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Thursday, October 28, 2004
Press Release - FORCE Applauds Province's Permanent Greenbelt

The Province of Ontario released its Permanent Greenbelt Protection Legislation, draft regulations and detailed land-use planning maps today. Together, this action protects a further one million acres of Ontario greenspace.

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment, FORCE, applauds the long-term vision demonstrated by the Province. "Protecting our greenspace will create a major legacy for us, our children and their children. And it's not just about nature. It's about our health and about providing a sustainable economy," said Graham Flint, Chair of FORCE. View full document (71 KB).

Thursday, October 28, 2004
Province Announces Permanent Greenbelt Plan - Flamborough's Ecology Protected in Perpetuity

The Province announced its permanent Greenbelt legislation, draft plan and detailed land-use maps today, protecting an additional one million acres of greenspace, in addition to the Niagara Escarpment Plan and Oakridges Moraine. FORCE is pleased to see that the plan puts Ecology First for Flamborough, with protection for provincially significant wetlands, watersheds, environmentally sensitive areas, and other significant natural features, in perpetuity. FORCE will be participating in the next phase of the consultation process and working, with all parties, to ensure this vision is implemented and becomes reality. To review the full announcement, plan documents, and maps, please visit http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx

Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Halton Planning & Public Works Information Report on Proposed Quarry

Halton Planning & Public Works Committee have reviewed a staff information report on the proposed quarry at its meeting on October 27, 2004. FORCE is pleased with the comprehensiveness of the information in the report to and its focused identification of key issues. These include groundwater implications in the hydrogeologically sensitive Amabel aquifer which has a significant recharge area in the affected zone, the natural features surrounding the site, and the haul route implications.

We look forward to the participation of Halton Region and its comprising municipalities in agency working teams to review the quarry proposal, review peer assessments of the proponent's technical reports, and in the public consultation process. We encourage a full public consultation process within Halton Region to deal with the implications for Halton and its residents. View report (76 KB).

Wednesday, October 27, 2004
View documents submitted by FORCE to various government agencies

FORCE has submitions, reports and comments to a variety of government agencies and committes. View documents.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Public Notice for a Change in Zoning sign on Milburough Line

Images of the Public Notice for a Change in Zoning sign on Milburough Line taken in October 2004 Detail indicating the application intent of rezoning from Agricultural and Conservation Management to Extractive Industrial. View: image1 image2.

Monday, October 25, 2004
The Community Keeps its Eyes Open

Members of the community, including members of FORCE, recently noted renewed activity by the Proponent on the site of the proposed Carlisle Quarry. A bulldozer was parked by one of the Eleventh Concession entrances. Water well drilling equipment and a water tanker truck were seen entering the site, and the tanker left to fill up at one of the local waterways. Finally, tree cutting was observed near the Milborough Line entrance to the proposed quarry site.

As the proposed quarry site contains within its boundaries major ground water resources and areas of regional and provincial environmental significance, FORCE urgently investigated the nature and legitimacy of the proponent's actions. FORCE chairman Graham Flint contacted the proponent himself, and also informed City of Hamilton staff and elected officials about the activities on the site.

The response of the City was immediate and appropriate. Within one day of FORCE's heads-up, City Planner Stan Holiday visited the site and spoke with David Lowndes and his project manager, Robert Long, to ascertain what their intentions were. He raised the issue of water taking with Ministry of the Environment officials and also contacted the Town of Milton, which has responsibility for road maintenance on Milborough Line.

In this case, the proponent was working within his legal rights on all these matters. The bulldozer was used to improve his existing internal road system, the well drilling and water taking were within legally appropriate bounds, and a tree cutting permit had been obtained from Milton to allow the placement of a Development Notice sign.

While it is good to know that the proponent was working by the book in these matters, the real importance of this interaction is that he is now on notice that the community is watching him carefully, and that City of Hamilton authorities will immediately investigate and respond to any development activity that looks suspicious or inappropriate. This should reinforce to him the need to work strictly within the limitations imposed by the legal approval process. The community should be very pleased with the City of Hamilton's swift action in response to its concerns.

Monday, October 25, 2004
FORCE posts Lowndes Holdings Corp. application on website

Lowndes Holdings Corp. submitted an application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw change to the City of Hamilton on September 20, 2004. These applications represent two of the three regulatory approvals needed to establish the proposed Carlisle Quarry. The third application needs to be made to the Provincial Government (for an aggregate license) and that application has not yet been filed (as of October 22, 2004). View application documents.

