Melancthon Quarry, Property Rights, Dufferin, Caledon

Melancthon Quarry, Property Rights,  News Headlines, Orangeville, Dufferin, Caledon, Halton

Welcome to my ‘Property Rights’ page, dedicated to creating awareness, and providing information, pro and con, regarding issues of environmental interest to property owners in the general vicinity of Peel Region, Dufferin County, Halton, Wellington, Southgate, and Grey Highlands. I’ll be adding items of interest I’ve come across on Twitter, emails, news media, YouTube, Facebook, and in the lineup at Pete’s Donuts.  Topics may concern local issues such as the proposed Melancthon Quarry, Ontario Landowners Association (OLA) concerns, Dufferin County Rail Lands updates, Greenbelt matters, Land Claims, Wind Farms, etc.  I’ve also, at the bottom of the page, attached some pertinent links and Twitter accounts which you may find to be helpful.

How To Get Involved … Without a doubt, the hottest topic out there revolves around the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry in North Dufferin County. Obviously you’re reading this so the issue is of some importance to you.  Should you wish to get involved and make your opinion known, NDACT (North Dufferin Agricultural Community Taskforce) would certainly welcome your support.  To learn more about how to participate click here.  For more information on Highland Companies and their proposal click here or contact them directly at inquiries@highlandcompanies.ca

 

Recent Articles
(updated – May 09/12)

Melancthon Quarry – Landscapes and the Proposed Mega-Quarry … Courtesy of Donna Wells Photography, this e-version of the coffee table book is a beautiful depiction of the Melancthon landscape affected by the proposed mega-quarry.  Hard copies are also available … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry – Money Talk (Valuewalk.com) … Time, as the old adage goes, is money. With local opposition to the proposed mega-quarry having spread beyond the general vicinity – politicans and government related ministries have begun to respond by putting the rubber stamp back in the drawer. How does each potential delay affect the bottom line viability of the project? … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry – Economic Benefits (Highland Companies) … So is there an upside to the mega-quarry project? The face of the hedge fund behind the proposal, Highland Companies, seem to think so … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry … NDACT will be hosting an information meeting Feb.4 at the Honeywood Arena from 9:30-11:00am. Scheduled guest speakers include Laura Bowman (Iler Campbell LLP Barristers & Solicitors), Mayor Bill Hill, and Bruce Davidson. Topics of discussion will cover the Environmental Assessment, the quarry application, and the Walkerton water issue. More info here.

Wind Turbines … OFA Calls For Moratorium (Globe and Mail) … The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has issued a request to the provincial government asking it to put a hold on any further windfarm development pending further studies … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry … Artists Against The Mega Quarry … “Beauty of the Hills at Risk” – artists who draw their inspiration from the Mulmur/Melancthon countryside will band together to showcase and sell their landscape portrayals Feb.3 & 4, 2012 at Studio Five, 1362 Bathurst St., Toronto. Proceeds will be donated to the campaign against the quarry … continue reading.

Tottenham Pit … Residents Get Organized (Caledon Enterprise) … Caledon residents recently gathered to air out their concerns regarding the proposed reopening of the Tottenham Pit … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry … Highland Sitting On The Fence Regarding Potential OMB Bill (Orangeville.com) … Should the mega-quarry dispute go the Ontario Municipal Board the question then becomes – who’s going to foot the bill for Melancthon Township. Will Highland pick up the tab or will Melancthon be forced to dig deep for money it doesn’t have … continue reading.

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PODCAST – Melancthon Quarry (Zoomer Radio) … Host Dale Goldhawk speaks discusses the quarry’s financial viability from an investor viewpoint with guest Kim Palacios of ValueWalk.com. Listen here.

Town Opposes Extension to Tottenham Pit (Caledon Citizen) … It looks like the opponents of quarry development aren’t limited to the Melancthon area.  In nearby Caledon, residents of Palgrave have begun to speak out against a proposal to increase the existing Tottenham Pit … read the entire article here.

Anatomy of a Quarry Fight (Toronto Star) … This is it – in a nutshell.  A summarized presentation of the arguments for and against to proposed Melancthon quarry … read the entire article here.

Melancthon Quarry – Water Concerns and Environmental Risks (Canadian Geographic) … A profile of issues and concerns relating to water safety and the environment with comments from both sides of the dispute … continue reading.

