Local councils blasted at NDACT meeting

"Only when the last tree is gone, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish is caught, will we realize we can not eat money". — A First Nations saying as told by Kate Armstrong, Melancthon.

At its second public meeting in Honeywood Arena, the North Dufferin Agriculture and Community Task Force (NDACT) brought out a reported 350 residents.

Those in attendance heard strong warnings from NDACT members about the threat that the Highland Companies' proposed aggregate operation could pose to farmland and the vulnerable headwaters that serve Melancthon township and surrounding areas. They were shown photos of damage said to have been already done, including soil erosion, tree removal, dumping, and well drilling located close to contaminants from a fertilizer plant. Throughout the meeting, strong words of condemnation were used to attack local councils' apparent inaction on the issues.

NDACT was formed at a public meeting in January, when 11 individuals were nominated to "monitor and report with a view to protect the community from possible unwanted activities". Recently, the group's efforts were rewarded when they were told the Ontario Federation of Agriculture would "press for appropriate measures" to protect the farm land in question by supporting the "Specialty Crop Designation" for the Honeywood silt-loam soils.

Kate Armstrong, accompanied by eight local farm youths, brought the residents to their feet with a standing ovation for her impassioned plea to safeguard the rich soil and heritage of Melancthon Township for future generations of farmers: "My friends and I need a chance to keep farming. Tell your politicians you want to buy food locally!"

NDACT member Carl Cosack expressed his dismay at County Council as not upholding the County tree bylaw in Melancthon. He shocked his audience with his recollection of comments by Orangeville and Mono Mayors Rob Adams and Lorie Haddock at the June 11 County Council meeting during a discussion of Highland's alleged contraventions of the tree by-law in Melancthon. He quoted Mayor Haddock as saying: "We have no admission of a violation from Highlands, only an accusation," and Warden Gord Montgomery as replying: "The County staff has confirmed there is a violation."

Mr. Cossack said Mayor Adams went on to assert, "Staff has done their job and it isn't up to the County Council or ratepayers to question staff," and that County Council had passed the Warden's motion to accept the Museum Board minutes before they had been completely read, thus shutting down further discussion on the issue.

Ted Oldfield, a lawyer who was raised in the area and in recent years has battled the corporation responsible for water contamination in Elmira, encouraged Melancthon residents to be aware of Highland's activities and to get involved with NDACT. He said that the inaction on the tree bylaws was "scary" and referred to county council as "not vigorous, adding: "What is wrong with your local governments? Tree by-laws are vigorously upheld in other counties!"

Describing Highland as a company with deep pockets, he encouraged residents to support NDACT with financial contributions. He finished by quoting Abraham Lincoln: "If we don't hang together, we will all hang separately".

During question period, Rob Uffen, an area resident who said he had called the Niagara Escarpment Commission the previous week, told Council that the recommendation from the NEC was that Melancthon Council engage in a search to begin studies by thirdparty planners prior to the application for aggregate below the water table, and he pushed Council to do just that. He also suggested that it be done at the expense of the proponent (something the company would not be legally obligated to do before filing an application).

Mayor Debbie Fawcett's response at the June 20 meeting of Melancthon Council was that Council could not make that kind of decision then, but she would "take the suggestion back to Council for discussion."

Similar requests have been made by NDACT supporter Karren Wallace at recent council meetings. Her latest, at the June 4 Council meeting, for a study prior to aggregate application at the expense of the proponent or Township was rejected by Mayor Fawcett.

The Mayor also caused concern among some residents with a statement that "no homes" (demolished by Highland Companies) had been deposited in the Melancthon Dump. Minutes from the August 7, 2008 Melancthon Council meeting state that one house had been taken to the dump.

Such dumping is cause for concern to ratepayers as it can take up much landfill space.

In an email the Mayor conceded that "the Tavares house did all go to the landfill unfortunately. ... Subsequently, we, as a council, decided not to allow any more demolished homes in the landfill..."

Michael Daniher's statement June 20 that "approximately three homes had been demolished" as either "condemned or uninsurable" is being questioned by NDACT supporters who say "anything is insurable" and are asking to see the "condemnation notices" as the houses had been occupied up to the point of the farms' sale to Highland.

At the Honeywood meeting, Mr. Daniher said "details for the application (for aggregate) are still being put together." He told the residents that there would be a "pre-consultation process in place where concerns could be addressed."

NDACT Chairman, Dale Rutledge said the Taskforce was pleased with the June 20 meeting. "The speakers were great," he said. "All went well, but it is just a meeting — Highland Companies is still here. We are going to need a lot of support to carry on the fight to protect Melancthon."