Friday, October 22, 2004
Flamborough Review Article - FORCE digs into savings for fight

Four experts hired to battle quarry. More questions have been raised by an 800-page application for a dolostone quarry on a 380-acre site by 11th Conc. Rd. E. and Milburough Line in Flamborough, say critics. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2290150p-2653800c.html - This article is no longer available

Monday, October 18, 2004
Process Section of the Website has been revised

Example: The Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (PIR) released "Places to Grow: Better Choices, Brighter Future - A Draft Draft Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe" in July 2004. It is a complementary discussion paper to the Greenbelt strategy and is designed to promote more compact forms of urban growth and related infrastructure planning. For more information go to www.placestogrow.ca

Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Mountsberg Women's Institute Helps Raise Funds for FORCE

Several members of the Mountsberg Women's Institute and some other local quilters got together over the summer to create a beautiful quilt to be raffled, with the proceeds going to FORCE. View details and photos.

Monday, October 4, 2004
Sample Comment from Local Resident

"Three years ago we moved from central Toronto to this area (we live four kilometers from the proposed quarry) after performing an extensive search over a wide geographical area for a suitable area to live in. We visited many communities, but time after time we found ourselves coming back to the communities around Campbellville, Kilbride and Carlisle. The main drawing cards were the tranquility, nature conservation, hiking trails and the fact that we could live in a forest next to a nature conservation area.

Since we came to live here, we also became aware that there are ecologically sensitive systems, including provincially significant wetlands right on our doorstep. We have the satisfaction of seeing wild animals and every spring we have the joy of seeing endangered plant species thriving on our property. We have found a warm and welcoming community here and we met so many people who share the same principles and care for the environment. We are delighted to see streams of visitors coming from far away during summer weekends to see and explore the natural wonders of our area and to participate in the events in our community.

We and the generations to come have much to loose if the quarry operation proposed by Lowndes Holdings Corp. is allowed to continue. Sensitive environmental systems will be adversely impacted and the liveability of the surrounding areas will be greatly reduced. Hard working families would loose decades of investments into properties that have been a source of pride and joy.

It is needless to say this, but we are strongly opposed to the Lowndes Holdings Corp. application." Read more comments.

Friday, October 1, 2004
FORCE makes submission to Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal regarding Places to Grow Discussion Paper

FORCE made a formal submission to the Smart Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal regarding its draft Growth Management Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Download the complete submission (150 MB)

Wednesday, September 29, 2004
120 citizens from Carlisle, Kilbride, Campbellville, and Freelton attend Hamilton City Council meeting

Approximately 120 local residents from Carlisle, Kilbride, Campbellville, and Freelton made their way to City Hall on Wednesday night to demonstrate to the Hamilton City Council and to David Lowndes (who also was in attendance) that we are more united, determined, and organized than ever. To those who attended the Hamilton City Council meeting and to those who sent e-mails, THANK YOU!

Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Sample Comment from Local Resident

"Having grown up accross the road from a quarry, I know first hand what life will be like if Lowndes Holdings Corp. is allowed to go ahead with this proposed quarry. The noise, the dust, the heavy and dangerous traffic which our roads can't even handle. Just try to pull out of your driveway in the morning without having the nose of your car demolished or try to turn into your driveway at night with a gravel truck so close on your tail, that you know they can't possibly see your turn signals, so if you value your life, you decide to bypass your driveway, turn around somewhere safe and try it again from the other direction. I have had to do this on numerous occasions.

I was told, that I would get used to hearing these huge trucks banging around (especially, when they are empty) driving over bad roads. And we know only too well how bad the roads in our area are. Well, after 12 years of living there, I never did get used to the noise and the dust was positively choking on some days.

My husband and I bought this property a number of years ago and have lived in the house we built ourselves and dreamed of for many years. Our property has been designated as being "environmentally sensitive" and we are severely limited as to what we are allowed to do here, even though we own the land. So how does someone like Mr. Lowndes get away with coming into our neighbourhood, only one concession away from us, and he is allowed to start a quarry. Is this the old adage of "money talks" again? We are not even allowed to clear our ditch of the silt that washes in and yet Lowndes is allowed to quarry 380 acres? How is this possible?

