tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52884647023461550322024-03-14T00:17:14.924-04:00Ontario Farmland PreservationOntario Farmland Preservation is Dedicated to
Keeping Our Farms in Food Producing AgricultureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-55044560097563521022012-03-24T12:47:00.003-04:002012-03-24T12:51:11.167-04:00Living beside a massive solar projectSarnia Photovoltaic Power Plant near Sarnia, Ontario, is as of September 2010 the world's largest photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of 80 MW. The plant covers 950 acres (380 ha) and contains about 966,000 square metres (96.6 ha), which is about 1.3 million thin film panels. <br /><br /><a href="http://ontario-wind-resistance.org/2012/03/23/living-beside-a-massive-solar-plant-in-ontario/">http://ontario-wind-resistance.org/2012/03/23/living-beside-a-massive-solar-plant-in-ontario/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-45059871753829253732012-02-04T07:44:00.001-05:002012-02-04T07:47:56.309-05:00Maude Barlow talks mega-quarry March 7<div align="left">Community concerns about the implications of the proposed Alliston-Melancthon mega-quarry are growing. Now, environmental activist Maude Barlow brings her take on the project to the Georgian College Theatre, Barrie Campus, on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.<br /><br />Barlow, chairperson of the Council of Canadians, has campaigned for years to raise awareness of threats to Canada’s drinking water resources, among other issues. The Council of Canadians is among the key players in the drive to oppose the Highland Companies plans for a huge open-pit mine on 2,316 acres of prime farmland it has assembled in Melancthon Township near Shelburne.<br /><br />The mega-quarry proposal is raising objections for many reasons. The six-billion tonne quarry would be the second largest in North America, reaching deep below the water table. At 200 feet, the quarry would be deeper than the height of Niagara Falls, and would displace 600 million litres of fresh water per day. Depending on demand, up to 300 trucks per hour could haul gravel south to fuel the Greater Toronto area’s demand for gravel. Blasting would continue daily. The pit would also destroy Class One agricultural land that is a prime location for specialised potato production.<br /><br />Highland says the project would create local jobs and benefit the Ontario economy. The firm, backed by Canadian and US investors, says it would eventually restore the land to agricultural use, 300 acres at a time. The proposal has now been referred for a full-scale Environmental Assessment by the Ontario government.<br /><br />Barlow’s talk is the next instalment in the annual speakers’ series, sponsored by the University Partnership Centre. Barlow most recently appeared at Georgian in 2006, when she spoke about the fate of Canada’s freshwater resources. Tickets for the event are $12 for the public and $6 for students. They can be purchased at the Georgian College bookstore, in person on online at <a href="http://www.georgianstores.com/">http://www.georgianstores.com/</a>, at Page and Turners bookstore at 123 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, or at the door.<br />—30—<br />For more information contact Tim Green, professor, Georgian College, at <a href="mailto:tgreen1@georgianc.on.ca">tgreen1@georgianc.on.ca</a> or 705-728-1968, ext. 5718. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-41602867427418445682012-01-01T10:58:00.001-05:002012-01-01T11:00:35.841-05:00AWARE Public Meeting, January 21<strong>Sprawl: the Monster that’s Consuming</strong><a name="_Hlt313178221"></a><strong> Simcoe County<br /></strong>AWARE Simcoe public meeting in Angus - all are invited<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Panellists: Claire Malcolmson of </span><a href="http://environmentaldefence.ca/campaigns/saving-lake-simcoe" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000;">Environmental Defence</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, John Stillich of the </span><a href="http://www.suda.ca/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000;">Sustainable Urban Development Association</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and David Strachan of the Midhurst Ratepayers Association will discuss the development pressures facing Simcoe County.<br /></span><br />WHEN: Saturday, January 21, 2012 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.<br /><br />WHERE: Community Centre, 8527 County Road 10, Angus ON<br /><br />This is an urgent issue for Simcoe County residents. By 2031 the population of Simcoe County, Orillia and Barrie is to have grown by about 250,000 people. This will impact our air and water quality, our health, our lifestyles and our tax bills.<br />How can our municipal councils meet the challenge of building healthy communities within ecological limitations?<br />Our panellists will present their perspective and we want to hear from you – what are your concerns and ideas?<br />Refreshments and Home Baked Goodies Provided. All welcome! Bring a friend.<br /><br />DIRECTIONS<br />From the East or the South: From Hwy 400, exit at Hwy 90. Go west to Angus. Continue along Mill Street to County Road 10. Turn left. Park in Nottawasaga Pines parking lot.<br />From the North: Take County Rd. 10 south to Angus. Turn right along Mill Street to where it rejoins County Rd. 10. Turn left. Park in Nottawasaga Pines parking lot.