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Sunday, July 25, 2004
Reply to "Hard Rocks" letter in 'The Compass' of July 16, 2004

Dear Editor,

As a resident of the 11th Concession East in Flamborough, whose home is adjacent to some of the lands under offer by Mr. David Lowndes, I was interested to read the letter entitled "Hard Rocks" in this week's Compass. I am sure that all of the local residents, numbering several hundred, who are unanimously opposed to the proposal to build a monster aggregate quarry in this beautiful area, would endorse the views expressed by the writers. I was, however, somewhat concerned at the suggestion that opposition would diminish, if the "gravel" could be moved out of the area by rail. In itself, the transportation of aggregate by rail is probably an excellent proposal, if the quarrying operation is in a suitable area. In other words, away from residential development, in a non-environmentally sensitive area, away from provincially designated wetlands, and in a situation where it will not have a severely negative impact on the water table and the water supply to many surrounding areas, i.e. Carlisle, Campbellville, Freelton, Kilbride, Moffat and Mountsberg. The Lowndes Holdings Corp. Quarry fulfills none of these requirements, while there are huge limestone deposits further north which could indeed be accessed and then transported by rail.

Unfortunately the Lowndes Holdings Corp. proposal is not simply to quarry gravel, but to extract amabel dolostone from the site, an operation which would cover five hundred plus acres and involve the construction of an open-face mine that could extend to a depth of one hundred feet or more, scarring the landscape for ever, and descending well below the water table. The blasting and subsequent damage, dust, dirt, disturbance and danger from truck traffic, (estimated to be in the region of one thousand trucks per day) to residents, would affect people over a wide area. Quarrying of this magnitude is a heavy industrial operation and does not belong in an area of outstanding natural beauty, which currently supports much excellent farmland and is also a quiet and peaceful residential habitat for both people and wildlife.

Yours faithfully
Helen Colvin.

Friday, July 23, 2004 - Flamborough Review
Article - "Quarry critics a FORCE to be reckoned with "

Residents in and around Concession 11 E. are digging deep to stop a quarry from destroying the rural serenity of northeast Flamborough. Deep into their pockets, that is. More than 200 people crowded into the recreation hall at Lawson Park last Wednesday to get an update from Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE) on their game plan to stop the quarry. Read the Full Article (132 KB)

Friday, July 23, 2004
July 2004 - Stop The Quarry Newsletter

...The "standing room only" crowd of about 250 demonstrated the level of concern in our neighborhood over this proposal, as did the careful attention paid to the presentations and the many thoughtful questions and comments that came from the floor. Even more telling was the willingness of many of us to support our cause with hard earned dollars--over $20,000 was contributed at the meeting alone .These contributions, together with earlier fund raising by the F.O.R.C.E. steering committee, have put our "war chest" at about half of the $100,000 anticipated cost of the first year of our struggle. This is enough to pay the retainer to our lawyer and to begin the first of the technical studies essential to making our case...Read the complete July 2004 Newsletter.

Thursday, July 22, 2004
Map - Carlisle Wellhead Protection Areas

The City of Hamilton has studies underway to assess the short and long term water problems and requirements for Carlisle. View map of study area

Thursday, July 15, 2004
Wayside Pit on 10th Concession
At the community meeting on July 14th there was some confusion regarding comments about the amount of knowledge that some households had about the development of the 10 Concession Wayside Pit. Please note that the Scott and Marshall households were never notified that the Wayside Pit was going to be developed and were never compensated. Read more about the Wayside Pit on the 10th Concession

Thursday, July 15, 2004
Thank You - Community Meeting was a huge success.

Hundreds of local citizens gathered at Lawson Park last night to share ideas, learn the details, and contribute their time and money to the fight to stop the quarry. Also in attendance was MPP Ted McKeekin, a CHTV news crew, and the local press. The nights message: We are in a for a real fight... We are going to WIN.... We need to continue to work together.

Friday, July 16, 2004
FORCE make formal submission to the Greenbelt Task Force

FORCE makes a formal submission that follows presentation to the Greenbely Task Force made in May. Download the complete submission: FORCE greenbelt.pdf (64 KB)

Tuesday, July 13, 2004
FORCE Chair makes presentation on planning process and Ontario Municipal Board

FORCE Chair makes presentation on planning process and Ontario Municipal Board reform at Ministry of Municipal Affairs Town Hall Meeting on July 13. For complete details read the final presentation at FORCE_MA.pdf (78 KB).