It will be bad enough to put up with all the heavy traffic, our roads being even more torn apart, the noise and the dust, but if this affects our water table, and the odds are pretty good that it will, what will happen to all of us living here? I am not content with Mr. Lowndes assurances that our water will not be affected, and if by some chance that something does happen, that he has a contingency fund set aside to help us out. The onus would probably be on us citizens to prove that our water was affected by the quarry before we could even apply for help! I for one am not content to live off of bottled water when my current supply is both plentiful and very good.

To sit back and watch 15 years of hard work to make our house and property what it is today, only to have it devalued by this quarry, is absolutely heart breaking.... ...This is really sad!" Read more comments.

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - Milton Canadian Champion Article
"Residents meet to try to stop quarry plan"

A community information meeting was held Thursday at the Campbellville Lions Hall by FORCE in conjunction with the Milton Rural Residents Association. Attended by approximately 150 residents, the meeting covered various aspects of the fight against the Lowndes Holdings Corp. proposed quarry. ead the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/mcc/story/2239315p-2594556c.html- This article is no longer available

Monday, September 27, 2004 - Hamilton Spectator Article
"Rural residents footing the bill to fight quarry"

Carlisle - Opponent of a huge limestone quarry for the 11th Concession Road East Near the Flamborough - Milton boundary say they have already spent $50,000 on experts for a fight that has just begun. Read the full article.

Monday, September 27, 2004
Another resource that needs to be protected - "Photograph of a heron with trout";

On September 15, 2004 at Lawson Park (on 11th concession) a heron was photographed after cathching a trout in the head waters of the Bronte Creek. This is currently a common occurence in the area were herons and other local wildlife will feed on trout, pike and bass. View the full picture.

Thursday, September 23, 2004
Thank you Milton Rural Residents Association (MRRA) - Community Meeting was a huge success.

Approximately one hundred of local citizens gathered at the Lion's Hall in Campbellville tonight to share ideas, learn the details, and contribute their time and money to the fight to stop the quarry. Milton Councillors Cindy Lunau (Ward 3) and Jan Mowbray (Ward 3) were in attendance. The nights message: We are in a for a real fight... We are going to WIN.... We need to continue to work together.

Tuesday, September 21, 2004
FORCE attends Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting where McHattie Report is received.

Graham Flint, Chair of FORCE, and a number of volunteers from the community attended the September 21st meeting of the Planning & Economic Development Committee of Hamilton Council. The Committee received the staff report prepared as a result of Councillor McHattie's motion tabled in June. The report is 10 pages long and outlines the framework to be used to evaluate the quarry proposal including the wide range of issues and factors that must be considered. The report was presented to the Committee with the recommendation that Lowndes Holdings Corp. pay for an Aggregate Planning Advisor and peer Technical Review Consultants, chosen by the City, to review and assist in the processing of the application.

FORCE feels the staff report could have gone further to describe the site property and the areas in the vicinity of the site which would be impacted. Issues not fully presented include the:

among others.

FORCE does acknowledge that the City needs to conduct a thorough review of the application before reaching any final decision. We will continue to press for these and other factors to be addressed as that review occurs.

The Planning & Economic Development Committee accepted the report, including the recommendations that Lowndes Holdings Corp. provide funding for the City's experts, and will be forwarding the report to the full City Council on Sept. 29th.

FORCE once again encourages concerned residents to attend the Council meeting to show that we care, that we are involved, and that we are watching. Review the full staff report. (647 KB)

Monday, September 20, 2004
Quarry Application Submitted

Lowndes Holdings Corp. has finally submitted its application, some 600 pages, for an Open Pit Limestone Aggregate Operation in the heart of our Community. This occurred Monday afternoon, September 20, 2004. Graham Flint, Chair of FORCE, has been in regular contact with City staff and Councillor McCarthy since the proponent publicly announced his intention to file last Friday or Monday in the Flamborough Review.

City staff have received the application but must now determine if the application is "complete" before it can be "accepted". Once accepted it will be referred to a Committee of City Council and to City Staff for analysis and recommendation. City staff have indicated that they will provide copies of the application to FORCE once the application accepted and they are proposing to have Lowndes Holdings Corp. post the full application and study reports on a website for full public access. The next phase of our fight has begun. Please keep checking the website for regular updates.

