Aborginal Women Protest Dump Site 41

Submitted by zazzo on May 16, 2009 - 10:44pm.

I would call upon all peoples in Canada, not just the First Nations people.

It is time to stand for the water, the land, and the animals.

If you don't do it now, it will soon be too late.

What can you do to support the people who believe that protection of what gives us life should be the first priority.

Who has the courage to stand and say stop, this is enough, this is not right, this is a stupid idea, go build your garbage dump some place else.

Who can say, stop creating so much garbge in the first place.

Submitted by Fidel on May 16, 2009 - 11:07pm.

Not that it matters for the water table, but I'd like to know where the toxic waste is coming from. I read several years ago that Toronto and Montreal accept somewhere over 600,000 metric tonnes of toxic waste from the US every year for "processing" If it's good garbage, they should shove it up their derrieres sideways. A good thing cant hurt.

Submitted by Refuge on May 17, 2009 - 12:01pm.

Barrie Examiner wrote:

Posted By Douglas Glynn, Midland Free Press ELMVALE - A group of concerned citizens from Christian Island who oppose the North Simcoe Landfill, also known as Site 41, have established a permanent campsite at the entrance to Site 41 - and have put the call out to other First Nations people across the country to join with them.

Vicki Monague, the group's spokesperson, said they are holding a peaceful protest and intend to stay until the plan to open the landfill is stopped.

"We will continue to hold ceremonies and to drum," she said.

Monague has appealed to First Nations people across Canada to come to the campsite and support the protest because "the water is being threatened.

"We want the federal government to intervene on behalf of First Nations people to protect the Alliston aquifer," she said.

About 25 members of the group set up camp in a farm field opposite the dump on Friday to protest the landfill. But what was to have been a weekend of ceremonies to honour the water, moon, the sun and the earth has quickly become a permanent campsite.

continued

Submitted by Refuge on July 10, 2009 - 6:31pm.

Facebook message sent out today

Quote:

On Monday, July 6th, 2009 it was decided that a blockade at all entrances to Site 41 would be erected . This is in response to the Federal Government NOT taking action to protect the natural resources of First Nations People. The Federal Government and the Province of Ontarion BOTH have a duty to consult First Nations people in terms of land and natural resources.

A Certificate of Approval for Dump Site 41 should never have been issued without first consulting the surrounding First Nations as it will adversely affect the drinking water supplies of Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay. It also has the potential to adversely affect the whole eco-system of Central Ontario. This water has been proven to be the purest in the World. This is a resource the needs to be protected.

Facts,
-We know all liners leak and this WILL POLLUTE OUR WATER
-We know the Province of Ontario, specifically the Ministry of Environment is in bed with the County of Simcoe and this is CORRUPTION ON THESE TWO GOVERNING BODIES
-We know the ALOT of people stand to make ALOT of money of this landfill site
-We know that there are plans for an integrated waste management system
-WE KNOW WE NEED TO STOP THIS NOW!

THIS IS A PERMANENT BLOCKADE UNTIL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SPECIFICALLY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER INTERVENES AND REVOKES THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL FOR DUMP SITE 41.

We desperately need people to help us man gates. This is a peaceful blockade without the use of weapons, drugs or alcohol. We encourage families to attend and sit on the side of the road by the cedar trail out of harms way of passing motorists. Gates are blocked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At this point, we know there are negotiations between the County of Simcoe and the OPP, however, because of the demographics of people and the amount of people there they have taken no action to intervene. As long as we remain peaceful and keep our numbers up, the more of a chance we have at winning this battle.

I hope to see you all at the Gates of Site 41.

Sincerely,
Vicki Monague

Submitted by Refuge on July 10, 2009 - 8:44pm.

Correction:

Quote:

CORRECTION!

The Federal Government needs to intervene with the Province of Ontario and have the Certificate of Approval revoked on the basis that First Nations people WERE NOT CONSULTED and under the basis that the Federal Government has a duty to protect our natural resources, including water.

THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN ASKING OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FOR THE PAST 67 DAYS OF PROTESTING AT SITE 41.