Farmland Was The Plan … An in-depth look by the CBC at the Melancthon Mega-Quarry, its beginnings, and conversation with some of the principals behind the scenes … read the entire article here.

Reality Check (Highland Companies) … As is the case in any dispute there are different spins to the same story, differing opinions, and opposing perspectives. In this instance Highland Companies fires back at critics with their take on why Melancthon Township is a suitable location for their proposed quarry … continue reading.

VIDEO … Mega-Worry (TVO) … In this recent televised round-table debate on The Agenda, host Steve Paikin speaks with representatives from both sides of this contentious issue. … view the video.

Opponents Come Together Over Melancthon Quarry … In this Rabble.ca article, Meg Borthwick gives us a bit of history on the area and speaks with some of the people affected by the proposed dig … continue reading.

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VIDEO - Still haven’t figured out where you stand on the Melancthon Mega-Quarry issue?  The CBC recently aired a report on ‘The National’ profiling some of the issues and personalities involved up to here in the controversial topic.  It’s an even-handed portayal so you’ll likely continue to remain undecided fifteen minutes from now – but it’s an interesting report nonetheless.  Hosted by Adrienne Arsenault … click here to view the story.

VIDEO – Melancthon Mega-Quarry - MTV takes a look at issues surrounding the proposed quarry and it’s potential impact on local farms and water supply … click here to view the video.

VIDEO – No Mega Quarry Movie (Good Food Revolution) … Courtesy of Malcolm Jolley (Good Food Revolution), ‘Save Our Water’ is a 5 minute mini-film that shows what’s at stake in the face of the proposed Melancthon mega quarry. Federal MP Michael Chong, retired radio host Andy Barry, local chef Michael Stadtlander and Melancthon rancher Carl Cosack, among other concerned citizens from North Dufferin County, voice their thoughts and concerns regarding the potential impact of the quarry on some of Canada’s most productive farmland and the source of clean, fresh water for millions of Ontarians … click here to read the article and view the film.

Gravel Pit Proposed For McCormick Farm On Heartlake Rd., Caledon (PitSense) … According to PitSense, application is being sought for a Class “A” license to excavate mineral aggregate from a pit of 111 acres … continue reading.

Hedge Fund Hit Over Quarry (Scribd.com) … The dispute over the Melancthon Quarry makes it’s way to the Boston Herald, home to the Baupost Group – a Boston based hedge fund … continue reading.

Residents Question Turbine Plan (Orangeville Banner) … Dufferin Wind Power Inc. and Farm Owned Power (Melancthon) Ltd. have entered into an agreement with China Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited to develop a 100MW wind farm in Melancthon … continue reading.

Canada’s Chefs Enter The Quarry Fray (Food In The Hills) … Insights into the thoughts and motivation that led to seventy of Canada’s top chefs agreeing to come together for the upcoming Foodstock festival, scheduled for October 16/11 in Melancthon Township … continue reading.

Former Limestone Quarry Site Still In Rehabilitation Mode (Inside Halton) … A look at the now & then at the old Milton Quarries site … continue reading.

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How To File For Property Devaluation With MPAC (Wind Concerns Ontario) … If you feel your property has been adversely affected by the development of nearby windfarms, here are some steps you may be able to take to have your property tax assessment reconsidered … continue reading.

David Suzuki Foundation … Popular opposition to the Melancthon mega-quarry continues to grow as high profile entertainers, activists, politicians, First Nations, farmers, and concerned citizens step forward … continue reading.

The Council of Canadians welcomes the announcement by Ontario’s Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson that a proposed mega-quarry in Melancthon Township will be subject to an Environmental Assessment … continue reading.

The Highland Companies has reconfirmed its commitment to pursue approval of the proposes Melancthon Quarry, despite the recent announcement from the Minister of the Environment to subject the project to the Environmental Assessment Act … continue reading.

Statement from Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson Regarding Highland Companies Proposed Quarry in Dufferin County … ”After careful consideration, the Minister of Natural Resources and I have agreed to bring forward a regulation making Highland Companies subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. As a result the company will be required to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Assessment for the proposed quarry in Melancthon Township. Ministry of the Environment officials have thoroughly examined the technical reports which were submitted by the quarry proponents.  Based on a review of those reports, and because of the unique nature of the Melancthon quarry proposal, I believe a full Environmental Assessment is necessary.”