<br />From the West: Take Hwy 89 to County Road 10. Turn left and go to Nottawasaga Pines parking lot.<br />Email: <a href="mailto:aware.simcoe@gmail.com">aware.simcoe@gmail.com</a> Telephone: 705-435-5167 (John)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-4236704007826458992011-11-05T09:08:00.003-04:002011-11-05T09:15:15.773-04:00FIT program surveyThis is your chance to point out to the government how stupid some (most) of the aspects of the FIT program are. As part of a mandatory 2 year review, the Ontario Ministry of Energy are offering the public an opportunity to submit comments on-line.<br />The link is: <a href="http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/fit-and-microfit-program/2-year-fit-review/">http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/fit-and-microfit-program/2-year-fit-review/</a> Then click on "Click here to take the survey" The process began October 31, 2011 and will end December 14, 2011. You will notice in the Ministry of Energy's literature that the loss of food producing agricultural land is never mentioned, the cost of the projects seem to be their focus. The government also claims that the FIT programs are focusing on improving Ontarian's health, the issues of noise and water contamination with their FIT programs also need to be expressed.<br />Please forward this link to any others who may be interested.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-10790908953079629452011-09-23T07:18:00.004-04:002011-09-23T07:25:41.494-04:00Queen's Park Rally, September 30<div align="center">We are excited to inform you of a "Rally" at Queen's Park regarding<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">AGRICULTURE AND WATER IN CRISIS</span></strong><br /></span>on September 30th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.<br /><br />This is an opportunity to have your concerns voiced before the election!<br /><br />There will be informative speakers on the topic of land and water preservation.<br />Buses will be leaving Canadian Tire in Barrie at 1:00pm (west parking lot).<br /><br />The cost is $25.00 per person for the bus and a sign.<br /><br />To participate and reserve your seat contact:<br />Bernard Pope 705-623-1043, Nancy Robinson 705-686-7743,<br />Helen Wellnhofer 705-728-0517 or Margie Burke 705-322-9639.<br /><br />Please reply no later than September 27th. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/">A poster is available on the OntarioFarmlandPreservation.org website</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-79168652753825673832011-09-03T08:38:00.003-04:002011-09-03T08:40:51.851-04:00Quarry proposal will require full Environmental AssessmentStatement from Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson Regarding Highland Companies Proposed Quarry in Dufferin County
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<br />September 1, 2011
<br />"After careful consideration, the Minister of Natural Resources and I have agreed to bring forward a regulation making Highland Companies subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. As a result the company will be required to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Assessment for the proposed quarry in Melancthon Township.
<br />Ministry of the Environment officials have thoroughly examined the technical reports which were submitted by the quarry proponents. Based on a review of those reports, and because of the unique nature of the Melancthon quarry proposal, I believe a full Environmental Assessment is necessary.
<br />The McGuinty government is committed to protecting our water and our environment. Today's decision ensures that a transparent and independent assessment of the environmental impacts of Melancthon quarry proposal will be conducted."
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-81829445814730639092011-09-03T08:35:00.003-04:002011-09-03T08:41:50.582-04:00Comment from EricHi Craig; thank you for the update on the quarry, and I agree with the battle to stop this mega-quarry. It is in the wrong place, too big, and nothing in it for the people of Ontario.
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<br />We need to better crystallize our thoughts in few other areas; and therefore, we need to discuss your comment below and the Green Party position wrt Darlington nuclear, the phase out of nuclear, that GPO proposes, and the whole sustainability issue of low density energy from wind turbines that I am against. Solar does get my vote because electrical energy from the sun matches the air-conditioning demand. But since the air conditioning demand is in the cities, therefore the solar panels need to be installed on rooftops in the cities, not farmers fields.
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<br />I am in favour of nuclear. In spite of all risks, the direction is better more robust build. Nuclear is the only source of energy due to its energy density coming from the atom that could sustain a greater population on planet earth than especially wind energy, that does not have density and economy of scale, ie the many small wind turbine machines that need maintenance, and will wear out eventually. Countries that use up every square km for wind turbines today may in 20 years time start removing turbines to make room for people to live and work, and move to a more concentrated form of energy.
