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Monday, February 28, 2005
Province Announces Final Permanent Greenbelt Plan:  Lowndes Holdings Corp. Quarry Proposal Transitioned into Plan and Must Meet New Tougher Aggregate Development Rules

The Provincial Government today announced the final Permanent Greenbelt Plan and regulations under authority of the recently passed Greenbelt Act.  FORCE applauds the Permanent Greenbelt and the specific provisions related to greenfield aggregate development within the Greenbelt.  They add significantly to our case against the proposed quarry. To view the announcement, the final Greenbelt Plan and related background materials go to: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx

Today's announcement contains two key wins for FORCE that are based on our submissions to the Province and lobbying efforts undertaken by FORCE and MPP Ted McMeekin. Today's announcement fully recognizes that new aggregate development would leave a significant footprint in the Greenbelt and could threaten its ecological and hydrological integrity.

1. Lowndes Holdings Corp. Quarry Proposal is Transitioned into the Greenbelt Plan
   There is an outstanding Official Plan Amendment application by Lowndes Holdings Corp. for mineral aggregate development (OPA-04-17), submitted to the City of Hamilton in September 2004. Today’s Greenbelt announcement provides that it will be covered by the Greenbelt regulations even though the application was submitted before December 16, 2004, the effective date of the Greenbelt Act. This is because aggregate development has a significant environmental impact and because the application was submitted in between December 2003 and December 2004 during the Greenbelt Study timeframe. This had been our position all along.
2. Tougher Rules are Placed on Greenfield Aggregate Developments in the Natural Heritage System of the Greenbelt
   No new aggregate development is to be permitted in key natural heritage features or key hydrologic features. Examples of key Natural Heritage features include provincially significant wetlands, significant woodlands, and significant habitat of endangered and threatened species. Key hydrologic features include both surface and groundwater streams and flows as well as other wetlands.
   
   New aggregate development may be permitted near natural and hydrologic features only where the application demonstrates how it will meet new additional restrictions.  These include: protection for water resources, no impact on linkages between surrounding natural heritage and hydrologic features and no loss of habitat. In addition there are new extra rehabilitation requirements and the requirement for providing additional greenbelt lands offsetting the lands consumed by the proposed development.

The effect of these "wins" is to remove lands available to Lowndes Holdings Corp. for development and to raise the approvals bar even higher for the limited amount of non-prohibited land left.

The Province has given its direction, the City must now decide about Lowndes Holdings Corp. application based on this new "Greenbelt" standard. The following FORCE press release (290 KB) has been sent to all the key stakeholders.

Thursday, February 24, 2005
Permanent Greenbelt is now Law

The Ontario Legislature voted on and passed the Greenbelt Act today. The vote results were 51 in favour (Liberal and NDP) and 17 opposed (Conservatives). It is now law and provides the authority and framework for the Greenbelt Plan regulations. This initiative represents one of the Provincial Government's approaches to protect Greenspace and to control urban sprawl.

The Greenbelt Act and more specifically its companion the Greenbelt Plan - expected to be released soon - significantly add to FORCE's case against the proposed Lowndes Holdings Corp. quarry proposal. We look forward to reviewing the Plan's details and how it will be transitioned.

For information regarding the new Act, go to http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx

Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Province releases revised Provincial Policy Statement

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs released the final Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) (2005) issued under the authority of the Planning Act. The Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in the province and the PPS provides further details and policy directions related to provincial interests. The matters of provincial interest include such things as more compact growth, increased transit, protecting agricultural lands, water and significant natural features.

FORCE participated in the 5 year review of the PPS (1996/97) during summer 2004. FORCE supports the " shall be consistent with" standard adopted which means that decision-makers (like municipalities, provincial government ministries and the Ontario Municipal Board) must ensure that their decisions are consistent with the PPS. While even greater clarity could have been provided to decision-makers for cases where there are conflicts between the provincial interests, FORCE is pleased to see that key sections of the Statement have been strengthened reflecting higher provincial priority. This direction is consistent with our recommendations and those of other stakeholders. These include the sections related to natural heritage features (such as Provincially Significant Wetlands and Significant Woodlots) and water. The main disappointment is that the mineral aggregate section remains virtually unchanged and has not been updated in decades to reflect a 3Rs conservation ethic (such as with energy use and waste management), among other issues.

