By-Election Candidate Positions

There’s a critical by-election in CORE Burlington’s riding on Thursday, May 2nd, which we believe could significantly impact the success or failure of Nelson Aggregates’ expansion application in Mount Nemo on the Niagara Escarpment.  Over the last two weeks, we reached out to the by-election candidates for a meeting in order to educate them about the reasons behind our opposition to Nelson’s plans, with particular emphasis on the very real risks to our community, and to Mount Nemo’s exceptional natural environment, should this application be approved.

At each meeting we asked candidates to make a commitment to stop Nelson’s current application and to take action to permanently protect Mount Nemo from any further open-pit gravel mining, going forward. Click their names (listed in alphabetical order by party) to read their responses.

  • Will you take action to stop the Nelson expansion application?

    I am committed to blocking the Nelson quarry's expansion application by the most direct means possible: having the Ontario government issue a Minister's Zoning Order to halt the process and expansion, for the same reasons it was halted back in 2012 - it is simply too dangerous for residents' quality of life and would threaten the region's environment and indicator species, such as the Jefferson salamander. Much like the MZO issued for Guelph's Dolime Quarry lands in 2021, we know the government has tools to do the right thing, they simply choose not to do so. As Milton's MPP and a part of Mike Schreiner's team at Queen's Park, my first order of business at Queen's Park will be pushing this government to act swiftly, utilizing any and all tools to stop this unnecessary expansion - and in addition, push for a moratorium on new pits across the province.

    Will you establish long term protection of Mt Nemo from further applications for unnecessary mining on Mt Nemo through redesignation of the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection?

    I am in full support of adding further protections to prime agricultural and conservation areas throughout Ontario and Halton Region, including the Mount Nemo plateau. Not only is this necessary given the unique nature of the land and the need to protect it from unnecessary sprawl and extraction industries, it is a permanent solution for residents who have already won their fight to conserve their land and communities. No one, particularly residents and municipalities and conservation authorities who have evidence on their side dating back over a decade, should be forced to wade through the grueling Ontario Land Tribunal process or beg their Ministers for attention and care. It’s time the residents were respected, and as Milton's MPP I will lead the charge to protect the region and fix the broken system that led to so many frustrations over the years.

  • Will you take action to stop the Nelson expansion application?

    Yes. Together with my future colleagues in the Ontario Liberal Party caucus, I will raise the alarm about the potential human health risks of the Nelson expansion application and push for the stoppage of the application. 

    Will you establish long term protection of Mt Nemo from further applications for unnecessary mining on Mt Nemo through redesignation of the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection?

    Yes. To protect Mount Nemo from being subject to future applications, I will advocate for the Mount Nemo Plateau to be redesignated as either an Escarpment Natural Area or an Escarpment Protection Area.

  • Will you take action to stop the Nelson expansion application?

    As Edie Strachan, the candidate for the Official Opposition Ontario NDP, I would indeed take action to stop the Nelson expansion application. This is crucial because the expansion could have significant negative impacts on our community and environment. As the Official Opposition, it's our responsibility to advocate for the best interests of the people and to hold the government accountable for decisions that affect our communities.

    The Nelson expansion application poses various concerns, including potential environmental degradation, and strain on local infrastructure. It's essential to thoroughly assess these potential impacts and ensure that any expansion aligns with sustainable development goals and community needs.

    Stopping the Nelson expansion application is important not only for the present but also for the future of our community. We must prioritize sustainable development and ensure that any proposed projects are in line with the best interests of the people and the environment.

    Will you establish long term protection of Mt Nemo from further applications for unnecessary mining on Mt Nemo through redesignation of the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection?

    I strongly support the establishment of long-term protection for Mount Nemo by redesignating the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection. This move is imperative to safeguarding this precious natural asset from further applications for unnecessary mining activities.

    Mount Nemo holds significant ecological value, serving as a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Redesignating the plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection would ensure that its environmental, recreational, and cultural significance is preserved for current and future generations.

    By taking this proactive measure, we can prevent further disruption to the delicate ecosystem of Mount Nemo and protect it from potentially harmful mining activities. It aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

  • Will you take action to stop the Nelson expansion application?

    I voted against the Nelson Quarry expansion in the Regional Council and I continue to be against it. If I am your MPP, I’ll fight with the community to make sure it’s not expanded.

    Will you establish long term protection of Mt Nemo from further applications for unnecessary mining on Mt Nemo through redesignation of the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection?

    I am also committed to working with the local community to explore the possibility of designation of the Mount Nemo Plateau to Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection to ensure long term protection.

Every vote counts. Make sure you show up to the polls for Mt Nemo.