As stated in many previous updates, we all know that the Province of Ontario, specifically the Ministry of Environment are the culprits who issued the Certificate of Approval for the County of Simcoe Landfill Site 41.

I hope this clears things up!

Thanks,Vicki

Submitted by remind on July 10, 2009 - 8:44pm.

Thanks refuge, and there was a link somewhere to bank info to help with actions, do you have it?

Submitted by Refuge on July 10, 2009 - 8:47pm.

yep, here is the info (linked to the facebook message)

Monetary donations can be deposited at Scotia Bank: Transit #: 40782/Account #: 0052116

Submitted by remind on July 10, 2009 - 10:27pm.

Thanks,

Submitted by steady_diet on July 14, 2009 - 12:00pm.

"It's not too late to stop this imminent threat to Georgian Bay and the purest groundwater in the world!

Come out to dumpsite 41 on Saturday July 25 for the Rally! We are advocating for a one year moratorium on the issue. Speakers include:
*First Nations speakers
*Maude Barlow, first Senior Advisor on Water on the United Nations and Council of Canadians Chairperson
* David Crombie, former Toronto Mayor and federal cabinet minister
etc.

Fill a car, bring your entire household,- as well as lawn chairs and a water glass to toast the best groundwater in the world!

Participating groups:
Anishinabe kweag, Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, Stop Dump Site 41, Council of Canadians

Please show your support and stand up for the water. The time is now BEFORE the water gets contaminated.

Together we are strong
For the next seven generations,

Shelley Essaunce
Minwaabe Kwe"

Submitted by steady_diet on July 16, 2009 - 12:49pm.

Although ordered by the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to do so, Jagger Hims [the company Simcoe County contracted for Site 41 groundwater analysis] has refused to release their ModFlow groundwater analysis to the public. The County-created Community Monitoring Committee has contested the company's claims regarding groundflow information, a key component to the structural integrity of the proposed dump site in relation to the aquifer.

The Council of Canadians has discovered that Genivar [a major landfill development company] recently aqcuired both Jagger Hims and Henderson Paddon [the company the County has hired for all its Landfill Site designs including Site 41].

full press release here

Submitted by steady_diet on July 16, 2009 - 12:55pm.

On Friday, Tiny Township Mayor Peggy Breckenridge sent an email to Simcoe County Warden Tony Geurgis, urging an emergency meeting of County Council be called to deal with the concerns surrounding Site 41. On Monday, Tiny Township Council passed a resolution urging the Province to intervene to stop the dump site.

Full Article [13]

Submitted by Refuge on July 16, 2009 - 1:31pm.

Just got a message from Vikki Monague that they have heard there is now an injunction.

If anyone has any details on this please post, I have not seen anything on the web to confirm or deny this.

edited to add: Just found this but it is very small on details. If anyone else has any more details please post.

Submitted by steady_diet on July 17, 2009 - 12:06am.

July 16th Council of Canadians media release in response to the OPP confrontation with protesters barricading Dump Site 41:

http://www.canadians.org/media/water/2009/16-July-09.html

Submitted by Refuge on July 17, 2009 - 9:02am.

Thanks for the info steady_diet. So no injunction but threatening to arrest on mischeif charge. Interesting. I smell the garbage getting closer and the police getting more desperate to get the protestors out of the way.

Now that the OPP have set the precident for clearing FN protestors off land with KI, Sharbot Lake, Cayuga etc sounds like they are now brave enough to threaten to go forward without an injunction.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on July 22, 2009 - 6:46pm.

I think it's a mistake to focus on the police as if they are calling the shots. They have a role to play, but it's the local politicians who approved the dump and who are pushing for police action who need to be held to account. Today the County obtained a temporary injunction against the blockade: http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/141583

Submitted by Refuge on July 22, 2009 - 8:21pm.

Joey Ramone,

Prior to the KI, Sharbot Lake and Cayuga (and Brantford) the police did not arrest and target the people who were leaders in their community.

If you are writing about me you are the one that implied I focus on the police, which I do not. If you review the thread you will see that I have posted about other parties that are responsible. If you are talking about my post #14 - at that point when I posted there was no injunction against the protestors so it WAS purely police discretion - nobody was telling them to arrest or threaten to arrest the protestors at that point and that was what I choose to talk about in that post (I do not need to bring up every issue I have already posted or others have already posted in every post I write). Thus the focus in that post on the police making the decision. Now it is the courts discretion (which apparently they have made their decision) and the OPP's discretion on whether they will follow the court and arrest or the Ipperwash Inquiry which they have followed in the past

Ipperwash Inquiry Cominsioner's Statement wrote:

WHEN ABORIGINAL OCCUPATIONS AND PROTESTS DO OCCUR, HOW THEY ARE POLICED IS IMPORTANT TO ALL ONTARIANS. THE OBJECTIVES OF POLICE SERVICES AND POLICE LEADERS DURING ABORIGINAL PROTESTS AND OCCUPATIONS SHOULD BE TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF VIOLENCE, TO FACILITATE THE EXERCISE OF CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED RIGHTS, INCLUDING TREATY AND ABORIGINAL RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY, TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, TO REMAIN NEUTRAL AS TO THE UNDERLYING GRIEVANCE, AND, IF POSSIBLE, TO FACILITATE THE BUILDING OF TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL ASSIST THE PARTIES IN RESOLVING THE DISPUTE CONSTRUCTIVELY.

POLICE STRATEGY FOR ABORIGINAL OCCUPATIONS AND PROTESTS SHOULD EMPHASIZE THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER PROTESTS. THIS APPROACH NECESSARILY INVOLVES ONGOING COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH FIRST NATIONS AND ABORIGINAL LEADERS AND COMMUNITIES.

The police are not willing to stand up and do what they should be doing - following the Ipperwash Report recomendations. Just because there are other players in the game who are trashing the Ipperwash Report who also need to be held accountable doesn't mean the police shouldn't be held accountable for their decisions and actions.

I hope to God another inquiry is called and if it is I can guarantee the report will not state - and the police were just the victims, only following orders.

If you are talking about the entire thread focusing on the police you are the one implying it but the thread does not focus on the police. Perhaps you should read it again because there are various posts about the provincial government who is approving and pushing it through, about the various companies involved and the federal government who is not intervening.

Submitted by Refuge on July 24, 2009 - 7:58am.

Originally Sent July 21

Viki Monague wrote:

An injunction was filed today for me, Anne and Jon and Jane Doe to take down the current blockade in place.

We know Site 41 is an illegal landfill on the basis that First Nations (Beausoleil) was not consulted and this will affect our drinking water supply and our commercial fisheries. We know Site 41 leachate will flow to Georgian Bay via the Wye River and the MacDonald watershed. I have also received information today that there is no warranty on the liner, direct from the manufacturer. We know this will contaminate Georgian Bay.

We also know that another First Nation has an land claim in this area with hunting, fishing and harvesting rights. This First Nation should have also been consulted.

We also know that the vote on Site 41 was only for preliminary work on Site 41 and not the actual construction itself. Site 41 has no By-law or Motion at the County level to approve it.

We also know that the filing of this injuction is a staff action and not an action by the County of Simcoe itself.

Right now, I need legal help. I need assistance with legal expenses. I need a lawyer well versed in First Nations Rights and Issues.

Currently, I have not been formally served papers, although I have seen them and my name is front and centre.

The injuction is very important to expose the current issues related to Dump Site 41 and is a very important component to stopping this atrocity.

If I loose this opportunity due to lack of legal representation or money for retaining legal counsel, the whole Site 41 issue may loose a very important opportunity to shut it down permanently.

Our protesters blocking gates are doing so to protect the life-giving source of water for future generations. It will be our children who feel the affects of contamination. Our protesters are protecting mother earth and a peaceful and orderly manner.

I am due in court tomorrow at 9:30 am, Ontario Provincial Court House, Barrie, ON.

Your support, in any means, is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Vicki Monague

Submitted by Refuge on July 24, 2009 - 8:02am.

Email sent out to correct earlier information that was mistaken

Shelby Shawongonabe wrote:

I know people are probably getting frustrated by the amount of messages this group sends out , however, when things have been happening as fast as it has at "Site 41" it is necessary that the group keep ALL members who care about this issue informed and this is best means for doing so.