The PPS is one other tool in our case against the proposed Lowndes Holdings Corp. aggregate development, along with the pending Greenbelt Act and final Plan and the pending Source Water Protection legislation. The new PPS comes into effect March 1, 2005. Review the new PPS

Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Province Releases Draft Growth Management Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe

The Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal released the draft Growth Management Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The draft Plan sets policies for managing growth and development in the area through to 2031. The draft Plan is based on assessment of the feedback received regarding the Better Choices/Brighter Futures Discussion Paper released during summer 2004 and its companion consultation process. FORCE participated in that effort. The draft Plan is considered complementary to the Niagara Escarpment Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the pending final Greenbelt Plan.

For our communities' purposes with respect to the Lowndes Holdings Corp. quarry proposal, the draft Growth Management Plan does not apply to the Greenbelt Plan lands - it defers to the Greenbelt Plan for rural areas in the 'Protected Countryside' and 'Natural Heritage System'. If a conflict emerges between the Plans, the more protective Plan with respect to human health and the natural environment is designated to prevail. The draft Growth Management Plan does call for "coordinated/orderly extraction of mineral aggregate resources to minimize conflict with other land uses, comprehensive approaches for coordinated rehabilitation between adjacent mineral aggregate operations, promotion of progressive rehabilitation, and opportunities for alternative and innovative ways to conserve and extract mineral aggregate resources."

To review the draft Plan, visit https://www.placestogrow.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=14 and select Draft Growth Management Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The report is available in whole or by section. Please note some files are large and may take time to download.

Tuesday, February 15, 2005
FORCE submits comments to the Ministry of the Environment regarding the Source Water Protection Implementation and Technical Expert Committee Reports

FORCE tabled its final submission on the Source Water Protection Implementation and Technical Expert Committee reports with the Ministry of the Environment on February 14, 2005. The government will be using the recommendations from these 2 reports and the feedback to the draft Source Water Protection legislation released during summer 2004 to develop comprehensive Source Water Protection legislation. The goal is to prevent any future Walkerton tragedies from happening by protecting drinking water quality and quantity as a priority. Passage of the Source Water Protection legislation and the implementation of local Source Water Protection Plans will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry. Download the full submission (116 KB).

Wednesday, February 2, 2005
FORCE Chair Makes Presentation to Ontario Standing Committee on General Government in Grimsby regarding Bill 135 - the Proposed Greenbelt Act

The Ontario Standing Committee on General Government (711 KB), one of the Committees of the Ontario Legislature, is holding public hearings regarding Bill 135 - the Proposed Greenbelt Act. The Bill has received both First & Second Reading in the house and is before the Committee for review and amendments within the spirit of the legislation. The Bill is to be referred back to the Legislature for Third Reading and passage by March 9, 2005 when the current Greenbelt study area legislation is now set to expire.

FORCE requested to appear before the Committee to address how the Greenbelt Act and Plan will be transitioned. FORCE feels that it is important to ensure that rural use applications which will have a significant footprint impact on the hydrogeological and ecological integrity of the Greenbelt, such as the Lowndes Holdings Corp. application, are caught by the legislation or its companion regulation. FORCE was selected as one of the stakeholder groups the committee chose to hear.

FORCE Chair, Graham Flint, was invited and spoke to the Committee at its Grimsby public hearing on February 2, 2005. Based on its previous submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Bill 135 and based on the oral presentation to the Committee, FORCE has also made a written submission to the Committee. Read remarks (89 KB) for Graham's presentation and download the full FORCE submission (122 KB) for information.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005
FORCE meets the Aggregates Advisor to the City of Hamilton

Graham Flint, Chair and Mark Rudolph, Vice-Chair of FORCE had their first meeting with Steven Rowe, the Aggregates Advisor to the City of Hamilton, and Stan Holiday, Senior Planner - Legislative Approvals on January 26, 2005. It was an introductory meeting to discuss the proponent's application and the proposed process for the City's review of the application. FORCE representatives reiterated the communities' key concerns about drinking water impacts, ecological concerns, and lack of haul route. They were pleased with the planned level of involvement for FORCE at each stage of the process - similar to that of other commenting agencies such as the adjacent municipalities. With respect to process, FORCE would like to see the City adopt target timeframes for each stage in order to keep the process moving forward to decision and will continue to press for this. A draft process map from the City is expected to be released shortly.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Respected research organization releases study calling for long term strategy to reduce impacts of mineral aggregate extraction in Ontario

The Pembina Institute, a respected environmental research organization released a study entitled " Rebalancing the Load: The Need for an Aggregate Conservation Strategy for Ontario". The work notes that the environmental effects of aggregate extraction have been the source of growing public concern in southern Ontario, particularly in relation to the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine and proposed Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt. The study concludes that the Government of Ontario does not have a long-term strategy to reduce the impacts of mineral aggregate (i.e., gravel, sand and stone) extraction on drinking water source waters and other important environmental assets like wetlands, woodlots and habitat. The province lacks basic information on the state and consumption of the province’s aggregate resources and does not have appropriate policies and financial incentives in place to encourage the conservation of aggregates, 3Rs practices, nor substitution of materials. Ontario is compared to a number of other jurisdictions.

