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  • Reform Gravel Mining Coalition Online Rally: Jan. 25, 2022

    Announcing: Reform Gravel Mining Coalition
    Official Launch Rally 

     

    On Tuesday, January 25th at 7pm the newly formed Reform Gravel Mining Coalition will announce something big that will protect the existing natural landscape from uncontrolled gravel mining and empower communities across Ontario. We have an ambitious, yet realistic plan to challenge all of this.

    And we need you! It will take all of us working together to make a difference.

    Our co-chairs Sarah Harmer and Graham Flint will host the meeting. Special guests include Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence, and environmental lawyer David Donnelly.

    We hope to see you there,

    The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition

    FOR MORE DETAILS

  • Protect Our Greenbelt - Feb. 2, 2019

    FREE EVENT.

    Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at 10 AM

    Location: University of Guelph Arboretum
    College Avenue East
    Guelph ON N1G 2W1

    Registration is required as space is limited.

    Register now.

    IMG 0006-229x300

    Click on image for enlarged view of poster. 

  • NDACT Public Meeting - Oct. 4, 2018

    greenbelt-logo 

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Where: Shelburne Legion, Front Hall
    203 William Street,
    Shelburne

    The Greenbelt or Development?

    What is the impact of development on our Municipal governments?


    How does the Greenbelt impact development?

    NDACT has invited expert guests to provide their prospective:

    Philip Loring

    • a social scientist at The University of Guelph
    • has interests in food systems and security, community sustainability and social environmental justice
    • in his research he collaborates with First Nations in Alaska, and Western and Arctic Canada on projects related to conflict, climate change adaptation and social justice in coastal community food systems

    Mayor Darren White

    • Melancthon Mayor and former Reeve of Dufferin County

    • will provide his personal insights as to why municipalities tend to be pro-development

    Free admission and refreshments.
    Everyone welcome.

  • Jim Cuddy Concert - Aug. 5, 2018

    In support of our partner  C.O.R.E.

    The 12th Annual Fundraising Concert at Lyric Pond

    cuddy-2018-240x300

    Full details.

  • NDACT AGM and Public Meeting - May 2, 2018

    Wed. May 2, 2018
    7 PM
    Horning's Mills Community Centre

    fwf-copyright-logo-150

    The Greenbelt or development?

    Join us to understand how the Greenbelt Plan impacts development. 

    During the consulation process for the proposed study areas to expand the Greenbelt to include a numbe rof heqadwater and source water areas, NDACT delegated to a number of North Dufferin municipal governments; many hesitated to support the proposed expansion, and the implication for future tax base.

    NDACT has invited expert guests to provide their prospective:

    • Mr. Victor Doyle, former Manager, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Planning Policy Branch and chief architect of Ontario's farmland-protecting Greenbelt.

    Mr. Doyle will rebut developers claims that the Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan have constrained the supply of land for and/or the supply of ground related housing and talk about growth planning in Dufferin County.

    • Mayor Darren White, Melancthon Mayor and former Reeve of Dufferin County.

    Mayor White will provide his personal insights as to why municipalities tend to be pro-development.

     

    Free admission and refreshments. Everyone welcome.

  • 11th Annual Jim Cuddy Jamboree - Aug. 6, 2017

    In support of our Neighbour and Partner, CORE
    we are pleased to present.......

    cuddy-2017-200x300

    Full details.

  • Lyme Disease Awareness Presentation - April 1, 2017

    mc2-logo

    On April 1, 2017 the environment committee of MC2 will be sponsoring a free presentation on Lyme Disease.

    It will be held at Monora Park Pavilion in the Banquet Hall.

      Doors open at 9 AM
     Presentations: 9:30 AM - Noon  

     

    There will be displays, handouts (on identification, removal of ticks, the course of Lyme disease etc.) and free refreshments.

    This is an important issue that concerns all of us.  As the climate continues to change, the number of infected ticks is increasing in Ontario and our region.  The consequences of undiagnosed Lyme disease can be disabling for decades and at times can result in an early death.

    Full details.

  • Waterstock - June 11, 2017

    Wellington Water Watchers and Riverfest Elora

    Present....

    water2

    You are invited to Waterstock at the Erin Fall Fairgrounds, to join together as a community and ask Premier Kathleen Wynne to Say No to Nestlé.

    Wellington County is currently on the front line of the movement to Say No to Nestlé.

    Come to Waterstock and help stop Nestle’s insatiable demand for more and more water around the planet. 

    Wellington Water Watchers together with Riverfest Elora are preparing for thousands

    to attend this event, which will feature celebrity chefs, musicians, artists, local wineries and breweries.

    Waterstock will be an empowering celebration.

    Join them at Waterstock and help make it a watershed moment in the movement to protect Ontario’s water.

     

  • Wellington Water Watchers Fundraiser & Party - April 5, 2017

    Waterstock plans take shape as Ontario clamps down on water bottlers

     april-5-event

    Fundraiser and Announce Party

    Date: April 5, 2107

    Time: 7 - 9 PM

    Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., Toronto

    Join them at the Gladstone Hotel  to support Wellington Water Watchers "Say No to Nestlé campaign and for the Toronto launch and official announcement of Waterstock - Water For Life, Not Profit - a joint presentation with Riverfest Elora

     



    With special performances by Caroline Brooks of the Good Lovelies with Ben Whiteley, and Molly Johnson. As well as a special reading from the play "Devine".

    Admission $20. 7-9pm (Doors open 6:30). Cash bar. Snacks provided.

    Details.

  • NDACT / Food & Water First Announces New Chair

    We are pleased to welcome....

    Alia Jalbert as our new Chair.

    Alia, a former NDACT Board Member, has replaced former Chair, Shirley Boxem. Shirley will remain as a regular Board Member.

    Congratulations to all! 

     

  • NDACT Appoints Two New Board Members

    We are pleased to announce the appointments of Karren Wallace and John Gruetzner as our new Board Members.

    Karren Wallace is our current Secretary and has finally agreed to sit on the NDACT Board. Welcome Karren!

    • Karren was born and raised in Dufferin County on a potato and beef operation in Melancthon.   She was lucky enough to raise her three children, who are now great young adults, across the road from where she grew up.

    • Her professional background is in law and government, having started her career as a law clerk working at firms in Shelburne and Collingwood.  She transitioned into municipal government which is a natural fit. After several years at various municipalities, including Mapleton, Grey Highlands, Shelburne and New Tecumseth she accepted a position with the provincial government as a Municipal Advisor at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 

    • Her portfolios included Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program, municipal election lead, $26 million Holland Marsh Drainage project, public speaking, education and training to elected officials and staff on various pieces of legislation impacting municipalities.

    • In 2009 she became active in the mega quarry battle and some of the those first unorganized meetings were held at her kitchen table in Melancthon.  When NDACT was formed that January day in 2009, she worked behind the scenes in assisting NDACT with strategy, legislative research, contacts at the province, without violating confidentiality rules with her employer.

    • In 2014 she accepted the nomination as the Green Party candidate for Dufferin-Caledon and increased the Green Party’s profile and increased the vote for the party to 16%. In late 2014 she returned to municipal government, and is now employed a the Clerk in the Township of Wellington North.  Her education is in law, municipal government and human resources.

     

    John Gruetzner brings a wealth of business experience to our Board. Welcome John! His credentials follow:

    • the principal and founder of Intercedent, a Canadian business and investment advisory firm founded in 1988 and focused on Asia

    •  served as the head of the Canada China Business Council in Beijing.

    •  worked for the National Broadcasting Corporation, De Laurentis Entertainment, and Filmline

    • received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto 

    • was an Executive in Residence at the University of Manchester Business School

    • one of the 24 founders of the China Policy Centre being formed in Ottawa.

    • won a Medallion from the Governor General of Canada in recognition of his contribution to the bi-lateral relations between China and Canada. 

     

  • Building a Better Approach to Ontario's Pits & Gravel - Feb. 1 to 6, 2017

    Cornerstone Standards Council is seeking feedback from community and environmental groups on potential revisions to its Responsible Aggregate Standard.

    Join them for a two-hour discussion that will inform the future of aggregates management in Southern Ontario!

    Pre-registration is required. Please contact Krista West at kwest@cornerstonestandards.ca for dates and times or to register.

     

    Wednesday Feb. 1 (1-3 pm) Uxbridge

    •     Uxbridge Arena – Small Boardroom

    •     291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge

     

    Wednesday Feb. 1 (7-9 pm) Caledon

    •     Caledon East Community Centre – Lion's Den Meeting Room

    •     6215 Old Church Road, Caledon East

     

    Thursday Feb. 2 (6-8 pm) Brantford

    •     3rd Floor Group Study Room (go to the top floor and then straight ahead)

    •     173 Colburn Street

     

    Friday February 3 (1-3 pm) Burlington

    •     Haber Community Room 1 East

    •     2040 Timdoobie Drive, Burlington

     

    Saturday  February 4 (1-3 pm) Owen Sound

    •     Bayshore Community Centre Shoreroom #1

    •     1900 3rd Avenue East Owen Sound

     

    For more details visit www.cornerstonestandards.ca

    View poster.

  • Sustainable Electricity Practices - Nov. 19, 2016

    Our Partner Mulmur Mono Citizens' Coalition

    Presents........

    mc2-nov-2016

  • Canada's Water Crisis & What We Can Do - Nov. 7, 2016

    Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

                            Presents:

    maude   

     

  • The Co-Ordianted Land Review - its meaning and implications

    Public Meeting Announcement 

    July 28, 2016 at 7:00 PM
    Horning's Mills Community Centre, 14 Mill St., Horning's Mills

    We are at a critical juncture in land planning. Policy change and advocacy does not have many thrilling moments, and there are precious few opportunities to impact policy. When one comes along we need to seize it.

    The Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review draft is now available for public comment. It is the result of thousands of submissions and many public meetings. This is a rare watershed moment and our time to speak with a united voice. This policy will have implications on the Mega Quarry lands, prime farmland and watersheds across this province. In other words it will affect all of us in Ontario.

    Since the Highlands Company withdrew its application, there have been few asks or calls to action, yet NDACT has remained vigilant towards permanent protection of prime food producing land. Through our campaign of Food&WaterFirst we have kept you informed on the issues and the movement of the Provincial Policy statement, the Aggregate Resources Act (public input complete, awaiting a draft) and now the Co-ordinated Review. Once these pieces of policy become legislation they will likely be closed for years.

    The Co-ordinated Review draft needs explanation for most of us. What exactly does it mean and what are the implications?

    To help us understand what it means and what our comments should be, NDACT is hosting a Public Meeting on July 28 with Victor Doyle and Janet Horner.

    Victor is the Manager of the Coordinated Review process and will give us an overview of the proposed changes.

    Janet Horner is a Mulmur councilor, the Dufferin representative on the NEC, and the Executive Director of the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance. Janet will articulate further what the draft means for Dufferin.

    For our local supporters and residents, Tom Eisenhauer of Bonnefield Financial will also be with us to give an update of how land ownership is doing under their investment model, and will highlight this as a viable option to keep farmland for farming.

    All of this will help to inform NDACT on our submission to the review and what we will encourage partners and supporters of NDACT to submit. We hope that you as our neighbours, friends and partner organizations will join us to be informed together.

    Sincerely,

    Shirley Boxem
    NDACT Chair

     

  • Public open houses: Land Use Planning in the Greater Golden Horseshoe

    ontariologo

    On May 10, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry released proposed changes to four land use plans: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan.

    The province is seeking feedback on the proposed changes until September 30, 2016. 12 public open houses were  planned across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Niagara Escarpment Plan Area to provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes to the four plans. You are invited to attend one of the remaining public open houses: 

    Location Date Venue
    Oshawa* Thursday June 23, 2016,
    5-8pm
    Durham College – Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
    21 Avenue of Champions
    Toronto* Monday June 27, 2016,
    5-8pm
    Toronto Reference Library
    789 Yonge Street
    Peterborough Tuesday June 28, 2016,
    5-8pm
    Evinrude Centre
    911 Monaghan Road
    Owen Sound Tuesday July 5, 2016, 5-8pm Bayshore Arena
    1900 3rd Avenue East
     Oakville* Thursday July 7, 2016, 5-8pm Oakville Town Hall
    1225 Trafalgar Rd

    A star (*) indicates Public Open Houses where French language materials will also be displayed.

    Ministry staff will be on site to answer questions about the proposed changes to the plans. No registration is required.

    If you have a personal accommodation requirement, please contact them by email at landuseplanningreview@ontario.ca or telephone at 1-800-665-1120 at least three days in advance of the Public Open House that you plan to attend.

    Please visit  www.ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview  to find Shaping Land Use in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a guide to proposed changes to the land use plans and the four proposed revised plans.

    Information on how to provide input, as well as the dates and locations of public open houses can be found at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page10882.aspx

  • Important NDACT Public Meeting & AGM - July 28, 2016

    The Coordinated Land Review -  What does it mean for us?

    ndact-july2016-publicmeeting-agm-web

     Click on poster for enlargement and links.

     

     Why is this meeting important?

    NDACT Chair, Shirley Boxem explains its implications.

                                                                                                                      

    The NDACT A.G.M. will follow the public meeting.

     

    WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF NORTH DUFFERIN AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY TASKFORCE, INC.

    (the “Corporation”)

    Date of this notice: June 24, 2015

    Attention: All Members of North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc.

    Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting will be held as follows:

    To be held on Thursday July 28, 2016, 7:00 pm

    Location: Horning’s Mills Community Centre, 14 Mill St., Horning's Mills

    This meeting will be held for the following business purposes:

    1. To elect Directors;

    2. To receive and consider the financial statements of the Corporation; and

    3. Transact any and all such business that may lawfully come before such meeting.

    Persons who are entitled to vote comprise the Corporation’s Directors, and those Members in good standing that have paid their annual Membership dues in respect of the calendar year 2016, either prior to this date or at any time up to the commencement of this Annual Meeting, and who have been accepted as Members by the Corporation.

    Any Member who will be unable to attend has the right to vote by proxy.

    ___________________________________

    Shirley Boxem, Chair

    Brian Bell, Vice Chair

     

  • Greenbelt Harvest Picnic - Aug. 27, 28, 2016

      Join in the festival. We'll be there!

    greenbelt-harvest

    harvest picnic

    Location: Christie Lake, Dundas Ontario

    Purpose: raise awareness of the importance of the Greenbelt harvest, local farmers, art, the outdoors and the eat-local movement

    Full details and tickets.

    An outdoor concert featuring Jim Cuddy Band, Jann Arden, Gordon Lightfoot, Cowboy Junkies and many more.

    There is also a line-up of artists, farmers, food vendors, organizations and seminars

  • International Plowing Match - Sep. 20-24, 2016

    Drop in and visit us the Plowing Match!

    Click on the image for full details.

    2016-greeting-300x201

  • To Sprawl or Not to Sprawl. Saving Ontario's Greenbelt - Apr. 27, 2016

    Food & Water First’s Carl Cosack – a veteran of the Stop the Mega Quarry movement – will speak at a special gathering in Toronto on April 27th: “To Sprawl or Not To Sprawl. Saving Ontario’s Greenbelt.”

    This information session will encourage Torontonians to get involved in the campaign to strengthen and expand the Greenbelt as its farmland, water and forests face pressure from developers. Carl joins speakers from Environmental Defence, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and Ontario Nature.

    The event is FREE. Click to register.

    Date: Wednesday, April 27

    Time: 7pm-9pm

    Place: St. Colomba Church, 2723 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto

  • Restoring and Protecting Our Soil - Apr. 30, 2016

    Our Partner MC2 Presents....

    mc2

  • 2016 Ontario Farmland Forum - April 8

    farmland-forum-2016 0002-227x300

    Date: Friday, April 8, 2016
    Time: 10 AM - 6 PM
    Place: Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener
    Cost: $110 early-bird rate by March 25th;
    $90 for OFA,CFFO,NFU members; $60 students
    includes lunch

    Full details.

    To reserve your seat go to: www.ontariofarmlandtrust.ca

    or call 519-824-4120 ext. 52654 or email info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca

     

  • Water Docs Film Festival March 22-26, 2016

     waterdocs

    The annual Water Docs Film Festival features another terrific line-up of documentaries about all things water. Watch a film, join a discussion and learn how to take action to protect this vital resource! Opening Night is March 22nd and the documentary Fractured Land will be the first film screened. Watch the trailer.

    Full details.

     

  • Expanding the Greenbelt to Simcoe - Meeting on Jan. 30, 2016

    Our partner AWARE Simcoe along with Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

    Present....

    AWARE-Simcoe-poster-Jan-30-e1452876076126

    A free public event to discuss issues surrounding Simcoe’s water, farmland and natural heritage systems ,and how we can protect these important resources through expanding the Greenbelt in Simcoe County.

    Saturday, January 30, 2016, 9:30-11:30 am

    Liberty North, 100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie

    After introductions, there will be presentations followed by Q&A session.

    Special Guest Speakers include: MPP Ann Hoggarth (welcoming address), Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman (introduction), Environmental Lawyer David Donnelly, Local Water Expert and past member of Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Connie Spek.

    Organized by AWARE Simcoe and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

    Full details.

     

  • ARA review: Speak up by December 15th!

    We know it's a busy time of year, but please take a small break from your holiday preparations to make a big difference in Ontario's future. The provincial government continues with its review of the outdated Aggregate Resources Act and is seeking comments before December 15th!

    As you'll recall, the review of the ARA was prompted by the Stop the Mega Quarry campaign in 2011. There were public hearings in 2012, a disappointing report from the Standing Committee on General Government and then an encouraging statement from the government that signalled greater protection for agricultural land when it is threatened by pits and quarries.

    We've drafted a template letter outlining Food & Water First's expectations for a revised ARA. We're also providing you with the link to the Ministry of Natural Resources for you to file your comment. So easy!

    You can simply copy this letter into the form provided or adjust it to include your own thoughts and expertise. Food & Water First is keen to protect all of Ontario's Class 1 farmland, but other classes of prime farmland are also at risk.

    Feel free to change this letter to support the concerns of your own community. If you prefer to send the letter via Canada Post, the address is included!

    To your keyboards!

    LETTER:

    Katie Rosa
    Aggregate Resources Officer
    Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
    300 Water Street
    Peterborough, Ontario
    K9J 8M5

    RE: EBR 012-5444

    Dear Ms. Rosa,

    It's been three years since the proposed Highland Mega Quarry was defeated by a citizens' movement determined to protect a swath of Class 1 farmland and an aquifer from being mined for aggregate in Dufferin County. It was because of the Mega Quarry that the government ordered a review of the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) in 2011 and followed up with public hearings in 2012. The government's response to the ARA review by the Standing Committee on General Government was also promising:

    "On the matter of aggregate extraction on prime agricultural lands, the government believes that there may be a need to go beyond the Committee's recommendation to address concerns expressed by some of our agricultural stakeholders and through various public interest groups, about the need to better protect farmland."

    I am impressed with the work the government has done to engage various stakeholders in the process of updating the ARA. I am a supporter of the Food & Water First citizens' campaign, the legacy of the Stop the Mega Quarry movement. I am writing to urge the province to impose clear restrictions on aggregate operations impacting prime farmland, in particular Class 1 agricultural soil. As well, I urge the province not to allow any below-the-water table aggregate extraction in key farming regions.


    The lessons of the Mega Quarry are worth reviewing. The proposed open pit mine would have sprawled across 2,300-acres and plunged more than 200-feet below the water table, destroying Class 1 soil and diverting 600-million-litres of fresh water each day in perpetuity. The Highland Companies was backed by the Baupost Group, a Boston hedge fund, and it told its investors it selected Melancthon Township in Dufferin County because of its small population and because "Ontario has the least effective legislative and regulatory framework governing resource extraction in North America". This must change. The ARA must not clear the way for another Mega Quarry application or similar aggregate operations that destroy prime farmland and risk our fresh water resources.


    I am pleased to see the government's Blueprint for Change contains a proposed Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), the recognition of cumulative burdens on communities and the environments, and independent expert analysis of 'soil capability'.
    However, I urge the government to take the bolder steps it proposed to "better protect farmland." Our prime farmland (Class 1-4) is a non-renewable resource capable of growing our food in perpetuity. But once it is paved or mined, it's gone forever. The revised ARA should, therefore, include this provision:

    Should an aggregate application impact Class 1 farmland or Specialty Crop areas, then the application will be denied.

    There's also the issue of water. In its application, Highland said the Mega Quarry was to pump 600-million-litres of water every day, forever. Yet, the company was under no obligation to rehabilitate the pits because the operation would have been below the water table. I strongly believe the revised ARA should also state:

    There will be no below-the-water-table extraction allowed that impacts prime farmland or Specialty Crop areas.

    Just 5 percent of Canada's land mass is comprised of arable farmland. A mere 0.5 percent is Class I soil, the rarest in the world. Ontario is home to just more than half of Canada's Class 1 farmland, yet we've destroyed nearly 20 percent of it. This is unsustainable and unwise.


    Our prime farmland and climate conditions have made Ontario the leading agri-food sector in the country. This robust sector contributes $34-billion to the economy each year and employs more than 700,000 people. This thriving industry relies on Ontario's soil and water.


