<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1061446985;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-596766732 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1545362870;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1273692674 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1716655490;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-981285732 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:1803036192;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-970568056 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l3:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4
{mso-list-id:1942565698;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1747791572 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l4:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l4:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l4:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi GREN-<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attached and below are the minutes from our FEB. 5 meeting in Paris. It was an interesting and worthwhile gathering. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Susan Bryant<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Minutes of Joint GREN-CCOB Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Feb. 5, 2013, United Church, Paris, ON<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>GREN and Concerned Citizens of Brant (CCOB) organized a joint meeting in Paris to hear about issues in both areas of the Grand watershed and to discuss ways we might support one another. About 40 people attended representing GREN, CCOB, Oxford People Against the Landfill (OPAL), Sustainable Brant, The Langford Conservancy, the Tutela Heights Phelps Road Conservancy, and some residents of St. Mary’s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Source Water Protection Plan - </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Theresa McClenaghan, executive director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) summarized the current status of the Plan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>The proposed SWPP has been or soon will be sent to the Minister of Environment for approval. There is still an opportunity to write requesting the Minister to make changes or improvements. Theresa suggests focusing on a few issues. The Minister may appoint a hearing officer to hold a hearing to discuss the recommendations and send the Plan back the SW Committee to amend it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Even after the Plan is approved, citizens can influence the enforcement provisions, as well as future phases as the Plan is reviewed and implemented. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>John Jackson (GREN) and Sandra Parsons (CCOB) will coordinate comments to the Minister on the SWPP.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Concerned Citizens of Brant (CCOB)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Ron Noriss reported that their group was formed to oppose a proposed gravel pit on 600 acres of farmland in Paris near a town well, the Grand River, and a heritage cold-water stream. The group’s concern is water contamination, as the pit is below the water table. The proponent is the Dufferin Company, and the pit permit was issued in 1974 and has been dormant until now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>The group is working well with local politicians who appreciate their research and information.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>It was noted that aggregate operations are a huge concern throughout the watershed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Greenbelts and Status of Waterloo Region Official Plan <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Kevin Thomason from GREN suggested that groups be proactive by “making their own greenbelt.” They can then take concrete proposals to councils and decision makers, to protect farmland, water, and sensitive landscapes from sprawl. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>He summarized the situation of the Waterloo region ROP, many parts of which are being appealed to the OMB by developers. The Region recently lost at one hearing, with the OMB requiring that significantly more greenfield acreage be allowed for development. The Region is appealing the decision. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Water Conservation vs. Lake Erie Pipeline <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Susan Bryant from GREN summarized GREN’s initiative to campaign for water conservation in Waterloo Region rather than the proposed 100 km. pipeline from Lake Erie. The negatives of a pipeline include mega costs (1.2 billion in 2008 dollars), high energy use for pumping and treating, poor water quality in Lake Erie, temptation to unrestrained growth, and more sewage affecting the Grand River.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Great Lakes United has a trillium grant for water conservation research and action that includes Waterloo region as a pilot model community. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>We need to have discussions with downstream communities also considering the pipeline to understand their water needs and expectations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sustainable Brant, The Langford Conservancy, Tutela Heights Phelps Road Residents Association– Land Use Issues<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Ella Haley noted that the city of Brantford is surrounded by a greenbelt, and leapfrog development is eating up farmland outside the belt, with some land proposed for industrial zoning as well as plans for a massive subdivision. Walton International own 12-13,000 acres that is buying out farmers, dividing communities, and creating cosy relationships with councilors, and will be flipping the land for big profits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>With CELA’s support, the group is currently in an OMB hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Sharon Terry and Gail Bury discussed Walton’s proposed subdivision, which would have a communal septic area of 8 acres on clay, posing a threat to the nearby Grand River. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Oxford People Against the Landfill (OPAL) <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>Steve McSwiggan from OPAL reported that the group opposes a proposal from the Walker Environmental Group to site a landfill in a limestone quarry near Ingersoll, threatening groundwater quality and quality of life. The company has a lease on 200 acres and options on 2300 acres. This could be Canada’s largest dump.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>The group is developing good relationships with municipal council and their MPP. They asked the MPP why big money is allowed to come into communities and get their way. The MPP took the question the Minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%'>See their active website: opalalliance.ca <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The meeting ended with discussion of how to keep in touch, and those who chose to listed their email. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>