Food & Water FirstMelrose Quarry Fight!
Our friends at Citizens Against Melrose Quarry need your help in stopping a quarry east of Belleville! There are plans to excavate a new quarry in Tyendinaga township, a project that would impact the local water supply and destroy agricultural land.
The Melrose Quarry battle is all too familiar to us: Ordinary citizens banding together to protect vital farmland and water resources from aggregate pits. It can be a daunting fight but we know that PEOPLE POWER works! On November 21st, we mark the 7th anniversary of our victory over the proposed Mega Quarry in Dufferin County.
So, please support Citizens Against Melrose Quarry. Donate: GoFundMe!
ACTION: Review ARA Amendments Proposal
The Government of Ontario has proposed amendments to the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA).
Listed on the Environment Registry of Ontario under ERO #019-0556 the proposal addresses the Ford government’s goal to “reduce burdens for business while maintaining strong protection for the environment and managing impacts to communities”.
The proposal meets many of the aggregate industry’s requests. Highlights include:
- public engagement on applications that may impact water resources via the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal [expensive and late in the game].
- removing “duplicative” municipal zoning by-laws relating to the depth of aggregate extraction, deferring instead to the Aggregate Resources Act [takes decision-making away from municipalities].
- removing municipal zoning as an obstacle on crown land aggregate resources [takes decision-making away from municipalities].
- making haul routes a voluntary municipal concern rather than an enforceable concern of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal or Minister [removes haul route approval as a significant obstacle].
- makes access to aggregate in adjacent municipalities easier (i.e. amendment versus new application).
- gives flexibility to self-filing of routine site plan amendments.
- enhanced rehabilitation reporting.
Plus [the scary] “reviewing application requirements for new sites, including notification and consultation requirements”.
The deadline for public comments on this review is November 4, 2019.
- RT @bronwynnewilton: “To pave over the world’s greatest resource without thinking about it, we are making a big societal mistake. We’re goi…
- RT @landoverlanding: MEDIA RELEASE - May 15, 2023: Land Over Landings declines to receive award from Pickering mayor. https://t.co/HQ52KHQ…
- Bit by bit, the truth about Ford’s broken promise is emerging. #HandsOffTheGreenbelt #onpoli https://t.co/Vi5FPUZrOb
- RT @jeffreybgray: “It’s kind of planning chaos,” said Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence. “It’s all just about sprawl-de…
Starring Food & Water First!
Our Food & Water First videos feature Ontario’s prime farmland, local farmers, a top chef and Hollywood star, Rachel McAdams. We think she shines in her latest role: defender of the land that feeds us!
Our Food & Water First partners are also devoted to the issue of local food, farmland preservation and protecting Ontario’s water resources. Together we are working towards a Food & Water First policy that will benefit future generations. Join us!
