S. Total Assessment 288,750

East Part Lot 19, Concession 2 O.S. Total Assessment 242,750

Brings their total up to 20. Nicely done.

THEY AREN'T DOING IT FOR THE MONEY

In case you are thinking of running, here is what Melancthon Councillors get paid.

Remember, salary doesn't vary, but they get an additional stipend for each of the committees on which they sit. Mileage varys for each as well.

Mayor County salary $14,466.29
Melancthon Salary - $13,148.28
Mileage 507.09
Meetings 1800.00

D Mayor County salary $5,140.00
Melancthon salary - $8,519.90
Mileage 327.57
Meetings 2,160.00

All Councillors
Salary - $8,217.78
Mileage 262.96
Meetings 2,520.00 (can vary between each Council member)

NDACT PUBLIC MEETING

The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) has posted notice of a public meeting on their website http://www.ndact.com/

Details:

January 16, 2010

Honeywood Arena

10 am - noon

Let others know about this meeting and please make the time to attend.

NO LONGER A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING, JUST THE WOLF

The claws are out.....

When Highlands begain their systematic destruction of century homesteads in Melancthon in 2008, ratepayers begged and pleaded with Council to enact a simple bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act to negate the damages to the tax base, the loss of cultural and heritage homes and the community.

Section 33, in a nutshell states, that in order to demolish something, you must first obtain a building permit to erect something else.

Council, and their highly paid planner insisted this would NOT work. Finally, after permits had been issued to Highlands for the destruction of 17 century homesteads (UPDATE: As of December 31, 2009 there was a total of 20 permits issued) Council obtained an opinion from yet another planner who stated that yes, they should enact this bylaw to protect the interests of all ratepayers. This matter is to be considered at the January 7, 2010 meeting.

Guess what??

Highland Companies...you must remember them...the benevolent owners of much of the prime agricultural land in Melancthon, who want to establish a 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine and rail line to ship the stuff out of the country...the deep pockets who paid for a fridge at the Hornings Mills Hall, a zamboni, clock at the arena, the Stanley cup day in Honeywood and who want to bring you a $12 million YMCA in the town of Shelburne...the guys who only want what is good and right for Melancthon, like 400 "local"jobs, etc. etc.....the guys who are going to establish a carbon neutral 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine with NO impact on water or the environment....you know....those guys...?????

Well they sent a letter to the Township of Melancthon that threatens legal action if Council passes the bylaw. Why?? Well clearly this slows down their destruction of Melancthon as we know it.

This is NOT an attack on Council, this is an attack on EVERY SINGLE ratepayer in the Township of Melancthon.

Click on this link and go to page 3 for the vile letter from their solicitors, Goodmans: http://melancthontownship.ca/10council/unfinished.jan7.pdf

Their letter ends by stating:

"In conclusion, we believe that demolition control in Melancthon is unnecessary, contrary to Township Policy, potentially subject to legal challenge, and an unfair and discriminatory cost on its taxpayers."

I say, bullshit..

I also say, please support the ratepayers of Melancthon in this battle, by supporting and encouraging Council to fight this blackmail at ALL costs.

Send your emails in support of Council addressed to Mayor and Council at: dholmes@melancthontownship.ca

And if at all possible, attend the Council meeting this Thursday January 7 at 9:00 a.m and offer your support.

You do NOT have to be a ratepayer to support this cause-you just have to someone who cares about your water source, your food source and your future.

AWAY TO THE RACES

And they are off......

Today, January 4, 2010 marks the first day that candidates can file their nomination papers to run for municipal council.

You can pick nomination papers up at any municipal office.

I have attached a link to Municipal Affairs and Housings Candidate guide to assist you:

http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page219.aspx

Also a link to the Municipal Elections Act:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_96m32_e.htm

The filing fee is $100.00 for a council position and $200.00 for Mayor-cash certified cheque or money order payable to the municipality in which you are running.

Election day is October 25, 2010 and you can NOT start campaigning or raising money for your campaign until you have filed your nomination papers.

The last date for filing is September 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

Good luck!!