The study is another useful input and a worthwhile read to understand aggregates usage, the historical development of aggregates policy in the province, and perspectives on where provincial policy is lacking. FORCE notes upfront, however, that this study is more negative about the relative balance between aggregate development and natural heritage system preservation in the proposed Greenbelt than the submissions made by the Pembina Institute to the Government regarding Bill 135 and the Greenbelt Plan. FORCE believes that the overall thrust of the Greenbelt Plan is an "ecology first" orientation and that the significant improvements to the protections for sensitive hydrogeology, Provincially Significant Wetlands, and significant woodlots, among other natural features, bode well for communities such as ours which have an aggregate application affecting areas within the Natural Heritage System in the Protected Countryside. The Greenbelt legislation and plan also have to be considered as one part of the new land use planning puzzle along with changes to the Strong Communities Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, Places to Grow Act and growth management plan, and the pending Source Water Protection legislation. To download the full report, visit http://pubs.pembina.org/reports/Aggregatesfinal-web2.pdf

FORCE also notes that significant sections of the Pembina Study echo the recent comments of Ontario's Environment Commissioner. It is also interesting to note that the Pembina Institute has filed an application for review of the province’s mineral aggregate policies under section 61 of the Environmental Bill of Rights on the basis of the findings contained in Rebalancing the Load. The province is required to respond to the application within 60 days. Visit our website for updates.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005
FORCE presents at Milton Planning Committee

The Milton Administration and Planning Committee members received an information report on the proposed Lowndes Holdings Corp. Quarry from the Planning Development at their regular Committee meeting on Monday January 17th. (Download Report - 106 KB)

FORCE participated as a delegation to the meeting. Chair and Spokesperson Graham Flint presented FORCE's comments on the report. FORCE is pleased with the identification of key issues in the Milton report. These include groundwater implications in the hydrogeologically sensitive Amabel aquifer which has a significant recharge area in the proposed quarry zone, the natural features such as Wetlands and Woodlots both within and surrounding the site, and the lack of any appropriate haul routes. Questions and Feedback from the Committee members were very supportive to FORCE's concerns. We look forward to the participation of Milton, the Halton Region and its other comprising municipalities, in agency teams working to review the quarry proposal, peer review documents, and in the public consultation process. We encourage a full public consultation process within Milton & Halton Region to deal with the implications for residents in all jurisdictions.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Province Announces New Water Taking/Source Protection Initiatives

The Province released 3 important drinking water protection initiatives in late December 2004. First, a new water taking regulation came into effect on January 1, 2005. Second, recommendations from two expert advisory committees on drinking water source protection were released for public comment. Following review of the public and stakeholder response to the reports, final legislation on source water protection will be introduced during spring 2005. The government is expected to accept most of the recommendations in the expert committee reports given that they are a follow-up to the Walkerton Inquiry. Third, $12.5 million dollars was allocated among Conservation Authorities, including Conservation Halton, to enable the Conservation Authorities to hire staff, undertake technical studies, and develop local source water protection plans. These initiatives place a priority on the protection of local sources of drinking water which is a positive development for our communities as we work to protect our groundwater in the sensitive Amabel formation. The new water taking regulation and the recommendations of the expert committees (which will be reflected in the pending source water laws) toughen the approvals process for development in source water zones. The financial dollars strengthen the capacity of Conservation Authorities to identify and protect local source watersheds.

Water Taking Regulation

The new water taking and transfer regulation (O. Reg 387/04) replaces the one year moratorium on water taking regulation. It applies to industries who remove water (whether surface or groundwater) such as beverage industries, aggregate industries, manufacturing industries, etc. The regulation requires applicants for permits to take water to conduct a more rigorous assessment of the impact on the environment, including an analysis of water balance (how much water is available in the watershed, how much will be removed, how much is left). Some uses in "high use" watersheds will be capped such that new permits or expansions will be refused. All permit holders will have to report on the quantity of water taken annually.