With that said, Vicki Monague is apologizing for the misinterpretation of a message that was sent earlier. Vicki had alloted responsibility for someone to update her Facebook account and change her status and the message was misintrepreted. I, personally, have spoken to her (she is my sister) She asked that I clarify what was said earlier about arrests and promisary notes being signed. THIS IS NOT THE CASE!

OPP were present this morning at the gates of "Site 41" to read over the "Riot act" and go over details of the injunction. Not to perform arrests or get protestors to sign anything!

People have asked why blockading was necessary, the act of blockading the gates in the first place was necessary to deter the dewatering process. The dewatering process is now taking it's toll on local wells and springs. Individuals have taken it upon themselves to continue to block the gates. It is up to the individuals as to whether or not to remain at the gates blockading. For the people that asked, hopefully that provides clarity.

Again, apologies for the miscommunication, hopefully this message has provided a sense of clarity to you and has fulfilled it's objective of correcting the misinterpreted message sent earlier. Your continued support for this cause is greatly appreciated!

In the meantime please read this discussion topic:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/topic.php?uid=84702896190&topic=9899

Wondering what the "Riot Act" is? Here is an article just published in The National Post today:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1818338 [21]

Chi Miigwetch!

Shelby Shawongonabe

Submitted by Refuge on July 24, 2009 - 8:29am.

Just a reminder this is tomorrow.

Quote:

"It's not too late to stop this imminent threat to Georgian Bay and the purest groundwater in the world!

Fill a car, bring your entire household,- as well as lawn chairs and a water glass to toast the best groundwater in the world!

Participating groups:
Anishinabe kweag, Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, Stop Dump Site 41, Council of Canadians

Please show your support and stand up for the water. The time is now BEFORE the water gets contaminated.

Together we are strong
For the next seven generations,

Shelley Essaunce
Minwaabe Kwe"

Submitted by remind on July 24, 2009 - 10:39am.

I thought Charlie Angus was also a speaker tomorrow? His name was on the press release that I read.

Submitted by Refuge on July 25, 2009 - 8:53am.

Could be, that is the what was posted a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't find a more recent one to repost.

Submitted by thanks on July 25, 2009 - 9:06am.

this situation reminded me just now of the blockade by residents outside the Coca-Cola plant in India.

Submitted by thanks on July 25, 2009 - 9:09am.

that was/is another earlier story that has been pivotal in efforts for water and people

Submitted by Refuge on July 26, 2009 - 4:27pm.

The rally went well yesterday, about 4 or 5000 people they said, though media reports are only saying 1000. I haven't gotten back to my computer to post any articles on the rally but will do if anyone hasn't posted one by then. I didn't make it to the rally because of an accident on the 400 which closed traffic for all but one lane for 10 hours yesterday so I went directly to the camp.

It rained all yesterday and today - even some hail today! But there have been some sunny spots and a beautiful rainbow all across the sky yesterday. They had some wonderful drumming and a lot of stories yesterday as everyone took cover from the rain it gave plenty of opportunity for listening.

It is important to note they mentioned that anyone who wants to come to the camp and support is more than welcome and really wanted and if there is fear about coming into conflict with the injunction they can freely visit the site as the injunction is specifically for blocking entrance to the site and the camp is across from the site at a private landowners farm where there is no injunction.

It was said yesterday that it really helps the people at the site to have visitors so they can see the support.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on July 27, 2009 - 9:59pm.

Thanks for the update Refuge. I wasn't at the rally but hear it was great. In other news, the First Nations protesters have retained legal counsel to represent them in the injunction proceedings on Wednesday. They've retained Peter Rosenthal, who has represented Shawn Brant for the past few years, and Chris Reid, who represents KI and Bob Lovelace and the Ardoch Algonquins.

Submitted by Refuge on July 28, 2009 - 8:43am.

Barrie Examininer wrote:

Landfill opponents make voices heard
ENVIRONMENT: Hundreds gather to protest controversial landfill site

More than 1,200 people attending a rally here Saturday opposing the North Simcoe Landfill, formerly known as Site 41, sent an unequivocal message to Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Halt dump Site 41.