NEW YEAR UPDATE PART 2

July 2009 - December 2009

July 2009 – Highlands holds a public meeting which has a strong police presence

July 2009 – ratepayer brings extensive information to Council regarding water issues related to mines and in Melancthon in general

August 2009 – Delegation to Council regarding passing a bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act to stop demolition of structures. Council took no action and in fact said the information being presented by ratepayers was not true

Aug 2009 – Delegation to Council with a menu of options and steps to take action PRIOR to an application being filed

Sept 2009 – Council holds a public meeting with Ministry representatives in attendance

Sept 2009 - Highlands continues to demolish and burn structures including century homes

Sept - Dec 2009 - Melancthon citizens lobby against a YMCA until it is determined how much it will cost Melancthon ratepayers and how it will impact the existing Honeywood arena

Dec 2009 – Municipal Planner Jorden advises in a letter to ratepayers that Section 33 will NOT stop the demolition of existing homes

Dec 2009 – Council pays for an opinion from another planner and asks for public input on a bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act to stop the demolition of homes

Dec 2009 – Court of appeals at Osgoode Hall hears Orangeville’s appeal on railway conflict of interest-defers decision to 2010. Large presence of Highlands lawyers in attendance, who sat very close to Orangeville lawyers and conferred during breaks

Dec 2009 – The lobbyist organization Ontario Sand and Gravel Association, who advocates on behalf of aggregate operations, attends a Melancthon Council meeting on the invitation of the Mayor and offers to assist Council through Highlands process

To date Highlands has NOT filed for an aggregate license.

NEW YEAR UPDATE

This little guy kinda reminds you of minion Mikey, doesn't it?

2006-June 2009

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.....

BUMBOOT POLKAROO

Nuff said, right?

LAST POST

Last post of 2009.

See you in the New Year.

SUNDAY IS FUN DAY

Lets add to Lowndes wet dream and help him name his new kingdom....after all, it appears he wants to own all of Melancthon and he is practially running Melancthon Council meetings, so he should get the privilege of giving it a new name:

Here are a few to get you started:

Municipality of Mikey

Jurisdiction of John

Region of Limestone Ridge

I would expect when he gets his fortress built, it will have to have a dry moat, because of course there won't be any water.

And he will need a powerful air exchanger because of the dust...just some thoughts.

Have some fun and add your own.

SHUT THE BARN DOOR BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE...OOPS, TOO LATE

Dates on which citizens expressed grave concerns to their elected officials regarding the demolition of houses in Melancthon by Highland Companies:

August 2008; June 2009; July 27, 2009; August 13, 2009, November 25, 2009. Action taken by Council –NONE.

What did Highlands continue to do-demolish home after home after home. To date they have taken out 17 burn permits.

What could Council have done to stop this? As they were advised over and over and over again they could simply pass a bylaw under section 33 of the Planning Act, which in a nutshell states, that prior to receiving a demolition permit, a building permit must have been issued. In other words if you take something down you have to replace it with something else.

But suddenly at their December 17, 2009 meeting of Council, they decide to take a look at passing a bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act. They are asking for comments to be submitted to them on or before January 4, 2010.

Lets review, shall we?

Council had the option to pass this bylaw months and months ago BEFORE Lowndes demolished just under 20 homes, and in fact residents were BEGGING them to. It seemed almost as if Council waited until Highlands were done with their seek and destroy mission before passing the bylaw.

I believe in their minds they think they have managed to keep everyone happy. They can say to the ratepayers see, we passed the bylaw that you wanted. And they can still rest assured that by putting off passing the bylaw that Highlands is happy, because by delaying the passing of the bylaw, it gave Highlands the time to demolish houses on everything they own, without having to comply with the pesky bylaw to stop what they were doing.

Don't worry about picking up the pace Johnny and Mikey enjoy your Xmas break. By the time this Council gets around to actually passing the bylaw you should have everything single home, barn, outbuilding, tree and stick on your properties long gone.

HISTORY OF AGGREGATE POLICIES IN ONTARIO

In about 1993 the aggregate industry wrote a report titled the "Aggregate Resources of Southern Ontario, A State of the Resource Study" in which they stated aggregate was a non-renewable resource and there was an impending shortage and it was important to the survival of the world as we know it (I am paraphrasing here) to dig as many holes, I mean pits and mines as possible IMMEDIATELY. As a result provincial policies were implemented that favour aggregate over everything and I mean everything, even water and food.

The province is looking at their aggregate policies again. At the "consultation table" is Conservation Ontario, Ontario Profesional Planners Institute (OPPI), Niagara Escarpment Commission, and several ministries (OMAFRA, MNR, MEI, MTO and MAH) and oh yeah a group that is registered with the Provincial government as a lobbyist organization known as the Ontario Sand & Gravel Assocation (OSGA).

Couple things to note here. The OSGA is funded by the very VERY wealthy aggregate industry and OSGA champions their cause which is basically making money.

The Niagara Escarpment Commission has a mandate is to protect the escarpment, yet curiously that hasn't stopped aggregate companies from operating in the escarpment. Oh yeah, did I mention there is an individual from the lobbyist group Ontario Sand & Gravel Association on the NEC-surprised?

