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'Think about what each writer is fighting for' Re: ""YMCA 'achievement said to be an asset to all," (Oct. 29): In his latest Highland Companies press release, Mr. Daniher unthinkingly stated that had I been at the Oct. 15th Council meeting I would have been more informed. Mr. Daniher will note that I never claimed to be present and clearly stated that I was "appalled to learn" of his actions at that meeting. If Mr. Daniher was a part of our community he would know why I had not been present, but he is not. The gallery of friends and neighbours in attendance clearly reported what had occurred. Mr. Daniher stated the name of a Melancthon citizen and that he was aware of their opinion given to YMCA as well as where their call originated. As Canadian citizens, we must question whether or not this is an abuse of power. It is important to remember that Mr. Daniher is a spokesperson for an American hedge fund, and as such, part of his job is to make this community feel as if the Highland Companies 20-storeydeep mine, nearly twice the size of Shelburne, cutting through our precious headwaters and located squarely on Melancthon's finest agricultural land, is a 'happy thing'. Since Mr. Daniher has revealed that he is privy to the contents of at least one citizen's email to the YMCA, it is possible that he is also privy to my e-mail to the YMCA. In which case, he knows that I support any endeavour that benefits my community, including a YMCA, but object to any and all involvement with an American funded corporation that is working a public relations angle on Dufferin citizens while applying to remove billions of dollars of our natural resources. It is my opinion, that such 'sweet deals' as the YMCA, renovations to Horning's Mills Hall, free housing for a physician, and even a clock with the Highland name in the Honeywood Arena taint the political process. We are a stalwart group of citizens, generations of families who have built this community with their generosity and sweat. We do not need a Boston hedge fund to support us. If we want and need a YMCA for our children we will build it. Let the people decide with their elected leaders. I urge our politicians to stop accepting gifts from the Highland Companies until the lengthy process of accepting or denying one of the largest open pit mines in Canada is completed. A judge has ruled against Orangeville Council's vote on the Highland Rail endeavours because of their 'sweet deal' with Highland Companies for an additional $2 million if the other municipalities get 'on board' and the Highland rail is allowed to run through the municipalities north to Owen Sound. How many court cases do the taxpayers have to pay for to get our Councils to stop accepting 'gifts' from Highland Companies? Highland Companies are telling the public that they are good corporate citizens and they care about our community. A 2,400-acre mine that will put profits in pockets outside this country is a gross example of greed, especially considering the fact that Ontario currently has 7,000 operating aggregate pits. Highland Companies owns 7,500 acres and continues to acquire more land. Limestone is valued at approximately $18 million an acre. The public also needs to be aware that some time ago the Ministry of Natural Resources privatized both the levying and the rehabilitation of Ontario aggregate operations. These are now regulated by the Ontario Sand, Stone and Gravel Association ... yes, the aggregate companies. Consequently, levies in Ontario are set at a meager six cents a ton (in the U.K. it is $4 a ton) and only half of the pits have been rehabilitated in the last 10 years. Rehabilitation laws are full of loopholes. For example, mines that are too deep don't have to be rehabilitated: 200 feet is deep! When reading letters such as those sent in by citizens and those sent in by Mr. Daniher it is difficult to know what to think.
But, I urge Dufferin Citizens to think about what each writer is fighting for. The ordinary folks who live in Melancthon are fighting for food and water for our province. Mr. Daniher is fighting for $18 million an acre. |
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