The community that became engaged

May 12 peak-to-peak Escarpment challenge
Email from Janet Gilham to the Clearview Community Coalition March 22 2012
Hello CCC, I’d like to bring your attention to the spring issue of Mountain Life – the issues issue.  Along with a half page ad for the Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge, there were two articles that resonated with me because they captured important aspects of the battle in which we’ve been engaged. Well known photographer, Edward Burtynsky, who studies the transformation of nature by industry, commented in a Ned Morgan interview that,
“More and more I believe that we can’t rely on government, and we can’t rely on industry to make all the right choices.   Citizens have to become engaged ……. We can’t expect government to solve our problems because the Ministry of the Environment has been hollowed out, and all these precious things are at risk.  But it doesn’t mean that we can’t act……….”
In a second article written by William Shelley, passionate protector and long time advocate for the preservation of the Niagara Escarpment, Malcolm Kirk was asked if he believes that over-development of the Niagara Escarpment is worsening.  Kirk responded that, “It would be far worse if not for citizens’ groups.” 
When our local government let us down, turned their backs on the Niagara Escarpment and on Clearview’s natural heritage legacy, and supported the Walker application, the Clearview Community Coalition stepped up.  We supported the Niagara Escarpment Commission in a David and Goliath contest that has yet to be resolved even though the hearing ended 9 months ago.  Our presence made a difference, and we won’t know how much of a difference until the final decision is released.  But our participation came at a cost, both human and financial.
So on Saturday, May 12th we will host the Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge, a chance for all CCC members to come together and to bring others who share our passion.  A chance for each of you to take part in this exciting event and to reach out to others to make a small donation to support your hike and the cause.  The statement that Reet McGovern Shearer, On the Bay, wrote for our event poster captures the essence of the Peak to Peak event. 
“The Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge invites you one and all to step into your hiking boots and step up to protect our beloved Niagara Escarpment.  Each step along the way is a personal statement that our UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is not to be destroyed by aggregate quarrying.” 
Go to www.peaktopeakhike.com and read the website that Tim Grier of Grier Communications has put together for us.  The website details the event and the cause and the event speaks for itself.  I’m overwhelmed by the tremendous support that we’ve received from prize donors, media sponsors and groups like the Shorefast Foundation (Fogo Island), Gbaca artists, Blue Mountain Watershed Trust, musicians, Michael Stadtlander and the Collingwood Jazz and Blues Society.  Drs Dan Watkin and Tessa Kitai have generously agreed to host the event at their beautiful century farm, on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment west of Duntroon, overlooking Georgian Bay.
Please sign up today, reach out to others, and join the community that became engaged.