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<br /> Maybe in 50 to 100 years nuclear could be phase, but I don't see Ontario being a viable economy by an 'overnight' shift to solar. Electricity is far too important a commodity. We rely on electricity for our life support system. Changes, if any need to be carefully thought out and gradual using the principle of precaution. Eg. the energy storage requirement is not there or even a stepping stone away in order to make an orderly transition as you propose.
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<br />Electricity from wind and solar are not the same quality as electricity from a steam turbine generator, because solar and wind lack storage capacity. Electricity from steam turbines has the storage capacity of the flywheel effect of hundreds of tons of inertia in the machine. Electricity source has to be matched to demand exactly second by second 24/7/365, and it is this flywheel effect that makes up for the very small mismatches when you plug in your kettle for example. Wind and solar need a battery in the loop in order to keep the system from collapsing like it did in the 2003 blackout. Storage and capacitance needs to be addressed before even thinking about mucking around with the power system the way that the liberals are doing that today, and what the NDP are also proposing in their platform.
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<br />The FIT program has proven itself very disruptive and is fast becoming unsustainable. Solar panels can now be manufactured for around one dollar per peak Watt, yet we have salesmen selling installations based on 7 to 8 dollars per peak Watt. The profit margin for solar salesmen has doubled since the beginning of FIT. If anybody is looking for gravy like Mayor Rob Ford was, the FIT program is a good place to start.
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<br />The FIT program needs to be turned into a community power program and can still be managed by the OPA. We need to have all projects tendered to get the best technical and most economic proposals, that would make Ontario much more sustainable.
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<br />Community power by my definition is: Power at cost. Right now there is too much profit in the Power at cost plus profit model. The GPO should reconsider its position on nuclear that I feel is out of synch with what the Green Party is overall trying to accomplish in Ontario.
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<br />Eric Jelinski M. Eng. P. Eng.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-4576904851085362142011-08-22T22:29:00.003-04:002011-08-22T22:32:58.509-04:00Workshop: Agriculture in a Changing ClimateAgriculture in a Changing Climate
<br />August 24, 2011
<br />8:30 am to 4:30 pm
<br />Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Centre
<br />20 Fairview Road, Barrie, ONUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-71938347440456409782011-08-22T22:24:00.004-04:002011-08-22T22:29:38.264-04:00National Post articleA <a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Ontario+green+dreams/5249618/story.html">link to a National Post article </a>regarding the increasing trouble that Ontario's Green Energy Act is facing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-57173264220662273632011-07-27T19:15:00.002-04:002011-07-27T19:19:55.790-04:00Canadian Land Inventory InaccuraciesThe following is an excerpt of the answer we received when inquiring about why the Canadian Land Inventory seemed to be inaccurate...<br /><br />Neither GIS nor high-resolution DEM's existed in the era of either soil or CLI initial map product development for Simcoe County. Today's digital products, available through the Land Information Ontario warehouse, are the products of attempts to "modernize" the original paper map products.<br />Unfortunately, the map digitizing pre-dated the DEM development and the rationalization of the soil and CLI polygons into their proper landscape positions was overlooked - until now.<br /><br />The precision of landscape rendering - as performed by an Ontario Land Surveyor - far exceeds the current spatial resolution and accuracy of the soil maps and derivative products - like the CLI layer. The new Greater Toronto Area (GTA) DEM has sub-metre vertical accuracy. It is superior to the current provincial DEM. Neither of these DEM's approaches the accuracy of products that an Ontario Land Surveyor should produce for landscape location of boundaries and features. The problem is that the perception of scale and accuracy of the soil map products does not meet the reality of their application - except by people such as yourself who saw through this issue immediately. We have started down a road of renewal of the soil map resources of the Lake Simcoe watershed (and will then move to the extent of high-resolution DEM availability in the rest of the GTA DEM coverage). We are also acquiring LiDAR data clouds, creating LiDAR-derived high-resolution DEM's and moving to much more detailed predictive soil mapping in selected areas of the province. At present, however, we have not completed this work for the C.F.B. Borden area of Simcoe County.<br /><br />An estimate of the margin of error associated with these current soil map (and derivative) products may be derived, somewhat at least, from the input data density requirement to create the original 1:63,360 map product.