Those at the rally cheered as speakers called for a moratorium on construction at the controversial landfill to allow for a thorough review.

The event attracted not only a large crowd, but it was the focus of national media coverage. That's a sign, says Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians chairperson, that Site 41 is gaining wider attention.

Barlow, senior advisor on water to the President of the United Nations, questioned the evidence being relied on by Simcoe County and Ontario's Ministry of the Environment to justify proceeding with the dump.

"They say it's safe to dump there. That is not true," she said. "We have information about the water table, but we can't get the computer model they are relying on. Jagger Hims (the company that carried out the testing) won't release it, even though Ontario's privacy commissioner has ordered that it be released.

Full article here

Submitted by Refuge on July 28, 2009 - 8:43am.

Toronto Star wrote:

Rethink decision to locate dump on site of aquifer

Cool weather has not chilled hot passions in a showdown in the rolling hills of Simcoe county's Tiny Township.

There, First Nations women, farmers, local residents, seniors and students have come together to protest Site 41 - a planned dumpsite that will sit atop the Alliston aquifer, an underground water reservoir that extends from Georgian Bay to Lake Simcoe and the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Site 41 has been hotly contested for more than 15 years, but the Ministry of the Environment finally signed off on the permit and a badly divided county council allowed excavation to begin in early summer.

Recently, a growing chorus of voices has called for a one-year moratorium in order to hold the public hearings that never took place and to allow for an independent scientific assessment of the model used to grant the permit, which has never been made public. Proponents of Site 41 question the reason for a moratorium and claim they know enough about the project to move ahead.

However, there are several new developments that would justify a moratorium.

First, the permit was granted on the belief that the water in the aquitard (below the surface but above the aquifer) flows upward, and that garbage will pose no threat to the aquifer. It was in fact a condition for granting the permit that the site have uninterrupted "upward gradients."

However, several recent observations tell a different story. A monitoring well on the site shows signs that there is a connection between the upper groundwater and the aquifer, which would be a violation of the permit conditions.

In fact, an independent hydrogeologist, the late David Charlesworth, warned county council that water in the aquitard was in some places flowing downward, which could put the aquifer at risk. The method used to grant the Site 41 permit was "fundamentally flawed," he declared.

..............

Finally, opposition to Site 41 has grown dramatically. In a recent online poll, 85 per cent of local residents supported the blockade to stop construction. Politicians from all political parties, provincial and federal environmental groups and respected leaders such as David Suzuki have come together to protect the aquifer, the source of drinking water so clean that it is referred to as "reference water" - the gold standard of water quality - by a university laboratory in Germany.

Does Simcoe County Council want to be known as the community that put a dumpsite on the purist water in the world? Or can we all step back now and call a one-year halt while we decide how best to be stewards of this water for the future?

Former Toronto mayor David Crombie is a resident of Tiny Township. Maude Barlow is senior adviser on water to the president of the UN and national chairperson of the Council of Canadians.

Full Article Here

Submitted by Refuge on July 28, 2009 - 8:54am.

Court is coming up tomorrow. They are hoping for an injunction against the dump so that no work can be done based on the environmental concerns. I am not really up to speed on environmental law so I don't know how likely or unlikely this is to happen on Wednesday.

Looking at other FN cases though, I am unfortunately not to hopeful that the injunction against the protestors will be lifted as there was not lifting of the injunction in Sharbot lake (or KI I believe) or Haggersville or Brantford and the injunction was only disolved in Caledonia because the province bought the property (and even that was a fight with the Judge to get it disolved even though all parties agreed to it).

Around camp the talk was that everyone is looking to Wednesday to see what happens in court.

Submitted by remind on July 28, 2009 - 10:16am.

Thanks refuge, this is so ugly of an action by politicians that people should be outraged across Canada.

Submitted by Refuge on July 28, 2009 - 7:13pm.

I know remind. Guess people are willing to look past ugly if there is a big stack of money behind it.

