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Here you will find the latest news from BurlingtonGreen.
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True or False: Batteries should.....
......not go in the garbage?
A recent study indicates that approximately one third of Ontario residents are throwing batteries in the garbage.
Check out this helpful news blog from Nicole at Halton Region. Click here
Mt. Nemo protected from quarry development !
October 12, 2012 - A fabulous win for the local environment !
In a unanimous decision released today, the consolidated hearings board (Joint Board) dismissed Nelson Aggregate Co.’s application for permits that would allow a new quarry and aggregate processing on the Mount Nemo plateau of the Niagara Escarpment.
The primary reason for both findings is the protection of the Jefferson Salamander and its habitat.
BurlingtonGreen is pleased to have played a small part in supporting and promoting the tremendous efforts of PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Lands). Their citizen based team serves as a superb example of how a dedicated group can work collaboratively and professionally to realize a positive outcome to a critical goal. We and future generations will forever be grateful of their signicant efforts.
Envionmental Defence report includes:
Nelson Quarry application has insufficient provisions for endangered species, wetlands and woodlands protection
Toronto, ON – Environmentalists and community members are overjoyed by today’s decision of the Joint Board to protect Burlington’s Mount Nemo and Jefferson Salamander breeding ponds on the farm of the Harmer family. The decision denies Nelson Aggregate’s proposed 26 million tonne quarry on the 82 hectare site.
“The Board’s decision is balanced and in keeping with our belief that development on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve must be harmonious with the features and functions of the natural environment. The decision is PERL’s dream come true,” said Sarah Harmer, a founder of Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL), and hearing witness.
The Board’s decision gives Mount Nemo and its rare and endangered species a chance to breathe after a century of quarrying. This decision also protects the unique ecological functions of the Escarpment that cannot be replaced by planting trees nearby, which was originally proposed by Nelson Aggregates to offset its negative environmental impact.
“This is a true victory for the Escarpment and all the public agencies that worked to protect Mount Nemo, a gem of the Greenbelt in southern Ontario,” said Dr. Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence. "It shows that the Niagara Escarpment Plan, a cornerstone of Ontario’s earliest environmental protection efforts, is still relevant and strong." More here.
You can also learn more about the issue at the City of Burlington website here.
CALL TO ACTION: There is another major threat to the local region of the Niagara Escarpment ! Check it out here: Help to STOP the Escarpment Highway... and attend an important rally in Burlington on October 23rd.
Help to STOP the Escarpment Highway...
Despite then Transportation Minister Wynne's pre-election promise not to build the Niagara to GTA highway, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has moved forward with plans full speed ahead. This fall the MTO will present current Transport Minister Chiarelli with the preferred route.
WE CANT LET THIS HAPPEN !
Please help. Attend an important rally to be held on October 23rd at the Mainway Community Centre (4015 Mainway, Burlington Auditorium) beginning at 7pm.
The Ministry of Transportation is expected to release the findings of their study shortly. Join Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, Mayor Rick Goldring, Burlington Councillors and members of the Stop the Escarpment Highway Coalition (SEHC) at a public meeting to learn more about the project and how you can provide your comments.
Local Members of Provincial Parliament have also been invited to ensure the Minister of Transportation hears what we have to say.
Tell the Minister we don't need or want a highway. It's easy to do and the collective effort could stop this highway from cutting through our beautiful escarpment lands.
Visit the Stop Escarpment Highway Coalition website (SEHC) to learn more about how you can speak up and offer your support . Click HERE