    As our population grows and climate change takes its toll on agriculture and water supplies around the globe, it is even more important for Ontario to preserve key soil and water resources with sound policies. I encourage the government to ensure the revised ARA protects Ontario's prime farmland and water resources for our food security and economic prosperity.

    Sincerely,

    ------------------------------------------------

    LINK TO COMMENT: Below is the Ministry of Natural Resources form for comments on the ARA review. Fill in your name etc. and copy the letter into the COMMENT BOX. Press SEND and you're done!

    ARA Review Comments

    Thanks so much! Every letter helps send a strong message to the province. Speak up before December 15th!

    Food and Water First Team

  • Sprawl Brawl - Nov. 24, 2015

    Presented by Environmental Defence

    sprawl-brawl-150x98

    Join them for an evening of insight and lively debate with panelists:

    Joe Vaccaro, CEO, Ontario Home Builders' Association
    Don McCabe, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
    Tim Gray, Executive Director, Environmental Defence
    Kevin Eby, former Director of Planning, Region of Waterloo

    Referee: John Barber, journalist and former Globe & Mail columnist.

     

     Space is limited. Register to attend. 

    Full details.

     

  • Impact of Water Taking Operations - Nov. 11, 2015

    Impact of Water Taking Operations in Wellington County

    Presented by.......

    NFU-cropped

    National Farmers Union 

    Date: Wed. November 11, 2015

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Where: Alma Bible Chapel, 59 Peel Street East, Alma 

    Speakers will include the:

    • Guelph Chapter of the Council of Canadians
    • Wellington Water Watchers

      For more information, please contact Patrick Brown at 519-323-2338.

  • GMO's Presentation - Nov. 7, 2015

    Our partner MC2

    mc2-logo

    Presents.....

    GMO's 
    What Have We Gained and Lost?

    Date: Saturday November 7, 2015

    Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

    Where: Monora Park, 500 Monora Park Dr., Mono

    Free informative community presentation on genetically modified organisms

    Presenters:

    Ralph Manktelow: "An Update on the Condition of the Bees”

    Arnold DeGraaff: “A Perspective on the Science of Genetic Engineering”

    Gerald Poechman: “A Discussion of GMO’s and Presentation of his farming experience"     

    Full details at www.monomulmur.com                                   

     

     

  • OMAFRA Survey - your input is needed

    The Ontario government wants to know what you think about extracting aggregate on prime agricultural land. (We believe we sent that message loud and clear during the Mega Quarry fight!) The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has helped prepare a short questionnaire for farmers, stakeholders, academics, aggregate producers and YOU to provide some input.


    The deadline is next Friday, October 2nd!

    If some of the questions are not within your area of expertise, skip them. But please weigh in.

    There are great questions about whether stringent soil studies,
    monitoring of sites and rehabilitation are critical.
    Check √. Check √. Check √.

     

    Please feel free to share it!

    Agriculture/Aggregate Survey

    If you have any questions, contact aiainfo@mhbcplan.com

  • CRC - Around the Greek Table - Sep. 27, 2015

    In support of our partner, Corncerned Residents Coalition

    we announce....

    Gather Around the Greek Table

    on Sunday, September 27 at 4 pm in Eden Mills!

    Dinner features traditional Greek recipes from prize-winning books by The Three Greek Sisters.

    Meet the sisters, learn about the Greek culinary culture, enjoy a three-course meal paired with 3 Greek wines.

    Cookbook included in the price.

    Tickets: $85

    More information.

  • CRC - Bike and Hike Rockwood - Sep. 27, 2015

    In support of our partner, Corncerned Residents Coalition

    we announce their event, Bike & Hike Rockwood.

    bikehikepostcard

    Click on image.

    More information at http://www.bikehikerockwood.com/

     

  • CRC Golf Tournament - Sep. 11, 2015

    In support of our partner, Corncerned Residents Coalition

    we announce their

    2492 CRC Golf Postcard 1

     

    Date: Friday, September 11.

    Make up a team for a friendly Friday afternoon of golf, nine holes, followed by a full chicken rotisserie dinner, prizes and silent auction at Turtle Creek Golf Course.
    3 pm registration, 3:30 tee-off

    Turtle Creek Golf Course
    On the Guelph Line, just north of Brookville

    For more information contact Gail at: 519-856-8227

  • Water Walk - Sep. 2-11, 2015

    water-walk-150x148 

    One of the key people in the successful fight to stop the Mega Quarry was Danny Beaton. In the spring of 2011, he led a group of First Nations, farmers, environmentalists and others on a walk from the lawns of Queen's Park to the potato fields of Melancthon in order to highlight the threat the quarry posed to food and water.

     

    Danny is about to walk again, and Food & Water First's Carl Cosack will be joining him. You can, too! Starting September 2nd, Danny and supporters will spend nine days walking the shores of Lake Simcoe. The goal of Waterwalk 2015 is to remind us all of the need to protect the water that sustains us.

     

    For more information, please call 905-252-8003

  • Greenbelt Harvest Picnic - Aug. 29, 2015

    Food & Water First will be there!

    Join in the festival.

    greenbelt-harvestDate: Saturday, August 29, 2015

    Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 midnight

    Location: Christie Lake, Dundas Ontario

    Purpose: raise awareness of the importance or the Greenbelt harvest, local farmers, art, the outdoors and the eat-local movement

    Full details and tickets.

    An outdoor concert featuring Arkells, Gordon Lightfoot, Iron and Wine and many more.

    There is also a line-up of artists, farmers, food vendors, organizations and seminars.

  • Shelburne Fiddle Contest Parade - Aug. 8, 2015

    fiddle-logo

    Time: Parade begins at 1:00 PM

    Parade route.

    Join in on the fun! We'll be there!

    Festival details.

  • Alliston Potato Festival - Aug. 7, 2015

    42nd Annual Alliston Potato Festival Parade

    rotarywheel

    Date: Friday Aug. 7, 2015

    Time: Parade begins at 7 PM

    Route: start from Banting Memorial High School and proceed along Victoria Street

    Watch for our Food & Water First float!

    2015-parade-alliston

    Festival details.

  • Jim Cuddy Concert at Lyric Pond - July 31, 2015

    Conserve Our Rural Environment (CORE)

    Presents:

    Concert at Lyric Pond

    In support of challenging inappropriate land use in Mulmur and Melancthon

    When: July 31, 2015

    cuddy-2015-96x150

    Click on image for enlargement and details.

    Join Jim Cuddy and Friends

    Begins at 6 PM - Lyric Pond, Mulmur

    Hosts: Melody & Bill Duron

    Tickets and full details.

  • Biz Baz Bizarre Bazaar - July 25 & 26, 2015

    BizBaz-Event-Graphic-300

    Join us in being part of this unique experience in the country.

    Dates: July 25 & 26, 2015

    Time: 10 AM - 6 PM

    Where: Osprey Valley Golf, 18821 Main St., Caledon

    You can learn, participate, socialize, eat, drink and shop from over 70 artisans.
    Where else can you:
    get a tattoo - eat crickets - see a drone - hit a golf ball -
    have some cider - pat an alpaca - play kin-ball -
    enjoy a taco - have your nails done - buy some art
    or just sit and soak-in the atmosphere of one of the most
    beautiful golf courses in Ontario.

    More details.

  • Horning's Mills Park Community Fun Day - June 28, 2015


    hornings-mills-festival-115x150Click on image.

    They are celebrating the opening of their new park and we will be there, joining in on the fun!

    Time: 11AM - 3 PM

    Where: Horning's Mills Park, Main St. and 15th Sideroad, Hornings Mills

    A great family day with live music, games and more.

    More details.

  • Not-So-Hollow-Farm: June 20, 2015

    not-so-hollow-farm-150x150We will be there!


    Ontario Native Plant Nursery

    Time: 9 AM - 5 PM

    Where: Not-So-Hollow Farm, Mulmur ON

    Find out more.

    Drop in for a visit.

  • 50th Annual Honeywood Beef BBQ - July 25, 2015

    honeywood-bbq-2015-96x150

    Time: 5 - 7:30 PM

    Where: Honeywood Arena, Honeywood

    $17.50 Adults, $7.50 Children 12 and under
    Children years and younger are free.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Coordinated Land-use review: Your support is key

    As you know there is a coordinated land-use review underway until the end of May. NDACT was invited to a stakeholders’ meeting earlier in the process. We feel that it would be an important supplemental action to send a formal letter outlining our recommendations for this review. As well, this allows our supporters to better understand our position, and give you an opportunity to stand with us.

    Please scroll down and see the letter for details.

    Full details of review.

    The Mega Quarry campaign demonstrated that there are many in Ontario who are concerned about the future of our land and water ,and that many voices together can evoke meaningful change. This is a key opportunity to work together.

    Many thanks for your support.

    Shirley Boxem  Chair NDACT
    www.foodandwaterfirst.com

    a healthy food future is possible

     

  • NDACT Annual General Meeting - July 9, 2015

    Annual General Meeting for NDACT Members

    ndact-logo-thumbnail

    Date: July 9, 2015

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Location: Hornings Mills Community Hall, 14 Mill St., Hornings Mills

    If you are not a paid member for 2015, and would like to attend and have voting privileges, you may come to the meeting and pay your $30.00 membership at the meeting.

    Membership forms.

    WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF NORTH DUFFERIN AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY TASKFORCE, INC.

    (the “Corporation”)

    Date of this notice: April 24, 2015

    Attention: All Members of North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc.

    Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting will be held as follows:

    To be held on Thursday July 9, 2015, 7:00 pm

    Location: Horning’s Mills Community Centre

    This meeting will be held for the following business purposes:

    1. To elect Directors;

    2. To receive and consider the financial statements of the Corporation; and

    3. Transact any and all such business that may lawfully come before such meeting.

    Persons who are entitled to vote comprise the Corporation’s Directors, and those Members in good standing that have paid their annual Membership dues in respect of the calendar year 2015, either prior to this date or at any time up to the commencement of this Annual Meeting, and who have been accepted as Members by the Corporation.

    Any Member who will be unable to attend has the right to vote by proxy.

    ___________________________________

    Shirley Boxem, Chair

  • Pegram Barn Fest - June 14, 2015

    Pegram Picnics Presents

    barnfest

    All proceeds go to Food & Water First.

    Join them for a fun day in the country and celebrate with farmers, artisans and artists, musicians, food producers and food lovers.

    Date: Sunday June 14, 2015

    Time: 11 AM - 4 PM

    Where: Pegram Farms, Mulmur ON

    Tickets: Adults $15.00, Children $8.00, Family $40.00

    Purchase Tickets.

    Full details.

  • Symphony of the Soil - April 10, 2015

    symph-of-soil

    Our Partners at Green Connections  are hosting a special airing of “Symphony of the Soil” on Friday, April 10! Filmed on four continents, the movie explores the role soil plays in our lives and on this fragile planet. It is the “living skin of the Earth.”

    Join Green Connections at Sharon Hope United Church (18648 Leslie St., Sharon ON). Doors open at 7pm. No reservations required. Admission by donation. There will be door prizes and a discussion following this important film.

    Watch the Symphony of the Soil trailer and make plans to see it April 10th!

  • Public Input Needed - Review for Growth Plan and Greenbelt

    Ontario Co-ordinated Review for Growth Plan and Greenbelt

    Deadline for comments: May 28, 2015

    Four Ontario Growth Plans are under review.

    These plans include:The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, The Greenbelt Plan, The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan

    Documents are found at:

    http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=10759

     

    Schedule of Town Hall Meetings to get more information.

     

    Our prime objectives: 

    • Class 1 farmland be preserved and not rezoned
    • Moratorium on rezoning of Class 1 farmland be put in place
    • Our source waters be protected

    Have your say

    Sample letter.

    There are several ways to participate:

    • Email a submission to landuseplanningreview@ontario.ca
    • Write to :
      Land Use Planning Review
      Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
      Ontario Growth Secretariat
      777 Bay Street, Suite 425 (4th Floor)
      Toronto, ON M5G 2E5

     

    Deadline for comments: May 28, 2015

    If you have any questions regarding how to participate in the review, please call 1-800-665-1120 or email landuseplanningreview@ontario.ca.

  • Water Docs March 20 - 28, 2015

    waterdocs 

    Our friends at Ecologos have organized another great Water Docs Film Festival starting tonight Friday March 20!

    The festival runs for a week and features extraordinary documentaries about water, the threats to it and those trying to protect it. 

    This Sunday is World Water Day and Water Docs is airing "Oil & Water." Check out the powerful trailer: Oil & Water

    For more information, tickets & trailers visit: Ecologos: Water Docs

     

  • H20 GO Festival and Eco-Market - March 21, 2015

    The H2O GO Festival and Eco-Market is presented in support of Canada Water Week (March 16-22). Canada Water eek’s 2015 theme is Watersheds 101.  

    We will be partcipating in the EcoMarket, which is part of part of this festival.

    ecomarketbanner

    An event celebrating water! This free, family-friendly event includes engaging, hands-on children’s activities, interactive displays, a variety of water–related information booths, and thought–sharing through art and science for people of all ages.

    The Eco-market will display exhibitors offering energy and conservation tips, local food solutions, sustainable building, green transportation, technologies, ethical clothing and more.

     

    • Where: Old  Quebec Street Mall, 55 Wyndham St. N.,Guelph, ON N1H 7T8

     

     

     
  • Ontario Farmland Forum - March 27, 2015

    Our friends at Ontario Farmland Trust are hosting a special forum on farmland preservation at the end of the month and all are welcome to participate.
     
     
    oft-logo
    The one-day session will take place in Oshawa and will feature Doug Wolfgang as the keynote speaker. He's in charge of Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program, the largest in the U-S.
     
    Since 1988, our Great Lakes neighbour has protected more than 500,000-acres of farmland for the state's $68-billion agri-food sector and future food security. He will outline this successful program and pass along its lessons.
     
    Food & Water First will be there!
     
    Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
    Time: 10am - 6pm
     

    For more information and to register: Ontario Farmland Forum

  • Green Living Show - March 27-29, 2015

    gls.2015

     

     

    Drop in to see us at the Green Living Show.

    More details to follow.

  • Meeting: Ontario's Greenbelt Under Threat - Jan. 28, 2015

    Ontario Greenbelt Alliance and Land over Landingsl-o-l-logo

    ont-green-all-logo

     

     

     

    Present

     

    A Town Hall Meeting: Ontario's Greenbelt Under Threat

    Date: Wednesday Jan. 28, 2015

    Time: 7 - 9 PM

    Where: Brougham Hall, 3545 Brock Rd., Brougham ON (North Pickering)

    Panelist and Speakers:

    • Debbe Crandall
    • Mary Delaney
    • David Donnelly
    • Ian McLaurin
    • Faisal Moola
    • Susan Swail

    Full details.

     

     

  • Carl Cosack, NDACT Chair, Steps Down

    It is official...

    At the November 13, 2014 NDACT Board Meeting, Carl Cosack stepped down as Chair. He was voted on as Chair, November 5, 2011, replacing NDACT's first Chair, Dale Rutledge.

    Shirley Boxem was voted on as Chair, leaving the Vice Chair position vacant at this point.

    Carl will continue to provide invaluable support by remaining on the NDACT Board.

    Thank you Carl, for your your boundless energy, and tireless effort in moving our issues forward and into the limelight. 

     

  • NDACT Welcomes New Board Member

    NDACT is pleased to welcome...

    Alia Smyth as our newest Board Member.

    As a retired officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, her experience in planning, administration and training make her a valuable asset to our Board.

    Welcome Alia and thank you for stepping up!

     

  • NDACT October 2014 Newsletter

    Read our October 2014 Newsletter.

  • Chemical vs. Organic Farming - Nov. 1, 2014

    mc2-logo

    The Environment Committee of the Mono Mulmur Citizens’ Coalition, MC

    Present:

      

    Your Family's Health: Chemical vs. Organic Farming

    Date: Saturday, November 1, 2014

    Time: 9:00 -12:00

    Where: Horizons Event Centre, 633419 Hwy 10, Mono (behind the Mono Plaza)

    Free community event.

    Full details.

    www.monomulmur.com

     

     

     

     

  • Landscape Reflections - Nov. 8, 2014

    Art Show to benefit Food & Water First

    Presented by Artists, Donna Tranquada and Sue Ennis

    dt-artshow

  • Orangeville Dinner Series - Nov. 24, 2014

    In support of Food & Water First,

    Chef Adam Ryan is arranging a fabulous dinner!

    orangeville-dinner-seriesDate: Monday, November 24, 2014

    Time: 6:30 PM

    Place: Ruby Pier restaurant, 101 First Street, Orangeville

    Tickets: $55 - includes 10 course meal. Alcohol will be extra.

    Chef's Cooking :

    Jason Cooney of the Barley Vine Rail Co.

    Jeffrey VandenHoek of the Mono Cliffs Inn

    Jordan Wells of Cabin Restaurant in Hockley Valley Resort

    Adam Ryan, Orangeville Dinner Series organizer

    Jason Cox of Opus Restaurant

    Terry Doel of Lavender Blue Catering

    Jason Perkins of Ray's 3rd Generation Bistro Bakery

    Kevin Smith, head culinary instructor at Orangeville District Secondary School

    Bruce Johnston of Ruby Pier Restaurant

    Ali Hassan, Comedian and creator of Bland is Boring

     

    Tickets are on sale at the Scotiabank on First St. in Orangeville. You can also order them by contacting orangevilledinnerseries@gmail.com

    **** Take the Food & Water First PLEDGE  before November 18th and you could win TWO free tickets to the Orangeville Dinner Series event! ****

    https://www.facebook.com/orangevilledinnerseries

     

  • International Ploughing Match & Rural Expo - September 16 - 20, 2014

    Food & Water First will be there!

    plough-match-2014Dates: September 16 - September 20, 2014

    Times: Daily 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Location: Simcoe County – Ivy, Ontario

    Don't miss out on the fun!

    http://www.plowingmatch.org/home-2014

  • Shelburne Fall Fair - September 12 -14, 2014

    Drop in and see us at the Fair!

    shelb-fairDates: Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14, 2014

    Location: Shelburne Fair Grounds

    Pick up your free Food & Water First lawn signs.

  • Greenbelt Harvest Picnic - Sat. August 23, 2014

    Food & Water First will be there!

    Join in the festival.

    greenbelt-harvest

    Date: Saturday, August 23, 2014

    Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 midnight

    Location: Christie Lake, Dundas Ontario

    Purpose: raise awareness of the importance or the Greenbelt harvest, local farmers, art, the outdoors and the eat-local movement

    Full details and tickets.

    An outdoor concert featuring Ray Lamontagne, Sarah Harmer, Bruce Cockburn, Los Lobos and many more.

    There is also a line-up of artists, farmers, food vendors, organizations and seminars.

     

     

     

  • NDACT announces new Board Member

    NDACT is pleased to announce the addition of

    Wade Mills to our Board of Directors!

    wade-mills-thumb

     

    His experience and enthusiasm will help us in our goal of prioritizing Food & Water in Ontario's legislation.

    Wade is a partner in Timmerman, Haskel & Mills LLP, Shelburne, ON

    Welcome Wade!

  • Landman Gardens' Savour Fair - August 24, 2014

    Food & Water First will be at Savour Fair

    savoir-fairDate: Sunday, August 24, 2014

    Time: 1 - 4 PM

    Where: Landman Gardens, 322345 Concession 6-7, Grand Valley, ON

    • Come to the farm for an afternoon of all the best food, drink and art from the region
    • Stroll through the many flower and vegetable gardens.
    • Sample the delicious food that locals chefs and caterers have prepared, using the best local ingredients

    Proceeds from event will be awarded to local high school students pursuing their education in the agriculture field.

    Full details and admission prices.

  • Shelburne Fiddle Contest Parade - Sat. Aug. 9, 2014

    fiddle-logoFood & Water First will be in the Fiddle Contest Parade

    Date: Saturday, August 9, 2014

    Parade starts at: 1 PM

    Parade route roads are closed at 11 AM  

    Parade route map.

    Join in the fun!

    http://shelburnefiddlecontest.com/

     

  • Presentation of Dufferin Official Plan - July 10, 2014

    duff-logo

    Date: Thurs. July 10, 2014

    Time: 6:00 PM

    Location: Orangeville Agricultural Centre,
    247090 - 5 Side Road, Mono, ON L9W 6K5

    The Dufferin Official Plan will be prsented at this meeting.

    The public is welcome to observe.

    View agenda.

    http://www.dufferincounty.ca/planning/

     

     

     

     

     

  • Special Public Meeting on Dufferin Official Plan - Aug. 28, 2014

    duff-logo

    Date: August 28, 2014

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Location: Dufferin County Office, 55 Zina St., Orangeville, ON

    Special meeting of Dufferin County Council to consider the adoption of the Official Plan.

    Public welcome to observe.

    http://www.dufferincounty.ca/

     

     

  • Statutory Public Meeting on Dufferin Official Plan - Aug. 13, 2014

    duff-logo

    Date: August 13, 2014

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Location: Dufferin County Office, 55 Zina St., Orangeville, ON

    Download notice.

    Public can make delegations and submit comments.

    In order to have a party standing at the OMB, the public must speak at this meeting or provide written comments at this meeting.

    http://www.dufferincounty.ca/

     

     

  • NDACT 2014 Annual General Meeting - July 10

    ndact-logo-thumbnail

    NDACT's Annual General Meeting for members will be held

    Date: Thursday, July 10, 2014

    Time: 7:00 pm

    Location: Horning's Mills Community Hall, 14 Mill St., Horning's Mills

    If you are not a paid member for 2014, and would like to attend and have voting privileges, you may come to the meeting and pay your $30.00 membership at the meeting.

    Membership forms

     

    WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF NORTH DUFFERIN AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY TASKFORCE, INC.

    (the “Corporation”)

    Date of this notice: June 5, 2014

    Attention: All Members of North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Inc.

    Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting will be held as follows:

    To be held on Thursday July 10, 2014, 7:00 pm

    Location: Horning’s Mills Community Centre

    This meeting will be held for the following business purposes:

    1. To elect Directors;

    2. To receive and consider the financial statements of the Corporation;and

    3. Transact any and all such business that may lawfully come before such meeting.

    Persons who are entitled to vote comprise the Corporation’s Directors, and those Members in good standing that have paid their annual Membership dues in respect of the calendar year 2014, either prior to this date or at any time up to the commencement of this Annual Meeting, and who have been accepted as Members by the Corporation.

    Any Member who will be unable to attend has the right to vote by proxy.

    ___________________________________

    Carl Cosack, Chair

  • Are you on the voters list?

    Check here: https://www3.elections.on.ca/internetapp/aiotl.aspx

    Do you have other questions such as:
    Where do I vote?
    Find my candidates
    Find my electoral district
    Find my returning office
    Advance poll locations
    ID needed to vote

    Get answers at: 

    http://www.wemakevotingeasy.ca/

     

     

     

  • Dufferin-Caledon All Candidates Meeting - May 27 & 29

    May 27, 2014 - Westside Secondary School, 300 Alder St., Orangeville

    May 29, 2014 - Glenbrook Elementary School, 300 Fiddle Park Lane, Shelburne

    Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

    This is your opportunity to meet the the candidates and discuss the issues that mean the most to you. Ask them to protect farmland and source water regions.

  • Jim Cuddy Concert at Lyric Pond - July 12, 2014

    Conserve Our Rural Environment (CORE)

    Presents:

    Concert at Lyric Pond

    In support of challenging inappropriate land use in Mulmur and Melancthon

    When: Saturday, July 12, 2014

    cuddy-2014-web

    Click on image for full details and enlarged image.

    Join Jim Cuddy and Friends

    • Special Guest Star Juno award winner, Justin Rutledge

    Performances by:

    • Jim Cuddy
    • Basil Donavan
    • Joel Anderson
    • Anne Lindsay
    • Colin Cripps
    • The Romney Getty Band

    Fabulous Buffet Saturday, July 12 begins at 6 PM
    Tickets
    Ages 5 – 10    $25.00
    Ages 11-20    $75.00
    Ages 21 and over   $200.00
    Kids 4 and under free

    Reserve by email: norm@informationpackaging.ca

    Make cheques payable to CORE and mail to:
    Norm MacEachern
    One Banigan Drive
    Toronto, ON M4H 1G3

    Hosts:
    Melody & Bill Duron
    Honeywood

    A map will be included with your tickets.

     

  • MC2 Townhall Meeting - May 3, 2014

    mc2-logo

    Present a Townhall Meeting

     

    Date and Time: May 3, 2014 - 10am to Noon (coffee at 9:30am)

    Location: Rosemont Hall

    (across from the Globe Restaurant - HW 89 in Rosemont)

     

    An opportunity to catch up and be fully informed on key

    issues in our community

  • Walk the Green Carpet on Earth Day

    revolution 

    Date & Time: Tuesday April 22, 2014 at 7:30 PM

    Location: Circle Theatre, 19 Victoria St. E., New Tecumseth-Alliston
    705-435-7631

    Map

    Movie: REVOLUTION

    Watch the trailer.

  • Green Living Show - April 25-27, 2014

    green-living-show-2014

    The Food and Water First Team will be at the Green Living Show!

    Date: April 25 - 27, 2014

    Location: Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON

    Full details.

  • Aware Simcoe Annual General Meeting - May 3, 2014

    aware-logo

    Public meeting on preserving the Village of Midhurst and meeting the challenge presented by:

    The Midhurst Secondary Plan

    &

    the ‘Special Rule’

  • Water Docs Film Festival - Mar. 21 - 29, 2014

    Ecologos Presents

    waterdocs

     

     

    Water Docs Film Festival 2014

    When: March 21 - March 29, 2014

    Where: Jackman Hall, Art Gallery of Ontario, McCaul St. @ Dundas St. W., Toronto

    List of films: http://ecologos.ca/waterdocs/

    Ticket sales: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/557968

    .   Capitalizing on rising public concern about water and the growing popularity of documentary storytelling, it begins with a 24-hour celebration of water, to signify World Water Day with films about water and water issues.   This Festival will highlight both feature films and shorts about water and the schedule includes discussions with filmmakers and experts from the water community.   

    Explore ways we can each change our actions to make a concrete difference.  www.waterdocs.ca.

     

  • 10th Annual Farmland Forum - Fri. Mar. 7, 2014

     

    Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: Unversity of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario

    Detailed Program:  http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ontario-Farmland-Trust-2014-Farmland-Forum-Program.pdf

    Opening Remarks by Premier Kathleen Wynne

    Registration and full details at: http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/get-involved/events/annual-farmland-forum/2014-farmland-forum/

    NDACT Vice Chair, Shirley Boxem will be in attendance.

  • Local Food Hero Award - Wed. Feb. 12, 2014

    Presented by the Toronto Food Policy Council

    A Local Food Hero Award is being given to NDACT chair, Carl Cosack, by the Toronto Food Policy Council!

    Carl is being honoured for his hard work in promoting the protection of prime farmland and source water regions.

    The presentation will take place Wednesday, February 12th at 2pm. Committee Room 4, Toronto City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

  • FairlawnStock - March 26, 2014

    The Fairlawn Neighbourhood Centre in North Toronto is hosting Fairlawnstock to spread the word about Food & Water First.

    Food, music and a presentation by NDACT Chair Carl Cosack.

    More details to come!

  • Margaret Atwood Issued a Challenge

    In support of our Food & Water First partners in Midhurst, we are spreading the news:

    Margaret Atwood has issued a simple challenge:

    Spread the word, get 5000 signatures on their petition and she will visit all they are to protect AND host a fundraiser in their nearby high school.

    This is a GREAT opportunity for Midhurst, Springwater and the Minesing Wetlands to garner well-deserved recognition for their beauty and charm.  But, they can't do it without you.  Their petition sits roughly at 2000 people and has grown by roughly 150 per day since Ms. Atwood's involvement. They still need 3000 more signatures!

    From their petition:

    The Midhurst Secondar Plan proposes to turn a small, rural community of 3,500 people into a small city of almost 30,000! At stake are the local farms on rime agricultural land that will be sacrificed for development land (up to almost 1,900 acres).

    Moreover, the health of a small local creek and the nearby, internationally significant Minesing Wetlands are threatened by 10.6 million litres of effluent that will be pumped in daily from the proposed sewage treatment facility. These wetlands contain fragile ecosystems and in some parts, rare or sensitive species of flora and fauna.  Based on what we stand to lose or destroy, failure to stop this massive over-development is NOT an option.

     

    Click here to read more.

     

    Please sign and share the petition. 

    http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c645cc192cabb153747cd0203&id=668b3011a6&e=59f5701035

    http://www.stopspringwatersprawl.com/

  • Breakfast at Haisai - Feb. 26, 2014

    Presented by: Farmland Preservation


    A Food & Water First Partner

     

    You are invited to:

    A Breakfast at Haisai


    Date: Feb. 26, 2014
    Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
    Location: Haisai Restaurant, 794079 County Rd. 124, Singhampton, ON

    Flapjacks and coffee $15.00

     

    Purpose: to discuss farmland preservation in the south Georgian Bay region

     

    Carl Cosack, NDACT Chair, will present on Food & Water First’s goals and direction in 2014 and discuss how we can engage other municipalities to put Food &Water First on their agenda.

    Please help spread the word and expand the discussion.

     

    For more information, contact Joclyn at:  jbiggins@unitedwaygsc.ca

     



  • Public Meeting - April 5, 2014

    Save the Date!

    Food & Water First Public Meeting

    fwflogo-round-thumb

    Featuring:

    Guest speakers - Tom Eisenhauer, CEO of Bonnefield, Steve Peters, Executive Director of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors and Professor Rene Van Acker, Professor and Associate Dean, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), University of Guelph

    Master of Ceremonies - Zoomer Radio’s Dale Goldhawk

    To be held Saturday April 5 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am

    Location: Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex,
    200 Fiddle Park Lane, upper level, Town and Country room,
    Shelburne, ON L9V 2C9

    Click here for map.

    Admission is free.

    Seating is limited. *Registration is recommended but not necessary.


    Please register your name and number of people attending.

    REGISTER HERE.

    *Please note: You may attend without registering, however, you may be sitting at the back of the room as the hall has limited seating.

     

  • Food & Water First - Tales from the Campaign

    Featuring Donna Tranquada
    Writer, Artist and former CBC Broadcaster

    Date: Monday, January 20, 2014

    Time: 12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM

    Location: Fairlawn Neighbourhood Centre, 28 Fairlawn, Toronto, ON M5M 1S7

    Session is free of charge. Register by phone at 416-488-3446

  • Sylvia Jones MPP to Speak on the Aggregate Resources Act Review Report

    Melancthon Township Council has invited Sylvia Jones MPP for Dufferin-Caledon to speak at Melancthon Council meeting.

    Date: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2013

    Time: 10:30 AM

    Location: Melancthon Township Office, 157101 Highway # 10 (7 km North of Shelburne)

    Click here to view the meeting agenda.

     

     

  • NDACT Chair Speaks in Paris, ON - Nov. 30, 2013

    Concerned Citizens of Brant

    Public Meeting

    Date: Sat., Nov. 30, 2013

    Time: 1:00 PM

    Location: Paris Fairgrounds

    http://ccob.ca/

  • How The Mega-Quarry Was Defeated - Dec. 2/13

    Featuring: Danny Beaton & Carl Cosack

    dec-2-event-web

    When: Monday, December 2, 2013

    Time: 7 p.m.

    Where: Main Program Room, Main Branch Guelph Library, 100 Norfolk St., Guelph


    Admission: No charge

    Presented by: Mike Schreiner and Friends

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “There aren’t a lot of victories these days, but the mood-altering blocking of the monster quarry in Melancthon Township in potato country a year ago was a brilliant model of how to get stuff done. The alliance of urban ecos, farmers, foodies and chefs showed the power of partnering, bridged the messy city-country divide and ulti­mately triumphed over a Boston-based hedge fund… Plus, it made the point with its five-day trek and mass soup-athons that protests can be jubilant and very digestible – and that determination and positivity are our best weapons.”

    Read more at:http://gangoffour.ca/tag/melancthon

    and: http://mikeschreiner.ca/

    and: http://www.guelphmercury.com/events/4225773--how-the-mega-quarry-was-defeated/


  • Foodie Drinks - Nov. 12, 2013

    DATE:  Tuesday, Nov 12

    TIME:   7pm-10pm

    PLACE: Quail, 1055 Yonge Street. (Rosedale station)

    Our friends at Food Forward are hosting a special evening of fun and conversation. Join us next Tuesday evening (Nov 12th) for "Foodie Drinks"!   We'll be chatting about Food & Water First and learning more about the campaign to protect the Pickering Lands

     

  • Shelburne gets behind Food and Water First

    The Town of Shelburne has been added to the growing list of municipalities stepping behind the Food and Water First Campaign.

    The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) is leading the charge for the Food and Water First Campaign, which is an effort to change policies that allow rezoning that compromises of food and water sources.

    “Food and Water First is essentially phase two in stopping the mega quarry,” NDACT co-chair Shirley Boxem told Shelburne council on Monday (Nov. 4). “Even though that application has been withdrawn by The Highland Companies … our food and water is still at risk.”

    NDACT was created with the mandate to stop Highland's' quarry plans in Melancthon as well as influence change to the province's Aggregate Resources Act (ARA).

    With the quarry application withdrawn, the group is now focusing on ensuring legislation exists to protect Ontario’s edible assets. The Township of Melancthon already endorses the campaign.

    Toronto Coun. Josh Matlow also introduced a motion asking Canada’s largest municipality to support the campaign recently.

    Boxem said the campaign’s goal at this point is gaining as many eyes and ears as it can.

    “The primary aim is really to help build a critical mass,” Boxem said. “It’s to help spread the word. Elected officials are clearly not putting this as a priority. It’s not on their radar.

    “This is just not something they’re looking at very seriously.”

    Shelburne Mayor Ed Crewson didn’t take that as a personal attack, but he did explain to Boxem that many elected officials rely on funding from developers, who in return, expect land.

    “I’m just saying as an explanation, when you have developers funding 75 per cent of elections … there’s some expectation of reciprocation,” he said.  

    That wasn’t the only time Crewson and council challenged Boxem during her presentation.

    Council labelled the motion as too “soft” and needed reworking in order for the town to know exactly what it was they were signing onto.

    Specifically, it was the mining of aggregates below the water table that Coun. Walter Benotto wanted to see added to the motion.

    “It needs to be very specific,” Benotto said. “If you want to stop people from mining aggregate under the water table, you should say that in your motion.”

    The motion was then reworked by Benotto, which was then given the thumbs up by council.

    Food and Water First Campaign continues to plan to spread awareness across the province.

    By Todd McEwen
    Published in the Orangeville Banner, Nov. 6, 2013

  • Sneak Preview of Community Play - Sun. Oct. 6, 2013

    “Digging Deeper: A Mega-Quarry Community Play” Sneak Preview

    dig-deep-web

    Presented by Everybody’s Theatre Company and the Rural Learning Association, with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, this is a sneak preview of a community-engaged play that will tell the dramatic story behind the mega-quarry battle, including the withdrawal by Highland Companies and the recent purchase by by Bonnefields.




    When: Sunday October 6, 2013

    Time: Begins at 12:00 Noon

    Where: Avening Community Hall, 3401 County Rd. 42 Avening, Creemore, ON 705-466-5932

    This preview will include readings from the draft script, costume design drawings, plus songs-in-progress and some initial choreography – all created in collaboration with local people and under the creative guidance of playwright Dale Hamilton musical composer James Gordon, visual artist Sandi Wong and choreographers Ayrlie MacEachern and Sarah Felschow.

    Be part of the audience on Sunday October 6 at 12:00 noon at the Avening Hall.

  • Mono's Big Day Out - September 7, 2013

    monos-big-day-outDate: Saturday September 7, 2013

    Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: Mono Community Centre, 754483 Mono Centre Road, Mono, ON

    A community celebration showcasing the best of Life in Mono.  Featuring a display by the Heritage Committee, a local Farmers’ Market, our own Musicians and Artists, great food by Mono Chefs, Botanical Walks, Silent Auction, Artisans’ Market, Community Groups, and all kinds of fun activities for kids, including - new this year a Kids’ Talent Showcase. 

    Food & Water First will be there too! Drop by and see us.

  • Sneak Preview - Celebrate Food & Water First

    Celebrate Food & Water First!

    Latest forecast for Sunday, August 18th: PERFECT! 25 degrees & sunny! 

    The farmers, chefs, vendors, artists and musicians are getting ready, and we'd like you to meet some of them before August 18th.

    Bring a water bottle or cup to the event. We'll have a Quench Buggy on site filled with fresh water!

    Map to Honeywood arena.

    Full event details.

    MAKING HEADLINES! 

    The Creemore Echo has published a wonderful story about Celebrate Food & Water First! It includes a great photo of Bill Lishman in flight with his geese from years ago. Bill tells us he's added something special to his famous ultralight which we'll see as he zooms around Melancthon on Sunday! Heads up! This will be a treat. 

    http://www.thecreemoreecho.com/2013/08/celebrating-one-victory-and-setting-sights-on-another/

    TERRA NOVA PUBLIC HOUSE 

     

    We'll definitely be saving room for the goodies prepared by Chef Malcolm Muth from the Terra Nova Public House. Crombie Station Farms Lamb Liver Pate over Fiddle Foot Farms Spicy Greens with Blue Springs Apiaries Honey Vinaigrette. That's a delicious mouthful of local food!

    "When you live in a place like this, it's hard not to be an environmentalist," says Malcolm's sister, Anna, who also works at the Public House. "People want to know where their food comes from, and whether it has traveled 10,000 miles to get to them." 

      Malcolm has worked in several restaurants over the years, including Oliver & Bonancini, Mono Cliffs Inn and Hiding in Hockley. He now whips up great meals in the Public House which is nestled in the lovely hamlet of Terra Nova.

    "You realize after living here for a while, that you're not in the middle of nowhere," says Anna. "You're in one of the most beautiful and productive areas in the country." 


    MONO CLIFFS INN

    Delicious Venison sandwiches will be on the menu at the Mono Cliffs Inn booth! The Inn started out as a farm in the 1800s and became a general store in 1853. Carol and Michael Hall purchased it in 1984 and turned it into the popular restaurant it is today! 

    http://www.monocliffsinn.ca/


    FOOD & WATER FIRST....AND ART! 

    Hop aboard a tractor-drawn wagon outside the Honeywood arena on Sunday and travel down a country lane to a stunning view. That's where you'll also find members of Artists Against the MegaQuarry -- painters and photographers! One of the artists is Peter Adams of Creemore. His works are well-known in the region for capturing our special landscape. Check out Peter's wonderful collection: http://www.peteradamsart.com/

     

    Photographers have also played a huge role in the campaign to save precious farmland and water. Natalia Shields is certainly one of them! Her photo of a large tree standing guard over Melancthon potato fields is a favourite! Rural roots and a love of nature inspire much of her photography. "I like the viewer to consider the beauty of Ontario's farm country and its value to Canada's well-being," says Natalia.

    Natalia will be staffing the art booth on Sunday. 

    http://nataliashieldsphotography.com/nataliashieldsphotography/Home.html



    dt-0731-web

    We're tending to the final details of Celebrate Food & Water First and getting terrific advance coverage. Dale Goldhawk interviewed Bill Lishman yesterday about his flight to Honeywood on Sunday. Bill was gracious and enthusiastic, as always, and praised the Food & Water First movement. His adventure will symbolically link some very special areas of the province where similar citizens' campaigns are trying to protect farmland, water and the environment. Bill will fly over the Pickering Lands and Oak Ridges Moraine on his way to Melancthon. Watch for his ultralight in the skies Sunday morning! Have a listen to his interview at this link. 

    http://www.zoomerradio.ca/uncategorized/podcast-goldhawk-fights-back/gfb-podcast-bill-lishman-august-14th-2013/

    Dale Goldhawk will also be one of our special guests! He'll be speaking at noon on Sunday, along with Carl Cosack and Bill Lishman. You won't want to miss them.

     

    Get your Farm On! 

    dt-0732-web

    Thanks to Heidi from Smakk for writing this terrific blog about Celebrate Food & Water First. "We are clearly, in so many ways, disconnected from where and how our food is produced." We'll connect in Honeywood, for sure, thanks to the local food & products that will be available! 

    http://blog.smakk.ca/food-and-water-first/




    Roseberry Farm

    Celebrate Food & Water First is a BYOPF event. (Bring your own plate and fork!) Just like Foodstock and Soupstock, we're asking you to bring utensils to sample the goodies. You should also bring your sweet tooth! That's because Sarah Hallett of Roseberry Farm will be serving her famous scones, squares, cookies, tarts and more! She also makes gluten-free treats! Sarah settled in Mulmur in 2007 and named her farm after a beloved spot in her native England. We suspect her booth will be very popular! For a sneak peek, check out Sarah's website: 

    http://www.roseberryfarmcakes.com/Home/about-me


    Super Scribe! 

    Our most prolific letter-writer is Christina Wigle and she's been published again! Please read Christina's latest letter-to-the-editor as she reminds us all that there's still much to be done to protect Ontario's prime farmland and water resources. 

    http://www.orangeville.com/opinion-story/4031408-better-legislation-needed-to-govern-quarries-letter-/

    Thanks, Christina! Your passion and energy are a constant inspiration! 

     

     

    For those of you travelling from the city to Honeywood on Sunday, enjoy a spectacular drive by heading north on Airport Road to County Rd 21. Turn left and follow 21 to Honeywood. Unforgettable. 

    Detail from "Small Pond with Lilies" - Joan Folinsbee 

    dt-085-web

    We're counting down the days to Celebrate Food & Water First and are delighted with the line-up! Live music. Kids' activities. Plus 40 vendors - including chefs, local food producers and artists.  When the Highland Companies applied for the Mega Quarry in 2011, Sandi Wong helped lead the charge against it armed with paint and palettes. She co-founded Artists Against the MegaQuarry, a collective of artists that held Paint-Ins and organized art exhibits in Honeywood and Toronto. This Sunday, artists will be painting on a ridge overlooking a stunning view. Take a free wagon ride from the Honeywood arena to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and see artists at their easels. 

     

     

    "Visit the Artists Against the MegaQuarry as they capture the vista saved from the Highland mega quarry," says Sandi. "And at the arena, you can purchase their visions of Food & Water First!"


    GLOBE RESTAURANT 

    Start drooling! The chef at the Globe Restaurant in Rosemont, Beth Hunt, will be whipping up Summer Foccacia with roasted veggies and cheese, as well as fresh Peach and Wild Blueberry pies for Celebrate Food & Water First! This is a BYOPF (Bring Your Own Plate & Fork!) All food servings between $2 and $5!


    MEN WITH KNIVES

    dt-091-web

     We've certainly enjoyed the yummy dishes created by Men With Knives, and are delighted Julie and Gareth Carter are going to be cooking this Sunday! The Collingwood couple will be serving soft tacos stuffed with delicious fillings.

      The Carters believe that at the heart of every family is a good meal, and it extends beyond sharing time with our loved ones.


    "It also means a strong community of farmers and artisans. Protecting our farmland and water resources is not only important, it is imperative," says Gareth. "We can't let a good meal pass us by, in more ways than one."

      



    Chef Adam Ryan - One99


    Save room for dessert! Adam is the executive chef at One99 restaurant in Orangeville and he'll be serving yummy ice-cream made from local milk and topped with seasonal goodies. Adam also has this scoop of wisdom about the importance of preserving farmland and respecting those who grow our food. "We need to support our local farmers because if we don't, the land will be used for something else," he says. "And if we don't support our farmers, we will start seeing less of them. This isn't good for our community, our economy or consumers." Food for thought! 

    ****THIS JUST IN ****  Chef Adam Ryan from One99 in Orangeville will be making Grilled Corn Ice Cream with Candied Ginger and Tarragon! 

     

    Visit the One99 table at the Honeywood arena! www.One99.ca 

     

    Big Whisky


    big-whiskey-web

     

     

     

     

     

    The hay wagon stage at Celebrate Food & Water First will be rockin' with performers...including the local band Big Whisky! (Love the red shades on the middle dude!) The group plays a range of music from A to Z -- the Allman Brothers to ZZ Top. Neil Banks Jr., Dan Paterson, Andrew McVeigh and Ian Stone of Big Whisky also have this big message about preserving farmland and water. "Remember, farms feed cities and water is life." That's music to our ears.

     

     

    Digging Deeper

     

    digging-poster-web

     

     

    You can also Celebrate Food & Water First by lending your talents to a play about the fight to stop the Highland Mega Quarry. Local artists, dancers, musicians and writers are working on a community production of "Digging Deeper."  You can contribute your own stories, dance moves or lyrics! Drop by the "Digging Deeper" tent next to the Honeywood arena.

     

    The play will be performed in the fall of 2014 in Honeywood and then taken to other communities facing similar conflicts between agriculture and development. "Digging Deeper" is being produced by Everybody's Theatre Company and the Rural Learning Association. For more information, contact Dale. dale@hsfx.ca

      

     


    LOOK UP!

    lishman-inflight-web











    What's that in the sky?! It's a very special guest flying to Celebrate Food & Water First! Bill Lishman - the man known as Father Goose -- will pilot his ultralight aircraft from the Pickering area to Honeywood on August 18th to show his support for our campaign. Bill is an artist and filmmaker. He's also the first human to fly in formation with birds. Yes, he's the adventurer who led geese on a migration route to the U-S, an incredible feat that inspired the film, Fly Away Home. 

    Over the past 40 years, Bill has also been trying to protect the Pickering Lands - 18,600 acres of Class 1 farmland north east of Toronto - from being turned into a new airport. The Food & Water First campaign has much in common with those trying to preserve the Pickering Lands. "The most precious thing we have is the land that sustains us," says Bill. "To permanently destroy prime growing land, for whatever cause, is tantamount to theft from our offspring."

     

    Bill's flight will symbolically link our two communities. He's going to land his ultralight near Honeywood and share his thoughts on preserving farmland and water resources at noon in the Honeywood arena. Then, he'll lift off again to conduct a flypast over the farmland, forests and river valleys of the Hills of Headwaters. Notify the local geese!

     

     

     

     

    JERSEY GIRLS!

     jersey-girls-web

















    Mooooovalous! That was our reaction when we learned Miller's Dairy of Creemore was going to bring its famous Jersey milk to Celebrate Food & Water First. Miller's Dairy milk is served in old-fashioned glass bottles and is hugely popular in Dufferin County. Once you taste it on August 18th, you'll know why! The Miller "girls" sure know how to produce great milk. (You MUST try the chocolate!)

     

       As their business grows and thrives, the Millers recognize the importance of respecting the land and water around us.

       "We are caretakers of our land. Our family farm is fifth generation and we have an obligation to see that future generations have farmland to grow their food and clean fresh water to raise their families with hope." We'll raise a glass of milk to that!

     

    HARLAN PEPPER

     

    We loved them at the Taters Not Craters dance in February and can't wait to hear them again August 18th. Come Celebrate Food & Water First with the band Harlan Pepper! Jimmy Hayes, Dan Edmonds, Thompson Wilson and Marlon Nicolle are returning to the Honeywood arena with their wonderful alternative country rock music. They've shared the stage with big talents, including the Arkells and Feist and now Harlan Pepper will take to our hay wagon stage! Here's one of our favourite songs: Great Lakes! 

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLTj7vRj3NY 

     

    Celebrate Food & Water First starts at 11am and runs until 3pm on Sunday, August 18th!  $5 admission. Kids 5 and under are free! 


    See you there!

    Donna T.

     
  • Artists Agianst the Mega Quarry 3rd Annual Paint-In - Aug. 18, 2013

    celebrate-thumb3rd Annual Paint-In will be held at Celebrate Food & Water First on Sunday, August 18th!

    artists-logoJoin them in the hills of Mulmur as they gather in a special location (598093 2nd Line West, 2km south of Honeywood) to paint the spectacular vista and farmland saved from the Highland Mega Quarry. (11:00am-3:00pm)

    As the artists paint en plein air, those attending the festivities at Celebrate Food & Water First in the village of Honeywood will either walk, bike or take a complimentary wagon ride to visit them at their easels!

     

    Calling all Artists

    Artists are also welcome to show and sell their work at the Honeywood Arena. There is no submission or showing fee. A small donation to NDACT to cover costs would be appreciated. 

     

    For more details and to register, please contact sandiwongartist@gmail.com

    http://www.artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com/

     

    Artists Against the Mega Quarry Need Your Help

    They're going to need your help and support, again. They'll need folks at the Arena to help us collect the art and set up the show, staff and record the sales, then take down the art and get the works back to their homes. 

    At the Plein Air site, they will need to help folks on and off the wagons, direct them to the artists and indicate the proposed quarry lands. 

    Are you willing to help? Contact Sandi: sandiwongartist@gmail.com


  • Celebrate Food & Water First Event - SUN. Aug. 18, 2013

    celebrate-webBring the family to.....

    CELEBRATE FOOD AND WATER FIRST

    When: Sunday August 18th, 2013

    Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Location: Honeywood Arena, 706114 County Road 21, Mulmur
    Honeywood, east of County Rd. 124

    Don't forget to bring your own plate, fork, cup or water bottle.

    Enjoy local food, music and art!

    Free wagon rides or bring your own bike to see the farmlands, saved from the Highland Mega Quarry.

    Featuring:

    • Local chefs serving local food
    • Farmers' market
    • Live music
    • Kids activities
    • Art Show and Sale

    Our Line-up:

    • Live Bands-Big Whiskey and Harlan Pepper
    • Carl Cosack NDACT Chair
    • Dale Goldhawk
    • Bill Lishman and his glider (from  Fly Away Home)
    • Artists Against the Mega Quarry-painting on site on the roof of Ontario
    • Darcey Baker, 12 year old local fiddler extraordinaire

     Print Program.

    Tractor & wagon rides

    Honeywood Play Park with a kids area

     

    Local food and vendors:

     Check out their facebook/websites

     

    Click here or on the poster above to see the enlarged view with details.

    Bring your own plate and fork.

    Admission: $5.00 (5 years and under - free)

    Hot Food Items: $2.00 - $5.00

    Tickets available at the door.

    Online tickets are now closed.

     

    See you there!

     

     

  • Alliston Potato Festival Parade Fri. Aug. 8, 2014

    fwf-copyright-logo-150Food & Water First will have a float in the Parade!

    Parade Date: Friday, August 8, 2014

    Parade Starting Time: 7:00 P.M.

    Location: Alliston (parade starting from Banting Memorial High School and proceeding along Victoria Street)

    More details about the Parade and the Festival.

    We hope to see you there!

  • Jim Cuddy & Friends - August 16, 2013

    Conserve Our Rural Environment (CORE)

    Presents:

    Concert at Lyric Pond

    When: Friday August 16, 2013

    cuddy-8-16.13

    Click on image for full details and enlarged image.

    Join Jim Cuddy and Friends

    • Special Guest Star Jesse Cook, accompanied by Nicolas Hernandez

    Performances by:

    • Basil Donavan
    • Joel Anderson
    • Anne Lindsay
    • Colin Cripps
    • Wayne Petti
    • Devin Cuddy
    • Tim Magwood

    Fabulous Buffet Friday August 16 begins at 6 PM
    Tickets
    Ages 5 – 10    $25.00
    Ages 11-20    $75.00
    Ages 21 and over   $200.00

    Reserve by email: norm@informationpackaging.ca

    Make cheques payable to CORE and mail to:
    Norm MacEachern
    One Banigan Drive
    Toronto, ON M4H 1G3

    Hosts:
    Melody & Bill Duron
    Honeywood

    A map will be included with your tickets.

    www.corecares.ca

  • Shelburne Fiddle Festival Parade - Sat. August 10, 2013

    We will have a float in the Fiddle Festival Parade!

    fiddle-logoDate of parade: Saturday August 10, 2013

    Parade starts at: 1:00 PM

    Parade Map:click here

     

    For more information about the Fiddle Festival, please go to: http://shelburnefiddlecontest.com/

  • Ask Candidates to Support Protection of Prime Farmland and Source Water Regions

    By the end of this week, five Ontario ridings will have chosen five new MPPs to sit in the Ontario legislature.

    These byelections offer voters an excellent opportunity to speak up and that's what we're asking you to do via e-mail by Thursday!

    It may be the dog days of summer, but please take a few moments to contact the candidates and ask them to support the protection of prime farmland and source water regions. Food & Water First!

    Below is a suggested letter to be sent to the various candidates.

    E-mail addresses are provided and can be copied into a single e-mail to be sent to all the candidates OR you can select individual candidates to contact. To the keyboards!

    Scarborough-Guildwood

    Liberal - Mitzie Hunter mitzie@votehunter.ca

    PC - Ken Kirupa ken@kenkirupa.ca

    NDP - Adam Giambrone adamgiambrone@ontariondp.ca

    Green - Nick Leeson nickleeson@gpo.ca

     

    Etobicoke-Lakeshore

    Liberal - Peter Milczyn peter@votepetermilczyn.ca

    PC - Doug Holyday info@dougholyday.ca

    NDP - PC Choo pcchoo@ontariondp.ca

    Green - Angela Salewsky angelasalewsky@gpo.ca

     

    Ottawa-South

    Liberal - John Fraser info@votejohnfraser.ca

    PC - Matt Young info@mattyoungpc.ca

    NDP - Bronwyn Funiciello bronwynfuniciello@ontariondp.ca

    Green - Taylor Howarth taylorhowarth@gpo.ca

     

    London-West

    Liberal - Ken Coran ken@votekencoran.ca

    PC - Ali Chahbar info@alichahbar.ca

    NDP - Peggy Sattler peggysattler@ontariondp.ca

    Green - Gary Brown garybrown@gpo.ca

     

    Windsor-Tecumseh

    Liberal - Jeewen Gill jeewen@jeewengill.ca

    PC - Robert deVerteuil http://windsortecumseh.ontariopc.com/Contact

    NDP - Percy Hatfield percyhatfield@ontariondp.ca

    Green - Adam Wright adamwright@gpo.ca

     

    Suggested letter: Please feel free to add your own thoughts/anecdotes/expertise!

    To the candidates in the provincial byelections,

    On August 1st, you may be elected to the Ontario legislature and, if so, you will represent the hopes and concerns of your constituents. I'm writing to ask you to give your support to an issue that is of growing importance to Ontarians: protection of this province's prime farmland and source water regions.

    As you're aware, a grassroots movement consisting of tens of thousands of citizens helped stop the proposed Highland mega quarry just 90 minutes northwest of Toronto. The mega quarry would have destroyed thousands of acres of Class 1 farmland and impacted a vital aquifer in north Dufferin County. Two weeks ago, the Highland Companies sold the land to Bonnefield Financial, a Canadian investment firm that purchases farmland and then leases it back to local farmers. This is a positive step in a five-year battle to protect rare farmland and water resources so close to Canada's largest city.

    However, Ontario's prime farmland and water resources remain vulnerable to development, aggregate operations and other non-farming operations. As the climate changes and our population grows, the demand for food security will increase. Ontario is home to the best agricultural soil in the country as well as Canada's largest agri-food sector. We must not squander these strategic and perpetual resources. Other jurisdictions in Europe and the U.S. are taking steps to protect their prime farmland for food production. We should be leading the way in Canada. In fact, thousands of Ontarians who fought the mega quarry are now engaged in this effort. The fresh campaign is called Food & Water First.

    As a new representative in the legislature, I ask you to encourage your party to demand the preservation of Ontario's prime farmland and source water regions. Our future depends on it.

    Sincerely,

  • Honeywood Beef BBQ - Sat. July 27, 2013

    We will be at the 48th Annual Honeywood Beef BBQ

    Come Join Us!

    Date: Saturday, July 27, 2013

    Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Location: Honeywood Arena, 706114 County Rd. 21, Honeywood, L0N 1H0

    Map and Directions: http://www.arenamaps.com/view_arena.php?id=1633

    Price per meal: $15.00 - pay at the door

    Click here to see  a YouTube video promoting the BBQ in 2011.

  • NDACT Annual Meeting - July 13, 2013

    ndact-logo-thumbnail

    Attention all NDACT members and supporters.

     

    NDACT Annual Meeting - July 13, 2013

    Time: 9:30 AM

    Location: Horning's Mills Community Hall, 14 Mill St., Horning's Mills
    (North of Shelburne, off Main Street in Horning's Mills)

    Purpose & Agenda:

    • For the purpose of receiving and reviewing the financial statements of the corporation and to present the current slate of directors
    • NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack, will also speak about our current issues
    • Membership Drive – This meeting is also an opportunity to renew your membership which gives you a voice, a vote at the annual meeting, and ensures that ndact continues to have the resources to carry on initiatives. There is strength in numbers.
    • Question period

     

    Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!

    Questions? Contact info@ndact.com

  • NDACT Annual Meeting - July 13, 2013

    ndact-logo-thumbnail

    Attention all NDACT members and supporters.

     

    NDACT Annual Meeting - July 13, 2013

    Time: 9:30 AM

    Location: Horning's Mills Community Hall, 14 Mill St., Horning's Mills
    (North of Shelburne, off Main Street in Horning's Mills)

    Purpose & Agenda:

    • For the purpose of receiving and reviewing the financial statements of the corporation and to present the current slate of directors
    • NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack, will also speak about our current issues
    • Membership Drive – This meeting is also an opportunity to renew your membership which gives you a voice, a vote at the annual meeting, and ensures that ndact continues to have the resources to carry on initiatives. There is strength in numbers.
    • Question period

     

    Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!

    Questions? Contact info@ndact.com

  • Download Map for GPS Tour

    Welcome to the self directed GPS tour!

    Trace the footprint of the 2,300-acre quarry and see the rare vegetable land that was saved.  The GPS Tour can take as little as 2 hours or as long as you want.  Spring, summer, fall and winter – every time you take the tour, you’ll discover something new!

    gps-map-web

    •   see crops growing in fertile farmland

    •   fish/swim/hike/ski/snowshoe in season

    •   sample local cuisine

    •   stay at a country B&B    

    •   purchase fresh local food at farm gates & markets

    •   enjoy historic villages and sites

    Download the map and GPS coordinates along with our fun scavenger hunt.

     

     

     

     

     

    Load up the car with family and friends. 

    Let your adventure begin! 

    Please remember to respect private property.

    Leave only footprints. Take only memories.

  • Food Security Presentation at LPO Central Region Day - June 2, 2013

    Food Security Presentation by NDACT

    at  The Liberal Party of Ontario Central Regional  Meeting

    Location: Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference Centre
    6015 Highway 89
    Alliston, Ontario L9R1A4

    Date and Time: Sunday June 2, 2013 at 2:30 PM

     

  • Ontario Rivers Alliance Meeting - June 8, 2013

    ORA (Ontario Rivers Alliance) Annual Meeting June 8, 2013

    Carl Cosack, NDACT Chair, will be the Keynote speaker at their Annual Meeting in North Bay.

    ORA is one of our Food & Water Partners. http://ontarioriversalliance.ca/

  • The Big Carrot - June 6, 2013

    Food & Water First will be at The Big Carrot!

    When: June 6, 2013

    Location:

    The Big Carrot Natural Food Market
    348 Danforth Avenue
    Toronto, Ontario M4K 1N8
    Main Store: 416.466.212

    We will have signs available for your SPRING PLANTING

    http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/

  • ARA review, legislation awaited anxiously

    On my way to visit Carl Cosack at his Peace Valley Ranch last Monday, I took a few moments to grab a photo of a crumbling barn on the farm where my sister Elsie and her husband, Eric, had toiled and lived from their marriage until their retirement.

    I had fond memories of the place and of times I had spent visiting and, from time to time, lending a hand with various tasks.

    Eric was both industrious and innovative. He seized onto potatoes at some point when the potato chip industry was fully emerging, especially with the Hostess plant at Cambridge or somewhere, but moved on to beef, then sold an entire herd and moved on to dairy.

    He and my sister prospered – the two large silos and remains of a milk house at the old farm are evidence of that – but Eric spent too much time under the sun cultivating the fields, got skin cancer that spread, and he succumbed a few years after retirement.

    The new owners of the farm took a different approach to agriculture. I know nothing about their history, but the residence, an imposing two-storey century brick house, was occupied by tenants when it burned to the ground a few years ago.

    This column is not meant to be about my relatives or about their farm, except to the extent to state that everything they accomplished was dependent upon the fertility of the land, no matter how one might view their ability to care for it.

    My reason for being up in the area was to discuss, among other things, the progress of NDACT’s Food and Water First campaign.

    The visit was timely, as the campaign has to do with the preservation of fertile, Class 1 and better, farmland plus the source of water that not only keeps the fields fertile but is essential to the health of a growing population. You need both the land and the water to grow food.

    The campaign, which, according to Carl, has involved the placing of thousands of signs, coincides more or less with the imminent release of the all-party committee report on the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) review. Carl says he believes the report will be fair. But he admits that the next hurdle will be getting the required changes passed into law. NDACT has been meeting with MPPs and with ministers and ministry officials, and getting good responses, Carl says, yet one must be a realist and keep in mind that professional lobbyists for the multi-billiondollar aggregate industry must also be active.

    NDACT was founded to combat the threat of a huge open-pit limestone quarry that would have excavated a couple of thousand acres and gone deeper than anyone would have expected.

    NDACT was not lulled to sleep by the withdrawal of the application for the quarry. The association has continued to work and watch, and Food and Water First is another step in its awareness efforts.

    Engineer Garry Hunter, you will recall, identified numerous underground streams in the area that would have been mined. Photographer Donna Wells snapped the above-ground streams and rivers fed by those underground.

    NDACT’s various campaigns, supported by events such as Foodstock, for which a host of chefs deserve credit, have been responsible for the protection of those essential streams along with the area’s special crops acreages.

    Now, unless the critical ARA changes along with a revision of the Provincial Policy Statement with respect to farmland, happen, the quarry application might well be renewed and possibly approved.

    Proponent Highland Companies has so far made no moves that would indicate its intention to revive the application but, instead, has advanced its farming operations and remained as a positive community presence.

    Let us hope that the ARA changes get past the legislature so that the land and the water in the area under discussion remain as they are.

     

    By Wes Keller

    Published in the "Orangeville Banner", May 30, 2013

  • Message From the Chair - Call to Action May 27, 2013

    Call to Action - ARA Report is Being Written Today

     

    There are only a few times in a lifetime that we, as people part of a greater society, can truly drive positive, non-partisan positive change for all of us, and those generations following.

     

    That time is now, today, with the ARA Review Report being written. Thousands of people have worked towards this goal, the need for this is dramatically highlighted by the Highland Companies Mega Quarry application in Melancthon Township. All political parties at Queens Park, plus the Green Party have strongly supported the call to finish the job that was started with the provincial wide hearings last year.

     

    Write today to the MPP's listed below, and copy your own MPP, ask them to write meaningful changes into their report, respecting the "Food and Water First" sentiment expressed by so many of the deputations presented to them during the public hearings.

     

    At no other time have we had the chance to impress on those we elect to truly listen to the people of this province. Make your voice heard today, and ask your friends and family to do the same. PLEASE!!!

     

    Carl Cosack

    NDACT Chair

    We encourage you to contact the MPPs on the Committee! Below is a sample letter and the e-mail addresses for the members. As always, please add your own thoughts/expertise to your letters. And start hitting the SEND button!

    Bas Balkissoon, Chairman    bbalkissoon.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Donna Cansfield                 dcansfield.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rick Bartolucci                    rbartolucci.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Sarah Campbell                  scampbell-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Mike Colle                           mcolle.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rosario Marchese               rmarchese-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Laurie Scott                         laurie.scott@pc.ola.org

    Todd Smith                          todd.smith@pc.ola.org

    Jeff Yurek                            jeff.yurek@pc.ola.org 

     To the members of the Standing Committee on General Government: 

       I understand you will begin writing the Committee's report on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act beginning this Monday, May 27th. This important process was launched in the fall of 2011, followed by public hearings one year ago. The review of the ARA was ordered in the midst of the controversy over the proposed Highland mega quarry. As you'll recall, the proposed mega quarry would have destroyed 2,300-acres of the rarest agricultural land in Ontario and impacted the water resources for up to one million people downstream in perpetuity. It was because of the mega quarry that the review of the outdated ARA was ordered by the Ontario government.

      As you write your report, I would like to remind you of the key suggestions made by the agricultural stakeholders and farmers who appeared before you last year. They all stressed that under the ARA, Ontario's prime farmland is at risk. This strategic and perpetual resource is vital to our $33-billion agri-food sector, our economy and our food security, yet it is unprotected. As well, the Highland application revealed that Ontario's source water regions are also vulnerable under the current ARA. Highland intended to pump 600-million-litres of water from the mega quarry every day, forever. As one of the farmers stated at the public hearings: It's time to put food and water first. 

      Therefore, I urge you to include protection for prime farmland and source water regions in your report on the ARA review. Tens of thousands of Ontarians are engaged in this issue. They look forward to seeing their views on the preservation of prime farmland and water resources reflected in the Committee's findings. 

    Sincerely,

     

  • Call to Action - ARA Report Writing Begins May 27, 2013

    Call To Action! 

     The Standing Committee on General Government starts writing its report on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act today, May 27th! The MPPs will be incorporating the suggestions presented at last spring's public hearings into the ARA. These include the calls made by agricultural stakeholders to protect prime farmland and source water regions. 

     

    We encourage you to contact the MPPs on the Committee! Below is a sample letter and the e-mail addresses for the members. As always, please add your own thoughts/expertise to your letters. And start hitting the SEND button!

    Bas Balkissoon, Chairman   bbalkissoon.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Donna Cansfield                dcansfield.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rick Bartolucci                   rbartolucci.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Sarah Campbell                 scampbell-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Mike Colle                          mcolle.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rosario Marchese              rmarchese-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Laurie Scott                        laurie.scott@pc.ola.org

    Todd Smith                         todd.smith@pc.ola.org

    Jeff Yurek                           jeff.yurek@pc.ola.org 

     

     To the members of the Standing Committee on General Government: 

     

       I understand you will begin writing the Committee's report on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act beginning this Monday, May 27th. This important process was launched in the fall of 2011, followed by public hearings one year ago. The review of the ARA was ordered in the midst of the controversy over the proposed Highland mega quarry. As you'll recall, the proposed mega quarry would have destroyed 2,300-acres of the rarest agricultural land in Ontario and impacted the water resources for up to one million people downstream in perpetuity. It was because of the mega quarry that the review of the outdated ARA was ordered by the Ontario government.

     

      As you write your report, I would like to remind you of the key suggestions made by the agricultural stakeholders and farmers who appeared before you last year. They all stressed that under the ARA, Ontario's prime farmland is at risk. This strategic and perpetual resource is vital to our $33-billion agri-food sector, our economy and our food security, yet it is unprotected. As well, the Highland application revealed that Ontario's source water regions are also vulnerable under the current ARA. Highland intended to pump 600-million-litres of water from the mega quarry every day, forever. As one of the farmers stated at the public hearings: It's time to put food and water first. 

     

      Therefore, I urge you to include protection for prime farmland and source water regions in your report on the ARA review. Tens of thousands of Ontarians are engaged in this issue. They look forward to seeing their views on the preservation of prime farmland and water resources reflected in the Committee's findings. 

     Sincerely,

     

    Another version that was "tweaked" by one of our supporters.

    Feel free to use either version.

    To the members of the Standing Committee on General Government: 

       I understand you will begin writing the Committee's report on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act beginning this Monday, May 27th. This important process was launched in the fall of 2011, followed by public hearings one year ago. The review of the ARA was ordered in the midst of the controversy over the proposed Highland mega quarry. As you'll recall, the proposed mega quarry would have destroyed 2,300-acres of the best agricultural land in Ontario for ever and impacted the water resources for up to one million people downstream in perpetuity. It was because of the mega quarry that the review of the existing but outdated ARA was ordered by the Ontario government.

     

      Please remember the key suggestions made by the agricultural stakeholders, farmers and other landowners and residents along with a host of others who appeared before you last year. Without exception they stressed that under the existing ARA, Ontario's prime farmland is, and will remain at risk. This strategic and perpetual resource is vital to our $33-billion agri-food sector, our economy and our food security, yet it is unprotected. 

     

    In addition, the Highland application revealed that Ontario's source water regions are also vulnerable under the current ARA. Highland declared it intended to pump 600-million-litres of water from the mega quarry every day, forever. As a clear reminder one of the farmers stated at the public hearings: It's time to put food and water first, it is the highest and best use of this precious land.

     

      Therefore, I urge you to include protection for prime farmland and source water regions in your report on the ARA review. Tens of thousands of Ontarians are engaged in this issue. They look forward to seeing their views on the preservation of prime farmland and water resources reflected in the Committee's findings. 

     

    Sincerely,

     

     
  • Council of Canadians Regional Meeting in Mulmur - May 25, 2013

    Council of Canadians are holding their regional meeting at Unicamp, Mulmur on May 25, 2103

    Attendees:

    • Activists from the 17 Regional Chapters of Council of Canadians
    • Their Executive Director and staff
    • Carl Cosack, NDACT Chair

    Agenda:

    • There will be a session on communities fighting back against unwanted industrial development.
    • Carl Cosack will speak about the Melancthon Mega Quarry Proposal and our battle.
  • Food Security: An Interactive Panel Discussion

     Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013

    Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm

    Event: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Location: Danforth Mennonite Church
    2174 Danforth Ave (1.5 blocks from Woodbine Station), Toronto

    Join Matthew Kellway MPP Beaches-East York and special guests:

    • Wayne Roberts -food policy analyst and writer
    • Donna Tranquada - writer and broadcaster - active in Artists Against the MegaQuarry and with Food & Water First
    • Carl Cosack - chair of NDACT and Food & Water First
    • Malcolm Allen- MP Welland, NDP Agriculture Critic
    • Patrick Tohill - WSPA Canada

    for an interactive panel discussion. 

    Click here for more details.

    https://www.facebook.com/matthewkellway

    http://matthewkellway.ndp.ca/events

  • Food & Water First at Patagonia, Toronto

    bv-sh-thumb

    Many thanks to the Food & Water First team for a great event at Patagonia on Saturday May 11, 2013! Volunteers Blaine and Shirley are all smiles in the  photo as they spread the news about protecting prime farmland and water resources. New pledges and new supporters add up to another successful day for the campaign. Special thanks to our friends at Patagonia on King St. West for, once again, standing with us! 

  • 98th annual Graduate Exhibition OCAD University - May 2-5, 2013

    ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

    100 McCaul St., Toronto, Ontario

    98th Annual Graduate Exhibition

    The class of 2013, an eclectic mix of more than 550 graduating students working in twelve undergraduate programs, present their final thesis work to an audience of more than 26,000 guests.

    Some of these students produced No Mega Quarry Posters

    OPENING NIGHT: Thursday, May 2, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Location: 100 McCaul St.,Toronto, Ontario,416-977-6000

    For full details, please go to: http://apache.ocad.ca/events_calendar/eventdetail.php?id=4402

  • Aware-Simcoe F&WF Public Meeting - May 4, 2013

    aware-logo




     

     

     

    FOOD AND WATER FIRST

    Join Aware - Simcoe  for a

    Public Meeting

     

    at Alliston’s Circle Theatre, 19 Victoria St. E., Tecumseth, ON

    Saturday May 4th 9:30 – 12:00

                                                                                                                                                   

    Refreshments and baked goodies provided – bring a friend!

     

    We defeated the Mega Quarry…for the time being….but there’s nothing saying it can’t happen again 100 times over!

    Now we need to change the Ontario Aggregates Act to protect our Clean Water and Prime Farmland.

    Come learn, listen and find out what you can do!

     

    Speakers:

    • Carl Cosak, Chair, North Dufferin Agricultural Taskforce (NDACT)
    • Shirley Boxem, Secretary, NDACT
    • Bernard Pope, Ontario Farmland Preservation
    • Dale Goldhawk, AM 740 Radio
    • M/C: Donna Tranquada, writer and former CBC host

    With special acknowledgements to the

    Saugeen, Cape and Crocker First Nation

  • Pantagonia Toronto's Food Expo and Market - May 11, 2013

    Date: May 11, 2013

    Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Location: Pantagonia, 500 King St. W., Toronto

    On Saturday May 11th, join Patagonia Toronto and special friends to celebrate Toronto-based producers and organizations that are putting local food on the map in our city.

    They will be sharing the talents, tastes and visions of an eclectic crew of movers and shakers in the local food scene.

    Taste the freshness of the season with samples from Belmonte Raw, Chocosol, Maizal Quesadilla Cafe and Yorktown Pies, try natural, food-based skin care from Karmalicious and learn about the inventive programs being run in our city by Fresh City Farms, Not Far From the Tree and Food and Water First.

     

    NDACT will have a Food & Water First table at this event.

    Click here for more details.

  • "Food & Water First" at Queen's Park

     Our calls for the preservation of the farmland that grows our food is gaining traction. Monday April 29, 2013, in the Ontario Legislature, Liberal MPP Mike Colle raised the issue of local food, and he singled out a famous town and its famous produce! 

    Excerpts from April 29:

    Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Joining us in the east gallery at some point: Donna Tranquada, from the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce; Carl Cosack, who’s the chair of that same group; Dave Vander Zaag, who’s a Melancthon potato farmer; and Harvey Kolodny, professor emeritus, Rotman School. Welcome to the House.

    .............................

    Mr. Mike Colle: Minister, a lot of my local green-grocers and restaurants say they want to bring in potatoes from Melancthon; they want to bring in tomatoes from Leamington. They want that ability to promote these wonderful, beautiful, natural Ontario products. I hope we can get the message across to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that we’re all supporting local food together, because when local food is eaten, everybody wins. The farmers win, the local restaurants win, the local green-grocers win, and all Ontarians win with wonderful, local Ontario food.Donna Tranquada, from the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce; Carl Cosack, who’s the chair of that same group; Dave Vander Zaag, who’s a Melancthon potato farmer; and Harvey Kolodny, professor emeritus, Rotman School. Welcome to the House.

    Click here to read the entire Hansard.

  • ARA Review to Resume

    Thank you!

     

    It took several weeks and many, many e-mails, but we did it! The review of the outdated Aggregate Resources Act will be completed by the Standing Committee on General Government! We received word yesterday afternoon (April 25, 2013), that the Liberals had introduced a motion in the House to resume the ARA review. The House voted unanimously in favour of the motion and so the Committee is now authorized to finish the job that began one year ago. The Committee members will meet Monday to discuss their schedule and the writing of the final report. 

     

      If not for the mega quarry fight, a review of the ARA would not have been ordered by the province. If not for all of you, your tenacity and keyboards, and the hard work of MPP’s from all parties, the ARA review may not have been completed.

    People Power works! Thank you!

    More details will follow!

  • Call to Action - ARA Review Next Round

    CALL TO ACTION!  

      ARA REVIEW - NEXT ROUND

                           

       The Standing Committee on General Government has wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on traffic congestion and auto insurance. While the fate of the review of the Aggregate Resources Act is still uncertain, we understand the sub-committee will be discussing it in the coming days. We also understand the three House Leaders must give the green light for the ARA review to be completed and a final report issued. 

      Below are the e-mail addresses of the three House Leaders and sub-committee members. There's also a brief sample letter. As always, we encourage you to add your own thoughts to ensure the MPPs are not receiving form letters.

     

    Sub-Committee members

     

    Bas Balkissoon, Chairman        bbalkissoon.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Mike Colle, Liberal MPP            mcolle.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rosario Marchese, NDP MPP     rmarchese-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Laurie Scott, PC MPP               laurie.scott@pc.ola.org

     

    House Leaders

     

    Liberal     John Milloy     jmilloy.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    PC           Jim Wilson      jim.wilson@pc.ola.org

    NDP        Gilles Bisson    gbisson@ndp.on.ca 

     

     

    To the House Leaders and members of the sub-committee of the Standing Committee on General Government:

     

     Now that the Standing Committee on General Government has finished its hearings into traffic congestion and auto insurance, I am asking the House Leaders and Committee members to complete the job of reviewing the Aggregate Resources Act. As you are aware, the review of the ARA was ordered by the government in September 2011 because of the controversy over the proposed Highland mega quarry. It would have destroyed a swath of prime farmland and impacted the headwaters of five river systems in perpetuity. A review of the outdated ARA was a wise decision.

     

      One year ago, representatives from the aggregate industry and agricultural sector participated in the Committee's public hearings. Farmers, members of agricultural organizations and other concerned Ontarians did their duty as engaged citizens. They called for the protection of the province's prime farmland and source water regions. Their hard work and well-researched suggestions must be respected. The rare agricultural soil and water resources that sustain us and our economy cannot wait any longer. It's time to complete the ARA review and make the necessary revisions to the legislation.

     

     

     Yours sincerely,

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Food & Water First Campaign Tour - April & May 2013

    fwflogo1-thumbThe Food & Water First Tour Continues

    April 17, 2013 - Essa Township Council  6:00 pm

    April 18, 2013 - Rotary Club, Shelburne

    April 21, 2013 – Melancthon Open House 1-3:00 pm

    May 4, 2013 – Aware Simcoe Public Information Session – 9:30 am – Alliston Theatre (Shirley Boxem, Carl Cosack and Donna Tranquada)

    May 6, 2013 – Adjala Tosorontio Township Council – 6:30 pm

    May 6, 2013 - Tottenham - 7:00 pm

    May 14, 2013 – Grand Valley Council – time tbd

    May 21, 2103 - Collingwood and Wasaga Beach - Carl Cosack and Shirley Boxem

    May 25, 2013 – Primrose School Eco Extravaganza 9 am - 12:00 noon

  • Food & Water First Signs and Stickers - Open House Sun. Apr. 14, 2013

    NDACT Lawn Signs and Stickers Open House

    Sunday April 14, 9:00 – 12:00

    527507 5 Sideroad Mulmur, ON - west of 4th Line E (2 Lines west of Stanton Store on Airport Rd.)

    Phone: 519-925-0347

    This Open House for anyone wishing to purchase, exchange, bring some to Toronto, etc.

    Preferred Donation (this is an at-cost initiative):

    • Exchange for old signs – free
    • Lawn Signs - $5-$10
    • Bumper Stickers - $5
    • Round Decals - $2

     

    Shirley Boxem

    NDACT Secretary

  • Green Living Show - Apr. 12-14, 2013

    NDACT will not have a booth at the show this year,

    but

    we are sharing free admission tickets to the Green Living Show with you!

    Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14, 2013 at the Direct Energy Centre, Toronto

    Click here to download tickets and show details. (1.2 MB)

     

    Enjoy!

  • Call to Action - Resume Review of ARA

    It's been nearly a year since public hearings were held into the Aggregate Resources Act. Excellent, thoughtful presentations were made by agricultural stakeholders and mega quarry opponents. The hearings were packed and change was in the air. But, we've learned the Standing Committee on General Government now wants to focus on traffic congestion and auto insurance. Any further delay in reviewing the ARA means a further delay in revising the legislation. Our prime farmland and source water regions remain at risk! 

     

    Below is a template letter addressed to the Committee urging its members to finish the job. The e-mail addresses of the Committee MPPs and Chairman are also provided.

     

    Please add your own thoughts/experience/expertise to the letter. Let us know what responses you receive, if any! 

     Write to:

     Bas Balkissoon, Chairman   bbalkissoon.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Donna Cansfield                dcansfield.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rick Bartolucci                   rbartolucci.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Sarah Campbell                 scampbell-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Mike Colle                          mcolle.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Rosario Marchese              rmarchese-qp@ndp.on.ca

    Laurie Scott                        laurie.scott@pc.ola.org

    Todd Smith                         todd.smith@pc.ola.org

    Jeff Yurek                           jeff.yurek@pc.ola.org 

     

     

    To the members of the Standing Committee on General Government: 

       I am writing to urge you to resume the review of the Aggregate Resources Act. This important process was ordered by the government in the fall of 2011 in response to the proposed Highland mega quarry. The application for the largest quarry in Canadian history on the best farmland in Ontario and at the headwaters of five river systems, exposed the many flaws in the outdated ARA. Public hearings were held last spring, yet the job is far from done.

      I understand that the Committee is now focusing on auto insurance and traffic congestion. While these are worthy matters to study, the review of the ARA has not yet been completed. Why would the Committee head off in a new direction when there is vital work to be done on the ARA?

     As you'll recall, the Committee heard from an array of presenters last spring, including many agricultural stakeholders. Several of those who made submissions were individuals who had never before participated in public hearings. They spent a great amount of time researching and writing their presentations. Their speeches outlined the value of agriculture to Ontario, its importance to our economic health and the well-being of our fellow citizens. All of the agricultural stakeholders stressed that prime farmland is at risk under the ARA. Indeed, at the end of the Toronto hearings, a member of the Committee stated "Clearly, there's an urgency to protect prime farmland."

      It is critical that the review of the ARA be completed. Those who participated in the process deserve to have their submissions respected and also reflected in a final report. I urge the Committee to continue its work on the ARA. The interests of a growing number of Ontarians will not be served if the ARA review is further delayed or shelved.

     

    Yours sincerely,

     

  • Update on Feb. 2013 ARA Call to Action

    In a February 2013 Call to Action, we asked supporters to contact their MPP’s to press them for a Food and Water First Policy.   Supporters were also asked to request that the government to reconstitute the Standing Committee on General Government as soon as possible so the review of the ARA will proceed as well as asking the government to ensure the updated PPS reflects the concerns raised by agricultural stakeholders and the general public.

     

    The Ministry of the Environment replied and included this comment:

    "I understand that the Standing Committee on General Government has been re-established, although at this time it is not known whether the Standing Committee will resume its review of the Aggregate Resources Act." 

     

    News that the Standing Committee has been reconstituted is a surprise, as is the statement that it's not known whether the Committee will resume the review of the ARA. It was because of the mega quarry fight that the ARA review was launched. We asked for an open and comprehensive study of the outdated legislation, and the government ordered the review in the fall of 2011. Hearings were held last spring and strong presentations were made by agricultural groups and farmers who argued that prime farmland and source water regions should be exempted from aggregate operations. It would be unacceptable if the review of the ARA were shelved.

      

    We are contacting the Natural Resources Minister, David Orazietti, for clarification. Stay tuned!


     


  • Water Docs March 21 - 24, 2013

    Fitting with our Food and Water First Campaign.

    waterdocs

    Water Docs is a documentary film festival about all things water.

    From March 21-24, 2013 at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, it’s your chance to see both feature and short films about water, and discuss the films with the director or others. Not only does the festival inform and educate about water and water issues, it provides a forum for discussions as well as a channel for action provided by our guest speakers and featured environmental organisations. So, for the love of water, come join us!

    For full details, click here.

  • Carl Cosack to Speak at (MC)2 Meeting - Mar. 9, 2013

                                       (MC)2 - Mono Mulmur Citizens' Coalition - TOWNHALL MEETING

                                        

    Date: March 9, 2013

    Time: 10 AM - Noon (Coffee at 9:30 AM)

    Location: Meeting Hall, across from the Globe Restaurant on Highway 89, Rosemont (map of Rosemont)

     This session will provide members, and all other interested citizens, an update on three key issues impacting our community.

    • Melancthon Quarry: Presented by Carl Cosack, President of NDACT.

    With the Highland Company application to open a mega-quarry having been withdrawn, what are the next steps; and particularly, what needs to happen with the Aggregates Act to prevent future repeats of what happened in Melancthon?

    • Airport Road Quarry Proposal: Presented by Cheryl Russel from CORE.

     Arbour Farms has submitted their proposal to open a quarry on Airport Road in Mulmur. This review will look at the many issues CORE, and others, have raised in its opposition to this proposal, and will address what citizens can do about it.

    • New Dufferin County Waste Disposal System. Presented by Ed Kroeker, Environmental Engineer and member of the County Committee overseeing the new system. Ed has detailed information about the problems with a system which has resulted in higher costs and taxes for Mono and Mulmur, and lower costs/taxes for Orangeville and Shelburne. How have our Townships subsidized tax reductions for the large communities of Dufferin, and why did that happen?

    The meeting will include plenty of time for questions and answers about each of these issues.

                         ALL ARE WELCOME. BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS!

    If you need more information, email: info@monomulmur.com

  • Call to Action: Food & Water First

    FOOD AND WATER FIRST: CALL TO ACTION!

     Now that our MPPs are back to work at Queen's Park, it's time to press them for a Food and Water First policy.

    The fight to stop the Highland mega quarry shone a spotlight on the lack of protection for Ontario's prime farmland and source water regions under the Aggregate Resources Act. The review of the ARA has been stuck in limbo since last summer and has yet to resume. As well, the Liberals have said they plan to re-introduce a Local Food Act which we believe should contain protection for the farmland and water that sustain our local food and thriving agri-food sector. 

     Below is a template letter addressed to Premier Kathleen Wynne and 10 members of her cabinet. Please feel free to add your own thoughts, experiences and expertise.

    In order to send an e-mail to the Premier you must do so at this link. Simply copy your letter into the space provided and fill out the necessary boxes.

     You can copy the e-mail addresses for the Cabinet ministers into a single e-mail or send the letter to them individually. Let them know about Food and Water First! 

    Jeff Leal, Minister of Rural Affairs: jleal.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

    Charles Sousa, Finance Minister: csousa.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Linda Jeffrey, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister: ljeffrey.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Jim Bradley, Environment Minister: jbradley.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    David Orazietti, Natural Resources Minister: dorazietti.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Eric Hoskins, Economic Development, Trade & Employment: ehoskins.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Glen Murray, Transportation & Infrastructure Minister: gmurray.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier: dmatthews.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Ted McMeekin, Community & Social Services Minister: tmcmeekin.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    Michael Chan, Tourism Minister: mchan.mpp@liberal.ola.org

    To Premier Wynne and members of the Liberal cabinet:

       Congratulations on your appointments and the resumption of the Ontario Legislature. While you are extremely busy with your new portfolios, I'm writing to urge you to address an issue that is a growing concern for thousands of Ontarians: the protection of our prime farmland and source water regions. I strongly believe we need a Food and Water First policy to ensure these strategic and perpetual resources are preserved for the benefit of our economy and food sustainability.

       As you are aware, the Highland Companies withdrew its application for a controversial mega quarry north of Shelburne in November. The mega quarry was to be the largest in Canada, on the best agricultural land in the country and at the headwaters of five river systems. A diverse grassroots movement fought the mega quarry for 18 months, arguing that the rarest farmland in the province and water for up to one million people downstream should be protected. Your government wisely ordered an unprecedented Environmental Assessment for the application and a review of the outdated Aggregate Resources Act. It was clear the mega quarry fight had exposed the many flaws in current legislation, including the lack of protection for prime farmland and source water regions. Last spring, several agricultural stakeholders made detailed presentations before the Standing Committee on General Government studying the ARA. They also participated in the review of the Provincial Policy Statement in the fall. I am asking you to reconstitute the Standing Committee on General Government as soon as possible so the review of the ARA will proceed. I am also asking you to ensure the updated PPS reflects the concerns raised by agricultural stakeholders and the general public.

       You have also stated the Local Food Act will be introduced. This piece of legislation must include protection for prime farmland. Ontarians cannot enjoy the benefits of local food if local prime farmland continues to disappear. For too many years our agricultural land and its bounty have been taken for granted. A mere .5 percent of Canada is comprised of Class 1 farmland and more than half of it is in southern Ontario. According to the Ontario Farmland Trust, our farmland is a strategic resource and the single most important agricultural resource in the country. Ontario's agri-food sector is the largest in Canada, contributing $33-billion to the provincial economy every year and employing nearly 700-thousand people. Yet, the land that sustains this vital sector is not protected and is lost at an annual rate of 51,000 hectares or 127,000 acres to non-farm development. Ontario Farmland Trust estimates the province could lose food self-sufficiency within 25 years. This must not happen. 

     Given the importance of Ontario's prime farmland and water resources to our economy and food security, it's time for a Food and Water First policy. The grassroots movement that stopped the mega quarry will be working towards this goal. I hope your government will support our efforts and help us create this lasting legacy. 

     Warm regards,

  • Faisal Moola & Carl Cosack Speak at AWARE Meeting - Mar. 23, 2013

    aware-logo






    Date: Saturday March 23, 2013

    Time: 9:30 AM - Noon

    Location: St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2940 10th Sideroad, Bradford, ON.

    Faisal Moola of the David Suzuki Foundation and Carl Cosack of NDACT, will to provide their perspectives on the need to control growth and protect water and farmland. Cosack will talk about NDACT's Food and Water First campaign, which dovetails perfectly with the vision AWARE Simcoe is working on, while Moola will tell us about the recent DSF study of the GTA whitebelt, and the need to protect 94,000 hectares of farmland, fields and forests.

    For carpooling to Bradford, call the following numbers: From the north – 705-526-9883, from the east 705-329-3628, from the west – 705-466-2000

    For full details, please go to AWARE Simcoe website at: http://www.aware-simcoe.ca/meetings/meetings/3523-vision.html

  • Dale Rutledge - First NDACT Chair Receives Queen's Jubilee Medal

    Tilson Presents 30 diamond Jubilee Medals

    November 16, 2012

    rutledge-queens-jubliee-thumb

    Click on photo for enlarged view.

     

     

    CALEDON – Member of Parliament David Tilson presented thirty residents of Dufferin-Caledon with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal during a ceremony in Caledon East Thursday evening. The Diamond Jubilee medal program is a legacy activity that honours Her Majesty and recognizes the service of Canadians from all walks of life and backgrounds who have made significant contributions to their communities.  At the commencement of the presentation ceremony, Mr. Tilson said "It gives me great pleasure to honour the 60 year reign of a Sovereign who has dedicated her life to the service of others and who has demonstrated pride and affection for Canada. The thirty citizens honoured here tonight have certainly made outstanding contributions to their communities and their country!"

    Dale is at the very top of the stairs, on the left, against the railing.

    Congratulations Dale!

     

    Dale Rutledge

    Dale is a Melancthon potato farmer, past president of the North Dufferin Agricultural Taskforce. Community activist fighting to preserve the non-renewable resources of North Dufferin – including the headwaters and prime agricultural farmland.

    To read more and see complete list of recipients, click here.

    Posted on the website of David Tilson MP - Dufferin-Caledon

    http://davidtilson.ca/media/press-release/tilson-presents-30-diamond-jubilee-medals

  • NDACT General Meeting & Celebration - Feb.16, 2013

    shields-artwork-web1

    Taters not Craters


    Join us in Honeywood as we recap the past year of our campaign to stop the Highland mega quarry and our vision going forward. Then, get ready to dance as we celebrate our recent success with a party and live music! 

    Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013

    Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM, local food showcase starts at 6:30 PM

    Where: North Dufferin Community Centre (Honeywood Arena), 706114 County Rd. 21, Honeywood, ON L0N 1H0

    What:

    • 6:00 Doors Open

    • 6:30 Local food showcase

      Philip Patrick - Executive chef at the Ridge at Manitou Golf Club

      Caesar Guinto & Samuel Holwell - Creemore Kitchen

      Shawn Adler - The Flying Chestnut & The Flying Spatula

      Gareth & Julie Carter - Men With Knives

    • 7:00 Meeting / Message from NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack

    Speakers:

    Prof. Rene Van Acker (U of Guelph)

    Dale Goldhawk (Goldhawk Fights Back - Zoomer Radio)

    Brad Giffen – CTV National News Host

    Mark Calzavara – Council of Canadians

    Dr. Faisal Moola – Suzuki Foundation

    • 7:45 Party starts - Square Dancing with Gary Heaslip & Band

     

    • 8:30 main Stage Show until midnight

    Artists include:

    Jeremy Taggart www.ourladypeace.com

    Emm Gryner www.emmgryner.com

    Gary Heaslip and Band

    Harlan Pepper www.harlanpepper.ca


    Questions? Contact:  info@ndact.com

  • Community Theatre Song Writing Workshop - Sat. Oct. 27, 2012

    Digging Deep for stories, songs, designs and dances.

    Come and have your say about the proposed mega-quarry, pro & con & undecided.

    All interested individuals & groups are welcome to get involved.

     

    dig-deep-webA free workshop series.

    The first phase in co-creating a community play about the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry.


    Song Writing Workshop:

    Sat. Oct. 27

    1:30-3:30

    Write a song about the proposed mega-quarry with professional songwriter James Gordon, at the Honeywood Schoolhouse. No experience necessary. No need to pre-register. More about James: http://www.jamesgordon.ca

     

    For more about the community play, click here.

  • NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack Speaks with Law Students - Nov. 21, 2012

    osgoodehalltorontoOsgoode Hall's Environmental Law Society Presents:

    A Talk with Carl Cosack

    Carl Speaks with the Environmental Law Students at Osgoode Hall

    When: Wed. Nov. 21, 2012

    Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

    Where: Room 1003, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. W.,Toronto

    Click here to see poster. (1.01 MB)

     

    Photo Credit: http://www.osgoodehall.com/
  • Community Theatre Visual Arts Workshop - Sat. Nov. 24, 2012

    Digging Deep for designs.

    This workshop will proceed as planned.

    Come and have your say about the proposed mega-quarry, pro & con & undecided.

    All interested individuals & groups are welcome to get involved.

     

    dig-deep-webA free workshop series.

    This is the last workshop, of the first phase in co-creating a community play, about the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry.


    Visual Arts Workshop:

    Date: Sat. Nov. 24

    Time: 1:30-3:30

    Location: Honeywood United Church (basement) on 2nd Line West, just north or CR 21.


    Create paintings and drawings about the proposed mega-quarry with local visual artists Sandi Wong and Nikki Cosack, at the Honeywood Church. All ages (kids & adults) welcome. No experience necessary. Pre-register, by emailing dale@hsfx.ca if possible, or just show up. For more about Sandi: www.sandiwongartist.com

     For more about the community play, click here.

    121123 echo pg3

  • Community Theatre Dance / Movement Workshop - Sat. Nov. 10, 2012

    Digging Deep for stories, songs, designs and dances.

    Come and have your say about the proposed mega-quarry, pro & con & undecided.

    All interested individuals & groups are welcome to get involved.

     PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE

    dig-deep-webA free workshop series.

    The first phase in co-creating a community play about the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry.

     

    Dance/Movement Workshops:

    Sat. Nov.10

    Times: 10:00 to 11:30 children 4 to 11yrs

     1:00 to 3:00 youth 12yrs and up & adults


    potluck lunch if you would like to stay 11:45 to 12:45

    Create dance/movement pieces about the mega-quarry with local dancer/choreographers Ayrlie MacEachern & Sarah Felschow, at Clearview Canyon Studio (Singhampton). No experience necessary. Please pre-register by calling Ayrlie at 705-444-0550 or  mayrlie@hotmail.com  For more info: http://www.motuso.com and http://www.nianow.com/ayrlie-maceachern

    DIRECTIONS to 
    CLEARVIEW CANYON STUDIO  
    Singhampton, Ontario
    For those coming from Creemore:
    • go through Glen Huron to County Rd.124
    • County Rd.124 south
    • when you approach Singhampton there is a 50 sign.
    • turn left at the 50 sign on Milltown Road.
    • take your next left on Ewing Road
    • take your next left on Nottawasaga Sideroad 17/18
    • our place is on the left - 9172 emergency number
    • approx. 15 min.

    For those coming from Collingwood:
    • County Rd. 124 south
    • when you approach Singhampton there is a 50 sign.
    • turn left at the 50 sign on Milltown Road.
    • take your next left on Ewing Road
    • take your next left on Nottawasaga Sideroad 17/18
    • our place is on the left - 9172 emergency number
    • approx. 20 min.

    For those coming from Shelburne:
    • County Rd. 124 north

    • when you approach Singhampton there is an Ultamar gas station
    • at the next gas station XTR/liquor store turn right on Milltown Road.
    • take a right on Ewing Road - which is just after a tight bend to the left
    • take your next left on Nottawasaga Sideroad 17/18
    • our place is on the left - 9172 emergency number
    • approx. 25 min.


    Phone Number 705-444-0550 Ayrlie


    For more about the community play, click here.

     

  • Community Theatre Story Gathering Workshop Sat. - Nov. 3, 2012

    Digging Deep for stories, songs, designs and dances.

    Come and have your say about the proposed mega-quarry, pro & con & undecided.

    All interested individuals & groups are welcome to get involved.


    dale-hamilton-thA free workshop series.

    The first phase in co-creating a community play about the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry.



    Story Gathering Drop-in:

    Sat. Nov. 3

    10am-5pm

    Drop in any time between 10 and 5. Free refreshments. Bring your stories and photos about local history and your thoughts about the proposed mega-quarry (pro & con & undecided), with professional playwright Dale Hamilton, at the Honeywood Schoolhouse. More about Dale and community-engaged theatre: www.communityengagedtheatre.ca

     

    For more about the community play, click here.

    Also see the article from the "Orangeville Citizen".

  • Reminder: Soupstock - this coming Sunday

    A reminder about Soupstock:

    When : This coming Sunday  - October 21

    soupstock-1The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

    Where:  Woodbine Park , Toronto (Queen St. E. & Coxwell area)

    Presented by: The Canadian Chefs’ Council and the David Suzuki Foundation

    WHAT DOES IT COST?

    The event is free admission, so all are welcome.

    Tickets will be sold for soup at a price of $10 for 3 servings.

    WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

    Please bring your own bowls, spoons and napkins.

     

    All proceeds from Soupstock will go to the Canadian Chefs’ Congress and David Suzuki Foundation. They will be used to continue building a community of support for stopping the controversial Mega-Quarry and for other environmental and food-related issues.

    NDACT will have 2 booths in the "Friends of Soupstock" section. Drop in to see us! We will have brochures and merchandise including our new Bumper Stickers and Save Life hoodies.

     The "Friends of Soupstock" section, is the "Star" section of the map, at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Coxwell Avenue.

    Click here for the site map.

    Come and enjoy soup from over 200 chefs and live performances. George Stroumboulopoulos and Jeremy Taggart will be the Masters of Ceremonies.

    Come and visit us! We hope to see you there.

    Don’t forget your bowl, spoon and napkin!

    For full details, please go to:http://www.soupstock.ca/?page_id=12

  • Artists Against the Mega Quarry - in Celebration of Soupstock - Oct 18 - 22/12

    Celebrate the Land that Feeds Us

    artists-logoArt Show and Saleartists.10.12

    In Celebration of Soupstock

    When: Thursday, October 18 - Monday October 22, 2012

    Opening Reception: Thursday, October 18 7:00PM - 9:00PM

    Where: Essentia, 2180 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON (in the Beach)


    soupstock-webArtists and Chefs unite to stop the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry north of Toronto!

     

    On Sunday, October 21st, the Canadian Chefs Congress and David Suzuki Foundation will host
    Soupstock at Woodbine Park, Toronto - a culinary celebration of the land that feeds us.


    Artists against the MegaQuarry will showcase the beauty of the fields, rivers and forests at risk, with proceeds going to the campaign to stop the proposed Mega Quarry.


    Time: Store hours T/F 10am- 9pm S/S 10-5pm
    Reception speakers:

    • Carl Cosack, Chair of NDACT
    • Faisal Moola of the David Suzuki Foundation
    •  NDP MP Matthew Kellway

    For poster and full details click here.

  • OCADU Mega Quarry Posters on Display - For Month of October, 2012

    OCADU (Ontario College of Art & Design University) Mega Quarry Posters

    On Display Beginning October 9 & 11, 2012

    ocad-winners-thumbnail

    At : MP Matthew Kellway's constituency office in the Beach, Toronto

    On display Tuesday October 9, 2012, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

     

     

     

    At: Mildred's Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village, Toronto

    Opening Reception Thursday, October 11, 2012, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    The posters will remain on display, leading up to Soupstock on October 21, 2012

     

    For more details about the posters go to:http://www.ndact.com/index.php/media-stories/media-stories-blogs/414-ocadu-winning-posters

    and http://www.ndact.com/index.php/events/368-design-students-mega-quarry-posters-march-26-april-2-2012-2012

  • Soupstock - Toronto, Oct. 21, 2012

    Presented by: the Canadian Chefs' Council and the David Suzuki Foundation

    soupstock-1Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012

    Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: Woodbine Park, Toronto

    Funds raised will go to the David Suzuki Foundation, to be used to build a community of support for stopping the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry and for other environmental and food-related issues.

    For full details, please go to: http://www.soupstock.ca/

    Please bring your own bowl, spoon and napkin.

    Bowls and spoons will be available for purchase, if you forget to bring your own.

  • Stop the Mega Quarry Walk - Collingwood, Sept. 29, 2012

    Stop the Mega Quarry Walk

    Show Your Support by Your Presence

    Hosted by the Simcoe-Grey NDP Riding Association

    Date: Saturday September 29, 2012

    Where: Collingwood, Ontario

    Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    11:30 AM Gather at Hurontario St. and Hume St., Collingwood

    12:00 PM

    • Meet at MPP Jim Wilson's office for Opening ceremony, located at 50 Hume St.
    • Start walk to Hume St and Highway 26, MP Kellie Leitch's office


    1:00 - 3:00 PM Guest speakers and music

     

    Master of Ceremonies - Ernie Hilts, Provincial delegate for Simcoe-Grey

     

    Confirmed Speakers:

    • thahoketoteh - Mohawk First Nation from Kanekota
    • Carl Cosack - NDACT Chair
    • David Matthews - Past NDP Provincial Candidate for Simcoe-Grey
    • Katy Austin - Past NDP Federal Candidate for Simcoe-Grey
    • Mike Schreiner - past Green Party Provincial Candidate for Simcoe-Grey and leader of the Green party of Ontario

    For full details click here.

    NDACT will have a table there with Information, Signs, Hoodies and Bumper Stickers.

    Mark the date! Please plan to attend.

     


  • Mono's Big Day Out - Sep. 8, 2012

    Date: Saturday September 8, 2012

    Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: Mono Community Centre, Mono Centre (directions)


    Bring your friends and neighbours to celebrate all the best things about life in Mono!

     

    NDACT will have a booth at this event where we will have information, signs and merchandise available.


    Featuring:

    SPECIAL GUEST: Dan Needles telling tales of growing up in Mono at 11 a.m.

    • Local food by local chefs
    • Music by Mono musicians
    • Mono heritage and farm exhibits
    • Mono arts and crafts
    • Mono children's art show and activities
    • Silent auction

    For more information, please go to: http://www.townofmono.com/event_detail.php?et_id=6&e_id=281&body=bodyvisitor&cat_id=1

  • Paddle the Grand to Stop the Mega Quarry - Aug.12, 2012

    banner-660-4

    Paddle the Grand River along Kaufman’s Flats
    to Freeport in Kitchener, Ontario, a 20 km 4 hour scenic route suitable for all skill levels.

    Join us as we highlight the value of Ontario’s fresh water and support the
    campaign to Stop the Mega Quarry! A portion of the proceeds will go to NDACT.

     

    Date: Sunday, August 12, 2012

    Optional Launch Times: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM & 12 Noon

    Length & Difficulty: 4 hours, 20 Km, fit for all skill levels

    Meeting Spot: Canoeing the Grand Headquarters, (at the Freeport Bridge) 3734 King St. East, Kitchener, ON N2P 2G5

     From the meeting point a shuttle will take you to the launch site, where you will canoe with the current back to headquarters.

    Register here to participate: www.canoeingthegrand.com/groupexpeditionStopTheQuarry.htm

     

    You must register to participate in this event. Register by or before event day; participants will not be accepted on date of event if they have not registered online. Please only register if you fully intend to participate in this event. There is a limit of 50 canoes and 20 kayaks, so register soon!

    Expedition Costs:

    $60.00 per Canoe (maximum 2 people)

    $50.00 per Kayak (maximum 1 person)

     

    Expedition Costs include:

    • the boat
    • paddles
    • PFDs (personal flotation devices)
    • shuttle service to the launch site

    Payment is due at check-in on trip day.


    Other Details:

    • pets & snacks allowed
    • absolutely no alcohol
    • expedition will proceed rain or shine
    • bring your cameras or video recorders and make sure to catch your family & friends on film!

    Send a selection of your best pictures to paddletostopthequarry@gmail.com and your photos/videos will be in the event promotion video which will be put together at the end of the summer!

     

    Questions?

    Please direct any of your questions or concerns regarding this event to Sophia Sanniti at srsanniti@gmail.com

     

     

  • Stomp 2012 - Race Results

    stomp-final-logo-thumbnailClick here to view Bike Tour results.

    Click here to view Sportstats Run/Cycle 5K results.

    Click here to view Sportstats Run/Cycle 10K results.

    Click here to view 5K Team Scoring - Best 3 Finishers in Each Team.

    Click here to view Half Marathon results.


    Results are shown on Sportstats website.

    http://www.sportstats.ca/

     

  • Mega Quarry Town Hall - Mon. July 30, 2012

    Date: Monday July 30, 2012

    Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Location: Sorauren Park Fieldhouse, 50 Wabash Avenue, Toronto

    (at the corner of Wabash and Sorauren - click here for map)

    Organized by: MP Peggy Nash

    Featuring Speakers:

    • Carl Cosack from the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Society
    • Sandi Wong from Artists Against the Mega Quarry.

     

     



  • Jim Cuddy & Friends - Sat. Jul 21, 2012

    lyric-pond-2012-thumbIn Solidarity With Our Friends From CORE

    we would like to announce Core's Concert at Lyric Pond

    Date: Saturday July 21, 2012

    Time: 6:00 PM

    Location: 597425 - 2nd Line West, Honeywood (Mulmur Township)

    Featuring:

    • a buffet
    • entertainmemt  lineup includes, Jim Cuddy, Bazil Donavan, Joel Anderson, Anne Lindsay, Colin Cripps, Barney Bentall, Andy Maize & Tim Magwood

    Reserve tickets by email: Norm MacEachern norm@informationpackaging.ca

    For full details and ticket prices, click here or CORE's website link below:

    http://www.corecares.ca/index.htm_/HOME.html 

  • NDACT Merchandise - Hoodies

    Introducing our "Save Life" logo

    on

    Hoodies

     

    hoodies-black-thumbnailThe Bobolink design called "SAVE LIFE"

    designed by 2nd year OCAD student Avarie Graham.

    Avarie Graham is a 20 year old 2nd year student in the Graphic Design program at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. In response to Linda Montgomery’s Drawing Translation class research Project on the Melancthon Mega Quarry, Avarie and her 40 classmates each designed a poster depicting their own personal interpretation of the proposed Mega Quarry. Avarie’s image highlights the threat to the natural environment, as symbolized by the tree, as well to wildlife, shown as the bird and reflective of the Bobolink which inhabits the grasslands of the proposed quarry site. Avarie plans to pursue a career in Creative Advertising and Print Media. Contact Avarie: avariegraham@hotmail.com

    They are available in:

    • black pullover style with the logo on the front
    •  charcoal grey zipper style with logo on the back
    • sizes S - XXL

    These are available through Julie Roy at rjroy@eol.ca

     

  • StoMp the Mega Quarry - July 28, 2012

    stomp-final-logo-thumbnailThis event will celebrate Ontario's Prime Farmland and Fresh Water.
    Raising awareness and funds to directly support the non profit NDACT in its efforts to preserve these most precious resources.

    All levels of walkers, runners and cyclists will experience a scenic, fun and challenging course that features rolling hills and beautiful fertile countryside threatened by the proposed massive Mega Quarry.

     

    Click on poster for full details.

  • NDACT - 4th Annual Golf Tournament - July 5, 2012

    Golf, Dinner & Silent Auction Featuring Bateman Lithograph

    golf-tourn-2012-thumbDate: Thursday, July 5, 2012

    Time: 9:30 AM Registration, 11:00 AM tee off time, 6:00 PM Dinner begins followed by Silent Auction, Awards, Prizes & Draws

    Location: Shelburne Golf Club

    $155 per Golfer includes 18 holes, power cart, dinner & silent auction

    $55 per person includes dinner & silent auction (You don't need to golf to enjoy this event.)

    Click on posters for full details.

    • Hole in One Sponsored by Gimme Shelter - a $25,000 value!

     

    bateman-250wFantastic Silent Auction Items Featuring:

    "Peregrine and Young"

    Robert Bateman Original Lithograph

     

    • Artist Proof 11/23
    • Professionally framed 24" x 27"
    • Suggested retail value of $1,850.00

     

    Click here for Registration and Sponsorship forms.

    Registration form is page 1, Sponsorship form is page 2.

    Contacts:

    • RON & DONNA WILSON 519-925-3645
    • RICK WALLACE 519-925-0661
    • ARCH MCLEAN 416-449-3455
    • ROGER ST. GERMAIN 519-217-2293
    • DICK BYFORD 519-925-5251
    • COLLEEN VANDER ZAAG 519-925-9491
  • Council of Canadians Meeting - June 13, 2012

    Council of Canadians - Simcoe Region Chapter - Meeting

    When: Wednesday June 13, 2012

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Location: Barrie Public Library

    For more information about the Council of Canadians, please go to:

    http://www.canadians.org/index.html

     

  • Ecofest Barrie - June 9 & 10, 2012

    barrie-ecofest-thumbBarrie's 3rd Annual Ecofest

    Times: Sat. June 9, 2012, 10 AM - 10 PM

                                       Sun. June 10, 2012, 10 AM - 5 PM

                                       Location: Heritage Park, Barrie, Ontario

    Ecofest Barrie is a community collaboration that brings together individuals and organizations from many walks of life under the common theme of building a sustainable future. People come together to celebrate nature and share ideas on protecting our planet while creating a healthy, prosperous, inclusive community.

    Visit NDACT in the non-profit tent.

  • ‘En Plein Air’ Paint In - June 30, 2012

      artists-june30-12-thumbSecond Annual

    Artists Against The Mega Quarry

    ‘En Plein Air’ Paint In.  

    In Hornings Mills, ON

    Date: June 30, 2012

    Rain Date: July 1, 2012

    Time: 10 AM - 3 PM

    Location: Wallyngton, 132 Main St., Hornings Mills, ON

    30 Artists painting the land and water at risk

    Click on poster for larger scale poster.

    Free bus tour of the area's land and water at risk- by NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack

    Bring your own picnic. Beverages available for purchase.

    Performances by local tunesmith Ed Roman.

    NDACT information available.

    Free event-donations accepted to support the Campaign to Stop the Mega Quarry

     More details will follow at:  http://www.artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com/

  • The View From Here City Show and Sale - June 1 to July 1, 2012

    artists-tor-show-june2012  The View from Here City Show and Sale

    Artists Against The Mega Quarry 

    Viewing: June 1- July 1 (call 416 924-9654 during the week)

    Reception - Sunday June 10 from 12:30-2:00pm

    Location:The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto,

    175 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto (at Avenue Rd). 

    Click here for directions.

  • Calling on Bird Enthusiasts - NDACT Needs Your Help

    Since, summer is almost here, and bird presence is increasing, we need your help in spotting the bird species that are found in the proposed quarry area.

    Please travel around the quarry application sitebetween now and July 15, 2012 and take inventory of what you see...written down, dated and witnessed.

    We have had some good response from supporters so far but any more sitings would be welcome. We will start posting the sitings soon.

     Please contact info@ndact.com, with your findings.

     

    The reason for this call to action is to identify the diversity that is present in Melancthon, with a focus on the Bobolink and the Barn Swallow, others to join this list. The more species of all ecological life we can identify, the better. It will help to put together a collage of images for presentations to various Ministries and decision makers.

    Thank you for engaging and helping to spread the word.

    Carl Cosack, NDACT Chair

     

    (Please note that by clicking on quarry application site, here and above,  a map of the site area indicating road names is shown.)

     

     

  • ARA - Letters Asking for Traveling Hearings

    Letters to House Leaders encouraging them to allow the ARA hearings to extend across the province.

    Because of privacy issues, we have not posted letters submitted by private individuals.

     

    From Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party, submitted May 16, 2012

    I strongly urge you to grant the SCGG’s request to travel and to seek further public consultation in regard to the ARA review.
    I also encourage you to expand the scope of the ARA review to include policies, legislation and regulations that affect aggregates. Infrastructure investments, land use planning, waste diversion policies, and environmental protections are just a few of the ways in which government policies affect demand for and use of aggregates.

    Read full letter.

     

  • ARA Hearing - Carl Cosack Receives Ovation

    "It was the first time in the 12 hours of hearings that applause broke out after a presentation. It certainly served notice to the MPPs on the committee that the fight to stop the proposed mega quarry is vigorous and vocal."

    D.T.

    The following is Carl's presentation, Day 4 of the ARA Review Hearing, Wednesday May 16, 2012

    (more about the ARA Hearings)

    (notes and government transcripts of Hearings)

     

    NDACT Chair Carl Cosack

    Presentation before the Standing Committee on General Government

    Hearings to review the Aggregate Resources Act

    May 16, 2012

     

    Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Carl Cosack and I am the chair of the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, or NDACT.

     Thank you for giving me the time to speak today and to share our thoughts on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act.

    NDACT was formed three years ago when the larger North Dufferin community learned about the Highland Companies plans for a massive quarry in the potato fields of Melancthon, just 90 minutes northwest of Queen’s Park. We have several hundred members and thousands of supporters actively engaged in the effort to save the land and its water. My comments today will address Agriculture and Water issues only.

    While these hearings are not about the proposed Highland Companies mega quarry, it is because of the mega quarry application that we are here today. The application for the largest quarry in Canadian history in the midst of a 15,000-acre plateau of farmland hashighlighted the ongoing conflict between aggregate and agriculture. This committee has the unique opportunity to bridge those conflicts because really, aggregate operators and agriculture have much in common. We all use aggregate, we all raise children, we all eat food and we all need clean, fresh water. Non-partisan thinking will develop better policies for a better Ontario.

    Representatives from the aggregate industry argue that Ontario must maintain a “close to market” approach when it comes to aggregate. That approach is part of the PPS. The PPS is a policy, not law, and it is within your mandate to improve those policies that are not working for the people of this province. In southern Ontario, “Close to Market” means “too close to prime farmland”, the very land that is extremely rare, highly productive and a major factor in the province’s economy. “Close to market” policy should not be restricted to the aggregate industry.

    Close to market” is equally important to the food producing sector of our economy.

    You already know that a mere point-five percent of Canada is made of up Class 1 agricultural land. This is the finest soil in which to grow our food. Of that point-five percent, more than half of it is right here in southern Ontario. In fact, the farmland at the centre of the mega quarry controversy is Class 1 soil known as Honeywood Silt Loam. It exists nowhere else in Ontario in this contiguous manner.

  • Call to Action - Ask House Leaders to Agree to Traveling Hearings

    Please send this quick e-mail asking for an Aggregate Resources Act Review Roadshow!

    ACTION ITEM: Please contact the following MPPs/staff members and give them a bit of a push. Cut & paste the following:

    The House Leaders have not yet agreed to the Standing Committee on General Government's (SCGG) request to travel in regard to the Aggregate Resource Act (ARA) Review. I am a Resident and Taxpayer of Ontario. I would like to see the SCGG visit communities that are or will be impacted by aggregate operations. I would also like to see the SCGG accept and consider further public input beyond the last scheduled ARA Review hearing tomorrow. Please answer "Yes" to the SCGG's travel request.

    Thank you.

    Send To: gbisson@ndp.on.ca; jmilloy.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org; john.yakabuski@pc.ola.org
    CC: tamara_pomanski@ontla.ola.org; meghan_stenson@ontla.ola.org; dorazietti.mpp@liberal.ola.org; sylvia.jones@pc.ola.org

  • Make Orangeville Shine 2012 - May 5, 2012

    rotarywheelSponsored by Rotary International and Tim Horton's

    Date: May 5, 2012

    Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

    Location: Rotary Park, Orangeville

    NDACT will have a booth at this event.

    For more details, please go to: 

    http://www.orangeville-rotary.easyfocus.com/shine.html

  • No Rural Public Hearings for Aggregate Review - Call to Action

    Aggregate Resources Act Review Begins Monday May 7, 2012

    They don’t mine too much aggregate in Toronto, but that’s where the provincial government’s review of the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) will be exclusively held.

    As a result, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones has expressed her outrage that the Liberal and NDP members of the Standing Committee on General Government reviewing the ARA have opted to set up shop in The Big Smoke, and set aside four days for public participation.

    I’m concerned that municipalities, industry representatives and residents most familiar with aggregates, residing in communities where aggregate extraction occurs, will be left out of the process,” Jones said in a news release. “We have an obligation to hear from the experts and they don’t live in Toronto.”

    Read the entire article.

    Posted in the "Orangeville Banner", May 4, 2012

    Hearing dates: May 7, 2012, May 9, 2012, May 14, 2012 & May 16, 2012.

    Agendas for hearing dates.

    Why the rush? Not much warning and little time allowed for public participation.

  • Protect Source Water - We Need Your Help

    In Solidarity with Wellington Water Watchers, We Need Your Help

    Wellington Water Watchers is a volunteer organization which has been working steadily for 5 years now on protecting source water.

    Nestlé & Hillsburgh water – What’s Up?

    hillsburgh-landfillNestlé Waters Canada is currently asking the province of Ontario for a 10-year extension to its existing 5-year permit to take up to 1.1 million litres of water per day from its rural Hillsburgh farm property.

    • This water is trucked 24/7 in 38,000-litre tankers along our sideroads and highways to Nestlé’s Aberfoyle bottling plant, 50 kilometres away.
    • It’s subsequently ozonated and injected into hundreds of millions of plastic bottles made from oil and trucked long distances to distribution centres and final markets.
    • At least half the empty bottles – tens of millions each year from the Hillsburgh permit alone - end up in our landfills and incinerators, or as litter.
    • Bottled water is several hundred times more expensive than tap water.
    • Nestlé pays the Ministry of Environment (MOE) $3.71 per million litres.

     

    Nestlé gets Hillsburgh water at an absurdly low price from the province. The Town of Erin receives an annual grant from Nestlé - but it’s pocket change from the world’s largest food and beverage corporation. They get 24/7 truck noise, road wear-and-tear, toxic diesel fumes, and lower property values along the route. All Ontarians get too many tonnes of plastic garbage, and the world gets a lot more of what it least needs – climate-changing carbon emissions.

     

    Ontario's water-taking permit process is deeply flawed

    Wellington Water Watchers and the Council of Canadians have submitted a Request for Review to the Ministry of Environment challenging them to honour their own Statement of Environmental Values as they relate to bottled water permits.

    Short Points

    Wellington Water Watchers opposes this application because:

    • The amount of groundwater in our Grand River watershed is not known. Allowing large-volume water taking is like writing blank cheques on a bank account with an unknown balance.
    • Water is too valuable a resource to be given away – and that’s virtually what our province does by charging Nestlé and others a mere $3.71 for every million litres taken.
    • In 2010, Nestlé paid just $2,238 for over 600 million litres of water taken from Mill Creek in Aberfoyle. This works out to about .0000004 cents per litre, a far cry from the true value of such a priceless resource.
    • Environmental harm being done. The millions of litres taken weekly are put into single-use, disposable plastic bottles. The industry claims 60% of these bottles are recycled but that still means hundreds of millions every year become litter, or trash in our landfills. WWW (Wellington Water Watchers) call this a permit to pollute.
    • There are no water conservation measures built into this renewal permit. The volume of water taken should be decreased annually to encourage water conservation. This is one of the principles of Ontario’s new Water Opportunities Act.
    • The applicant has asked for an unprecedented 10-year water-taking permit. Yet WWW have no idea how drought or climate change will affect Guelph’s water supply in years to come. At most, any new permit should be issued for three years or less.
    • Much of the water when bottled leaves the Grand River watershed. Justice Dennis O’Connor’s report on the Walkerton tragedy recommended that water be managed on a watershed basis. Nestlé and others should be required to use glass, deposit-bearing bottles that are sold only within the Grand River watershed.

    See full details.

    How Can You Help Protect Source Water?

    Submit your objections within 30 days (up until May 20, 2012) to the Ontario Minister of the Environment. See Nestle EBR submission.

    Copy and past form and points of objection and instructions for online and offline submissions can be found at: http://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/home/the-issues/hillsburgh/

    Deadline for comments is May 20, 2012


  • Georgian Bay Food Alliance Dinner - April 24, 2012

    FOOD & WATER      

    The Georgian Bay Food Alliance (GBFA)*
    Invites you to a community

    PASTA POTLUCK DINNER

    When: Tuesday April 24th at 5:30 p.m.
    Location: All Saints Anglican Church, Church Hall, 32 Elgin Street, Collingwood

    Dinner speaker will be:

     Carl Cosack, Local Honeywood farmer and NDACT Chair

    Inform YOURSELF about Quarry impacts on the local water supply and consequently your Local Food


    For more information and to reserve a seat at the Pasta Pot Luck, please call
    Eva Meriorg – 705-888-5862


    *The Georgian Bay Food Alliance (GBFA) The Georgian Bay Food Alliance is a group of like-minded individuals, professionals and organizations promoting healthy sustainable local food. The GBFA vision is to support a community that values and has access to fresh local food through a vibrant commercial and domestic food system.

  • Summit at York University - April 13, 2012

    "Re-imagining Our Cities: Toward a Comprehensive Strategy for the Urban Economies of Southern Ontario"

    Date: Friday April 13, 2012

    Location: York University, Toronto, Ontario

    NDACT will be present at this summit

  • Anniversary of The Great Walk to Stop the Quarry - April 29, 2012

    danny-beaton-thumbnail

    Danny Beaton: Honour and Protect Mother Earth

    Celebrate life, justice, earth, air, fire, water

    Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Time: 1:30 PM

    Where: First Unitarian Congregation of Ontario, 175 St Clair Ave West (at Avenue Road). For directions, please go to: http://firstunitariantoronto.org/thinking-of-visiting-us/getting-here

     

    TICKETS $15 (sliding scale available) EVERYONE WELCOME

    Limited seating - Get your tickets early

    Learn about environmental protection through a North American Native Perspective. Get your "Stop the Mega-Quarry” signs & buttons, and NDACT membership.

    Sponsored by First Unitarian Green Team & Toronto Chapter Council of Canadians

    For more information, please go to: http://firstunitariantoronto.org/social-justice/green-team/328-danny-beaton-talk-20120429

  • Water Docs - "Blue Gold" & "The Mega Quarry Film" - April 5, 2012

    wat.doc-apr-thumbby Jason van Bruggen

    April 5, 2012 at 7 PM 

    Jason & NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack, will be present to discuss the film.

    Blue Gold: World Water Wars film poster

    Location: Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 2nd floor, 765 Queen St. E. at Saulter St. (2 blocks east of Broadview Ave., Toronto)

     

  • Kazoofest - Esther Grey & Bry Webb - April 15, 2012

    Kazoo! & Cassettestival present:

    kazoofest-thumbBreakfast Show!

    Date: Sunday April 15, 2012

    Time: Breakfast starts at 10:00 AM

    Esther Grey 11:00 AM

    Bry Webb & TheProviders 12:00 PM

    Location: Ed Video Gallery (40 Baker St), Guelph, ON

    All Ages Family friendly event $10/PWYC

    Kazoo! is a Guelph based non-profit artist run organization interested in creating a fun and exciting space for live music and art in our community. Kazoo! festival is a five day arts festival happening April 11-15th 2012 in the heart of downtown Guelph.

    Proceeds from this show will go to support NDACT.

    For more information, go to:

    http://www.kazookazoo.ca/?page_id=1712

  • Turning Inspiration into Action - April 17, 2012

    A Unified Network for Positive Change -

    The Inner Garden Presents, Julia Butterfly Hill

    Date: Tuesday April 17, 2012

    Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

    Location: OISE at University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto

    Click here for full details.

    Click here for "The Inner Garden" events.

  • "The View From Here" Art Show - April 22, 2012


    aam-apr-22-12-thumbWhen: Sunday, April 22, 2012

    Time: 11AM - 5 PM

    Location: Honeywood Arena, 706114 County Rd. 21, Honeywood

    Featuring the work of more than 40 artists. All proceeds go to the campaign to stop the Mega Quarry.

    For full details, please go to their website.

    Click on the poster for an enlarged view of the poster with event details.

  • Melancthon's Proposed Official Plan - NDACT's Position

    In our call to action, we asked people to submit their comments about the proposal for Melancthon's Official Plan, to the Township. Thank you to all that took the time to do so. It is greatly appreciated.

    Our position is stated in the letter by Planscape, NDACT's Planner. Click here to view letter.

    To view the original "call to action" with details and a link to Melancthon's proposal, click here.

  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Act - Call to Action

    Habitat Protection and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

    Harper Government to Eliminate Habitat Protection Provisions in the Canada Fisheries Act.

    To date the Harper government has shown little regard for the protection of the environment and over the past few years has supervised the almost total elimination of enforcement of the habitat protection and the pollution provisions of the Canada Fisheries Act (Sections 35 and 36 respectively).

    During the Cohen Inquiry in 2011 data was presented to show that pollution and habitat violation investigations have been greatly reduced and convictions of violations in BC and indeed throughout Canada is now almost non-existent.

    The Fisheries Act of Canada was put in place in 1868 and is one of the oldest and most tested pieces of environmental legislation in the world. In 1975 many people worked hard to get a proper section added to the Act to protect fish habitat in Canada.

    Section 35 (habitat protection) was passed by Parliament in 1976 and has been extensively used across Canada over the past 36 years. In B.C., the Federal and BC governments largely quit enforcing the pollution and habitat sections of the Act in favor of allowing industry to self govern their own environmental project’s ‘needs’ and monitor their own self compliance. This has proven to be a disaster wherever it has been attempted elsewhere in the World.

     

    Click here to view the Important Form Letter Against Dismantling of The CEAA.

  • Call to Action - Comments on Melancthon's Official Plan by March 29, 2012

    Township of Melancthon, Official Plan Review

    NDACT  - Call to Action 

    Melancthon taxpayers

    Call to Action  - We need your help and participation with the Review of the Melancthon Official Plan.  Please support us and consider your future

    The proposed new Township of Melancthon Official Plan has been prepared and you have until March 29th to submit written comments to affect change.  Even if you cannot make a submission by this date please let the Township know what you think as soon as you can.

  • Graphic Design Students' Mega Quarry Posters on Display - March 26 - April 2, 2012

    “Mega Quarry Posters” by 1st Year OCADU Graphic Design Students

    oca-poster-thumb Opening Reception Wednesday March 28, 2012

    Opening Reception Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Series of Posters on display from March 26 - April 2

    Location: The Learning Zone - OCAD University, 122 St. Patrick St., Level 1, Toronto

    Wed. Mar. 28: "Artists Against the MegaQuarry" awarded prizes for the top three poster designs, as well as for honourable mentions.

  • Week of March 19, 2012 - Call to Action

    Weekly Call to Action – March 19, 2012

    Welcome to our Weekly Call to Action. 

     

    Our goals for this focused action campaign are:

     

    1. To attract attention through quantity as well as content
    2. To keep the proposed mega quarry on the “front burner”
    3. To keep the quarry licence application process open and transparent by interacting with various levels of government on an ongoing basis.

     

    If you have any suggestions or questions regarding the strategy of this campaign, contact NoMegaQuarry@xplornet.ca.

     

     

    ACTION:  Contact the Prime Minister, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Minister of the Environment and your MP and demand that Canada  strengthen environmental law rather than weaken it.

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) is one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in Canada

    .  Today it is under attack by corporate lobbyists and the federal government who want to "streamline" regulations to better facilitate business opportunities.   

    “The Conservative government is systematically dismantling environmental protection and regulation,” said NDP fisheries critic Fin Donnelly. “By eliminating provisions to protect fish habitat, they can push through their agenda of pipelines, oil super tankers, mega mines and other projects that harm the environment.”

    Template e-mail

    Responses received to date:

    Elizabeth May, NDP

  • Proposed Melancthon Quarry verses Guelph & Toronto - Size Comparison

    hhhh

  • Call to Action - March 2012 - When will Review Begin

    When Will the Review of the Provincial Aggregate Resources Act Begin?

    It has been six months since the Ontario Government committed to undertake a serious review of the Provincial Aggregate Resources Act.  This promise was greeted enthusiastically by Ontarians who recognized some time ago that the Act was severely dated and required a comprehensive overhaul.  For many Ontarians, the Highland Companies application for a 2,300 acre below-the-water table mega quarry on prime agricultural land in the Hills of the Headwaters in Dufferin County readily exposed a variety of very serious flaws in that old legislation.

     

    We call on the Minister to make his intentions known and announce the start of this very important review.

     

    You can reach Ontario Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle at: mgravelle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or http://www.michaelgravelle.onmpp.ca/Contact.aspx or fax at: 416-325-5316

    http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=40 full list of contact information

     sample letter in PDF form

    sample letter in word format

    It is best to write a letter and sign your name, and include your address. Emails to government agencies are not always as effective.

    You may also call his constituency office at 1-888-516-5555.

  • Water Docs - March 22 - April 22, 2012

    Water Docs. An Ecologos film festival focusing on water issues.

    water-doc-logo-thumbnailDates: March 22 - April 22, 2012

    Location: Ralph Thornton Centre, 2nd Floor, 765 Queen St. E., Toronto  (2 blocks east of Broadview Avenue at Saulter Street) http://www.ralphthornton.org/

    April 5, 2012  “Save Our Water” by Jason van Bruggen. Jason & NDACT Chair, Carl Cosack, were present to discuss the film.

    Click on picture for printable poster with details.

    Admission to all films is free.

  • Artists Against the MegaQuarry would like your help

    Artists Against the MegaQuarry would like to create a special segment that focuses on the 31 homesteads that have been destroyed by Highland.
     
    They envision paintings, photo collages, old letters from previous owners -- a visual history of the farms, the families who lived on them and what's been taken from the community since Highland bought the land.
     
    They need photos of the old places -- homes, barns, laneways, families -- anything that can inspire the artists. They will post the images on the Artists Against the MegaQuarry website and put out the call to the artists to submit artwork depicting these lost places so should you submit something, please know that it may be posted in the public realm and reproduced.
     
    Can you help in finding those photos, letters and history about the properties from the past and help tell their stories before they are lost forever.
     
    Before and after photo's would be wonderful.
     
    Please scan and forward what you have electronically to dtranquada@rogers.com or please photocopy and drop off with any NDACT board member who will be sure to get it to Donna Tranquada who is spearheading this great initiative.
     
    If you were an owner or resident of a property that is still standing, but which Highlands now owns, please forward the same things-as these homesteads face the same fate.
     
    Please indicate the name of the homestead/lot and concession as well, which helps in identifying the properties.
     
    Thanks for your help.
  • Artists Against the MegaQuarry - Show & Sale - February 3-4, 2012

    Date: Saturday & Sunday, February 3 - 4, 2012

    Time: Friday Feb. 3, 6:00-9:00 PM evening reception

    :Saturday, Feb. 4, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    artists-feb3.4-thumbnail

    Location:

    Studio 5 - 1362 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON (south of St. Clair)

    Proceeds from the sales of these works will be donated, in half or full to the campaign.

    For more details, please go to: http://www.artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com/

  • NDACT'S Announces New Vice-Chair

    We are pleased to welcome

    drum roll please...

    Brian Bell, as NDACT's Vice Chair

    The Vice Chair position had been vacant since former Vice Chair Shirley Boxem, moved up to fill the Chair position.

    Brian a former NDACT Board member, brings his enthusiasm and knowledge of government policies to his position. Welcome Brian!

     

  • Green Living Show - April 13 - 15, 2012

    When: April 13, 14 & 15, 2012

    green-l-showWhere: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto

    Booth 1815 near the main stage. 

    Click here to download 2 free admission tickets!

    Friday, April 13 from 4 - 5 PM, there will be a Mega Quarry Discussion including NDACT in the Panel discussion.

    For more details about the show, (exhibitors, admission, hours, directions, main stage lineup etc.) Please go to the following link: http://www.greenlivingonline.com/torontoshow/index.html

  • People Power May 29, 2010

    PEOPLE POWER GATHERING
    Saturday May 29, 2010

    p.p.sign-thumbnail-web

    At the Shelburne Fairgrounds
    1:00 PM - 1:00 AM
    Featuring:

    •  Petting farm & pony rides
    • ATV demonstrations
    •  Live entertainment during the afternoon featuring the finest in local talent
    •  Food area
    •  Beer garden
    •  Children’s play area
    •  Horse Trail Ride supporting public trails - Dundalk to Shelburne
    •  Hike from Camilla to Shelburne
    •  Evening concert with top Canadian Country Acts

    For full details click here.

    To view photo gallery click here.

  • Balancing Agriculture & Resource Demands - Feb. 17, 2012

    2012 Farmland Preservation Forum

    Join them in Guelph on Feb 17th for their 2012 Forum on “Balancing Agriculture and Resource Demands in Rural Ontario.”

    Farming. Urban growth. Aggregates. Green energy. Natural heritage.

    How do we effectively balance the use of our land resources while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming?

    NDACT's Chair, Carl Cosack will be one of the speakers at this forum.

    For more information and registration, Please go to: http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/resources/2012-forum

  • December 2011- Call to Action

    Weekly Call to Action:

    Congratulate Mr. Ted McMeekin on his new position as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for Ontario and introduce him to the mega-quarry proposal. Ask for his support in protecting prime farmland.
  • November 27, 2011 - Call to Action

    Weekly Call to Action November 27, 2011

    ACTION:  Send a Letter or e-Mail to Ontario’s Minister of the Environment

    Congratulate Mr. Jim Bradley on his new position and introduce him to the mega-quarry proposal.  Ask for clear and concise guidelines from the MOE in how the public can be engaged in the pending Environmental Assessment.

    Sample letter – print or copy and paste this letter, and adapt to taste

    email: minister.moe@ontario.ca

    Ministry of Environment (ON) Info

  • Sun. November 20, 2011 - Gravel Watch Meeting

    Mega Quarry is on their agenda

    When: Sunday, November 20, 2011

    Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 Noon

    Location: Puslinch Community Center

     

    Mega-quarry proposal in Melancthon.

    a) Huge amount of publicity; much activity

    b) Environmental assessment (EA).

    Click here for more details and directions.

  • Carl Cosack and Michael Stadtlander - Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award Nominees Wed Nov 16

    Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award through the Headwaters Tourism Association

    A Taste of Tourism

    When: Wednesday November 16, 2011

    Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

    Location: Dufferin County Museum and Archives, Northeast corner of Highway 89 & Airport Road,
    Rosemont, ON L0N 1R0

    For award results go to: http://www.ndact.com/index.php/foodstock-2011/266-foodstock-wins-2-tourism-awards

  • NDACT Board Shuffle

    After being Chair of NDACT since its inception in 2009, Dale Rutledge has decided to step down from his position as NDACT Chair and remain on the Board as a member. His resignation was submitted at the November 5, 2011 NDACT Board meeting, indicating that he wished to devote more time to his family and pass the Chair to someone else.

     

    Vice Chair, Carl Cosack was voted in as Board Chair and Rick Wallace was voted in as Vice Chair, replacing Carl's previous position.

  • "An Insignificant Harvey" - Movie and a Beer - Special Screening

    An Insignificant Harvey

    Date: Tuesday November 8, 2011

    Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

    Location: Gayety Theatre, 116 Collingwood St., Suite 201, Collingwood, ON

    There will also be a short film about the proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry, before the main attraction film.

     When Harvey crosses paths with a stray husky his life begins to change.

    Premier Screening: Toronto, Friday, November 14, 2011

    For full list of screening venues, click here.

    NDACT will have an information booth at the Gayety Theatre, Collingwood.

  • Media - Articles, Blogs and Videos About Our Magical Day

    Foodstock draws thousands against mega quarry

    Posted in "BlogTO", Monday, October 17, 2011

    By Emily Burke

    http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2011/10/foodstock_draws_thousands_against_mega_quarry/

  • Mono Mulmur Citizen's Coalition Meeting - Sat. October 22, 2011

    Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon

    Location: Mulmur Township Hall, 758070-2nd Line East, Terra Nova

    Catch up and be informed about several issues:

    • Airport Road Proposed Gravel Pit - presented by CORE
    • Wind Turbines, Mulmur Update - presented by CORE
    • Proposed Melancthon Mega Quarry - presented by NDACT
    • Mulmur Official Plan Update, provincial position & zoning implications - presented by Ron Mills, Mulmur Township Planner

    Presentations will include time for questions and answers.All are welcome.

  • Fifth Annual Picnic at the Brick Works - Sun. October 2, 2011

    Time: 12:00 noon - 4:00 PM

    Location: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto

    Join Brick Works in celebrating the season’s bounty! For the fifth year in a row, they are putting the spotlight on local growers, ranchers, fishers and artisans so gather your friends and family and prepare for the tastiest day of the year.

    NDACT will have a booth set up at this picnic.

    For more information about the event and directions go to: http://ebw.evergreen.ca/picnic/

  • Blessfest 2011 - Newmarket - Sunday, October 2, 2011

    A Blessfest day is a day of fun for animals, animal lovers and pet owners. It is the combination of a fall fair with entertainment, demonstrations and shopping. 

    Free admission!

    Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Location: Fairy Lake Park, Water Street, Newmarket

    NDACT will have a booth at this event

    For directions and more information about Blessfest, go to http://www.blessfest2011.com

  • Foodstock - Sun. October 16, 2011

     FOODSTOCK 2011 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PROPOSED QUARRY LANDS

    foodstock-final-poster-thumbnail-webTime: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Where: Lennox Farms, Black Farms & VanderZaag Farms, 518024 Dufferin County Road 124, Melancthon Township north of Shelburne

    :located on Dufferin County Road 124, north of Shelburne, at the north west corner of Dufferin County Road 124 and Melancthon 20 Sideroad

    : entrance off Melancthon 20 Sideroad - to public parking lot - follow Melancthon 20 Sideroad west and turn at the first right  (going north) onto Melancthon 3rd Line - watch for signs

    : Due to the number of people expected we have 2 parking lots. The south lot is for volunteers and overflow parking (off Melancthon 20 Sideroad) and the north lot (off Melancthon 3rd Line) is for general public parking which is closer to the event area.

    (For location on map, copy and paste "518024 County Road 124, Shelburne, Dufferin County, Ontario" onto Google Map search box)

     

    Main Stage Performances By: Sarah Harmer, Jim Cuddy, Tom Barlow, Cuff the Duke, Hayden, The Loon Choir, Lily Frost, Jose Contreras, Ron Sexsmith; Master of Ceremonies, Dale Goldhawk and more. New addition to musical line up....Tyler, Kevin and Jim from "The Barenaked Ladies"!

    • Over 100 top chefs including Michael Stadtlander, Jamie Kennedy, Anthony Walsh and more.


    Join Chef Michael Stadtlander and 100 of the best chefs from across Canada for an outdoor,
    pay-what-you can, public food event in support of the movement to Stop The Mega
    Quarry. All funds raised will go to fighting the mega quarry. Each chef will prepare
    one item, celebrating the local bounty and will be encouraging Ontarian's to stand up
    and have their voice heard by the government. Everyone is welcome.

    For Foodstock site map & entertainment line up, click on  SITE MAP.

    Pre-registration is not necessary. Just show up. Please come and enjoy!

    See also the YouTube presentation by The Canadian Chefs' Congress: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpHxCG5owWk

    • Bring your own chair, cutlery, plates and cups

    • Please do not bring any animals, pets, other than service animals, as insurance for this event does not permit pets.

    • Alcohol free

    • Smoking in designated area only please

    • Rain or shine, dress appropriately as everything is outside

    • WEAR COUNTRY APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR

    ____________________________

    BUSES To Foodstock and Return

    Collingwood

    A bus has been rented to bring people from Collingwood, Ontario to Foodstock and Return

    Please contact Joslyn Biggins at 705-445-2950

     

    Flesherton

    Time: Departs 10:30 AM

    Departs from:  Flesherton Legion Parking Lot, Elizabeth St.

    Bus Leaves Foodstock at: 4:00 PM

    Contact: Call 519-924-0316, 519-377-7965 or 519-924-0858


    Guelph

    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167799386628287

    Time: 10:00 AM - 4 PM

    For more information click on the link above.


    Hamilton


    Click above link for more information.

    Toronto

    Arranged by Slow Food Toronto

    For more information click on: http://guestlistapp.com/events/71778

    Arranged by ElectriCITY

    For more information click on: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272927569398365

    ..............................

     

     Click here to volunteer for Foodstock

    Click here to be a sponsor for Foodstock 

     

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FOODSTOCK-

    Jobs may include parking control,
    traffic control, runners between chefs, messengers, staffing information booths, chefs
    assistants, trouble shooting, selling signs, etc. etc.


    VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE


    Wednesday October 12, Thursday October 13, Friday October 14 at Lennox Farms
    between 4 and 7 pm to do setup for Foodstock


    Saturday October 15, at Lennox Farms anytime through the day to do setup for
    Foodstock


    SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 at Lennox Farms 7:30 am to 10 p.m. SHOW TIME so please
    show up to volunteer.
    PLEASE RSVP to davidwaters@remax.net OR dbaylis@xplornet.ca with your firm
    commitment on dates and times.



  • Peaceful Anti Mega Quarry Demonstration - Sat. October 1, 2011

    Time: 3:00 PM

    Location: Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey's campaign office:2250 Bovaird Drive East, units #109/110, Brampton (beside the Hearing Aid Clinic)

    Purpose: To express our opposition to the proposed quarry which would destroy 2300 acres of prime farm land and threaten the water relied upon by ONE MILLION CANADIANS.

    Peaceful Anti Mega Quarry Demonstration

    Organized by the: Brampton Greens

    For further information click here.

     

  • Artists Against the Mega Quarry, October 1 & 2, 2011

    Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    artists-against-quarry-1st-show-web  Location: Studio on Dragon's Back, 597494 - 2nd Line West, Mulmur Township (Honeywood area)

    Contact: 519-925-1323

    In a follow -up to the "Paint In" this past July, where area artists gathered in Mulmur to Paint the Beauty of the Hills at Risk, Honeywood.

    Studio on Dragon's Back is part of the North of 89 Open Studio Tour -
    Works from many local artists including: Bryan Davies, Glen Conley, Inese Bite, Peter Adams, Laurie Foote, Brenda Dekker,  Arnold deGraff, Donna Tranquada, Sandi Wong, Martha Bull, Mary Lazier and many more...


    Proceeds from the sale of works will go to support the Opposition to the Mega Quarry through NDACT."

    For more information and a map, of North of 89 Tour, click here.

  • 'Mega-Quarry' protestors gather at Queens Park

    CBC's coverage of the Friday gathering at Queens Park, September 30, 2011

     

     

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/09/30/quarry-protest.html#.ToaVTV_3-h8.twitter

  • What Role Should Aggregate Recycling Play in Ontario? - October 27, 2011

    When: Thursday, October. 27, 2011

    Time: 7:30 - 10:00 AM

    Location: Cassie Campbell Community Centre, 1050 Sandalwood Parkway W., Brampton, ON

  • Signatures for Federal Petition Still Needed

  • Quarry Protest Friday

    http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/1136224--quarry-protest-friday

    Posted in "The Barrie Advance" and "Simcoe.com"

    September 29, 2011 by Staff Reporter

  • Televised Leadership Debate Tues. September 27, 2011

    Time: 6:30 PM on CBC television and CBC Radio One

    The debate, held at the Canadian Broadcast Centre in downtown Toronto, will be broadcast live on CBC Television and CBC Radio One starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

    The debate will feature leaders of the three major political parties: Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

  • NDACT Speaking Engagement at University of Guelph, September 22, 2011

    Time: 7:00 PM

    Location: University of Guelph, Guelph ON, Thornborough Room, Room 1200

    The topic is The Highland Companies quarry proposal.

  • Great Northern Exhibition - Collingwood, Sept. 23 - 25, 2011

    Location: GNE Fairgrounds

    NDACT will have a booth set up at this Collingwood Fall Fair

    For more information about the exhibition and location, please go to http://www.greatnorthernex.com

  • "Let Mike Speak" - petition

    Provincial Green Party Leaders have been included in debates in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, but not Ontario.


    If you wish to sign the petition to let Mike Schreiner speak at the televised leaders’debate, go to http://letmikespeak.ca/en/sign and get more details.

     

    NDACT does not endorse any political party.

  • Community Supper - Fri. September 16, 2011

    Lennox Farms is cooking for 50, all are welcome.

    unity-ride-map-webTime: 6:30 PM 

    Location: Peace Valley Ranch, 638135 Prince of Wales Road, Mulmur Township

    Contact: Carl Cosack

    Ranch: 519-925-0152

    Home: 519-925-6628

    cosack@zing-net.ca

  • Unity Ride - SAT. September 17, 2011

    Unity Ride to Stop the Largest Quarry in Canada


    When: Depart Saturday Sept 17th at 10:30 a.m

    Where: Peace Valley Ranch

    638135 Prince of Wales Rd.

    Mulmur Township

  • MOE asks for Environmental Assessment

    Posted in "Indian Country Today Media Network"

    September 7, 2011 by ICTMN Staff

    http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/09/environment-ontario-to-assess-melancthon-quarry-proposal/

  • Rally at Queen's Park - Fri. September 30, 2011

    When: Friday September 30, 2011

    Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM    PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE

    Place: Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario

     

    Stop the Mega Quarry Rally, Making History-Protecting our Future

    We are celebrating how far the Stop the Mega Quarry movement has come over the past six months.

    Broadcaster Dale Goldhawk will act as Master of Ceremonies for the event, welcoming a diverse line-up of speakers: Rancher Carl Cosack, Bernard Pope of the Ontario Farmland Preservation Organization, Brent Preston of the New Farm, Danny Beaton of the Mohawk Turtle Clan, Mark Calzavara of the Council of Canadians, Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow, Toronto chef Donna Dooher and Paul deCampo of Slow Food Toronto. Hobo Wally will also be performing.

  • Dundalk Fall Fair

    September 9-11, 2011   NDACT has a booth at the fall fair in Dundalk, distributing information and garnering support.

  • Orangeville Fall Fair

    September 2-5, 2011   NDACT has a booth to distribute information and solicit support at the fall fair in Orangeville

  • Orangeville Fall Fair - September 2,3 & 4, 2011

    NDACT will have an information booth at the fair

    the following link give details about the fair:  http://www.orangevillefairgrounds.ca

  • Tractor convoy in Melancthon

    "The Council of Canadians" have posted this story on Brent Patterson's Blog

    August 29, 2011  by Melissa Dick

    http://canadians.org/blog/?p=10166#

  • NDACT Press Release August 26, 2011

    August 26, 2011: For immediate release

     Citizens, Environmental Groups and First Nations call for Federal/Provincial Review of Melancthon mega-quarry

    Petitions calling for environmental assessments to be presented to Governments of Ontario and Canada

  • Copper Kettlefest - Sat. August 27, 2011

    Festival in Creemore

    Time: 12:00 noon - 5 PM

    NDACT will have an information booth at this event

  • Join the Tractor Tour - Sun. August 28, 2011

    tractor-event-thumbnailHistory Professor, John Varty wants to draw attention to how food is produced and the struggles faced by farmers. Welcome him to Dufferin County, as he travels from P.E.I. through the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario.

    “My goal is to put farmers on camera and give them a sustainable voice,” said Varty, who adds that there are a number of documentaries being released right now about food, but they don’t go into much detail about the role of farmers and farming.

    Join the convoy to "Stop the Mega Quarry."

     

  • Shelburne Fall Fair - September 16, 17 & 18, 2011

    NDACT will have an information booth at the fair

    This link will give more details about the fair: http://www.shelburnefair.com/Home.html

  • Toronto People's Assembly on Climate Justice - Sat. August 27, 2011

    This is a fun and family friendly event in which the community will gather and be engaged in interactive and creative activities and mini workshops.

    Chris Cosack will have an NDACT information booth at this event to help inform the public about the Mega Quarry proposal.