Read the Friday September 17, 2004 Flamborough Review ArticleThis article is no longer available

Monday, September 20, 2004 - CORRECTION
City Council meeting CORRECTION - Wednesday, September 29, 2004 not September 22nd as previously reported.

Saturday, September 18, 2004 - Call to Action!
FORCE to show its opposition as City Council Receives Quarry Report THIS WEEK!

FORCE supporters are encouraged to attend the Hamilton City Council meeting this Wednesday evening (CORRECTION - September 29, 2004) along with Graham Flint, Chair of FORCE, to professionally show our ongoing level of engagement and opposition to the proposed open pit quarry operation. The time is 7 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main Street West, Hamilton.

The full Hamilton Council will be receiving a report from the Planning and Economic Development Committee's September 21 meeting. The Planning Committee will have received and reviewed the staff report prepared in response to Councillor McHattie's resolution. Councillor McHattie's resolution was:

That staff report back on the compatibility of the proposed aggregate extraction land use north of Carlisle, including, but not limited to, its impact on the surrounding residential and rural land uses, its impact on current infrastructure and local roads, and its conformity with existing and proposed municipal and provincial policies.

Jump to information about the July 2004 request for a report. This will be the first time that Council will discuss the proposed Quarry since the expected filing of the application. We want to show them that we care, we are involved, and that we are watching.

Saturday, September 18, 2004
Community Meeting to be held with Milton Rural Residents Association (MRRA) and Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) this Thursday night

Residents of Campbellville, Kilbride and rural Milton/Burlington are encouraged to attend a FORCE Community Meeting hosted by the MRRA on Thursday September 23rd at 7:30 pm at the Campbellville Lion's Hall (Guelph line at the railroad tracks).  

Discussions will include the implications of the proposed quarry for area residents such as: potential impacts on private & communal wells, truck haul routes, property values and more. Learn about the impact the proposed quarry will have on our community, talk to the committees...get involved! Representatives will be available to accept your financial pledge or commitment.

Friday, September 17, 2004 - Flamborough Review
Open Letter to Mayor Larry Di Ianni - "Quarry application requires city study"

An open letter from Flamborough resident John Norris to Hamilton Mayor larry Di Ianni regarding to potential impact the quarry could have on water quantity in Carlisle, contamination of Bronte Creek headwaters, damage to existing roads, danger to pedestrians and school children, reduction of property values, and well contamination. Read the full letter: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/opinion/letter/story/2212880p-2563992c.html- This article is no longer available

Friday, September 17, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Quarry application hits City Hall"

A controversial quarry application that could turn land by the 11th Concession and Milburough Line into a bustling aggregate pit is set to hit City Hall today, said David Lowndes, the developer behind the proposal. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2212586p-2564021c.html This article is no longer available

Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Friends of Rural Communities & The Environment (Force) - Final Submission To The Ministry Of Municipal Affairs Re: Planning Reform Discussion Papers #1-3

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) thanks the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for the opportunity to input to the key discussion papers regarding planning reform. This submission builds on the presentation made by the FORCE chair, Graham Flint, at the Ministry open house in Oakville on July 13, 2004. Download complete submission (175 KB).

Friday, August 13, 2004
Local Business Canvassing

There is no doubt that as peoples lives are disrupted if this proposed quarry should go ahead, so will local businesses be affected. A letter will be going out soon to local businesses and a follow-up canvass of them is planned in late August and early September. If you feel that this is an area where you can be of assistance please. Click Here to give your name and contact details.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Virtual fly-by aerial movie

See a virtual fly-by of the area (Windows Media Player required). Click here to view the movie.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Sample Comments

Sample comments from local residents as submitted to the website. Click here to read the comments.

Monday, August 9, 2004
New Aerial Photos

Aerial photos of the Lowndes Holdings Corp. property as well as the Flamborough Lafarge Quarry and the Milton Dufferin Quarry. Click here to view the photos.

Tuesday, August 3, 2004 - Hamilton Spectator Article
"Quarry plan angers Carlisle"

A landowner wants to open a gravel pit that would send hundreds of trucks rumbling down Carlisle roads daily. Nearby residents who cherish the area for its rural character say they'll fight the plan that would send 30 trucks an hour rumbling past their homes. Read the full article.

 


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