To review the full regulation along with the draft manual for implementation, go to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBlaws/Source/Regs/English/2004/R04387_e.htm.

Source Water Protection Expert Reports

The Source Water Protection Implementation Committee and Technical Expert Committee reports provide the foundation for laws and implementation tools for a drinking source water protection planning regime. A risk-based threat assessment approach will be used to identify vulnerable drinking water sources. Wellheads, intake and recharge zones, and other vulnerable areas will be classified as significant, moderate or low risks. Protection measures will be imposed according to the level of risk. Planning tools, financial mechanisms, and risk management approaches have been recommended. The 60 day consultation period ends February 14, 2005.

To review the full reports, go to http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/water/spp.htm and select Document 4938e for the Implementation Report and Document 4935e for the Technical Report.

Thursday, January 6, 2005
Ontario's Environment Commissioner writes that there is No Aggregates Shortage

Gord Miller, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, authored a commentary article that appears in today's Toronto Star. Titled "Running out of gravel and rock", and subtitled "But what is the true state of our aggregate resources?", the opinion editorial builds on his recent reports to the Legislature.

The article gives an interesting and counter-balancing argument to that of David Lowndes, the proponent for the proposed Carlisle Quarry. Lowndes Holdings Corp. application forecasts aggregates shortages by 2010 plus the view that the resource must be mined close to where it is needed. The Environment Commissioner, a third party and independent voice, dispells those notions clearly indicating that Ontario has no shortage of sand, gravel and rock. The Environment Commissioner highlights specific areas where the provincial government can help make policy directions that can improve aggregate consumption and extraction economically and environmentally for the future including conservation, optimizing existing licences, and giving serious consideration as to whether greenfield aggregate extraction should be permitted in protected areas like the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine and the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt. Read the full article. (70 KB)

Tuesday, December 28, 2004
FORCE thanks Councillors McCarthy and Braden for the Free Holiday Family Skate

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) would like to thank Councillors Margaret McCarthy and Dave Braden for generously sponsoring the Free Two Hour Family Skate on behalf of FORCE on Monday December 27th. FORCE collected non perishable food items for the Flamborough Food Bank during the event. View images.

Friday, December 24, 2004
December 2004 - Stop The Quarry News

Well it’s been a wild six months. Do you remember where you were the day you heard about a Proposed Quarry invading our pristine Community? Get the most recent developments:

• Message from the Chair
• Proponent Application and Activity
• Local and Provincial Government Update
• Technical Reviews
• Steering Committee Activities
• Community News
• Fundraising and Expenditures
• What can you do to help?
• PDF Version (182 KB) - Print a copy for yourself or your neighbour.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Free Holiday Family Skate

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) is pleased to announce a Free Holiday Family Skate, Monday December 27th from 7 to 9:00 pm at the Carlisle Arena. Councillors Margaret McCarthy and Dave Braden have generously sponsored a Free Two Hour Family Skate on behalf of FORCE on Monday December 27th from 7 to 9:00 pm. FORCE will also be collecting non perishable food items for the Flamborough Food Bank during the event. Please come out and enjoy the skate with your friends and family. And Thanks to Margaret and Dave for all their support throughout the year and in making this event possible.

Monday, December 20, 2004
FORCE submits comments to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Draft Greenbelt Plan

FORCE tabled its final submission on the proposed Draft Greenbelt Plan with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs on December 20, 2004. Passage of the Greenbelt legislation and implementation of the Greenbelt Plan will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry.  Of particular interest is how and when the Act and Plan will be applied.  FORCE supporters are also encouraged to complete the e-consultation survey on the Greenbelt that the Province still has underway.  Download the full submission (143 KB)

Thursday, December 9, 2004
Province Extends Greenbelt Moratorium/Study Area Date  and Public Consultation Time Period

The Provincial Government has announced that the current moratorium on urban uses in the Greenbelt Study Area has been extended from the original date of December 16, 2004 to March 9, 2005. Yesterday, the Legislature passed legislation to amend the Greenbelt Protection Act, 2004 (former Bill 27), which established the Greenbelt Study Area in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, in order to allow more time to assess stakeholder and public input. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs website at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx.

