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.

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Thank You Citizens of Norfolk County! Public Meeting Re: closing of the 4th Concession

Norfolk Voice would like to take a moment to thank everyone who turned out to last night’s public meeting. We had a great turn out and a very productive meeting. Thank you, Mr. Mike Squires, for your generosity and for being such a gracious host. Thank you, Mr. Tom Cline, for addressing us all and helping to clarify the issues at hand. This is what a sense of community is all about!

Many issues and concerns regarding the closing of the 4^th concession were addressed and a lot of questions asked by community members regarding further road closures. It is wonderful when so many people are willing to stand up and fight for what is right.

Attendees made many suggestions including ways to fix the 4^th, building a covered bridge, and ways to fix the road surface all while saving money and helping keep the municipal budgets in line. It was our feeling that the community is willing to help any way they can and make suggestions to prevent the county from leaving the 4^th concession closed or closing any additional roads. These ideas were innovative and were a direct reflection of what this community really wants.

Please do not forget that this was only the first step.  We need everyone's support at the council meeting as well.  Please see details below. 

DATE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 1^st . TIME: 5:00 PM (suggested arrival 4:45)

LOCATION: NORFOLK TOWN HALL

ADDRESS: 50 COLBORNE ST. S. SIMCOE, ON.

OFFICIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - PRESENTATION TO NORFOLK TOWN COUNCIL BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

We are proud of Norfolk County and hope this is the start of something great.

Norfolk Voice

Citizen's Meeting Today regarding the Closure of the 4th Concession

The Meeting today is scheduled for 7pm and the location is on the 4th Concession of South Walsingham.

The address is 995 4th Concession.  You must come in off of Highway 59 since you can't get in from the Quarter line because of the closure! It's East of Highway 59.  1st house on your left.

See you there  :)

Why are Farm's Important to Norfolk and the Rest of Ontario and Canada?

According to data from Statistics Canada’s 2011 Census of Agriculture, Norfolk County is the leading grower of many farm commodities in Ontario and Canada. In addition to the crops listed below, Norfolk County is also the Number One grower of peanuts, sweet potatoes and ginseng in Canada.

Can we really afford to lose more prime agricultural land in our community?

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.

4th Consession Road Closure Council Meeting - Verbatim

4^th Consession Road Closure Council Meeting

The Chair: Ok every one if we could get this meeting back to order.

We are at Public Works, and Environmental Services on pg 59 Staff Report. Staff Report

PW 12-93 gating of fourth concession of south Walsingham. Mr. D’Hondt, please or is it uh?

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.

Long Point Beach Public Access Advisory Committee Recommendations

Long Point Public Beach Advisory Committee recommending no access to the beach.   Council meeting summary.

Norfolk County 5 Year Financial Comparison

Chart based on Norfolk County's Audited Financial Statements.

The downhill slide into the 'Have Not' County. 

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.

For The Love of Farming!

Norfolk Voice wants photos, funny stories, anything to do with farming.  If something made you smile please post it for all to see.

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: