“The only acceptable quarry is no quarry”

Melancthon Against Quarries is building opposition to Strada’s proposed quarry by building a community organization and moving towards a province-wide campaign.

Since forming last August Larry Taman said what began as a small collective of concerned citizens is growing, working towards becoming a more formal organization. Membership includes local residents and people concerned about quarries in general, including those who fought against the mega-quarry in 2012.

“It’s pretty clear that the government needs to feel the heat from across the province in these things, but before that can happen we agree there has to be a vibrant energetic community organization and that’s what we’re trying to build,” said Taman.

While North Dufferin Agriculture and Community Task Force (NDACT) has been working with Strada to ensure local decision making and input into the quarry application, Melancthon Against Quarries’ position is that the only acceptable quarry is no quarry. As part of an agreement, NDACT vowed not to oppose the application until and unless the science shows the quarry could harm the environment.

Strada Aggregates is exploring the possibility of turning a portion of its existing 360-acre sand and gravel pit, in operation since 2004 in the area of 4th Line and County Rd. 17 in Melancthon, into a quarry.

Taman said the key concerns include the destruction of water supply and natural habitat, associated hazards like fly rock and silica dust, and dangers associated with heavy traffic.

“We don’t believe there is any need for this quarry,” said Taman.

A larger concern is building the power and influence of local communities.

“Because its also about our future in a broader sense,” said Taman.

He said during consultation the ministry doesn’t ask anything about the overall impact on the community.

It is a concern that a blast quarry would negate other possible economic development and tourism opportunities.

“We’re concerned that when you put all these issues together you have the likely prospect that it is going to condemn Melancthon to be a mining community for the next couple generations, because people won’t come here to do other things,” said Taman. “I mean nobody’s going to build a resort hotel within a kilometre of a blast quarry, right?”

He said all concerns are compounded by the threat of Bill 5 which would essentially take away the community role.

Melancthon Against Quarries is hosting a “Water for Life” meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 focussing on the potential impacts of the quarry on local water resources, the environment, and community health. All are welcome. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, ask questions, and learn more about how they can get involved.

“I’m hoping that more people will be aware, and we’ll be ready to engage,” said Taman, adding that big aggregate companies have huge resources to apply. “Once the government decides that they’re not going to take an active role in assessing need and compliance and so on, it leaves the community to do all that work. Our feeling is that if we’re going to succeed in this that its going to take a lot of work from a lot of people and we hope to continue to raise awareness and build strong engagement.”

The meeting will be held at Horning’s Mills Community Hall, located at 14 Mill St., Melancthon. For more information, visit juststopit.ca.

Strada image: Shelburne pit in Melancthon.