Court Information for anyone who can attend tomorrow:

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm
Location: Barrie Courthouse
Street: 114 Worsley Street, Barrie, ON

Quote:

Well, as everyone knows by now, the County of Simcoe has filed an application for Injunction to the blockade at Site 41, naming myself and a local dairy farmer, Anne Ritchie-Nahuis as the defendants.

I think the County of Simcoe can put as many injuctions on me as they want, they will not stop me from protecting the water, and protecting the generations yet to come. We will, without a doubt in my mind, Stop Dump Site 41.

Please come and show your support for Anne, Myself, Jane Doe, John Doe and everyone at the blockades. They will not come down until Site 41 is stopped permanently.

Make some noise and make sure the culprits, Rob McCullough and his team of big-wig lawyers hear you!

LOUD AND PROUD!!!!

Miigwetch,
Vicki

Submitted by Refuge on July 29, 2009 - 12:17pm.

Update from court:

The crown wants to adjourn for two weeks. Viki's side said that is fine as long as the judge drops the injunction. Ann's side said that's fine as long as they put stipulations in that the county can do no work until they adjourn. The county said they didn't want either of those and will procede even though they aren't ready if the judge decides to include either in the adjournment. The judge is coming back with his decision at 2:00.

Submitted by Refuge on July 29, 2009 - 2:28pm.

The judge kept the injunction in and the city can work at the site. They will be back in court for further arguments on the "temporary injunction" August 13th and 14th at 9:30. Reactions from the site and protestors involved still to come.......

Submitted by Joey Ramone on July 29, 2009 - 6:41pm.

Thanks for the updates Refuge. I thought Rosenthal did a great job on behalf of Vicki, but this judge seems determined to enforce the County's claim to the site and ensure that protesters cannot in any way interfere with the construction and operation of the dump. His closing sermon about the "rule of law" was a completely one-sided rant about the need for dump opponents to "obey the law". He totally ignored the more nuanced description of the rule of law by the Court of Appeal in the Frontenac (KI and Ardoch/Lovelace) case. The outcome on August 14 is not much in doubt, but then it was always much more likely in this case that victory would be won by having a new vote of the municipal council rather than convincing a judge to stop the dump. The court proceedings are still useful in exposing the County's underhanded tactics and the risks posed by the dump.

Submitted by remind on July 29, 2009 - 6:51pm.

Oh dear thanks for the updates.

Submitted by Refuge on August 3, 2009 - 4:56pm.

John Hawk was charged for activities related to site 41. He is not allowed to have contact with organizers of the site or allowed back to the site.

Submitted by remind on August 3, 2009 - 8:39pm.

What activities?

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 3, 2009 - 9:19pm.

Refuge: Do you mean that he was charged with a Criminal Code offence or served with a summons to appear as a defendant in a motion for civil contempt? When did this happen?

Submitted by Refuge on August 4, 2009 - 9:55am.

He was arrested by the police so I am assuming they are criminal charges but I am trying to find out what they are. He was arrested off site on Thursday night.

I also heard that 11 people have been added to the injunction and am also trying to find out who.

edited to add: sorry remind, just realized my answer to you wasn't very clear. I know that he has been involved at sitting at the gates, not sure if he was actually involved with blocking the trucks but the charges would stem out of that. The cops had threatened to charge people with mischief before and they can charge with criminal contempt since there is an injunction in place (as they have done down at Brantford) but I am not sure right now what they charged him with.

Submitted by Refuge on August 4, 2009 - 10:10am.

Just saw an article the cops are saying that he is charged with mischeif and intimidation with an unrelated blocking of roads and access to property. WTF! They are telling the media that it has nothing to do with Site 41! Filling the media with propoganda it sounds like to me to make it seem as if the protestors and people who just wake up one day and say hey, think that I will block a road and not let somone on their property today.

Please! What a coincidence - he is charged with exactly what was threatened at the site and not allowed back at the site but really it is a completely unrelated matter!

This is bullshit. He was picked up on an unrelated matter but when he was brought to the cop shop they didn't follow through on the complaint that brought him there - they charged him with mischief and intimidation for blocking roads and not allowing access to property. He is not allowed back to site 41. Unrelated mattter my ass!