In addition to the extension of the moratorium/study area, the deadline for submissions on the draft Greenbelt Plan has been extended to December 20, 2004 from the original date of December 12, 2004. FORCE has already submitted comments on the proposed legislation, Bill 135 - The Greenbelt Protection Act, and will be commenting on the draft plan. FORCE supporters are again encouraged to complete the e-consultation survey to show our support for the Greenbelt Plan. Passage and implementation of the Greenbelt Act and Plan will strengthen our case against the proposed aggregate development in our communities. To complete the survey, go to http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx and then complete the on-line form. (*survey no longer available)

Wednesday December 8, 2004
Thank You - Stonebrook Community Meeting was another success

The majority of the Stonebrook community gathered at the Mountsberg Community Hall to share ideas, learn the details, and contribute their time and money to the fight to stop the quarry and to hear the night's message: We are in a for a real fight... We are going to WIN.... We need to continue to work together.

Monday, December 6, 2004
City of Hamilton Hires Aggregate Planning Advisor

The City of Hamilton has hired the Aggregate Planning Advisor to assist it with consideration of the Lowndes Holdings Corp. application for Official Plan and Zoning By law land use amendments for a below the established water table aggregate development. The advisor's name is Steven Rowe.

FORCE is pleased that the City has completed this initial step in the approvals review process. The hiring of the aggregate planning advisor will now permit the necessary next steps of peer review of the proponent's application and companion technical studies, along with full public consultation. The application has been submitted and should now stand on its own to be evaluated for its merits or lack thereof. FORCE stands by its position that there are significant hydrogeological and ecological issues with the proposed aggregate operation, and no haul routes, among other issues.

FORCE supporters should not be concerned about Mr. Rowe's title - aggregate planning advisor. The title reflects the job he has been hired to do - to advise the City on a planning matter - specifically, an aggregate development application. Our research indicates that Steven Rowe, MCIP, RPP, is a senior environmental planner with over 25 years' experience in environmental assessment (EA) and land use planning. He has coordinated and peer reviewed numerous EA and Class EA projects for domestic and hazardous waste management, energy and transportation. He also worked with the Ontario Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources to prepare their EA planning processes for electricity projects and provincial parks. His current land use projects apply his expertise in interpreting and implementing the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and his detailed knowledge of brownfield issues and regulation in Ontario. Steven is also the environmental editor of the Ontario Planning Journal. Read his full curriculum vitae (84 KB).

Friday, December 3, 2004
FORCE Meets the Hamilton Mayor at the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce Beef 'N Bull Breakfast

FORCE Chair, Graham Flint and Vice Chair/Strategy, Mark Rudolph had an opportunity to build relationships and talk about the substantive problems with the proposed Lowndes Holdings Corp. aggregate development  with Mayor DiIanni on Friday December 3, 2004.  The Mayor was the key guest at the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce's Beef 'N Bull session held at the Bohemian Banquet Centre in Waterdown. New FCC member, Mark Rudolph of Mountsberg (justenvironment) won the right to be the corporate sponsor for the Beef N Bull breakfast. Rudolph's winning bid also won him the right to sit with Mayor DiIanni at his table and to invite key guests.  Also invited by Rudolph was MPP Ted McMeekin who has been doing a great job actively supporting FORCE at Queen's Park as well as at the municipal level with his former colleagues. View some photos from the event.

Thursday, December 2, 2004
E-Consultation Survey on the Greenbelt by the Province of Ontario

FORCE supporters are strongly encouraged to fill out the electronic consultation survey the Province currently has underway about the proposed Greenbelt plan. Passing of the Greenbelt Legislation and implementation of the Greenbelt Plan will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry. It is important that the Premier and Ministers, along with the other Members of Provincial Parliament, know that there is strong support for a permanent Greenbelt to protect sensitive watersheds and interconnected green spaces like the Amabel Formation aquifer, which provides our drinking water, and the Provincially Significant Wetlands and Woodlots in our area. The government will hear loudly and in large numbers from those who oppose the Greenbelt plan. It should hear equally from those who believe the Greenbelt is important.

The survey is short and should only take you a few minutes to complete. There are 12 questions about Greenbelt issues and your level of support for them (choices range from strongly support to strongly disagree). There are 5 general information questions (i.e. your postal code), some of which are optional. There is one question about how useful/helpful you found the electronic survey as a way to share your views.

There is one optional question where you can provide your own comments about the Greenbelt. FORCE is on the public record as supporting the Greenbelt and the long-term vision demonstrated by the Province. The protection of our greenspace will create a major legacy for us, our children and their children. The Greenbelt Plan is not just about nature. It is about our health and about providing a sustainable economy. The Greenbelt legislation and plan put "Ecology First" for Flamborough, forever. The increased protections for provincially significant wetlands, watershed, environmentally sensitive areas, and other significant natural features are very positive. The Greenbelt Plan allows quarries only in places where they don't threaten human health and the ecology. FORCE looks forward to working with the Province, our area municipalities and other stakeholders to implement that vision.