Seriously, you can still be surpised by this type of nonesense?

Another item to note: the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MEI) and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) are two ministries with some of the largest budgets after health and education and are both in the business of growth, which requires what? Everybody, say it together-aggregate.

Hm, wonder what the recommendations are going to be that come out of this "consultation"?

Please write our illustrious Premier, while he is still in office and express your concern about the representation at the aggregate consultation table to:

Dalton McGuinty, Premier

Legislative Building

Queen's Park

Toronto ON M7A 1A1

FAX: (416) 325-3745

OR

email address at this link:

https://www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp?Lang=EN

SUGGESTIONS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGN SLOGANS

They may be toast, but should the 4 "seasoned" sitting Melancthon Councillors decide to run for Council in the 2010 municipal election, here are some suggested campaign slogans for them.

Have some fun and match the catchphrase to the Councillor. Here is where your regular attendance at Council meetings will pay off.

"Worry? Why, what is going on"

"It is the province's fault"

"What you do on your own private property is no ones business"

(editor's note-go ahead and put that ethanol plant on your property, it isn't anyone's business according to this councillor's muddled logic)

"With all due respect everyone is wrong except me, being the resident legal, planning, local government and legislative expert"

"Anything I can go out of my way to do for you, Mr. Lowndes?"

"Are there any questions? Actually, you can't ask questions at this time, I mean, yes I am calling for questions, no, seriously yes, questions please now, just not from you"

"We have to vote yes or else it will go to the OMB"

(TRICKED YOU, this is a slogan that is applicable to all 4 of them)

Have fun, add your own.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AND IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Original Post: Friday, October 9, 2009

How the Grinch (Almost) Stole our Farmland

The Melancthon people liked farming a lot
But Lowndes, an outsider, really did not

Lowndes hated farming!
All the farming seasons!

Now, please don't ask why.
We ALL know the reasons.

Staring down from his office with a John Lowndsey sneer
"Surely the end of Melancthon is finally near!"

He thought all the hicks in Melancthon would bite
And were too busy farming to put up a fight

"They are busy planting and digging!" he snarled with a sneer.
"While my open pit mine, is practically here!"

Then he growled, with his Lowndsey fingers nervously drumming,
"I MUST find a way to keep the mine coming!"

And he thought and he thought...In his small Lowndsey brain...
And that old John Lowndes, thought he was ever so wise
thinking the local hicks wouldn't see their coming demise

He thought the locals would think they were unable to win
And that they would move from their farms and take all their kin

But to his surprise they started to object
So Lowndes thought by golly I am not finished yet

Now the more Lowndes thought of his devilish plan
The more Lowndes did think: “I must own ALL the land!”

“Why I practically own all of Melancthon now!
To own all the rest would be my greatest cash cow!

Then he got an idea, a brilliant idea!
LOWNDES GOT A WONDERFUL, EVIL IDEA!

And he cackled with glee “What a great Lowndsey trick!
With my money and talent, I’ll bamboozle these hicks!

But to his stupendous surprise the hicks all fought back
With a grassroots organization that they called NDACT

“No!” Lowndes cried out, in a murderous rage
As tears of frustration ran down his smug face

His minion called Mikey had stood up for his boss
Working to keep residents from realizing their loss

But now Lowndes gave Mikey a clear ultimatum
"Decimate NDACT, or you’ll see what I’m made of!”

Lowndes sent wee Mikey out into the world
Armed with clipboard and binder And oh, did he toil!

He went to each meeting and sat with those hicks
Who would not fall for his lies or his devilish tricks

At the end of the day, little Mikey returned
With a book full of notes and facts that he’d learned

He informed master Lowndes of his final call:
“Have mercy, kind master, they’ve outsmarted us all!

We’re finished we’re done, we just can’t dig a mine!"
And all the locals and yokels thought that that was just fine.

Everyone finally knew that Lowndes was a fink

And 1 million Ontarians had water to drink

NDACT went back to their farms, children and wives

And continued to live their meaningful lives.

BREAKING NEWS

I had to read it to believe it and I still find it unbelievable....

Our Mayor and Deputy Mayor actually spoke out against an important issue. Sure, it wasn't about 2,400 acre 200 foot open pit mine in Melancthon, but something equally important-the loss of Shelburne hospital. Here is what they had to say:

"Fawcett noted over the years the services have been gradually stripped from the north campus and sent to Orangeville until “the writing was on the wall.”

