2008-2009 Annual Report

Message from Chair - The Applications - Our Case - Community Issues - Concluding Comments - Financials - Volunteer Committee - Public Activity Report - Appendix 1 & 2 - References

Public Activity Report

December 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, December 31, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: SMC plans new tests.
• Hamilton Spectator, December 26, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: St. Marys OKs water testing – Quarry move reverses earlier stance.
• Flamborough Review, Dec 10, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys delays registered letters until January.

November 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, November 05, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys responds to objection letters – Cool reception from citizens' group.

October 2009
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, October 29, 2009. Caption and photo by Cindy Lunau: FORCE has residents out for a night on the town.
• Hamilton Spectator, Oct 21, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness. A FORCE to be reckoned with – Anti-quarry group brings unusual savvy to their fight.

FORCE Update

• October 10, 2008. Ontario Environment Commissioner Releases 2008/0 Annual Report.

September 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, September 24, 2009. Letter to the Editor by Bonnie Lendrum: Objecting to St. Marys' numbers –Re: St. Marys set to respond to rejection letters, Review, Sept. 18.
• The Hamilton Spectator, September 19, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: St. Marys' Response Under Fire.
• Flamborough Review, September 17, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys set to respond to objection letters.

July 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, July 30, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: SMC, CART work on quarry haul route concerns – PIC to feature study results
• Ontario Farmer, July 7, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: MNR won't support quarry license.

June 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, June 26, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: McCarthy questions process.
• Halton Compass, June 25, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: MNR says no go to St Marys’ for now.
• The Hamilton Spectator, June 19, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: Ministries hold off on quarry OK.
• Halton Compass, June 18, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Councillor tries final appeal to McGuinty.

May 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, May 29, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: Quarry objections under review.
• Halton Compass, May 28, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: MOE now objects to St Marys' application.
• Flamborough Review, May 01, 2009. Article by Catherine O'Hara: Water, traffic top quarry concerns

FORCE Update

• Thursday, May 21, 2009. FORCE submits objection to MNR and St Marys Cement (CMB) - 45 Day ARA Consultation Period Ends.
• Thursday, May 21, 2009. Community and Stakeholders overwhelmingly object to proposed Flamborough Quarry – Consultation results leave St Marys Cement "between a Rock and a Hard Place".

FORCE Submissions/Presentations/Letters

• May 21, 2009. FORCE submitted a letter of concern re St Marys Cement ARA license application, and a Community Issues Review Report, along with reports from Aquafor Beech Ltd., Interra Engineering LTD and North-South Environmental to MNR Guelph District Office and St Marys Cement Inc.

April 2009
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, April 30, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Milton pushes MNR to dump St Marys Application.
• Ontario Farmer, April 28, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: Quarry opponents vow to fight on as MNR opens consultations.
• Flamborough Review, April 24, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: Opposition remains strong.
• Halton Compass, April 23, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Councillor slams St Marys' pitch as 'bribery'.
• Flamborough Review, April 16, 2009. Letter of the week from Bev Childs.
• The Hamilton Spectator, Apr 14, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: Two quarry meetings tomorrow.
• Halton Compass, April 09, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: FORCE adds muscle to its roster.
• Flamborough Review, April 03, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: Quarry meetings this month – FORCE, St. Marys holds information sessions
• Flamborough Review, April 03, 2009. Letter to the Editor from J.W. Bloom: A third option open to MNR.
• The Hamilton Spectator, April 03, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: Now's time to comment on plan for huge quarry.

FORCE Update

• April 23, 2009. Copies of St Marys Cement's Aggregate Licence Application documents are available for Community Review.
• April 23, 2009. Tremendous Turnout in Opposition to Licence Application! Thank You!

FORCE Event

• April 15, 2009. Over 400 citizens attended meeting at Our Lady of Mount Carmel to prepare for the ARA application.

March 2009
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, March 19, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Halton's Health Officers weighs in on St Marys.
• Ontario Farmer, March 17, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: Quarry application faces hurdles.
• Flamborough Review, March 13, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: MNR clarifies quarry application process – St Marys Cement will announce time, date for upcoming public meeting.
• Halton Compass, March 12, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Will MOE revoke St Marys permit?
• Flamborough Review, March 06, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: MNR decision draws fire.
• The Hamilton Spectator, March 06, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: St Marys water test challenged.
• Flamborough Review, March 06, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: MNR decision draws fire.
• The Hamilton Spectator, March 05, 2009. Quarry consultation to begin.

