Still much to be done to protect Food and Water: NDACT

Message From NDACT Chair Carl Cosack December 16 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone,

Consider the original NDACT mission statement: NDACT’s mission is to preserve and protect the unique and non-renewable resources of North Dufferin County – including the Headwaters that supply water to hundreds of thousands of Ontarians, our exceptional Prime Agricultural Farmland and the environmental, social, economic and cultural characteristics that have been such an important and vibrant part of our community and its heritage for more than 150 years.

Do you remember where you were when you heard that the Highlands Mega Quarry application was withdrawn? 

Those that have been campaigning against the quarry sure do – as do those that have supported those efforts over the last 4+ years. The November 21 announcement was a watershed moment in the fight to protect our Food and Water. As the cheers rose and the congratulations came flooding in, we also heard the question “what’s next – if anything – for NDACT?” A lot actually….

 The “all party” Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Review Committee has not completed the review process as the legislature is prorogued and we are looking forward to this getting back on track when the government resumes sitting. Too much valuable public input was given during the public hearing process for this now not to be followed through.

 As well, the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) must prioritize protection for Prime Farmland and Source Water Regions. We are all committed to ensuring that these changes are put in place. Until then our Food and Water is at risk and the battle is not over.

We have already done the impossible together, yet we have two more defined goals to accomplish before our task, protecting Prime Farmland and Source Water Regions for our Children and Grandchildren, is completed. Let’s not put down our guard, enjoy all this special Season has to offer, give many Thanks, and then get back to work on “Food and Water First”.

What’s next?

We are holding a general meeting and celebration on February 16 at the Honeywood community centre – where it all began. Please stay tuned for details on this event. Tickets will be sold at cost. Come out and celebrate with us!

Those of you who have supported us with Stop the Mega Quarry signs will be able to trade them in for “Food and Water First” signs at our sign depots:

http://www.ndact.com/index.php/how-can-i-help/stop-the-mega-quarry-signs

Or, as an alternative, email or mail us ( NDACT, Box 15, Honeywood, ON L0N 1H0) your mailing address and we will send one out to you.

Giving thanks. We would not be where we are today without the support and commitment of our MP’s and those MPP’s who actively engaged at Queens Park. We asked for their help and they responded. Please send your thanks to them – sample text will follow below.

Most importantly, we would like to thank each and every one of you. As individuals or as groups, to everyone that displayed a “Stop the Quarry” sign, purchased memberships, made donations, attended events, wrote letters, spread the news and showed opposition to the application, we truly thank. As a collective group, we have made a difference.

It’s not over and there is still much work to be done. We look for your continued support on this journey, and hope to see you at the event on Feb 16.

Carl Cosack

NDACT Chair

While we continue to savour our victory over the Highland mega quarry, several politicians were supportive of our efforts and we’d like to thank them for their work. We’d like everyone to send a small note of appreciation to the politicians listed below. Here’s an example of what you can write! Get to your keyboards and please add your own thoughts!

 Dear_________________,

  As one of the thousands of people involved in the campaign to stop the proposed Highland mega quarry, I would like to thank you for your participation in supporting our endeavours. The decision by Highland and its backer, the Baupost Group, to withdraw its application for the largest quarry in Canadian history came after much hard work by Ontario citizens and your efforts on behalf of the province’s concerned residents. I hope you will continue to work with us to develop better land-use policies. We must protect prime farmland and vital water resources while balancing Ontario’s need for aggregate. Together we can create a lasting legacy for our province and future generations. 

 Yours sincerely,

__________________________________

Pick one or many and say “Thank You!”

MP Michael Chong – michael.chong@parl.gc.ca 

MP David Tilson – tilsod@parl.gc.ca

MP Matthew Kellway – matthew.kellway@parl.gc.ca

MP Peggy Nash – peggy.nash@parl.gc.ca

MP Craig Scott – craig.scott@parl.gc.ca

MP Elizabeth May – elizabeth.may@parl.gc.ca 

MPP Sylvia Jones – sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org

MPP Mike Colle – mcolle.mpp@liberal.ola.org

MPP Jonah Schein – jschein-qp@ndp.on.ca

MPP Peter Tabuns – tabunsp-co@ndp.on.ca

Mike Schreiner – leader@gpo.ca

Josh Matlow – councillor_matlow@toronto.ca