Melancthon Deputy Mayor Bill Hill echoed those statements.
“It’s been a picking away of every single service that was available at that site,” Hill said, noting he was part of a group 12 years ago that fundraised to keep programs in Shelburne, which were subsequently shipped to Orangeville before “the cheque was dry.”"

For the full article, see this link:

http://www.orangevillebanner.com/news/article/82723

Clearly there was no danger this issue could be taken to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) or else they would have been as silent as mouse-just like they were the night there was discussion at the County Council meeting about the illegal cutting of thousands and thousands of trees by Highland Companies.

Well to be fair, it wasn't so much as Deputy Dog Hill didn't speak up that night, it was more that he was COMPLETELY absent from the meeting.

HERE KITTY KITTY KITTY

Here is another fall out from Lowndes seek and destroy rural blockbusting policy. When you tear down barn after barn after barn, where do you think the cats go that used to reside there?

About 6 weeks ago I started noticing at least 3 sets of kittens living on the sides of the road in various places in Melancthon. It was warm and they were frolicking and playing and looked well fed. I thought it was odd to see so many kittens at that time of the year in the wild and then I realized, they had no place to live, thanks to Lowndes/Highlands/Wilson/Downey Farms "farming" practices...you know the one, where they don't actually need any outbuilding, barns or houses to farm so they bulldoze and burn.

Where are the kittens now? They aren't on the side of the road anymore, I know that. After 6 weeks of living outside because their previous home was bulldozed and burnt, these kittens have either starved, been eaten by coyotes, run over by cars or froze to death.

You can thank Lowndes/Highland Companies, but equally the Council of the Township of Melancthon. They had the power to pass a bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act, which would have meant Highlands could only obtain a demolition permit for structures if they had obtained a building permit to replace whatever they were destroying.

Seriously, Highlands must think this is like taking candy from a baby, only babies usually know when someone is taking their candy.

This Council, on the other hand, appears to be so out of their element, they have no FREAKING idea what to do. If the Mayor can't run a question period at a Council meeting according to the procedure bylaw that they set the rules for, how in the hell can she lead her constituents in fighting an issue such as a 2,400 acre, 200 foot open pit mine?

Unless of course, she has a reason not to????

Baupost Group

To make it easy for people who might want to email this very successful company, who plans to mine 2,400 acres of prime agricultural land to a depth of 200 in Melancthon, here is their address:

client@baupost.com

And you might want to cc it to the biggest newspapers in Boston:

The Boston GlobeP.O. Box 2378Boston, MA 02107-2378E-mail letter@globe.com

Boston HeraldOne Herald SquareBoston, MA 02118
letterstoeditor@bostonherald.com

Suggested wording: how about environment, a right to clean tap water, local food sources?

A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS-SO ENOUGH SAID

JUST PEACHY

I am writing this as we are in our third day of blinding white outs and freezing temperatures as per usual in Melancthon in the winter.

I am also writing this with a straight face.

One of Lowndes highly paid guru's, at his July public meeting, stated that once they were finished raping the land, I mean farming the aggregate or whatever nice little spin they were putting on it, "someone" (and they made it clear it wouldn't be them) could farm....get this.....TENDER FRUIT TREES at the bottom of the big hole.

It would be funny if it weren't so serious.

Everything is just peachy in Lowndes world, kind of sucks for the rest of us.

Baupost Group-Read all About it

The Highland Companies is funded by a Boston hedgefund called the Baupost Group.

Who/What/Where??

THE BAUPOST GROUP
10 St. James Avenue - Suite 1700Boston, MA 02116617.210.8300

Click the links to find out more:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12266447/What-is-The-Baupost-Group
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/the-baupost-group
http://vinvesting.com/tags/baupost-group

For more, just google Baupost Group.

Names and addresses are here-write them and tell them what you think about what they are doing to the environment. Many of them are associated with Harvard-wonder what their position on this would be?

RUBBISH!!

If the thought of a 2,400 acre, 200 foot deep open pit mine taking out 7,000 acres of prime agricultural land and threatening your water doesn't get you motivated to stand up and be heard, think about this.

Once you have this massive hole in the ground, you can fill it with two things-water or.....

Rubbish you say? Well think about it. At Highlands open house they stated when they are done mining, the only way to keep the water out of the hole would be for "someone" (and they were clear it wasn't going to be them) to operate the massive pumps forever to the end of time.

Who can afford that? Certainly not Melancthon Council. They can't even afford to have their planner attend Council meetings, but I digress.

By the time Lowndes is done digging his hole, Toronto will have filled the landfill just outside of London. The province, in their quest to always help Toronto the good since clearly it is the centre of the universe, is going to look around for somewhere close to Toronto to in order to dump garbage. Quite frankly I believe they have already looked at this proposal, just hasn't hit the light of day yet.

Rubbish you say? Well, what do they need to ship the garbage here?

And Lowndes is touting the rail line for the economic benefits it will bring....to him...and the other thing it will bring will be Toronto garbage.

So just think. Highlands bought the land for $8,000/acre, they will mine it for $18 million an acre and when they are done the province will pay an arm and a leg for the big dump, I mean the big hole.

If this mine proceeds, there will be very little argument to be made to stop a landfill-agricultural will be gone, the water quality will be questionable at best and there will be no people left.

Please stand up now and fight the mine-to stop the dump, to save our water, our environment and local food sources.

TORONTO STAR ARTICLE

Required reading.....

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/734969--rock-potato-schism?bn=1

Your Tax $$ at Work

Think about this:

You pay provincial taxes to elect politicians who hire policy specialitists who are paid by your tax $$ and who are lobbied by the aggregate industry to pass aggregate legislation that is favourable to the aggregate industry.

THEN when the open pit mine proponents want to put a 2,400 acre 200 foot open pit mine in your community that will take prime agricultural land out of commission and threaten your water, you are asked for financial donations to assist grass roots organizations to fight government policy, which you paid for in the first place.

Jeez. Like flushing money down the toilet...

How to fight this?

Writing letters to the government is great, it helps raise the profile. Writing letters to the opposition is great, it gives them a platform on which to run. All of the contact information is available in the internet.

What really changes government policy, however, is pressure through publicity. Think of Site 41, a "done deal" so to speak until the press had a field day with it.

If you have ANY contacts in the media, particularly the Toronto media, please utilize them in this battle. The government HATES bad press.

COUNCIL EXERCISES (CAUTION) IN THE YMCA

At the December 3 meeting of Council, the Town of Shelburne requested that Melancthon enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the YMCA. They thoughtfully even sent a nice little template of the resolution for Council to sign.

To Council's credit they said they were hestitant and wanted concrete costs before proceeding.

On behalf of battle weary electors in Melancthon, I salute you.

FILING FOR AN AGGREGATE LICENSE IS VERY CLOSE

Highlands will be filing for an aggregate license very very soon.

How do I know?

Signs must be posted in order for Highlands to comply with the legislation for their much needed Official Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Aggregate License applications.

The huge frames for the signs have now been erected on Highlands properties and he is bulldozing and burning houses like there is no tomorrow.

Once the application is filed it is imperative that people move quickly and get their objections filed with the proper agencies and Ministries.

Why is that important? Because there are prescribed times frames in which the objections must be filed or else you lose your right to object.

I will give clear step by step directions for this process, although I would expect that NDACT will have this on their site. If that is the case, I will be sure to post a link on this site. Having said this, I want to be clear that neither myself or this blog are in any way associated with NDACT, supported or endorsed by them. Just two very different methods in trying to achieve the same goal. At least one of us (NDACT) has taken the high road.

I would expect he will file it right before the Xmas holiday, when people are away. Why? Because the municipal and government offices are closed and people are busy and the clock starts ticking from the day he files a complete application. If he can get in ten days without people much noticing he is 10 days closer to his goal.

It will be interesting to see if I am wrong about when he files. I hope so, but .....

COME BACK...YOU MISSED ONE

Hey Johnny, you missed a tree....wouldn't want it to interfer with your 2,400 acre 200 foot open pit mine.

After you cut it down you can throw it in the same drainage ditch where you have been dumping the other illegally cut trees and all the garbage from the houses you have bulldozed and burned.

Highlands Bows Out

Orangeville Banner, November 23, 2009

"The Highland Companies, which operates potato farms in the area, announced it has stepped back from spearheading the YMCA effort"

Read the entire article:

http://www.orangevillebanner.com/orangeville/article/81105

Y DON'T LOCAL COUNCILS PAY FOR A Y??

A telephone study was just completed which showed an 89% support rate for the YMCA in six partner municipalities. What you need to know is:

Total population in the six municipalities: 29,400 (Source: Stats Canada)
Total phone calls made in the survey: 2,500
Total people who actually answered the phone and took part in the survey: 428
(Source: Steve Boone, YMCA)

That means 1.4% of the population was surveyed and 89% of those overwhelmingly supported a YMCA.

There has been a significant decrease in taxable assessment in Melancthon due to the Highland Companies bulldozing and burning century and heritage houses and outbuildings on 12 properties. They have permits for seven more. To date the combined assessed value on these 12 properties exceeds $2.9 million. When questioned at the October 16, 2009 meeting of Melancthon County Mayor Fawcett confirmed that any loss in taxation from these demolitions will be “shared” by all taxpayers (meaning those of us left).