FORCE Update

• March 30, 2009. FORCE Bulletin: St Marys Cement ARA Application update.
• March 8, 2009. MOE Tells St Marys Cement: Redo Water Tests Or Your Permit To Take Water Will Be Revoked - While - MNR Says Your Aggregate License Application Is "Complete."
• March 5, 2009. MNR says St Marys Cement's aggregate license application is "Complete".

FORCE Press Release

• March 5, 2009. FORCE Press Release: MOE Says – Read My Lips" And Stands Up To Protect Community's Water – Decision to Redo Water Tests Stands or Permit will be Revoked.

February 2009
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, February 26, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Gravel Watch says no quarry application turned down since 2001.
• Halton Compass, February 19, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Councillor turns to ECO and Gravel Watch for statistics.
• Ontario Farmer, February 17, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: Group wants quarry permit put on hold.
• Flamborough Review, February 13, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: Ministry deems St. Marys application incomplete.
• Flamborough Review, February 13, 2009. Article by Margaret McCarthy: Motion will put city on record.
• Halton Compass, February 12, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: MNR bounces back St Marys application.
• Ontario Farmer, February 10, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: Aggregate firm accused of end-run.
• Hamilton Spectator, February 10, 2009. MNR finds quarry application incomplete.
• Flamborough Review, February 6, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: Groundwater protection key concern in quarry fight.
• Halton Compass, February 5, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Opponents ask: Will MNR considers St Marys' application complete?

FORCE Update

• February 6, 2009. The ARA (Aggregate Resources Act) License Application Process - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Process.

January 2009
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, Friday, January 30, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys applies for licence.
• Halton Compass, January 29, 2009. Article by Don Redmond: Opponents say St. Marys bypassing MOE.
• Hamilton Spectator, January 27, 2009. Article by Eric McGuinness: St. Marys refuses to redo test, asks for quarry licence.

FORCE Update

• January 27, 2009, St Marys Cement says "NO" to the MOE and files an Aggregate Licence Application with the MNR
• Flamborough Review, January 9, 2009. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys applies for further rezoning.
• Ontario Farmer, January 6, 2009. Article by Michael-Allan Marion: Anti-quarry campaigners gear up once again to protect farmland.

November 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, November 14, 2008. Article by Catherine O'Hara: Horwath eyes quarry.
• Flamborough Review, November 14, 2008. Letter to the Editor by Michael Brazeau: Pump tests shouldn't proceed.
• Halton Compass, November 13, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: MPP slams Liberals over quarry.
• Emma Reilly: Quarry foes take battle to Queen's Park.
• Flamborough Review, November 7, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: MOE rejects quarry pump test results.
• Hamilton Spectator, November 6, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Test at quarry site must be done over.

FORCE Update

• Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - Community members travels to Queen's Park.

October 2008
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, October 30, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: St Marys looks to alter GRS testing.
• Flamborough Review, October 10, 2008. Letter to the Editor by Glenn Lawson: Quarry impacts will be far-reaching.

FORCE Press Release

• October 30, 2008 - "Rain, Rain, Go Away" – St Marys Told To Test Another Day.

FORCE Updates

• Monday, October 27, 2008 - Ontario Environment Commissioner Releases 2007/8 Annual Report.
• Friday, October 3, 2008 - Community Expert Releases Review of Phase 1 Pump Test Report.

September 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, September 19, 2008. Article by Catherine O'Hara: FORCE meeting focuses on water, haul routes.
• Ontario Farmer, September 16, 2008. Article by Dan Curran-Blaney: Protect greenbelt farmland from industrial corporate greed.
• Flamborough Review, September 12, 2008. Letter to the Editor by Percy Harcourt: Testing, Testing.
• Flamborough Review, September 5, 2008. Letter to the Editor by Paula Harcourt: Water results on tap.
• Flamborough Review, September 5, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: SMC test results announced.
• Canadian Champion, September 5, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Cyclists to hit road in opposition of St. Marys quarry proposal.
• Hamilton Spectator, September 3, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: St. Marys: Pump tests didn't hurt area wells.

FORCE Presentations/Submissions/Letters

• Sept 29, 2008. FORCE submitted comments to Mr. Bardswick, Section 34 Director, Ministry of the Environment, West Central Region Re: Phase 1 Pumping Test Reports under MOE PTTW #8461-7CFLG5 St Marys CBM Proposed Flamborough Quarry.

August 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, August 22, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Anti-quarry group questions reliability of pump test results.
• Halton Compass, August 21, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: St Marys' VP says water tests 'success'
• Halton Compass, August 14, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: St Marys' test a huge flop, says FORCE.

