What do Seniors, The Disabled/Differently Abled and Deer have in Common?

Answer: The Nature Conservancy of Canada wants nothing to do with you.

...Except for your donations of course!  

How else can you explain all of the barriers and fences with which they are surrounding their properties?  This year alone, NCC has installed countless miles of fencing in Norfolk County and every entrance to a property has a gate denying access to the Elderly and Disabled/Differently Abled.  The baby fawns simply die alongside the fence as their mothers bound over them leaving them behind.

Citizens Turfed from Long Point Region Conservation Authority Meeting

We've received an email from a senior citizen saying that he and a younger resident were asked to leave the November 6th meeting at the LPRCA, just for being there.

Both residents were concerned with the neglect of Backus Mill and wanted to listen to the public meeting so they would know what was going on in the effort to get the Mill repaired.  They were allowed to listen in while the acceptance of the last meetings motions were being discussed.

As soon as new business was to be discussed the pair were asked to leave the meeting by Ms Betty Chanyi and then by Mr. Cliff Evaniski.

Toads, Toads and more Toads.

So you received a brochure on an endangered species and are wondering how it will affect your property on Long Point?  We've put together the facts so that you are aware of the situation you are now facing.  It's not nearly as sugar coated as Councillor Chanyi would have you believe.

The long and short of it is that NO development must occur in the area.  The area is deemed to be 700 metres inland from the waters edge.  This includes all the cottages on Long Point.

This has not been finalized yet so you still have time.  If this does happen to go through you will need to get approval for any 'development' from LPRCA.  There is a cost and from all accounts working with LPRCA as a private citizen compares to a root canal.  If you happen to buy Backus Woods on the cheap from them, there is no issue getting whatever you want as in the case of NCC.

The Simcoe Reformer Article regarding the closing of the 4th Concession

http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/10/02/norfolk-revisits-road-closure-in-south-walsingham

An image of the  bridge that is being estimated as needing over $100,000 in repairs.  It measures 24 feet long by 10 feet wide and it's current age is roughly 20 years.

Mr Ross Bateman's letter to CBC to allow everyone access to Backus Woods

Backus Woods is a forest of hundreds of acres north of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ontario.  It’s part of the Backhouse Mill and homestead, established in 1797 by John C. Backhouse.  In a past generation, many of the family members changed their name from Backhouse to Backus. (Who knows why?) Backus Woods is the best remnant of an extreme southern Canadian forest; the jewels of these woods are the groves of Tulip Trees that tower over the forest canopy. 

Should the Long Point Region Convervation Authority become an Endangered Species?

 Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) costs $3.5 million dollars every year.

$1.8  million dollars is generated in user fees.  They claim to manage any where between 8000 and 12000 acres depending on what document you read.  I'm not sure that they actually know themselves since every report I've read is different.

In 2011, the LPRCA sold the 875 acre Backus Woods to The Nature Conservancy of Canada for $5.25 million.

Is the Nature Conservancy Paying Fair Market Value For Their Properties?

Is the Nature Conservancy Paying Fair Market Value For Their Properties?

Depends on what you consider fair I suppose.

They own at least 59 properties in Norfolk County now.  It's a bit tricky to find all the details because as NCC was looking to buy all the farms in Norfolk they used various tactics to do so.  At first blush it would appear they were buying everything for $2.  That's not exactly the case as you dig deeper though.

Councillor Betty Chanyi - Asks for everyone to contact her regarding NCC

Article from Councillor Betty Chanyi in response to the Questions regarding Concession A Bridge, the NCC's acquisition of properties and Long Point Resident's battle with MNR over the Fowler's Toad.

Courtesy of the PORT ROWAN GOOD NEWS - August 2013.

Note: There is no definite timeline, proof or definite numbers for the payment of taxes by the NCC and her references to changes on |Long Point are very vague. 