If these six municipalities felt that a YMCA was needed, why don’t they pursue it themselves? The phone survey was $28,000.00. (Source: Steve Boone, YMCA) Split six ways does not seem out the realm of financial ability of any of the municipalities. If they can’t afford the $4,000 per municipality to do the study, they had better take a cold hard look at what the capital and operating costs of the YMCA itself will be, unless of course Highlands is paying.

If Highlands is in fact paying the whole shot, the next question is: if these municipalities are “partnering” and accepting this kind of cash from Highlands, to benefit their electorate in an election year (or any year for that matter) does that create a pecuniary interest in voting pertaining to Highlands at both the local and County level? One only has to look to Orangeville Council over the rail issue to see how that worked for them. Very, very costly indeed and that is just the legal fees fighting the pecuniary interest in court, both with their tax dollars at the local level AND County level. In effect, Orangeville ratepayers are paying twice (on both sides of the dog fight so to speak).

IF a YMCA is needed, then local Councils need to stand up, justify it to their ratepayers, budget for it and pay for it themselves. Kudos to the one lone Councillor who realized this early on, but who was clearly silenced, I mean outvoted by more “seasoned” politicians.

BULLDOZE BURN AND BLAST

BULLDOZE, BURN AND BLAST Melancthon off the Face of the Earth

From the Highland Companies website:
“What do we mean by a self-sufficient, sustainable community? It's one that achieves the right mix of economic activity, local government services and quality of life - without having to increase taxes.”

Lets address these statements shall we?

Firstly their statement “without having to increase taxes”

To date they have bulldozed and burnt all structures on 12 properties of which the assessed values is in excess of $2.9 million. They have another 7 permits to burn on properties on which the assessed value is more than $1.4 million for a total of assessment on demolished properties of $4.3 million.

The Township needs a “sustainable” (to use a buzzword) level of funding. Any decrease in that level through reduced taxes due to property now being vacant will be borne by all taxpayers. This was confirmed by Mayor Fawcett at the October 16 meeting of Council, when questioned,

Next statement, “right mix....and quality of life”.
What quality of life is there with blasting, trucking, noise, dust a railway several times a day and no citizens left with which to form a community? Just asking.

Sustainability-how is pumping water until the end of time to keep a massive 2,400 acre 200 foot deep hole in the ground, devoid of soil and rock “SUSTAINABLE”.

Any politician who cannot see through this self serving mantra and does not immediately stand up and voice their concerns against this initiative should be ashamed of themselves and do the right thing and resign.

Aggregate and Arrogance go hand in hand

An article from the Collingwood Connection reports that, “A staff report from the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) says that Walker Industries should not be allowed to expand its quarry near Duntroon.”

See the entire article:
http://www.collingwoodconnection.com/collingwoodconnection/article/150006

The story further states that: “Ken Lucyshyn, a vice-president and general manager with Walker Industries, was not impressed with the report. I’m disappointed but I’m not surprised given their past record with aggregate applications,” he said. “I don’t think they took into consideration all of our findings [technical data that was submitted] or the fact we’re proposing to do a lot of good things with the site – things like tree planting and so forth.”

Wow. What is wrong with the NEC, I mean honestly. This massive aggregate proposal will be offset by planting some trees (and so forth).

Lets see: Walker Industries wants to open a new, 170-acre quarry across the road from its present 116-acre pit and mine below the water table and don’t forget build an asphalt plant at the new site. Surely planting a few (KATRILLION) trees WILL offset the carbon footprint.

And of course in order to reassure their opponents (and gullible politicians) we come to the oft quoted position of ALL aggregate companies who mine below the water table:

REHABILITATION

This company is of course planning to rehabilitate the land with.....wait for it......a GIANT LAKE!!

Dejavu all over again? Sound familiar???

2500 equals 428, but somehow that equals 89% of 29,000

Hold on to your hat and see if you can follow the math (I know I am lost)

The Citizen, with its usual stellar reporting, clearly favouring a 2,400 acre 200 foot open pit mine, published the attached article today:

YMCA support strong in North Dufferin

link: http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2009/1119/front_page/004.html

The unidentified reporter, who I would suspect is Wes the Crypt Keeper Keller, states in the article:

"More than 2,500 telephone calls were made on a random basis across the region to achieve the required sample and the desired level of confidence in the results.

...which found that 89 per cent of area ¡residents support the location of YMCA programs and services in the region."