Tuesday, July 13, 2004
FORCE offers initial canvasser training sessions

For those who have volunteered to do neighbourhood canvassing, training sessions have been scheduled for July 20, 21 and 28 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Lawson Park, 11th Concession East. Please e-mail info@stopthequarry.ca for more details and to let us know which session you would like to attend. Sign-up sheets will also be available at the July 14 meeting.

Friday, July 9, 2004
Motion from Councillor McHattie respecting quarrying in Carlisle that asked staff to report back on the compatibility of the proposed quarry on the 11th Concession based on existing planning documents

City of Hamilton Planning and Economic Development Committee approved a motion moved by Councillor Brian McHattie, seconded by Councillor Sam Merulla, on June 22nd that stated: "That staff report back on the compatibility of the proposed aggregate extraction land use north of Carlisle, including, but not limited to impact on the surrounding residential and rural land uses, its impact on currect infrastructure and local roads, and its conformity with existing and proposed municipal and provincial policies." The motion was passed unanimously at Committee and then later by Council.

The motion means that the councillor was asking staff to acknowledge that existing planning documents suggest that the proposed aggregate quarry is not an appropriate use at that location. Read the motion on page 18, #23 (Item 9.1) from the full committee minutes at http://www.hamilton.ca/Clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/Planning-Economic-Development/2004/Jun22/Minutes.pdf

Friday, July 9, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"FORCE expects long quarry battle"

Opponents of a proposed quarry on Flamborough's 11th Concession are digging in for a long fight. To update residents on the progress of the work, a recently-forged committee, Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE), is holding a community meeting Wed. July 14 at 7 p.m. at Lawson Park, Concession 11 E., just east of Centre Rd. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2059869p-2384421c.html.- This article is no longer available

Saturday, July 03, 2004
Community Meeting scheduled at Lawson Park for Wednesday, July 14th at 7:00 PM

FORCE has organized a Community Meeting to be held at Lawson Park (Concession 11 East - just east of Centre Road) on July 14th at 7:00 PM. This will be an opportunity to get a status update, talk to the committee, have your voice heard and get involved. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Read the Meeting Notice.

Thursday, July 01, 2004
Frequently Asked Question re: FORCE
We have added answers to some of the general frequently asked questions regarding the FORCE organization, fundraising etc...

• What is FORCE?
• When did FORCE start?
• Who picked the name?
• Why do we need to incorporate the organization as a not-for-profit corporation?
• Why do we need to fundraise?
• How much money do we need to raise?
• How do I make a financial commitment?
• How do I know that the canvasser is a FORCE representative?
• Since FORCE is a not-for-profit corporation, will we receive a charitable tax receipt for our financial commitments?
• Will we receive receipts for our financial commitments?
• What is being done with the money?
• How do I know that my money is being well managed?
• How do I know that I am not the only person making a financial commitment?
• How will I know what is going on? How can I submit my ideas?

Thursday, July 01, 2004
General Frequently Asked Question re: quarries, pits, and aggregates

We have added answers to some of the general frequently asked questions regarding quarries, pits, aggregates etc.:

• What is aggregate?
• What is aggregate used for?
• What is a pit?
• What is a quarry?
• What is a wayside pit or quarry?
• What are wetlands?
• Why are wetlands important?
• What makes a wetland provincially significant?
• What are Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and why are they important?
• What is a habitat?
• What is a species at risk?
• Are there any threatened or endangered species in this area?

• Water Facts
  Aerial Photos
  

Thursday, July 01, 2004
Frequently Asked Question re: Hamilton and Ontario Planning Processes
We have added answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the planning process in Hamilton and Ontario:

• Lowndes Holdings Corp.
• Current Approved Land Use
• Approvals Required
• Technical Studies
• Timeframe for Approvals
• FAQ - Hamilton and Ontario Planning Processes
  
  
  • Who decides if the proposed quarry application gets approved and what land uses are allowed in a municipality?
  • What is an Official Plan?
  • What is a zoning by-law?
  • What is the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)?
  • What is the Provincial Policy Statement?
  • What is the Provincial Greenbelt Task Force?
  • What land is included in the Greenbelt?
  • What does the Minister's Greenbelt Zoning Order do?
  • What is a Consolidated Hearings Board?
  • What is a Public Liaison Committee or Citizen's Advisory Committee? Will FORCE be participating on the Public Liaison Committee?
  • Should I participate if I am asked by Lowndes Holdings Corp.?
    

Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Councillor McCarthy submitted Balaclava petition to the City Clerk

Councillor McCarthy submitted a petition signed by the students of Balaclava Public School against the proposed quarry on the 11th Concessionto the City Clerk at the Council Meeting on June 30th.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004
FORCE sends out the first official Stop the Quarry Newsletter

Welcome to the first official Stop the Quarry newsletter of Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE). FORCE is your citizen-based advocacy group - established to protect our rural communities and the environment and to stop the limestone quarry proposed by Lowndes Holdings Corp. for the 11th Concession East and Milburough Line. Read the complete June 2004 Newsletter.

Monday, June 21, 2004
FORCE provides input to the City of Hamilton's response to the Provincial Greenbelt Task Force recommendations

This matter is up for consideration by the City of Hamilton's Planning and Economic Development Committee on June 22, at 9:30 a.m. Read the the FORCE letter: FORCE_Rawlings_062104_1.pdf - 473 KB ( Adobe Reader required)

Friday, June 18, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Local boy digs in - Quarry petition"

When 10 year old Colin Hardy heard about a potential quarry in his area, he went to work to stop it. He got to work drawing up a petition that he took to his school for students like him to sign. He emerged two days later with about 250 names. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/2004909p-2320715c.html.- This article is no longer available

Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Sierra Lanes still are proceeding with the anticipated Phase II

Sierra Lanes (2000) Development Inc. and the Directors of Wentworth Condominium Corp 363 (Stonebrook Estates - 12th Concession) - formerly Miracle Mansions and Foxhollow Estates - has stated at their local meeting that they have NOT had any communication with Mr. David Lowndes or any representative of his, regarding the proposed quarry issue (or any other issue for that matter). Sierra Lanes (2000) Development Inc. are proceeding with the anticipated Phase II of their Development.

Friday, June 11, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Residents find friends in quarry fight"

Flamborough residents won't be alone in their battle to stop a potential 380-acre quarry from digging in at the 11th Concession near Milburough Line. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/1988083p-2301679c.html- This article is no longer available

Friday, June 11, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Crowd digs for details at quarry meeting - Blasting could be heard for miles: resident"

An overflow crowd reacted with shock last week when it learned that as many as 1,000 trucks daily could be the result of a potential quarry on Concession 11 E. in Flamborough. Read the full article: Read the Full Article (130 KB)

Friday, June 11, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Concerns flow at water meeting "

Residents attending last Monday's public information meeting at Waterdown District High School welcomed the news that protecting rural groundwater is the goal of a $550,000 study recently wrapped up by the city. Read the full article: Read the Full Article (130 KB)

Thursday, June 10, 2004
Local resident holds prayer meetings

Nancy Stevens is holding prayer group meetings Tuesday mornings at her home from 10am to 11am. She is located at 8159 Milburough Line. Nancy can be reached at MILTONSS@aol.com.

Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Steering Committee Established

The effort to Stop the Quarry established a Steering Committee to organize strategies, fund raising, technical support etc...

Tuesday, June 8, 2004
The following is a letter Margaret McCarthy sent to constituents regarding the proposed 11th Concession quarry

Dear Constituents and Interested Parties:

Here is the latest update with regards to the proposed (though not yet applied for) 380-acre quarry at 11th Concession Road East and Milborough Townline.

As most of you who attended the June 3rd meeting at Carlisle Community Centre know, quarry proponent David Lowndes came in and informed me about his intentions to go forward with an application to the City of Hamilton during my Constituent Day at Flamborough Town Hall on May 13. I quickly called a handful of residents who had made inquiries through my office as to whom was buying up the land and what they intended to do with it. (Early rumours were that the land was purchased to build a golf course.) We all now know that Mr. Lowndes has purchased 380 acres between the 11th and 12th Concession to accommodate this application. The cost to Mr. Lowndes is unknown.

At this point, his company, Lowndes Holdings Corp. was set up shop in the Carriage House at 515 11th Concession Road East with a working phone line, 905-659-5524, and an e-mail address: lowndes@bellnet.ca

As mentioned, I arranged a public meeting to inform the community which took place June 3rd at the Carlisle Community Centre which saw over 300 people in attendance, a number of whom also came in from Milton, which is directly across the street from the proposed quarry. The meeting ran for over two hours with concerns coming from the community. Among the main concerns were these:

• Potential truck traffic of up to 1,000 trucks per day through the community, as well as their deteriorating effects on the road network in north Ward 15.
• Water problems with blasting and the effects that will have on the water table, which could affect a huge tract of land, including the Carlisle area. There are also projections that up to 11 million gallons of water would be taken from the acquifer per day (the amounts of water to be taken have not been confirmed by the applicant yet).
• Noise, pollution, quality of life disruption, depreciation of home values in the area.
• Safety concerns associated with the creation of a new quarry.

Mr. Lowndes' answers to the many questions put to him that evening were not well-received by the residents who attended.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND this proposal is not supported by myself, Ward 15 Councillor Margaret McCarthy, for all of the above reasons and more. Beyond the usual problems one would associate with creating a quarry in a rural residential area, a good portion of the proposal is also in the Environmentally significant lands, according to Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan (April 1998). They are also identified as Provincially Significant Wetlands within the head water of the Bronte Creek, also according to the Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan. Further to that, the designation accorded to this land by the Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan is NOT a mineral Aggregate Area as a prime source of stone aggregate but rather identified with the designate "gravel and stone." The Regional Greenlands Map # 3 also identified this land as a Core Natural Area, meaning it should be preserved.

To that end, I will be asking that our Planning Staff create a report that identifies the many factors on this 380-acre lot that are not amenable to a quarry (environmentally significant lands, provincially significant lands, core natural area), according to the Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan. I am hoping this will extend to the entire North Carlisle area. Further to that, we are hopeful the Provincial Ministry of Environment will follow suit with a similar stand.

As well, a number of Hamilton councillors has indicated to me that they will not support this proposal so I have more than enough votes to stop it at the city level.

We are also having a June 9 meeting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the meeting hall in Lawson's Trailer Park at 322 11th Concession Road East to build community strategies, opposing this proposal. Herb Lawson graciously offered up his property and we thank him for that.

See you at the meeting and stay tuned for an update after that.

Sincerely
Margaret McCarthy
Flamborough Councillor

• Official Website for Ward 15 Flamborough

Friday, June 4, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Quarry critics digging in"

Residents near the 11th Concession came out in numbers to witness the first successful thrust in preventing a potential quarry near the Carlisle neighbourhood. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/1971618p-2282317c.html This article is no longer available

Thursday, June 3, 2004 - Hamilton Spectator Article
"Well water session too technical: residents"

The issue of a proposed Carlisle-area quarry dominated the early part of a public meeting on results of a citywide Hamilton well water protection study. Read the full article

Friday, May 28, 2004 - Flamborough Review Article
"Residents rally against quarry threat "

Residents in east Flamborough near the 11th Concession reacted with shock and anger last week after learning that their quiet rural neighbourhood might be the preferred home of a new quarry. Read the full article: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/1951490p-2259717c.html- This article is no longer available

Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - Hamilton Spectator Article
"Residents want to bury quarry plan; Councillor will try to remove a surprise city bid for exemption of quarries from greenbelt development freeze"

Plans for a 150-hectare quarry are sparking an uproar in an area of horse farms and estate subdivisions in northeastern Flamborough bordering the Town of Milton. Residents say their concern is compounded by a seemingly coincidental, surprise attempt by the City of Hamilton to exempt quarry applications from the provincial greenbelt freeze. Read the full article

Monday, May 24, 2004 - Citizens At City Hall (CATCH)
"Last Minute Report Under Fire "

Residents of Flamborough are outraged by an apparent attempt to begin authorization of a huge quarry operation without any public discussion. The move is buried in a complex motion that appeared at last week's planning committee meeting and was adopted without discussion. The motion is scheduled to be finalized by City Council on Wednesday evening. Read the full article: www.hamiltoncatch.org/articles/art_0405/art_040524.htm