VIDEO – Against The Wind (Four Corners – ABC) … For area residents engaged in debate over existing and proposed windfarms – you’ll find the talking points are not unique to Ontario rural neighbourhoods.  This is a pros and cons news program, produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, dealing with the benefits and drawbacks of wind generated hydro … view the program.

Between A Rock And A Hard Place (Toronto Sun) … A summary of comments and concerns expressed by both sides of the dispute over the proposed Melancthon mega-quarry … continue reading.

The Big Green Surge To Fend Off Critics (Financial Post) … Critics of Ontario’s renewable energy plans are coming up against some stiff resistance.  With concerns surrounding the long-term viability of the FIT program – solar and wind proponents have begun to issue a flood of studies and press releases supporting their claims …continue reading.

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VIDEO – Meanwhile Back At The Ranch … A couple of Dufferin County opponents to wind power have taken to YouTube in order to get their message out … to view their videos click here and here.

Food Security Advocates Join Melancthon Quarry Fight (Orangeville Banner) … Expressing concerns about “food sovereignty”, “resiliency”, and the proximity of the proposed quarry to food and water sources, ‘Sustain Ontario – The Alliance for Healthy Food and Farming’, ‘Food Secure Canada’, and the ‘Toronto Food Policy Council’ have banded together to voice their concerns … continue reading.

Melancthon Council Wants EA On Quarry (Orangeville Banner) … The list of municipalities and organizations requesting an Environmental Assessment continues to grow as Melancthon Council opts to follow suit … continue reading.

Wind Power Challenge Dismissed (Ottawa Citizen) … A legal challenge concerning the safety of wind turbines has been turned down in spite of the efforts of Wind Concerns Ontario.  The decision making panel did find however, there is a need for more study on the matter … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry – Air Quality Comments (Ministry of the Environment) … Time is running short to submit your comments to the MOE regarding an application to discharge particulate matter and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere as a result of blasting, drilling, and other activities at the proposed mega-quarry.  The deadline for submissions is July 29/11 … continue reading.

Environmental Screening Underway For DEEP Facility (Orangeville Banner) … Navitus Plasma Inc, the company behind the gasification plant at the DEEP (Dufferin Eco-Energy Park) site in East Luther Grand Valley, has begun an environmental screening process.  Watch for announcements inviting the public to an information session this September … continue reading.

Highland Companies Melancthon Quarry Application (July 18/11) … The following update has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources … continue reading.

PODCAST - Dale Goldhawk On The Melancthon Quarry (AM 740 ‘Zoomer Radio’) …  Mulmur landowner Norman Wolfson joins host Dale Goldhawk to share details of the proposed quarry … listen in.

Quarry License Premature: MOE (Orangeville Banner) … Even though The Highland Companies maintains it’s water management plan ensures there will be no adverse effects on existing or future sources of groundwater in the area, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has raised concerns about surface water and the environmental impact studies … continue reading.

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Landowners Group Whips Up Frenzy Of Property Rights Claims (CTV) … The Ontario Landowners Association (OLA), in it’s ongoing campaign to raise the level of awareness regarding property rights, is encouraging property owners to obtain a document they say overides government legislation … continue reading.

PODCAST – Melancthon Quarry, AM 740 ‘Zoomer Radio’ … Brent Preston, councillor in Clearview Township joins Dale Goldhawk on ‘Zoomer Radio’ to discuss the impact of the proposed Melancthon Mega-Quarry on local business and the community … continue reading.

Birth Of A Protest (In The Hills) … An entertaining informative read on the evolution of the Melancthon Quarry protest movement from a local concern to an issue that has captured the attention of people far and wide … continue reading.

Open Letter To The Minister Of The Environment … The Green Party of Ontario has weighed in on the debate with a request for the Minister of the Environment to order a full environmental assessment of the proposed Melancthon Quarry … continue reading.

Nebraska vs. Canada (Financial Post) …  Property owners concerned about their rights being ignored won’t be surprised to see similar arguments taking place in Nebraska where farmers and ranchers are having to contend with the prospects of an oil pipeline running through their backyards … continue reading.

Melancthon Mega-Quarry By The Numbers (In The Hills) … Carry the 2, multiply by 7 to the power of 3, divide by the square root of … my brain hurts.  Courtesy of ‘In The Hills’ magazine – here are some interesting numbers you can use to impress family and friends alike at your next backyard bbq … continue reading.

Chong Opposes Mega-Quarry In House of Commons (Scribd) … Michael Chong, M.P. for Wellington-Halton Hills, has voiced his opposition to the proposed Melancthon Quarry … continue reading.

Mississauga Gas-Fired Power Plant To Get Another Environmental Review (thestar.com) … As opposition mounts and threatens to become an election issue, Queens Park has decided to review an earlier decision to approve the project … continue reading.

Power Plant Becomes An Election Issue (thestar.com) … Taking inspiration from their Oakville brethren, Mississauga residents are vowing to fight a proposed gas-fired power plant … continue reading.

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Closer Look At Wind Project (Bayshore Broadcasting) … For our friends in Clearview Township, WPD will hold a public meeting July 13 in Stayner to discuss its eight turbine project at County Rd.91 and Fairgrounds Road … continue reading.

Environmental Assessment Not Warranted: Highland (Orangeville Banner) … Responding to calls for an Environmental Assessment as a requirement for the Melancthon Mega-Quarry approval process, Highland Companies says thanks but no thanks … continue reading.

Ontario Parties Clash On Wind Turbines (Canoe.ca) … Will wind turbines create enough turbulence to become an election issue. Politicians are being stretched in a number of different directions as they try to keep constituents and industry happy … continue reading.

Wind Power Pushes Its Case For Ontario Government Support (The Globe And Mail) … What would be the point to a good argument if there weren’t two sides to the story.  In this article Ontario’s wind power industry makes its case … continue reading.

Mississauga Power Plant Permit Has Residents Steaming (TheStar.com) … Hear that?  It’s the sound of the other shoe dropping. When the government backed down on plans to construct a power plant in Oakville last year, it appears they may have done so with a ‘Plan B’ in mind … continue reading.

Quarry Operator Seeks Environmental Seal of Approval (Globe and Mail) … Green gravel.  Come again?   Advocacy group ‘Environmental Defence’ defines the concept  as “measurably greener aggregates, aggregate that is mined with much less impact on the landscape.” … continue reading.

Politicians Exploit Growing Opposition To Wind Turbines, Solar (Wind Concerns Ontario) … Meanwhile back at the ranch, Ontario politicians are finding green energy, and other environmental issues, quickly becoming potential campaign hot buttons … continue reading.

VIDEO - Melancthon Quarry … A well put together short film expressing the concerns of local residents and groups opposed to the controversial Melancthon Mega-Quarry … to view the video click here.  Two other videos, Pro & Con, are available if you care to scroll down a bit.

Melancthon Mega-Quarry Threatens ‘A Place To Stand, A Place To Grow’ (West End Girl – Railroaded By MetroLinx) … A nostalgic look at the contrast between the province’s 1967 ‘A Place To Stand, A Place To Grow’ campaign and the legislation enabling the development of the proposed Melancthon Mega-Quarry … continue reading.

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You Can’t Eat Aggregates (Food In The Hills) … From an agricultural viewpoint, this article questions provincial policies and asks the question – does food trump aggregates, or is it the other way around … continue reading.

NDACT Highlights Quarry Concerns (Simcoe.com/Alliston Herald) … This article raises concerns about traffic issues and the possibility of gravel trucks travelling through Alliston en route to Highway 400 … continue reading.

Melancthon Quarry – Are Politicians Starting To Take Notice?  (Scribd.com) … Dufferin-Peel MP David Tilson has gone to bat for area residents concerned with the  proposed Melancthon Quarry and, future use of the abandoned Orangeville/Dufferin railway … continue reading.

Open Pit Politics (Now Magazine) … Now Magazine jumps into the fray over the proposed Melancthon Mega-Quarry controversy and opines how this issue may find itself to be turning point in the upcoming Ontario provincial election … continue reading.

New Septic Rules Drive Up Costs (CottageCountryNow)… It’s a smelly bit of business so it is.  A series of proposed changes to the building codes as they apply to septic standards may have an impact on anyone looking to build or renovate a rural property … continue reading.

Quarry Cries Have Premier’s Attention (Orangeville Banner) … “Let me put it this way, they’ve got my attention.”  So says Premier Dalton McGuinty as quoted by The Orangeville Banner.  That’s about all he’ll say at the moment though … continue reading.