Makes you think that 2,225 people were in favour of a YMCA (which would be 89% of 2,500).

But hold yer (trojan) horses partners....

What is not mentioned is that while 2,500 calls were made, ONLY 428 people were actually surveyed. The rest were probably not home, trying to avoid the smoke from the demolished and burning houses in Melancthon. (source: Steve Boone, YMCA email dated November 19, 2009).

Stats Canada shows that the population in the six municipalities who are supposedly wet with excitement about this YMCA have a combined population of 29,450 people.

And the YMCA feels that surveying 428 of them is representative of support for a YMCA in the area. I calculate that 428 people is just OVER 1% of the population of the eligible voters.

In a few days I will post, in a very simple short way, why it is important that Highlands NOT be involved in any YMCA proposal for our community. You will be surprised at the linkages and ramifications for local politicians and councils.

Find Your Own Truth

I want to bring to your attention other organizations who are fighting the good fight. It comes with a proviso, however.

None of these organizations in any way support or are part of this blog. By listing them here, I do not want anyone to associate my politics and method of informing the public with any of these organizations. I have found these listings on the internet and am providing them here for your information/public service only.

Gravel Watch Ontario is an absolute invaluable resource for any organization battling a mine/quarry or pit:

Gravel Watch
http://www.gravelwatch.org/

The Caledon CCC is at the OMB now:

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens
http://www.coalitioncaledon.com/

These people near Hamilton are fighting the brother of good old Johnny Lowndes:

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment
http://www.stopthequarry.ca/

This is the group fighting for us here in Dufferin:

North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce
http://www.ndact.com/

This group is battling a 300 acre quarry in Mulmur:

Conserve our Rural Environment
http://www.corecares.ca/

Comprehensive list all of organizations:
http://www.gravelwatch.org/coalitions.htm

Everyone has to mine for their own truth-hopefully this blog will help you find yours.

Required Reading

Click on the link:

http://torontoist.com/2009/11/forget_paving_paradise_lets_just_dig_a_giant_hole_in_it.php

LIGHTS OUT

12 homes, gone, demolished by our guru, our saviour the Melancthon Mesiah Lowndes and his Minion Mikey.

Another 9 at the least to go.

Last person out of Melancthon, be sure to shut out the lights.

Tea Party?

Hey, guess who had a nice little tea (bag) party the other day in posh Rosedale?

A (local) ex-MPP, Johnny Lying Lowndes, Minion Mikey and good old Dalton. Nice cozy little partAY.

Bet they only had eyes for each other.

Liar Liar, (12) Houses on Fire

Highlands Companies has destroyed 12 homesteads since August 2008. The assessed value of these properties totals more than $2.9 million.

According to a July 24, 2009 letter from Deputy Dog Bill Hill to a ratepayer, a one percent tax increase in Melancthon only generates $12,000.00. According to my math the assessed values on the properties that Highland Companies has destroyed equals a tax rate of 207%.

At the October 15 meeting of Council Mayor Fawcett confirmed that any loss in the tax base due to the demolition of these homes on properties owned by Highlands would be born by all the remaining taxpayers. After all, the municipality has to generate a certain amount of revenue. So Highland gains and we have the pain.

It does not seem fair to me, but Council clearly has NO problem with this. Melancthon Council has the authority to instantly stop the demolition by passing a bylaw under Section 33 of the Planning Act and also to designate these homes under the Heritage Act but have chosen not to.

Don't forget, Lowndes owns another 9 homes which he clearly has no wish in which to reside, so we can expect they will be coming down real soon. Jeez, Melancthon can’t hand these burn permits out fast enough.

AND finally, at NDACT's public meeting in June, Minion Mikey Daniher stated publically that Highlands had plans to demolish homes in numbers of LESS than "double digits".

Now I am not a smart person and math clearly is not my forte, but double digits in my simplistic world starts at 10. They are already up to 12, so I guess this would represent just one more lie in the Highlands Grand Plan for Melancthon.

But then again Mikey also stated at the June 2009 NDACT meeting the homes were demolished because they were condemned and uninsurable.

Investigation revealed that the Chief Building Official (CBO) for the County of Dufferin is the only authorized legislative authority to issue an Unsafe Order under the Building Code. AND the CBO advised in an email dated June 22, 2009, “None of the(se) properties you are asking about have been as you say "condemned" by the County of Dufferin Building Department”

Removing 21 houses from Melancthon equals 2% of the total homes. To remove 2% of the total homes in Toronto equals 20,811 homes. Do you think if some corporation took down 21,000 homes in Toronto in the name of all that is good and right someone wouldn’t notice or put a stop to it?