<br />However, we can find no metadata records of how rigorously this mapping protocol would have been applied on any individual acreage of the map area.<br />I am very sorry, but this remains a major weakness in the current Ontario soil map products across the province.<br /><br />On behalf of OMAFRA and the current Soil Resource Information Team, thanks very much for your inquiry and interest in the Simcoe County soil and CLI map products. If you have a project in mind for adding value and precision to the soil mapping in the area, please contact me directly. We would be pleased to discuss options and opportunities for soil information data improvements with you.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Stewart<br /><br />Stewart J. Sweeney, Ph.D.<br />Environmental Management Branch,<br />Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-46200513072489721762011-07-18T21:14:00.004-04:002011-07-18T21:21:19.718-04:00Three of the ten proposed Industrial Solar Facility sites by Recurrent Energy have been registered on the Ontario Environmental Registry. We as citizens have 30 days to make comments from the published date. This is the most important step for you to directly communicate your concerns and issues to the Ministry of Environment, if comments are not submitted, it is assumed there are no issues. Your comments are registered and have to be addressed.<br /><br />'Orillia 2' was published on June 6, 2011. The on-line comments are no longer available, it has been suggested you may still mail them in. The address and the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) registry number (011-3764) 'Orillia 2' are in the link provided below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTEzNDk1&statusId=MTcwMDc4&language=en">http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTEzNDk1&statusId=MTcwMDc4&language=en</a><br />or the address and contact information are:<br /><br />Kristina Rudzki<br />Senior Project Evaluator<br />Ministry of the Environment<br />Operations Division<br />Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch<br />2 St. Clair Avenue West <br />Floor 12A<br />Toronto Ontario<br />M4V 1L5 <br />Phone: (416) 314-6802 <br />Toll Free Phone: (800) 461-6290 <br /><br />Be sure to include the EBR Registry number, the Ministry Reference Number and Site Name,<br />011-3764, 9368-8EZGTB, RE Orillia 2 ULC <br />011-3959, 8442-8FDLFV, RE Waubaushene 4 ULC <br />011-3956, 5535-8FDLKL, RE Waubaushene 5 ULC <br /><br />'Waubaushene 4' and 'Waubaushene 5' were published on June 24, 2011, therefore you have until July 24, 2011 to send in your comments.<br /><br />'Waubaushene 4' link is:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/searchComment.do?actionType=add¬iceId=MTEzNzIz&statusId=MTcwMzcx¬iceHeaderIdString=MTEzNzIz">http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/searchComment.do?actionType=add¬iceId=MTEzNzIz&statusId=MTcwMzcx¬iceHeaderIdString=MTEzNzIz</a><br />'Waubaushene 5' link is:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/searchComment.do?actionType=add¬iceId=MTEzNzIw&statusId=MTcwMzY4¬iceHeaderIdString=MTEzNzIw">http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/searchComment.do?actionType=add¬iceId=MTEzNzIw&statusId=MTcwMzY4¬iceHeaderIdString=MTEzNzIw</a><br />The link to access Ontario's Environmental Registry is"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/">http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/</a> <br /><br />Then type in 'solar'.<br /><br />An example of some of the suggested comments are:<br /><br />1. Site Specific Soil Studies are required for 'Waubaushene 4 and 5' because they are on 'Prime Agricultural Land' class 1 -3 as well as class 5 and 7. I understand that these studies have not been completed. When may we expect to see the pedologists reports on these sites?<br />2. Water (well) contamination, drilling of footings for the panels may cause elevated levels of bacteria and coliform counts as well as severe turbidity. 'Waubaushene 4 and 5' are on bedrock and there are multiple dug wells surrounding the proposed sites. Are there studies available proving this will not happen? and who would pay to prove that the proponent caused the problem?<br />3. 'Waubaushene 5' is on the North River where several species of fish spawn at this location, what will the excess water run-off from the panels do to the river? The Ontario Federation of Agricultural states "In temperate farming areas OFA believes solar will cause erosion, bake the soil, disrupt carbon and nitrogen fixing, create habitat for noxious weeds, destroy habitat for many native creatures on farms including worms and frogs and needlessly remove good land from production."<br />4. Are the proponents able to remove water from the sites? (ie. from wells drilled during construction and from existing rivers and streams)<br />5. Solar Panels generate extra heat , when it rains and the run-off enters the river, how will that affect the water temperatures (Thermal Plume?) of the rivers and what would it do to the fish and other species? <br />6. The proponent had no knowledge of 'Waubaushene 4' being tile-drained. Thousands of holes drilled for footings will drastically affect the flow of water causing inevitable flooding of neighbouring fields. Have proper studies been completed for tile-drained fields? and should they be promoted for such a project with so many flood risks?<br />7. Noise - Generating stations and inverter clusters are within close proximity to dwellings. The Point of Reception (POR) for the acceptable 40 dBA during the night and 45 dBA during the day are the homes surrounding the proposed sites. We do not remain in our homes where the POR is within the MOE's standards. These proposed sites are in heavily populated rural areas where we utilize our yards and fields for children playing, gardening and pasturing livestock. What are the long term affects of more than 45 dBA of noise to human health, horses, dairy cattle and other livestock?<br /><br />I am sure you have many comments and concerns of your own regarding these proposed facilities that you may include in your submission.<br /><br />Links will also be posted on the Simcoe Solar Farm Awareness Project website.<br /><br />Contact SSFAP with any questions or concerns at email@simcoesolarfarmawarenessproject.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-26607742941243213322011-06-21T09:28:00.002-04:002011-06-21T09:31:13.792-04:00AWARE Simcoe Public Meeting“Water is Life”<br /><br />Learn more about the Proposed Mega-Quarry in <br />Melancthon Township<br /><br />An enormous 2300 acre aggregate pit mine has been proposed just north of Shelburne. This would be the largest quarry in Ontario and the second largest in North America. The company says 600 million litres of water per day will be pumped out of the huge pit. The water supply for an estimated 1,000,000 people would be affected. Five major river systems begin in Melancthon and flow outward in all directions. Malancthon sits firmly atop an aquifer that is a significant water resource of the Greater Golden Horseshoe region and is directly adjacent to the Alliston aquifer.<br /><br />Saturday June 25, 2011<br />9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.<br />St. John’s United Church Hall - 56 Victoria St. E. in Alliston<br /><br /> Panel: David Vander Zaag, New Tecumseth farmer<br /> Darren White, Deputy Mayor of Melancthon <br /> Jeff Monague, Councillor, Beausoleil FN <br /> Dale Goldhawk of Zoomer Radio<br /><br />REFRESHMENTS & HOME BAKED GOODIES PROVIDED<br /><br />More information at <a href="www.aware-simcoe.ca">www.aware-simcoe.ca</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-22347728560385183192011-06-20T07:48:00.001-04:002011-06-20T07:51:12.684-04:00WINDFALL <br />Saturday, June 25th, 3:00pm, one showing only at the historic Meaford Hall<br />Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, located in historic downtown Meaford, is a beautifully restored and renovated century old landmark. The newly-restored Meaford Hall has state-of-the-art staging and an intimate Edwardian Opera House with theatre balcony. <br />Tickets (only $10.00 each) can be obtained from the Meaford Hall box office in person, by phone 1-877-538-0463 or at <a href="www.meafordhall.ca">www.meafordhall.ca</a>. <br />Skype interview of Laura Israel after the screening.<br /> <br />Visit: <a href="http://windfallthemovie.com/index_1.html">http://windfallthemovie.com/index_1.html</a> <br />In a world coming to grips with its growing energy needs and dependence on foreign oil, wind power seems a viable alternative. But, as you will see in this stirring documentary, the answers are not always so simple. "Windfall" is the story of a community torn asunder by the not-so-gently blowing wind. "Windfall" exposes the dark side of wind energy development and the potential for highly profitable financial scams. "Windfall" is an eye opener for anyone concerned about renewable energy. Winner of the grand jury prize at recent New York Film Festival.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-51519407842795771852011-05-31T09:49:00.002-04:002011-05-31T09:52:22.980-04:00Melancthon Township Mega-QuarryAn excellent article about the mega-quarry proposed in Melancthon Township, Dufferin County.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.inthehills.ca/back/melancthon/">http://www.inthehills.ca/back/melancthon/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-50109431500545808762011-05-29T18:14:00.004-04:002011-05-29T18:24:33.837-04:00Thanks to Parker for spotting the following...<br />The announcement below from the Province indicates that United Solar is creating 80 new clean energy jobs by investing $12 million in a manufacturing facility in LaSalle. <br /> <br />This announcement from United Solar tells a different story. It appears that the investment is $4 million not $12 million and they have applied for grants under a couple of the provinces programs: Check this announcement out here: <br />http://www.uni-solar.com/united-solar-announces-establishment-of-manufacturing-facility-in-ontario-canada/ <br /> <br />This quote caught my attention: "$4 million investment will lead to 80 new jobs."<br /> <br />THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM UNITED SOLAR SAYS A $4 MILLION INVESTMENT BUT THE LIBERALS ANNOUNCE IT IS A $12 MILLION INVESTMENT. <br /> <br />WHERE IS THE MISSING $8 MILLION?<br /> <br />"United Solar has applied for training grants from the Ontario government to assist with the ramp up of the facility. In addition, the company is expecting to receive support under the Ontario Works Program and from the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit, which are designed to encourage job growth in the province."<br /> <br />ARE THE TAXPAYERS COMING UP WITH THE OTHER $8 MILLION? IT SURE LOOKS THAT WAY BASED ON THE COMPANY'S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT GRANT APPLICATIONS!<br /> <br />SO, EIGHTY (80) JOBS FOR $8 MILLION DOLLARS! SOUNDS LIKE THE TAXPAYERS ARE PAYING UNITED SOLAR $100,000 FOR EACH NEW JOB! <br /> <br />UNITED SOLAR ARE LAYING OFF PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/05/possible_layoffs_for_workers_a.html TO CREATE JOBS IN ONTARIO.<br /> <br />SO ONTARIO SELLS CHEAP SUBSIDIZED ELECTRICITY TO MICHIGAN AND PAY ONE OF THEIR COMPANIES $100,000 PER EMPLOYEE TO MOVE JOBS TO LASALLE!<br /> <br />NOW THAT IS CREATIVE ACCOUNTING!<br /> <br />P* G*<br /> <br />Clean Energy Investment Creating 80 New Jobs<br />May 24, 2011<br />McGuinty Government Builds Clean Energy Economy As Province Continues To Turn The Corner <br />Ontario's shift toward clean, renewable energy is strengthening the province's economy by attracting good jobs, investment and opportunities for Windsor-area families. <br />United Solar is creating 80 new clean energy jobs by investing $12 million in a manufacturing facility in LaSalle. This facility will make solar panels for the growing clean energy economy in Ontario and supply renewable energy projects under Ontario's Feed-in Tariff program, which is building a strong clean energy industry in the province. <br />Windsor electricians will also be benefiting from a 10-kilowatt solar project to provide valuable, specialized training in the growing clean energy sector. Operated by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 773, the project is one of almost 5,500 small-scale solar installations feeding clean power into Ontario's electricity grid through the province's microFIT program.<br />Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan is getting Ontario off dirty coal-fired power and replacing it with clean, renewable sources of power -- like wind, solar and bio-energy. This transition to a clean, modern and reliable electricity system is creating thousands of new, good jobs and keeping the lights on in our homes and businesses...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-87994997626749800752011-01-27T11:48:00.002-05:002011-01-27T11:51:34.146-05:00Toronto Star article; too much power!Ontario's Energy policy is broken. This is one example. <br /><a href="http://www.thestar.com:80/business/article/925248--ontario-s-new-dilemma-too-much-power">http://www.thestar.com:80/business/article/925248--ontario-s-new-dilemma-too-much-power</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-77750780934160711322011-01-20T14:11:00.002-05:002011-01-20T14:13:38.332-05:00January 29 meetingSimcoe Solar Farm Awareness Project is hosting a smposium on the Importance of Preserving Agricultural Land from Large Scale Solar Facilities. The presentation will be held on January 29, 2011 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Coldwater & District Community Centre, 1 Michael Anne Drive, Coldwater. A poster is available at our website <a href="http://www.ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/PublicMeetings.html">http://www.ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/PublicMeetings.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-51495239042207289012010-12-28T20:10:00.000-05:002010-12-28T20:11:13.754-05:00Out Growing One's MandateOut Growing One's Mandate: 'Places to Grow' Vs. 'Places to Eat' & The Ridiculous Proposed Urban Node For the Midland-Penetanguishene Community<br /><br />December 7, 2010<br /> <br /> <br />The Ontario Growth Secretariat<br />Ministry of Infrastructure<br />777 Bay Street, 4th Floor, Suite 425<br />Toronto, ON M5G 2E5<br />Email: placestogrow@ontario.ca<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Attention: Ontario Growth Secretariat and Ministry of Infrastructure,<br /> <br /> <br />Re: The Proposed Urban Node For Midland-Penetanguishene<br /> <br /> First of all I would like to thank you for your most gracious offer of allowing the public to have this opportunity to voice concerns over the Proposed Amendment 1 for the Simcoe Sub-Area to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006, under the authority of the Places to Grow Act, 2005. I trust that submissions and concerns made by various means to you will also become available for public perusal at some time in the near future.<br /> <br /> I have a concern about the mandate that has been given the Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure has incorrectly based our future economic welfare on a worn out - and under the circumstances -completely outrageous template of growth which unfortunately has already repeated itself ad infinitum destroying quiet little farming towns and villages in their wake. Brampton my home town was once such a place only to be replaced today by traffic congestion fueled by an ongoing construction of whats become a massive bedroom community with no places to work for local people. In order to work locals must mount a daily 2.5 to 3 hour journey to places that they can work.<br /> <br /> The template of growth, touted traditionally as the model of generating economic prosperity for communities, in reality generates prosperity which only reaches the speculators and developers in most if not all of Ontario's municipalities. Along with the assistance of the un-elected Ontario Municipal Board's magic wand of approval- time and time again, this template of growth has systematically reduced the Province of Ontario's ability to feed itself. That is an emergency in itself as the most arable lands in the world; class 1, 2 and 3 are easily paved over without any regard for the future of the infrastructure needs of these communities and the needs the people they pile into them. Just ask the recent victims who've moved their families into the current urban sprawl of Barrie, Newmarket, Whitby and numerous others.<br /> <br /> In many other places around the globe the issue of a community being capable of feeding itself is now considered a community security issue.<br />Paving over food lands using the template we've always relied upon to generate economic activity should in reality be challenged as the most pressing threat of our time to the healthy future of most of our Ontario communities. <br /> <br /> Much of our food today comes to our grocery store shelves by trucks travelling from over 1,300 kilometres away. Does that make sense to anyone but, the truck drivers and the proprietors of the infrastructure and logistics to make that kind of silly event happen all 52 weeks of the year?<br />Have you people at the Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure even considered food as a community security issue?<br /> <br /> As the Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure you have an enormous task in front of you. On the one hand you have the egos of all of these tiny villages and and wannabe suburbs vs. the real prospect of running out of food. And then of course there is the validity of your actual mandate thereof. <br /> <br /> Yes!...The challenge of planning the future direction of the province and whether towns and villages within it like Midland and Penetanguishene should be considered as future urban nodes are difficult decisions to make., but then again it likely is not that difficult to remove these two wannabe suburb prospects from your list since people in South Central Ontario run to the Midland Penetanguishene area to escape suburbia. Ironically by establishing the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene as urban nodes you would be developing exactly that which the suburbanite populations rush up highways 400, 11 and 27 etc. every weekend to avoid.<br />These 'cottage country' communities have few other means of generating prosperity than in their Tourism and Hospitality industries.<br />They don't need to be developed as urban nodes. What they do need is to develop more imagination along the lines of developing economic prosperity for themselves without unwittingly setting fire to their only source of an economic engine available to them. <br /> <br /> While you engage in your public meetings and the public consultation process through other means of communication you must account for local municipal interests, misinformed or not, in generating jobs and opportunities for their communities while paying greater attention to the bigger picture.<br /> <br /> In conclusion I want to briefly drift back to my original concern with confirming the validity of your 'growth' mandate. You've likely recognized by now that you have outgrown this one. The Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure should be reconsidering that mandate in earnest. The Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure should turn their attention to goals which would actually benefit all of the participants in the communities they purport to speak on the behalf of including Midland and Penetanguishene. The Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure might also find it in their best interests and be especially diligent in replacing the cutesy catch phrase, "Places to Grow." The more obvious community goal and relevant reason d'etre you should be considering is the preservation of our provinces' remaining food lands which is a real future concern all critically thinking people might well be placing at the front of the line in concern rankings when community security and prosperity are of concern. <br /> <br /> The obvious community goal reflected upon here which could/should also be the mandate of the Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure would/could/should read more like- The Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure Preserving "Places to Eat"<br />for Ontario's Vibrant and Imaginative Communities.<br /> <br />Below I have included an article I wish to draw to your attention. It speaks to the interest of preserving liveable communities and the issue of growth which should be of interest to you, the Ontario Growth Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure while considering your current mandate and indeed the decisions you have to make thereof considering the best interests of the mosaic of concerns that make up our Ontario communities. <br /> I trust that you will consider the concerns I've addressed and do the right thing and start seriously planning for the preservation of unique communities like Midland, Penetanguishene and many others like them that possess their own local sources of food lands and the independence and security they bring any community. I'm looking forward to this process being open and transparent as your interest in receiving public input would suggest.<br /> <br /> <br />Regards,<br /> <br />Steven KaasgaardUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-43195053086139249942010-11-30T20:06:00.002-05:002010-11-30T20:09:07.055-05:00Barrie Examiner's Series on Solar FarmsVisit the OntarioFarmlandPreservation.org website for the links to Marg Bruineman's four part series published in the Barrie Examiner.