I would like to congratulate Melancthon Mayor Debbie Fawcett for having the courage to state that Council was "not in favour of a 2,400-acre quarry" at the Melancthon Council meeting Sept. 3, 2009.

She did this knowing Highland Company's representative lawyer Michael Daniher was making notes to report back to his investors.

Reporter Wes Keller will be reporting on this Council meeting, so it will be interesting to read this paper's slant.

I would like to challenge all remaining citizens province-wide to voice your opinion. Since our North Dufferin water feeds the Great Lakes, what we do to the headwaters affects all those downstream.

To start the process, I have listed a few questions, and responded with my personal opinion.

Q#1: Do you want to have 2,400 acres of North Dufferin cropland turned into a 200-foot below the water level pit to extract limestone?

My response: No, I do not want this open pit mine. I want the land to remain in agricultural production. We supply one-half of Ontario's potatoes, so we should not sacrifice this crop to aggregate and limestone extraction. Our sandy-loam soil is unique to Ontario, and should receive a Specialty Crop Designation. The Highland Companies told Wes Keller that it wanted to create "a world-class potato operation"! So let's hold them to their word!

My message to Highland's investors is to not get greedy. You already make large profits from your potato operation, on the 6,000-plus acres you now own in North Dufferin.

Q#2: Do you believe Highland when they say they will "rehabilitate" the proposed quarry back to farming?

My response: There is no way to rehabilitate a 200- foot-deep pit to its current glory. Since we are the headwaters, Dundalk being the highest point in Southern Ontario, and the recharge area for the Great Lakes, the water will eventually fill the pit. There is no way 24-hour pumping will not break down at some point. It may occur during heavy rainfalls when the pumps can't keep up with the quantity of water.

Since limestone has tiny hairline cracks, the water will simply find these cracks and fill the hole with water from the sides. Also, water will enter from the bottom of the pit. Therefore, fish farming will be the only possibility if the limestone quarry is approved, as area wells dry up and rivers and underground aquifers are diverted to the pit.

Q#3: Have you checked the water level in your well? Do you think this should be done?

My response: Not yet, but this is something we are going to do. We have a dug well, and have never had a problem with water quantity or volume. However, I have heard that wells did go dry near the Strada pit. The Highland proposal of 200 feet is even deeper.

Q#4: If you had to prioritize water, agricultural and aggregate extraction, what should the order be?

My response: I think water is the most important natural resource and should receive priority over aggregates or farming. We would not be able to live without it.

Secondly, I think agriculture should receive the second highest priority, because with population expansion, we must preserve the farmland we currently have. Aggregate and mining are also important to road building and construction, but should receive third priority after water and agriculture. What good is a road and building if people are starving or dying from lack of clean, pure water?

Q#5: Have you heard any elected official in Dufferin County voice a conflict of interest, and step down from decision-making?

My response: First, I would like to say that those officials who declared a conflict of interest were honest enough to come forward, and for this I respect them.

Yes, Mr. Matthews, our previous Melancthon Mayor, and Mr. Currie, the previous Mayor of Amaranth, declared a conflict of interest regarding wind turbines, because they both signed up for turbines on their properties, and receive lease money from CHD (Canadian Hydro Developers). Shelburne Mayor Ed Crewson declared a conflict of interest regarding the clear-cutting of our forests by the Highland Companies. Even though Highland was in violation of not having permits for clear-cutting, they have yet to receive any fines.

Dufferin County has been offered $7 million for the rail bed. This matter is currently in the courts, as they sort out who has a conflict of interest or not.

When Council was questioned if North Dufferin had a qualified agronomist, councillor Elliott stated that one agronomist had declared a conflict of interest.

What is clear is that at Ontario Municipal Board hearings, the OMB chairman relies on "expert" testimony. CHD hired professionals at the OMB hearings in Melancthon and Amaranth, and the citizens lost. Highland is likewise hiring professionals with the same intent.

Q#6: Do you think our history is being celebrated in North Dufferin?

My response: Not at all! I think the demolition of heritage homes, the pathetic genealogical record on the Web, and our history written by Wind Developers is testament to the lack of respect to our historical past.

Q#7: Has North Dufferin experienced de-population trends? Why?

My response: Yes, depopulation has occurred in North Dufferin. The wind turbine setbacks have not been enough to keep people safe from audible and infrasound noise, vibration, or ice throw, strobe-effects, and home devaluations. As a result, people have suffered before being bought out by developers. These homes are abandoned, demolished or occupied by developers' staff members.

Q#8: Are you happy with the local news coverage?

Not at all. In my opinion the news is slanted to compliment development and developers. In the past, the average person was often ignored, and letters of concern or complaint were filed with lawyer Mr. Osyany, until NDACT (www.ndact .com was formed. NDACT (North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce) originated as a result of frustrated residents not having a voice, as we saw mass exodus of friends and neighbours, devaluation of our homes, and destruction of the social fabric of our community.

My main point is that we all have a voice. Together we make a difference. Speak up and say what you think. Go to NDACT's website, and become informed, and make comments. Also, I am hopeful there are some ethical "experts" out there who will also speak up and help answer the difficult questions to help our local Council make informed decisions.
Joan Lever
(jlever@sympatico.ca)