November 11

My grandfather and uncle fought for the right to free speech for all Canadians and the free world.


Canadians should NOT be intimidated from speaking their views at a meeting of Council or in the paper. They should NOT feel afraid because they are standing up for what they feel is good and right.


Remember, if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.



In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

Three of these things belong in Melancthon....

Three of these things belong in Melancthon

Three of these things are kind of the same

Can you guess which one of these doesn't belong here?

Now it's time to play the game

It is Like Looking in a Mirror

I can't tell the difference, can you tell the difference?

WEE MIKEY DANIHER

JOHNNY LOWNDES

You Decide

To date Lowndes has demolished and/or taken out fire permits for 12 homes in Melancthon. The former Eichhorn home (second property on the west just north of S/R 15 on the 4th line OS in Melancthon) is smoldering today after having been demolished by Lowndes.

Why is it our business? The loss of these homes destroy a community and taxbase. You and I will be making up for the lost revenue and assessment on these homes. Mayor Fawcett confirmed that at the October 15 Council meeting when she was asked.

“Trevor Downey of Downey Farms and John Lowndes both say the intent in Melancthon is merely to have a world-class potato operation.” (Orangeville Citizen, June 27, 2007) See full article attached: http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2007/0607/local_news/011.html

Here are some pictures taken by a local over the last year. Does this look like a company that merely wants to have a world-class potato operation OR a corporation that is depopulating the township, decimating trees, wildlife and the environment to get ready to dig the mother of all mines.......

Take and look and then vote on the poll.

The Benotto house, outbuildings, barns and trees being demolished-wiped off the face of th earth basically. All the garbage, including insulation, t.v.s, large appliances, glass, etc. were dumped in the Melancthon landfill, despite Mayor Fawcetts statement at NDACT's June 2009 public meeting that no houses demolished by Highlands have been dumped in our landfill.

This is on S/R 15 in Melancthon on Lot 16, Concession 4 (Wallace) where trees were clear cut without proper permits. Maybe I am imaging this, but it looks like the EXACT size for a rail bed and train.

This row of more than three hundred 15 year old trees, that served as a windbreak and wildlife corridor was ripped out by Highlands in one day and dumped in the old gravel pit behind Downey's warehouse. Highlands had initially claimed they were transplanting the trees. This tree line used to stretch between the 5th line NE and 4th line NE (dump road).

Demolition and Destruction of Melancthon

Highlands has demolished 6 homesteads to date and have been issued fire permits for another 6 for a total of 12 homesteads (homes, barns, outbuildings and trees) to be struck from the face of Melancthon Township.

Here is a little ditty Council might want to amuse themselves with, since they have no intention of stopping the devastation:

(Sung to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down)

Homes and barns are coming down
Coming down
Coming down
Homes and barns are coming down
All thanks to John Lowndes

Thousands of trees have been cut down
Been cut down
Been cut down
Thousands of trees have been cut down
All thanks to John Lowndes

We've asked Council to put a stop to this
Stop to this
Stop to this
We've asked Council to put a stop this
But Lowndes’ ass they’d rather kiss

Solved: the "sustainability" issue

God I HATE the word sustainable.

All it means is can anyone/we/me/I /you/Council keep this up?

I bet you have never heard the phrase: is our sex life sustainable; is our grocery bill sustainable; is our lifestyle sustainable?

NO WAY.

So why don't corporations and people just use the plain language phrase instead of a stupid "buzzword".

Highlands is spouting that they envision a "sustainable" community, "sustainable" agricultural practices, "sustainable" and carbon neutral 2,400 acre, 200 foot deep, open pit limestone mine.....

Highlands is offering no "sustainable" solution to keep the BIG hole dry, after they have mined ALL 2,400 acres of their $18 million an acre limestone.

They state that to keep the water out of the hole, water must be pumped forever to the end of time. Of course that solution does not envision Highlands doing that, but rather the people of Melancthon, whoever are left, to do that at their expense.

Here is one way to pay for it. Rent the BIG DIG out for movie shoots. The existing Caledon pit, which will look like a groundhog hole compared to what Highlands is proposing to do, is renting to movie shoots, with the quarry serving as the setting for Afghanistan.

Melancthon's hole in the ground could be the setting for the surface of the moon, mars, or life on earth after a nuclear explosion.

I would be more anxious for the movie, if I wasn't living the (rocky) horror show myself.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Okay, you had to smile when you looked at this, right???

Just think, we will all feel that way when Highlands, Lowndes and Maid Mikey Daniher are LONG gone.