Mega Quarry Proposal Needs Full Environmental Assessment (courtesy of www.Scribd.com) … Local community based groups are calling on the Provincial Government to subject the Melancthon quarry proposal to an environmental assessment … continue reading.

For Mother Earth and My Ancestors (Sierra Club Ontario) … Danny Beaton (www.dannybeaton.ca),  honoured last year by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation for his environmental work, has stepped forward to support the efforts of local farmers opposed to the controversial Melancthon mega quarry … continue reading.

Community Fights Melancthon Mega Quarry (www.HomeMakers.com) … Popular broadcast journalist Donna Tranquada writes from her Dufferin County farm … continue reading.

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Melancthon Quarry … Billion-tonne mega-quarry to ‘improve’ the local environment.  ”Imagine digging a hole in your backyard deeper that Niagara Falls”.  Courtesy of ‘bentertainment’ and the ‘David Suzuki Foundation’ … continue reading

Caledon Objects To Quarry Application (Caledon Enterprise) … Expressing concerns about traffic increases and it’s environmental impact, Caledon Council has voted to join the list of objectors to the proposed Melancthon Quarry … continue reading.

VIDEO – Melancthon Quarry – A Tale of Two Videos … It’s getting intense in North Dufferin as opponents of the proposed Melancthon Quarry continue to generate awareness of, and support for their cause.  Here’s a Pros & Cons look at a couple of videos that take two very different stances on the same controversial topic – the proposed mega-quarry in Melancthon.

This Mega Quarry Is Really Really Big! (www.Waterkeeper.ca) … Lake Ontario Waterkeeper illustrates some concerns about the proposed Melancthon quarry on the outskirts of Shelburne.  ”Picture a 20-storey hole in downtown Toronto stretching from the Don Valley Parkway to Dufferin Street spanning from the Gardiner Expressway to Dundas Street” … continue reading.

Wind Farms, Native Groups Next Frontier For Ontario Green Power (Reuters.com) … “Aboriginals access to land represents a draw for developers facing a not-in-my-backyard attitude from urban property owners” … continue reading.

PODCAST – Gravel Pit in North Dufferin (Zoomer Radio AM 740) … Show host Dale Goldhawk and Neal denHollander (NDACT) discuss the proposed limestone quarry in North Dufferin… listen to the podcast.

Property Rights, Landowners Organize in Caledon, Dufferin … A grateful tip of the keyboard to Elizabeth Marshall, Research Chair of the Ontario Landowners Association,  for her passionate, and entertaining, presentation to area realtors recently.  The session, hosted by the Orangeville & District Real Estate Board, centred on the issue of property rights in Ontario and dealt with the steady erosion of those rights as government agencies and bureaucrats at all levels continue to pronounce edicts on what is and is not permissable … continue reading.

Your Property Rights.  How Safe Are They? …  I’d like to thank Paul General, from Six Nations Eco Centre in Oshweken for sharing his knowledge and first-hand insights into issues surrounding the Six Nations communities. Last week, Mr.General and his colleagues delivered a fascinating presentation to members of the Orangeville and District Real Estate Board (ODREB) dealing with the Haldimand Tract and the Grand River Watershed. Among the topics was the history & archaeology of the watershed, and wildlife management. The session also featured an open, honest discussion on the often contentious issue of land claims, it’s genesis, the current status of outstanding claims, and how they are being handled … continue reading. .

Here are some local organizations currently involved with property rights and environment issues in the rural neighbourhoods around Orangeville, Dufferin, Caledon, Peel, Halton, Wellington, Shelburne, Grand Valley, Southgate, and Grey Highlands

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Interesting reading on subjects relating to Six Nations. Here are some links you can follow;

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Twitter accounts you may wish to follow:

 

 

Gary O’Brien

Sales Representative

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage

800.461.2686 /  905.456.1177 /  519.942.8700

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www.Gary-OBrien.com

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Your RE/MAX real estate agent for homes, condos, listings,  houses, real estate, Orangeville,  Shelburne,  Mississauga, Georgetown,  Brampton,  Milton, Caledon, Mono, Hockley Valley, Amaranth, Mulmur, Melancthon, Hornings Mills, Dufferin County

Opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the authors and not necessarily those of RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage

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