<br /><br />http://ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/MediaReports.html<a href="http://ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/MediaReports.html"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-62047059714097445362010-11-21T09:01:00.002-05:002010-11-21T09:03:24.650-05:00Symposium a success!!<strong>Alternative Energy & the Family Farm</strong><br />This symposium, held on November 16th tackled various subjects surrounding Farmland, Soil Inventory, Alternative Power Generation etc. The meeting was sponsored by the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture. Three of the seven presenters had PowerPoint presentations which they have agreed to make available. Download the PDF versions from the OntarioFarmlandPreservation.org <a href="http://www.ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/Resources.html">Resources</a> page.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-63153283897892134912010-11-03T21:03:00.004-04:002010-11-03T21:11:12.018-04:00More information about our Alternate Energy and the Family Farm SymposiumA full description of the Symposium format and a description of the proposed speakers can be found <a href="http://www.ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/resources/Alternative+Energy+Symposium.pdf">here</a>. Please remember that if you intend to come, RSVP to the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture at (705) 726-9300 Ext. 1224. Seats at the Museum are limited to 100 and are filling up fast!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-99519133383147962010-10-31T21:01:00.003-04:002010-10-31T21:12:09.666-04:00Alternate Energy and the Family Farm SymposiumJoin us on Tuesday, November 16 for a public Symposium to discuss "Alternate Energy and The Family Farm". The Symposium will feature Don McCabe, OFA Vice-President followed by a panel discussion moderated by Martin Vanderwoude from KICX 106.<br /><br />At this symposium, we wish to show the vibrancy of the agricultural community from the prospective of the local producers, the local farm supply dealers, the interested political leaders and the community leaders.<br /><br />We also want to bring into the discussion, other interests such as suppliers of microFit stations, the developers of larger solar Fit facilities and the local community voice. <br /><br />We believe that with discussion and openness, our community can be a model for co-operation between the agricultural, food producing interests and the movement into green energy and as such show the provincial government that local organizations can successfully offer concrete possibilities to society.<br /><br />Join us at the Simcoe County Museum, Hwy 26 in Midhurst; Tuesday November 16, 2010 beginning at 6:30 pm. To reserve a seat, please call the SCFA at 705-726-9300 Ext. 1224. <a href="http://www.ontariofarmlandpreservation.org/resources/Symposium.pdf">Download the flyer.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-16557655059508834192010-10-01T14:30:00.002-04:002010-10-01T14:32:10.263-04:00New meetings plannedPlease check our Public Meetings page to keep up to date on new events and meetings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-66455112434000091092010-09-09T15:15:00.005-04:002010-09-09T15:27:43.284-04:00Two projects, two storiesA Recurrent Energy project proposal east of London Ontario has been withdrawn by the company following protests by local area residents who said that the subject land was valuable farmland and therefore should be excluded from development. See the full article in the London Free Press at <a href="http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/08/29/15180831.html">http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/08/29/15180831.html</a><br /><br />There are problems in Peterborough over the Lily Lake Road Solar Farm... this will be an ongoing story for some time.<br />Concerns Raised over Solar Farm: <a href="http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2747211">http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2747211</a><br />Contractor plans to sue City utility: <a href="http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2749112">http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2749112</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5288464702346155032.post-22293512735517561082010-08-31T13:50:00.002-04:002010-08-31T13:52:57.771-04:00Resolution by the Simcoe County Federation of AgricultureResolution <br /><br />Whereas the Preservation of farmland is important to farmers, <br /><br />Whereas we consider large scale solar energy developments on good farmland inappropriate,<br /><br />Whereas there are concerns of soil erosion, baked soil, disrupted carbon and nitrogen fixing, uncertainties of lease agreement details, and un-bonded construction projects, <br /><br />Therefore Be It Resolved that the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture request the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to prepare an assessment, such as was done for the Wind Leases, listing possible risks and liabilities.<br /><br />Submitted by the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture<br /><br />August 17, 2010Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0