Download Highlands Application for Mega Quarry in Melancthon

April 18, 2011
The Highland Companies
Box 377
Shelburne, Ontario
L0N 1S0
RE: Highlands Application for Mega Quarry in Melancthon Township
Dear Highlands Directors:
The Nottawasaga Steelheaders Organization is a recognized conservation group comprised of
anglers, non-anglers and various community and environmentally concerned people with a desire
to do something “good” for the environment. This positive philosophy is captured in the
Nottawasaga Steelheaders motto …“put a little back”. Our club has been actively involved in
numerous stream rehabilitation projects in the Nottawasaga River watershed, through
partnerships with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources and watershed communities such as Essa, New Tecumseth and Wasaga Beach, since
our inception in 1993.
Our Mission Statement
To build and maintain working partnerships for the protection and
improvement of natural habitats and species within the Nottawasaga
watershed.
We shall leverage these partnerships by means of an active membership
dedicated to the watershed’s sustainability.
To be consistent in our endeavours, so that future generations may be
provided quality angling opportunities within a healthy ecosystem.
The Nottawasaga River is fed by many important tributaries. These include the Boyne, Pine and
Mad Rivers. These tributaries receive significant water from underground aquifers that are
sourced from the Niagara Escarpment and limestone beds of Melancthon Township. The
interdependence of the Biodiversity of the Nottawasaga watershed cannot be understated. Many
species within this watershed are highly dependent on the quality of water that runs through these
aquifers that feed the tributaries and main flow of the Nottawasaga River. The Nottawasaga River
is home to native brook trout and the largest run of wild steelhead in Ontario. The Pine River is
responsible for a major contribution of steelhead to the Nottawasaga River. These fish have
established themselves over a hundred years. Their success and survival is in a major a part due to
long term adaptation to their original habitat including their nursery origin. Geo-morphological
characteristics and flow of these nursery sources and the important ground water that feeds them
is critical to the survival of these species. The Nottawasaga Steelheaders in conjunction with the
University of Guelph determined that 18 strains of genetically distinct steelhead were present in
the Nottawasaga River, each with co-adaptive gene complexes that had developed over many,
many years. The complexity and stability of these populations is precarious and delicate as our
studies in conjunction with the MNR have determined. Decreases in water-flow have been key
factors to poor population levels of steelhead in successive years.
The Nottawasaga River is also home to native Lake Sturgeon. These sturgeon used to abound in
the Nottawasaga River many years ago. Due to over–fishing and changes in water quality the
sturgeon have decreased to a level of that is so low, they are now listed as a Species at Risk.
Intrinsic water quality is critical to their survival and major efforts are underway to assess their
status.
The Nottawasaga Steelheaders as a key stake holder and conservation group involved in the
preservation of the Nottawasaga River watershed are opposed to the submission for approval of
this quarry on the grounds that the shear immensity of the quarry’s size and impact on the near
and distant surroundings and its ecological impact have not been fully determined by the
Highlands Company. Highlands is considering re-charging the water to compensate for water
loss. This process in fact changes the important intrinsic characteristics of the water once it is
exposed to the air not to mention contribution of pollutants and foreign substances to the aquifer.
The Nottawasaga Steelheaders therefore will fight this proposal. Furthermore should this
submission be approved, as our responsibility to the watershed and the species within it that do
not have a voice, we will hold those who are accountable (politicians, political agencies,
Highlands shareholders, principles, agencies) by there actions in endorsing, passing approval,
voting for and/or undertaking this project. There is too much at risk here that has not been fully
appreciated nor addressed by Highlands. Highlands has not demonstrated that this project will not
have an effect on the homeostasis of the ecosystem of the Nottawasaga River watershed.
Thank you for you understanding
Yours truly,
Gary Christie
President
Nottawasaga Steelheaders
cc Honourable Dalton McGinty
cc Honourable Linda Jeffrey
cc Honourable John Wilkinson
cc Craig Laing
Nottawasaga Steelheaders
P.O. Box: 20136
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
(905) 889-0396