Closing of 4th Concession, Walsingham - The Truth

The closing of the 4th concession.  Includes video footage of the Town Council Meeting where members do not tell the whole story, pictures of the bridge with cost comparison, and additional current pictures.

The NCC and Norfolk County

TheNature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), on the surface, sounds like a wonderful organization dedicated to the preservation of Lands in Canada for future generations. Their mission statement says, “The Nature Conservancy of Canada will lead, innovate and use creativity in the conservation of Canada's natural heritage. We will secure important natural areas through their purchase, donation or other mechanisms, and then manage these properties for the long term.” According to the NCC's web site the organization was started in 1962 by a group of Naturalists to promote conservation. As the NCC grew through the purchase of many key properties, so did its visions of grandeur. The NCC and their partners now own 2.6 million acres across Canada and growing. I have to say that this is an incredible amount of property, and if conserved properly, will help protect the natural beauty of our country. However, there are a few issues with what the NCC has done and is currently doing in communities across Canada that are worth discussing. The NCC has entered into agreements with major industrial forces who are poisoning the rest of the planet to essentially mask their pollution, there are financial implications stemming from the NCC’s purchase of thousands of acres of land that will affect the residents of Norfolk County and we are losing some of Ontario's most fertile farmland.

Road Closures - Information Package Aug. 28 2013

This is the most recent development with Norfolk Council.  This is your call to action.

Anyone who can attend this meeting should be there to voice their opinions.

DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Environmental Services

DATE PREPARED: August 28th, 2013 REPORT NO. P.W. 13-67

"COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE" MEETING DATE: October 1st, 2013

SUBJECT: GATING OF 4TH CONCESSION OF SOUTH WALSINGHAM

INTRODUCTION I BACKGROUND:

Norfolk Hunters Beware!

During a discussion with some residents of Norfolk County it was brought to my attention that there were some concerns regarding land use for hunters on land that is now owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).  I am still looking for more information but below is a link that mentions "Land Use Fees" for hunters.  It will take some more time to research this, however, I will try to find some more information.

http://www.manitoulin.ca/2012/10/17/history-advises-caution-on-nature-conservancy-assurances/

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/archive/index.php/t-7016.html

 Taken from their brochure :

"NCC recognizes the important role hunters can play in maintaining a healthy balance in wildlife populations in settles landscapes.  In 2012, more than 300 hundred hunters received permission to access those NCC properties in Norfolk where hunting is allowed.  In a follow-up survey, hunter responses to questions about the permission system, parking system and properties were overwhelmingly positive.  We thank everyone who took the time to fill out the survey."

"Most properties are open for hunting, and are signed accordingly, so please avoid walking on these NCC properties during hunting season."

Just a thought.  So hunting season is pretty much fall until the start of spring.  Isn't fall a busy time for hikers since the leaves have changed colours and it's one of the prettiest times of the year?

Who's going to get the nod?  Hikers or hunters.  Eventually it will be hikers and hunters will lose ground.

I don't understand what is with the hatred that NCC has for horses though.  Considering a lot of Canada was explored on horse back why would they not want horses on the trails?

This sign is just missing the "No Seniors or Disabled People" logo's as well.  Maybe there just wasn't enough room but it's always nice to see corporations like The Nature Conservancy of Canada restricting access to unhealthy people.  I'm so glad my Federal dollars help pay to keep them out.  NOT!!!!

The Canadian with Disabilities Act doesn't apply to a Corporation that has politician's in their pockets.

Road Closures - Norfolk Town Council Information Package Sept. 2012

This report pertains to the initial information put forth to Norfolk Council leading to the closure of the 4th concession.  Current details to follow in additional blog post.

DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Environmental Services

DATE PREPARED: September 5th, 2012 REPORT NO. P.W. 12-93

"COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE" MEETING DATE: October 2“, 2012

SUBJECT: GATING OF 4TH CONCESSION OF SOUTH WALSINGHAM

INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND: