April 29, 2011 - see the News section for recent developments!

Giofam has sent letters notifying objectors that they have until May 20, 2011 to re-object! 

Please become a member of the Dalton Wildlands Defence League!

The Dalton Wildlands Defence League (DWDL) was formed in April 2009 after residents of the area were made aware that there is an application pending for a Category 2, Class A (below the water table) quarry licence. This application was submitted by Giofam Investments Inc. (Giofam) to mine granite from a proposed quarry located near the intersection of County Road 45 and Lake Dalrymple Road  in the former Township of Dalton, now known as Ward 1 in the City of Kawartha Lakes. DWDL was incorporated in May 2010 and we need members to give our organization strength.  

Below you will find a summary of our issues related to the proposed quarry. We need to show Giofam, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the City of Kawartha Lakes that we represent many people who share our concerns.  Please take the time to fill out a membership application. Members will be updated on a regular basis and will be invited to our annual meetings.   

Our Main Concerns

Protection of the environment:

The proposed quarry is surrounded by wetlands that that are part of a large system that is home to several species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Indications are that some, if not all of these wetlands will lose their ecological function. The site is adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park and we consider the industrial land use to be incompatible with the park.

Preserving water quantity and quality:

Giofam has applied for a Permit to Take Water for 8.1 million litres per day to cope with run-off and seepage into the mine. This is water that would otherwise sustain wetlands and the amount of water drawn into workings is unpredictable in fractured rock. Taking this water could have adverse effects on the watershed, local residents’ wells and the Cranberry River. 

Truck traffic:

The gravel truck traffic anticipated by the proposed quarry cannot be accommodated safely. Moreover, the haul route being considered threatens the peace and enjoyment of seasonal residents in cottages, trailers, and rental units, who are a major part of the local economy.

Preserving air quality:

Silica is toxic and is the major component of granite. A quarry operation produces a significant amount of dust which may be released into the environment. The regulations and practices that work reasonably well at limestone quarries may not provide reliable protection at a crushed granite quarry.

 

Quarry Application Status

The MNR received approximately 125 letters of opposition, a significant number, by the time the formal public comment period on the application ended in July 2009. Giofam has two years, ending May 26, 2011, to respond to the comments it received. 

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources requested a Species at Risk report. Study of species at risk, at the site, began in the spring of 2010 and the resulting Natural Environment Report is available at www.vicdom.com.

The City of Kawartha Lakes has yet to approve a re-zoning application. 

Giofam has made an application for a permit under the Endangered Species Act that will exempt them from some of the requirements of the Act. There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on this application.

What Can You Do To Help?

Become a member of DWDL. We need a large supportive membership in order to make our voices heard. 

If you are a permanent or seasonal resident of the area, this quarry will affect you. If you don’t live here, but care about preserving habitat for threatened wildlife in Ontario and the integrity of our provincial parks you can help by becoming a member. 

We will keep you informed of the issues and developments related to the quarry application. Please complete an application form which may also be found on our website (www.daltonwildlands.com).

Questions can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .