July 20, 2005. Much has changed since that sad day almost 17 years ago when the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) handed down its final decision on Cornwall Gravel’s request to rezone Lot 18, Concession 9. The 22-page document paved the way for the former Dunvegan farm to be converted into a below-water-table quarry, with an on-site asphalt and concrete plant. Many of the original members of “Quarries Are The Pits” — a group of concerned residents up and down Dunvegan Road who fundraised and fought Cornwall Gravel’s application — have moved on, passed on, or both. Moreover, the passage of time may have blunted our remaining members’ recollection of the conditions set forth in the OMB’s decision. I know I had to dig out my Banker’s Box of QATP memorabilia to refresh my memory.
The reason I bring this up today is that Cornwall Gravel’s site appears to be creeping ever closer to slapping an open-for-business sign on the front gate. In addition to enlarging the entrance last fall, a series of wooden sticks have recently popped up all along the front of the property… and on either side of the laneway leading to the sturdy steel gate. These could be merely decorative. However, their even spacing suggests galvanized steel posts and chain link fencing will soon replace the orange-tipped markers. And once this is in place, can the pneumatic stone drills, truckloads of ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil) explosive and the inevitable platoon of diesel-powered diggers and haulers be far behind?
If you’re interested, I will post a copy of the final OMB decision on my blog this coming weekend (www.dunvegan-times.ca). In the meantime, here’s a quick outline of some of the terms and conditions of the owner’s license for the Dunvegan Quarry. Hours of operation:Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm (except in the case of “emergencies”). Blasting hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The OMB has also specified that Cornwall Gravel must advise all homeowners and businesses within 500 metres of the licensed area 48 hours prior to commencement of blasting operations. In addition, pre-blast surveys have to be carried out at all residences and businesses within 500 metres of the licensed area. Copies of the pre-blast surveys are to be provided to the landowners and the Ministry of Natural Resources. I suspect the distance of 500 metres was carefully chosen, as virtually none of the neighbouring residents fall into this zone. None, if the 500 metre distance is measured from the blast site rather than the boundaries of Lot 18.
Ready for IDAHTB Day?
These days, every self-respecting disease, cause, group and gender has a commemorative holiday of its own. In fact, the Government of Canada’s web page of important and commemorative days reads like a handbook on Political Correctness for Dunmmies. For some, such as “International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia,” it’s just one day (May 17). For others, like “Mennonite Heritage Week,” it’s a whole week (2nd week of September). Or even a month: ”Latin American Heritage Month” (October). One special interest group, rather sneakily, even lays claim to the entire year. “Launch of Pride Season” starts in June, but declares no definitive date as the end of the Priding season. In fact, Canada’s national acknowledgement calendar is so over-subscribed with diverse claimants that calendar designers have given up on all but the ones with real traction.
What I find interesting though is that the official list of important and commemorative days mentioned above doesn’t recognize “National Volunteer Week” in April. The only two events on the official list for April are “Sikh Heritage Month” and “Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month.”
However, the one collective group of people — white, brown, black, yellow, red, and every other colour under the rainbow — that is the engine that drives all of the other organizations doesn’t even rate a footnote. Volunteers. Without their legions of hard-working volunteers from all walks for life, few of these other groups would exist.
Closer to home, if you’re new to the Dunvegan area (or are looking for honourary Duveganite status), we have three main organizations that are always in need of volunteers: Kenyon Presbyterian Church, The Dunvegan Recreation Association and the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. In fact, just last week the GPM’s curator, Jennifer Black, asked me to mention that they’re looking for more volunteers at the museum.
Jennifer mentioned that their annual spring cleaning and maintenance bee will take place on Saturday, April 23rd and they’d be delighted if you wanted to help them for a few hours tackling jobs like sweeping away the winter dust and ladybugs, brushing on a lick of paint or moving the picnic tables out of winter storage. It’s a great introduction to the museum… with no strings attached or a lifetime commitment. And the half-day workfest usually involves snacks and a light lunch… not to mention the chance to make new acquaintances.
However, if you’d like to sign up the spring cleaning day, you must register first by emailing or phoning the museum, This allows the organizers to plan the assignments and to ensure there are enough supplies. And food. Their phone number is 613-527-5230 or email: info@glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
If you are in the unenviable position of having a teenager or two in your care, you might also mention to them that the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has a great deal of experience signing student proof of volunteer work forms for school in exchange for a few hours helping at events or working around the grounds. You could also mention it’s a great way to round out their resume a bit.
This year, “National Volunteer Week” runs from April 24th to the 30th. So if you spot a volunteer next week, give him or her a big hug and a hearty thank you. But ask for permission first, or you could end up spending “National Police Week” in the pokey.
-30-