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December 2012 NDACT Current Times

 

NDACT CURRENT TIMES

December 2012 Newsletter

Happy Holidays

Message From The Chair

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone,

Consider the original NDACT mission statement

xmas-foodandwater1NDACT's mission is to preserve and protect the unique and non-renewable resources of North Dufferin County - including the Headwaters that supply water to hundreds of thousands of Ontarians, our exceptional Prime Agricultural Farmland and the environmental, social, economic and cultural characteristics that have been such an important and vibrant part of our community and its heritage for more than 150 years.

Do you remember where you were when you heard that the Highlands Mega Quarry application was withdrawn? Those that have been campaigning against the quarry sure do – as do those that have supported those efforts over the last 4+ years. The November 21 announcement was a watershed moment in the fight to protect our Food and Water. As the cheers rose and the congratulations came flooding in, we also heard the question “what’s next – if anything – for NDACT?” A lot actually….

The “all party” Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Review Committee has not completed the review process as the legislature is prorogued and we are looking forward to this getting back on track when the government resumes sitting. Too much valuable public input was given during the public hearing process for this now not to be followed through.

As well, the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) must prioritize protection for Prime Farmland and Source Water Regions. We are all committed to ensuring that these changes are put in place. Until then our Food and Water is at risk and the battle is not over.

we have already done the imTogether possible, yet we have two more defined goals to accomplish before our task, protecting Prime Farmland and Source Water Regions for our Children and Grandchildren, is completed. Let’s not put down our guard, enjoy all this special Season has to offer, give many Thanks, and then get back to work on “Food and Water First”.

What’s next?

  1. We are holding a general meeting and celebration on February 16 at the Honeywood community centre – where it all began. Please stay tuned for details on this event. Tickets will be sold at cost. Come out and celebrate with us!

  2. Those of you who have supported us with Stop the Mega Quarry signs will be able to trade them in for “Food and Water First” signs at our sign depots:
    http://www.ndact.com/index.php/how-can-i-help/stop-the-mega-quarry-signs

Or, as an alternative, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail us ( NDACT, Box 15, Honeywood, ON L0N 1H0) your mailing address and we will send one out to you.

  1. Giving thanks. We would not be where we are today without the support and commitment of our MP’s and those MPP’s who actively engaged at Queens Park. We asked for their help and they responded. Please send your thanks to them – sample text will follow below.

Most importantly, we would like to thank each and every one of you. As individuals or as groups, to everyone that displayed a "Stop the Quarry'' sign, purchased memberships, made donations, attended events, wrote letters, spread the news and showed opposition to the application, we truly thank. As a collective group, we have made a difference.

It’s not over and there is still much work to be done. We look for your continued support on this journey, and hope to see you at the event on Feb 16.

Carl Cosack

NDACT Chair

 Call to Action: Thank You Notes! 

    While we continue to savour our victory over the Highland mega quarry, several politicians were supportive of our efforts and we'd like to thank them for their work. We'd like everyone to send a small note of appreciation to the politicians listed below. Here's an example of what you can write! Get to your keyboards and please add your own thoughts!

 Dear_________________,

  As one of the thousands of people involved in the campaign to stop the proposed Highland mega quarry, I would like to thank you for your participation in supporting our endeavours. The decision by Highland and its backer, the Baupost Group, to withdraw its application for the largest quarry in Canadian history came after much hard work by Ontario citizens and your efforts on behalf of the province's concerned residents. I hope you will continue to work with us to develop better land-use policies. We must protect prime farmland and vital water resources while balancing Ontario's need for aggregate. Together we can create a lasting legacy for our province and future generations. 

 Yours sincerely,

__________________________________

Pick one or many and say "Thank You!"

MP Michael Chong - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

MP David Tilson - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MP Matthew Kellway - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MP Peggy Nash - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MP Craig Scott - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MP Elizabeth May - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

MPP Sylvia Jones - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MPP Mike Colle - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MPP Jonah Schein - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MPP Peter Tabuns - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mike Schreiner - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Josh Matlow - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Thank you to Donna T. for initiating this Call to Action

 

UPCOMING EVENTS and NDACT MERCHANDISE UPDATES

NDACT General Meeting and Celebration - February 16, 2013

Mark the date. You won't want to miss it!

Full details to follow at a later time.

 

Community Play About the Grassroots Movement - Fall 2013

This play will be a community engaged project, with the guidance of Everybody's Theatre Company's artistic director and professional playwright Dale Hamilton.

Between October 2012 and September 2013, Everybody's Theatre will focus significant attention on the Townships of Melancthon and Mulmur, basing itself at The Highland Learning Centre (home to the Rural Learning Association) in the village of Honeywood. The staged reading will take place in the fall of 2013.
Event updates will be posted on the NDACT website.

 
 

Save Life Hoodies are Still Available

The Bobolink design called "SAVE LIFE"

designed by 2nd year OCAD student Avarie Graham.hoodies-black-thumbnail

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   
  • Contact: Julie  at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

foodandwater.sign

 

Trade your "Stop the Mega Quarry" Sign for a "Food and Water First" sign.

Click here for more details.

Signs will also be available at our meeting on February 16, 2013.

 
 
 
 

STAY IN TOUCH!

To keep abreast of on going events and media stories please visit www.ndact.com. Encourage your friends to sign up for the NDACT newsletter: http://www.ndact.com/index.php/newsletter-sign-up

Media updates and stories:http://www.ndact.com/index.php/media-stories

Follow us on Twitter:http://twitter.com/nomegaquarry

http://www.facebook.com/no.mega.quarry

http://www.facebook.com/Friends.of.NDACT