FORCE Presentations/Submissions/Letters

• August 1, 2008. Davis LLP on behalf of FORCE submitted to the Environmental Review Tribunal a Reply Submissions of Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment to the Submissions of the Director, Ministry of the Environment and St. Marys Cement on the Issue of the Tribunal's Jurisdiction.

FORCE Update

• August 7, 2008 - St Marys and MOE Respond to FORCE Submission on Jurisdiction to the Environmental Review Tribunal and FORCE Replies.
• August 7, 2008 - St Marys Begins Test Anyway.
• August 7, 2008 - FORCE Files Leave to Appeal Application to Environmental Review Tribunal.

July 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, July 25, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Pump testing proceeds.
• Hamilton Spectator, July 22, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Cement company starts tests - Move forward despite community group's plea regarding proposed quarry.
• Hamilton Spectator, July 19, 2008. St. Marys going ahead with Carlisle testing.
• Flamborough Review, July 18, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Water testing to start.
• Halton Compass, July 17, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: McCarthy, FORCE stunned by non-appealable PTTW.
• Hamilton Spectator July 15, 2008. Water-pumping test slated for next week.
• Flamborough Review, July 11, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: PTTW under attack.
• Hamilton Spectator, July 9, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Test permit surprises quarry foes.
• Halton Compass, July 3, 2008. Article by Stuart Service: Final haul route meeting reveals date of ... final haul route meeting.

FORCE Submissions/Presentations/Letters

• July 18, 2008. Letter by Davis LLP on behalf of FORCE to St Marys Cement Inc. (Canada) – Permit to Take Water.
• July 22, 2008. Davis LLP on behalf of FORCE submitted to the Environmental Review Tribunal a Supplementary Application for Leave to Appeal.

FORCE Press Releases

• July 19, 2008. Force Takes Round One. ERT Is Willing To Consider Jurisdiction. St Marys Should Stop Test and Respect the ERT.
• July 18, 2008. FORCE applies to Seek Leave to Appeal on St Marys Permit to Take Water. Community expects St Marys Testing Activities to Stop Until Tribunal Rules on Application.
• July 8, 2008. FORCE to Seek Leave to Appeal Permit to Take Water. Community Expects St Mars to cease and desist.

FORCE Update

• July 20, 2008 - Environmental Review Tribunal Willing to Consider if it has Jurisdiction on FORCE's Leave to Appeal Application.
• July 19, 2008 - FORCE Applies to Seek Leave to Appeal on St Marys Permit to Take Water.
• July 15, 2008 - St Marys Cement to commence pump testing on July 21st
• July 8, 2008. MOE issues PTTW to St Marys for test – FORCE evaluates legal options.

June 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, June 27, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish. Quarry haul route plan delayed until fall. CART asks for more time to review documentation.
• Halton Compass, June 26, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: Halton to St Marys: 'Slow Down'.
• Canadian Champion, June 25, 2008. Article by Melanie Hennessey: Town voicing concerns about quarry property - Urges City of Hamilton to make sure proposed site free of contamination.
• Hamilton Spectator, June 24, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Quarry trucks could go through Milton.
• Canadian Champion, June 20, 2008. Hamilton putting cart before horse: Best.
• Canadian Champion, June 18, 2008. Article by Melanie Hennessey: Quarry haul route review should be halted: Town.
• Flamborough Review, June 13, 2008. Article by Melanie Cummings: McCarthy pitches delay on PTTW to premier.
• Flamborough Review, June 13, 2008. Article by Melanie Cummings: FORCE AGM rescheduled due to meeting mix-up.
• Halton Compass, June 12, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: McCarthy goes to the top over St Marys PTTW.
• Halton Compass, June 12, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: FORCE upset with PIC meeting.
• Hamilton Spectator, June 7, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Waste records call water taking into question: councillor.

FORCE Update

• June 16, 2008. Milton Asks Hamilton to Stop St Marys' Haul Route Study and Public Information Centre #4.

May 2008
Media Coverage

• Hamilton Spectator, May 14, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Anti-quarry group upset Liberals are allowing permit for testing.
• Flamborough Review, May 12, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Community reacts to draft PTTW for Mountsberg quarry.
• Flamborough Review, May 9, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: MOE orders cleanup at proposed St. Marys quarry site - Aggregate firm awaits approval for Permit to take Water.
• Halton Compass, May 1, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: McCarthy says St Marys' site visit confirms contamination.

