To: The Niagara Escarpment Commission,
 

I’m writing to officially declare my opposition to the application from Nelson Aggregate to blast two new open-pit mines in Burlington’s escarpment.

(Then say something personal [but NON-identifying] about yourself: for example - I’ve been a resident of Burlington for x-many years; I live in the GTHA area and value the natural ecosystems that thrive on Burlington's escarpment; I feel strongly about the importance of being a good steward of our natural environment. etc).

I am opposed to these new quarries because I am deeply concerned about the negative impact that the continued quarrying of Burlington’s Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere will have on...
 

• our natural environment in north Burlington, including wildlife, streams and woodlands.

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• the quantity and quality of our well water and on the streams and wetlands served by the headwaters of Mount Nemo.

 

• on the value of my home, which is my most important asset and is something that will be devalued should this industrial quarrying operation be permitted.

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I am alarmed by the increasing heavy gravel truck traffic on our rural roads and irritated by the dust associated with these trucks.

I am tired of the dust and vibration associated with the blasting and worried about the dangers of flyrock.

I am extremely worried about the possibility of potentially contaminated fill being added to Nelson Aggregate’s current quarry site and the threatening impact this could have on the future safety of well water.

I am profoundly opposed to the permanent destruction of 124 additional acres of prime farmland and green space in our increasingly urban GTHA. I believe the need for close-to-market green-space trumps the need for close-to-market aggregate.

 

I do not believe that the promise of a distant, future park in the current quarry site offsets the destruction of these precious open lands in Burlington’s backyard.

The decisions made now by Niagara Escarpment officials will impact the citizens of the GTHA for generations to come. Please decide in favour of our living escarpment.

Thank you for your time and consideration of our concerns.