Valley Voices Resident's Association; preserving the natural and scenic beauty of Shelter Valley in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Northumberland County

Valley Voices Letter to Alnwick/Haldimand Township Council:

April 14, 2004
Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
Mayor and Council Members
P.O. Box 70,
Grafton,On
KOK 2GO
Dear Mayor Finley and Members of Council
Re : Valley Voices / SVA Application For a Zoning Bylaw Amendment:
Board of Directors
Carol Hanley, President
Chuck Shook, Vice President
Margaret Jansen, Treasurer
Doug Frew
Kathie Lloyd
Steve Sawyer
Mark Towers
As you may already have read in Walter Luedtke's Newsletter, at a recent Valley Voices General Meeting a resolution was passed by our membership (almost 200 and growing), assuring Council of our full support if Council votes no to the rezoning application and SVA decides to appeal that decision to the OMB. This would mean a strong united front, which we know from other OMB cases is effective. We are prepared to go to the OMB either way Council votes. We would rather be with you, not against you. We hope that you agree.
Valley Voices is pleased with the thoroughness of the Peer Reviews so far. We look forward to a Peer Review of SVA's Traffic Impact Study as their study does not sufficiently address the issues it was asked to.
We understand the Mayor's and Council's wish to make a decision regarding SVA and get on with it, however; Valley Voices feels it is premature to consider the rezoning of these lands when Council does not have complete studies. For such a serious decision that will have long term consequences on the environment, the residents, the township and Council, all additional studies and concerns identified in the peer reviews should be carried out and addressed first.
Water has now become a serious provincial issue and the impacts of water taking have not been adequately addressed by SVA. No well water records for the surrounding residences have been considered. SVA stated July 9th that water would be the main dust suppressant and that wells may have to be drilled at some point. We need to know from water studies upfront, the effect new drilled wells would have on the water table level. SVA anticipates most activity in the summer, therefore the major water usage would take place in the summer at the same time it is most needed for crops and when most evaporation and drought occur.
Recently , Councillor Matthew Bulmer from Puslinch became aware of our situation and phoned me and I believe at least two A/H Councillors, to alert us as to how gravel pits have become such a horrendous situation in that township. Many agreements, made in good faith upfront with pit companies, to avoid the OMB, have been broken re: haul routes, crushing, dust and noise suppression etc. etc. Valley Voices urges Council and Peter Joseph to visit Puslinch to see the area and speak with Matthew Bulmer. He suggested this could be very informative to Council.
He also warned A/H to make sure water studies for below water table level extraction are done upfront as it is not uncommon for pit operators to go to the MNR later to request a Major Site Plan Amendment to extract below the water table. In Puslinch's experience the MNR has disregarded the township's objection and granted the amendment anyway.
Regarding the MOE, just this month, Leona Dombrowsky announced she is considering ordering a full environmental assessment on a private sector gravel pit proposal. The public has 30 days to comment. This is unprecedented! At issue here are twenty seasonal jobs versus the detrimental effects on ecotourism in an unspoiled area. This could be Shelter Valley.
As well, the economic impact of the license has not been adequately considered, e.g.: Who is going to construct the haul road (Turk Rd. East)? Who is going to pay for the maintenance since once it is built it becomes a municipal road? Is Cramahe township prepared to pay for the maintenance of a large extent of the major haul route? We are also concerned with the effect the automatically reduced property values will have on the township's tax base.
The fact that the great number of severances have encouraged estate lots and many people to come to live and start small businesses in a tranquil, rural, environmentally friendly environment should not be overlooked. We trust you have your constituents' best interest at heart and will give serious attention to these matters. Valley Voices intention is to work with council towards what is best for the community, the environment and the township.
Sincerely,
Carol Hanley

VALLEY VOICES