FORCE Presentations/Submissions/Letters

• June 3, 2008. Letter to Mr. Bardswick, Section 34 Director, Ministry of the Environment, West Central Region, Re: EBR #010-3469-Draft Permit to Take Water St Marys CBM Proposed Pumping Test.

FORCE Update

• May 23, 2008. Hamilton launches Truck Route Study.
• May 23, 2008. Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee to hold public meetings to consult on its draft Terms of Reference.
• May 7, 2008. Community Call to Action - DRAFT PTTW CONSULTATION.
• May 5, 2008. Force submits comments to CART regarding St Marys' latest hydrogeology work plan.
• May 5, 2008 - Ontario's Greenbelt is a role model for the World.
• May 5, 2008 - FORCE provides feedback on Greenbelt Expansion Criteria.

April, 2008
Media Coverage

• Halton Compass, April 24, 2008. Article by Stuart Service: Flamborough Councillor says St Marys' site contaminated.
• Hamilton Spectator, April 17, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Crowd applauds bid to crush quarry plan.
• Flamborough Review, April 17, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Water concerns take limelight

FORCE Presentations/Submissions/Letters

• April 30, 2008. Letter to Mr. Stan Holiday, Senior Planner, City of Hamilton, Re: Hydrogeology Work Plan
• March 2008 - St Marys CBM aggregate development application OPA-04-17 and ZAC-04-89.
• April 29, 2008. Letter to Ms. Barbara Konyl Manager, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, Local Government & Planning Policy Division Provincial Planning Policy Branch Re: EBR Registry Number 010-2866 – Criteria for Assessing Municipal Requests to Expand the Greenbelt.

March 2008
Media Coverage

• Hamilton Spectator, March 26, 2008. Article by John Burman: Process for dealing with quarries flawed: Miller.
• Flamborough Review, March 21, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: St. Marys, residents discuss concerns.
• Flamborough Review, March 13, 2008: Hamilton asks Province to protect water near St. Mary's application.
• Flamborough Review, March 7, 2008. Article by Margaret McCarthy: Council Notes - Protect, prevent.
• Flamborough Review, March 7, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: City seeks to protect water.
• Halton Compass, March 6, 2008. Hamilton asks Province to protect water near St. Mary's application.

FORCE Update

• March 31, 2008 - Community Alert - St Marys Cement Public Information Meeting - April 16th
• March 18, 2008. FORCE - Community Alert: St Marys Cement Pumping Test Letter.

February, 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, February 22, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Reinstate quarry fees: McCarthy
• Halton Compass, February 14, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: Quarries not committed to rehab, says Gravel Watch.
• Halton Compass, February 14, 2008. Article by Stuart Service: Federal Green Leader talks gravel.
• Halton Compass, February 14, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: FORCE begins postcard campaign.
• Flamborough Review, February 8, 2008. Article by Dianne Cornish: Postcard campaign to send message to Queen's Park.

FORCE Update

• February 29, 2008 - Minister of Municipal Affairs Announces Draft Criteria to Grow the Greenbelt
• February 28, 2008 - Hamilton City Council Votes Unanimously on Motion to Protect Carlisle area Drinking Water
• Feb 1, 2008. Stop the Quarry Postcard Campaign.

FORCE Press Release

• February 27, 2008, FORCE. FORCE Applauds City Motion To Protect Carlisle Drinking Water. City and FORCE united to get action from Province.

January, 2008
Media Coverage

• Flamborough Review, January 24, 2008. Article by Catherine O'Hara: Water, septic uses discussed at Carlisle meeting.
• Flamborough Review, January 18, 2008. Article by Diane Cornish: Walkout cuts short quarry workshop
• Halton Compass, January 17, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: Residents clear out of St Mary's meeting in protest.
• Halton Compass, January 17, 2008. Article by Don Redmond: Quarry haul routes plagued Campbellville in the past.
• Hamilton Spectator, January 10, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Groups unite to oppose quarry plan.
• Hamilton Spectator, January 10, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: Councillor leads walkout on meeting.
• Hamilton Spectator, January 7, 2008. Article by Eric McGuinness: McCarthy protests quarry meeting's preregistration.

FORCE Update

• January 21, 2008. Conservation Authorities will be holding an open House on source water protection and the Clean Water Act for Carlisle.
• January 8, 2008. FORCE took out full back page advertising in the Hamilton Spectator, Flamborough Review and Halton Compass, urging Mr. McGuinty to "walk the talk" and act on his commitment under the Clean Water Act.