To complete the survey, go to http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx and then complete the on-line form. Deadline for submissions is December 12, 2004 Deadline for submissions is December 12, 2004 (*survey no longer available.)

Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Congratulations to Audrey Galloway as the the Quilt Raffle raised almost $3,000 for FORCE

Several members of the Mountsberg Women's Institute and some other local quilters got together to create a beautiful quilt to be raffled, with the proceeds going to FORCE. Sue Restivo, an 11th Concession resident, was the driving force behind the quilt project, which took place at Lawson Park. Sue and Eleanor Scholey worked on it every day with others dropping in when they could. The draw took place on Wednesday December 1st, 2004.

• 1st prize - Queen-sized quilt in pastel greens, blues and pinks, valued at $600.
  Congratulations to Audrey Galloway our 1st prize winner.
  
  
• 2nd prize - Shaw Festival Package.
  Congratulations to Wayne Neeb our 2nd prize winner.
  
  
• 3rd prize - Baby quilt.
  Congratulations to Marg Runciman our 3rd prize winner.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004
FORCE Stonebrook Community Meeting scheduled for December 8th @ 7:30 pm at Mountsberg Community Hall

Stonebrook residents are encouraged to attend the Wentworth Condominium #363/FORCE Stonebrook Community Meeting on Wednesday, December 8th from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at the Mountsberg Community Hall, located at 2133 Centre Road. Topics will include the implications of the proposed Flamborough quarry for area residents such as the impacts on wells, truck haul routes, blasting, property values, and more. Learn about the impact the proposed quarry will have on our communities, talk to the committees, get involved. Representatives will be available to accept your financial pledge or commitment.

Saturday, November 27, 2004
FORCE tables final submission on proposed Greenbelt Act with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

FORCE tabled its final submission on the proposed Greenbelt Act with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs on November 27, 2004. Passing of the Greenbelt legislation and implementation of the Greenbelt Plan will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry.  Of particular interest is how and when the Act will be applied.  FORCE will be submitting comments on the proposed Greenbelt Plan prior to the December 12, 2004 deadline.  FORCE supporters are also encouraged to complete the e-consultation survey on the Greenbelt that the Province has underway.  Download the full submission (117 KB). 

Thursday, November 25, 2004
Thank You - Kilbride Community Meeting was another success

Dozens of local citizens gathered at the Kilbride United Church to share ideas, learn the details, and contribute their time and money to the fight to stop the quarry and to hears the nights message: We are in a for a real fight... We are going to WIN.... We need to continue to work together.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 - Burlington Post Article
Rural residents set to do battle

More truck noise, lower water supplies and hotter tempers may be in the forecast for Kilbride and Carlisle, where a proposed quarry is causing anxiety. Lowndes Holdings Corp. is planning a 152-hectare (380-acre) quarry on Flamborough's Concession 11 (now part of Hamilton) just north of Burlington's Derry Road border. The application is now in the hands of Hamilton's planning department for review. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/bp/story/2371273p-2744625c.html- This article is no longer available

Sunday, November 21, 2004<
FORCE Kilbride Community Meeting scheduled for November 25th @ 7:30 pm at Kilbride

Residents of Kilbride are encouraged to attend the FORCE Kilbride Community Meeting on Thursday November 25th, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at the Kilbride United Church. Topics will include the implications of the proposed Flamborough quarry for area residents such as the impacts on municipal and private wells, truck haul routes, property values, and more. Learn about the impact the proposed quarry will have on our communities, talk to the committees, get involved. Representatives will be available to accept your financial pledge or commitment.

Friday, November 19, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
Quilters take up needles to help FORCE

When Sue Restivo attended a public meeting five months ago to join neighbours in the fight against a proposed quarry on 11th Concession Rd. E., she wondered how she could help. But the answer soon came to her. "I left that meeting saying, 'What can I do; I'm 70 years old," she said. "Then, I thought, 'I can cook and sew.' And that's when I came up with the idea of making a quilt." Read the Full Article (129 KB)

Thursday, November 18, 2004
FORCE makes Presentation to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Greenbelt Consultation Forum

Graham Flint, Chair & Spokesperson for FORCE, made a presentation to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding its draft Greenbelt Plan during the public consultation forum held on November 18, 2004 in Stoney Creek.  Passing of the Greenbelt legislation will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry.  Of particular interest is how and when the Act will be applied.  Download the presentation (69 MB).

Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Thank You - Carlisle Community Meeting was a huge success.

145 local citizens gathered at the Carlisle Community Centre last night to share ideas, learn the details, and contribute their time and money to the fight to stop the quarry. Also in attendance were Hamilton Councillors Margaret McCarthy and Dave Braden. The nights message: We are in a for a real fight... We are going to WIN.... We need to continue to work together. View images of the meeting.

Friday, November 12, 2004
FORCE supporters encouraged to attend Province's Greenbelt Consultations scheduled for Burlington (November 16) and Hamilton (November 18)

The Province's consultations on the Greenbelt Plan are scheduled for November 16, 2004 in Burlington (Royal Botanical Gardens - Main Centre, 680 Plains Road West) and November 18, 2004 in Hamilton (Liuna Gardens Convention and Banquet Hall, 526 Winona Road North, Stoney Creek). Both sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. FORCE supporters are encouraged to attend to demonstrate our positive support for the Greenbelt Plan. Passing of the Greenbelt Legislation will significantly add to our case against the proposed quarry. FORCE is a member of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance which will be present and distributing "I Love the Greenbelt" stickers to supporters. The largest number of anti-greenbelt attendees is expected at the Hamilton/Stoney Creek (and subsequent St. Catharines) session. Your quiet professional attendance is appreciated.

Graham Flint, Chair and Spokesperson, will be making a presentation on behalf of FORCE at the November 18th session in Hamilton/Stoney Creek. Graham's final remarks and the FORCE written submission will be posted on the website after the presentation.

Sunday, November 14, 2004
Circulation Letter from the City of Hamilton

As a resident in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed Lowndes Holdings Corp. Carlisle Quarry, you may have received a letter from the City of Hamilton on this issue. This letter has been sent in response to the application for Official Plan Change and Zoning Change that Lowndes Holdings Corp. has finally delivered to City Hall. We believe the letter was delivered to all property owners with 120 meters of the proposed development as well as those citizens that have explicitly asked to be notified about this application. It is your first official opportunity to register your displeasure at this intrusion into our neighbourhood and our lives, but it will certainly not be your only opportunity.

FORCE suggests that any resident who received such a letter should reply to it, by email or by letter. The reason that a response is desirable, even at this early stage, is that each and every objection is recorded and appended to the official record associated with the Lowndes Holdings Corp. application file. A massive file, containing many objections from the community, cannot help but enhance the credibility of the arguments against the establishment of this quarry. For more information.

Friday, November 12, 2004
FORCE Carlisle Community Meeting scheduled for November 17th @ 7:30 pm at Carlisle Community Centre

Residents of Carlisle are encouraged to attend a FORCE Carlisle Community Meeting on Wednesday November 17th, from 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Carlisle Community Centre (Banquet Hall upstairs). Topics will include the implications of the proposed Carlisle quarry for area residents such as impacts on municipal and private wells, truck haul routes, property values, and more. Learn about the impact the proposed quarry will have on our communities, talk to the committees, get involved. Representatives will be available to accept your financial pledge or commitment.

Thursday, November 11, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
Group seeking reinforcements to fight quarry

A community committee fighting a proposed 238-acre quarry on Flamborough's 11th Conc. Rd. E. hopes to build up support from residents of nearby Carlisle.

Graham Flint, chair of FORCE (Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment) said a meeting at the Carlisle Community Centre next Wednesday will alert residents of the community about the dangers posed by a large-scale quarry operation on a water system that is already fragile. "We want to engage and motivate a large group of people on this issue," Flint said, stressing that Carlisle "has a history of water challenges. That's why we think they'll be interested in this." Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2340629p-2709472cbhtml- This article is no longer available

Thursday, November 11, 2004
Important - Lowndes Holdings Corp. to Undertake Next Pump Test on the Proposed Quarry Site along with Well Monitoring Program

Lowndes Holdings Corp. has advised FORCE Chair Graham Flint that a pump test and well monitoring program will be undertaken shortly to support its application for a proposed large scale, below the established water table aggregate operation.

Over the coming days, area homeowners may be approached by a representative of Lowndes Holdings Corp. to see if they will give permission to have their well monitored. This monitoring would be part of a well monitoring program while the pump test is done on the proposed quarry site.

Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) has recommended to Lowndes Holdings Corp. that the best approach is to use a number of dedicated monitoring wells rather than individual homeowner wells. The dedicated wells could be used to monitor both the pump tests and to collect long term water table information. This long term testing could be used to establish a seasonal base line of water data. Without the use of dedicated wells there is the risk that owner well use will impact the monitoring results. FORCE has suggested that these “sentry” wells be placed around the edges of the proponent’s property at his expense.

The decision to participate in the well monitoring program and to have an individual well monitored rests with each homeowner. Homeowners should be aware that there are risks to participating. Wells will have to be opened, monitored and then resealed.

If homeowners do participate, a number of “best practices” have been drawn to FORCE’s attention:

• Consider having your water sampled before and after monitoring
• You may be required to have your well chlorinated and before your well is sealed and put back into service
• Ensure Lowndes Holdings Corp. and its representatives will provide you with a copy of all data, field notes, and derived reports for your well
• A sample Access Agreement (62 KB) has been made available to the community. It is a legal document and FORCE recommends that you seek legal advice on its use.
  

Monday, November 8, 2004
Lowndes Holdings Corp. purchases property on Milburough Line

The proposed quarry proponent, David Lowndes of Lowndes Holdings Corp., has confirmed the November 2004 purchase of a local property with Graham Flint, Chair of FORCE. The subject property is 1869 Milburough Line, just north of the existing holdings on the west side of Milburough Line. The proponent indicated that he could not confirm how the property will be used at this time.

A property purchase does not mean approval of the proposed quarry. The application for Official Plan Amendment and By-law rezoning with the City of Hamilton are at the early stages of the review. Issues in the areas of groundwater, ecology, and haul routes (among others) continue to exist and are the reasons why this application should be, and we believe will be, denied.

Friday, November 5, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
Flamborough wrapped in greenbelt

The greenspace plan will also make the proposed application for a quarry on the 11th Conc. Rd. E. "more difficult to justify," given the site has wetlands and environmentally significant areas on it, the MPP (Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin) predicted. That's music to the ears of FORCE (Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment), the citizen-based advocacy group fighting the quarry proposal. The group publicly applauds the new land use plan.

"Protecting our greenspace will create a major legacy for us, our children and their children," FORCE chair Graham Flint said. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2323348p-2691136c.html- This article is no longer available

Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Your Water and the Carlisle Quarry

As a resident of Carlisle, you may be aware of the potential for the establishment of a large scale, open pit mining operation less than three kilometers north of the Carlisle water tower. If established, this quarry could have direct and serious adverse effects on the water supply of the village of Carlisle.

• How large is the proposed quarry?
• How could the quarry affect Carlisle water?
• Water flow into Carlisle (Map)
• How much water is at issue?
• What are the implications of pumping this volume of water?
• How will this affect you as a resident of Carlisle?
• What about the truck traffic?
• How do we prevent this nightmare from becoming our reality?

Monday, November 1, 2004
Public Information Session Regarding Nelson Aggregates' Proposed Expansion on November 8, 2004 at Kilbride School

A public information session will be held at Kilbride Public School, 6611 Panton Street, Kilbride on November 8, 2004 regarding Nelson Aggregates' proposed 82 hectare expansion ( 2 million tonnes per year), immediately south of their existing Burlington quarry. This is not about the proposed new quarry for Carlisle, being proposed by Lowndes' Holding Corp. The meeting is being held by the Halton Joint Agency Review Team (JART) - which includes the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Region of Halton, City of Burlington, Conservation Halton, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The session runs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm with a presentation at 7:00 pm. Representatives of JART and the proponent will be available to provide information and answer questions. Information on the Nelson application can be obtained at www.nelsonaggregate.com/license.htm.

Monday, November 1, 2004
Halton Council to receive information report from Planning & Public Works Committee regarding proposed Carlisle quarry at Council meeting on November 3, 2004. FORCE invited to present as delegation

Halton Council will receive the report of the Halton Planning & Public Works Committee at its regular Council meeting on Wednesday November 3rd, including a staff information report on the proposed Carlisle quarry (reviewed at the committee meeting on October 27, 2004). FORCE has been invited as a delegation to the meeting. Chair and Spokesperson, Graham Flint will represent FORCE, along with some volunteers, at the meeting, which begins at 9:30 am. in Council Chambers at the Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. This is an introductory opportunity for FORCE and the report is an information item not a decision-making session. Therefore, a broad 'call to action' ito the community is not being issued.

As noted in the October 27th Latest News, 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).