Submitted by remind on August 4, 2009 - 10:15am.

Thanks refuge, what happens next?

Submitted by Refuge on August 4, 2009 - 11:03am.

His court date is in October so he is suppose to stay away from the camp until then at least (even though the camp is not covered under the injunction, only blocking the gates).

In terms of the camp, everyone is still there and still doesn't want a dump. The gates are being watched for activity but other than some supervisors showing up the Thursday after the injunction (and turned away) there has been no attempts to try and get into the dump to do new construction to continue the process of the dump.

Submitted by remind on August 4, 2009 - 11:10am.

Thanks, seems like more needs to be done.

Submitted by Refuge on August 5, 2009 - 12:13am.

Of the people I have heard about, so far, it is all farmers who are being added to the injunction.

Submitted by zazzo on August 5, 2009 - 1:46pm.

Elderly couple to be charged: http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1685948

Stop Dumpsite 41 website for latest information: http://stopdumpsite41.ca/ [48]

Submitted by remind on August 5, 2009 - 2:22pm.

Thanks zazzo, unbelieveable actually and the Site 41 link is especially informative.

Submitted by Refuge on August 6, 2009 - 8:31am.

There is a walk today at 9 am going to the OPP police detachment in support of the elderly couple who are charged.

Submitted by remind on August 6, 2009 - 12:08pm.

This is just truely sickening, IMV they are doing this to try and intimidate people, to keep them from supporting FN's, and protecting themselves.

Seriously who in the hell ordered the police to get involved in this manner, as it seems the MPP does not know.

Submitted by Refuge on August 6, 2009 - 12:58pm.

A hundred fifty plus people met at the gate this morning to accompany the elderly couple to the OPP detachment to turn themselves in. If anyone has links to any articles it would be appreciated if they could post them.

Submitted by Refuge on August 6, 2009 - 7:43pm.

Ann has been taken in by the OPP bail hearing for her is tomorrow. Vikki is going in the morning to OPP with an escourt same as this morning with the elderly couple

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 6, 2009 - 9:44pm.

Vicki Monague is to be charged tomorrow with intimidation and mischief. If she agrees to an undertaking to stay at least 1 km away from the site, she will be released immediately on a promise to appear for her trial. If she refuses she will be held until a bail hearing can be held.

Submitted by Refuge on August 6, 2009 - 11:37pm.

8 people arrested today, one directly from the site. Very few left at the site, looking for bodies immediately.

Submitted by thanks on August 6, 2009 - 11:40pm.

who's doing the intimidating !?

and the Orillia Packet article quoted the MPP that county councillors didn't even know about the injunction order in the first place !

this whole mess looks like instigation.

the OPP and the court should back off until the democratic process is clarified, and until the scientific evidence is clarified.

on the latter, it's not the first time computer models have ignored key variables.

aside from the fact that water molecules bound to soil particles migrate in directions depending upon many factors, including pressure gradients, precipitation, and temperature. further, there is no hard and fast distinction between the aquitard and the aquifer; connections abound.

it's really good to see people in the community and more broadly supporting the efforts and courage of the protesters.

thanks for the updates here.

Submitted by thanks on August 6, 2009 - 11:44pm.

hope a lot of people show up at the bail hearing, and/or protest at the OPP. this is completely ridiculous.

Submitted by thanks on August 6, 2009 - 11:52pm.

of course, i'm not one to talk, having just spent the last week enjoying clean water elsewhere, whilst people here were working hard to keep the groundwater safe...

but i will jot down some notes on the former.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 7, 2009 - 10:49am.

Vicki Monague has been arrested, charged and released after signing an undertaking to stay at least 1 km away from the site. Anne Nahuis has a bail hearing today.

Submitted by thanks on August 7, 2009 - 12:40pm.

listening to CBC radio just now, the warden of Simcoe County sounded like a bully, in tone and content.

he seems to think 'democracy' means himself and the deputy warden making decisions about landfills and water, without other councillors full knowledge and approval, let alone his constituents'.

the retired farmer interviewed had a lot better sense of order, and democracy, including the need for full disclosure of all studies, and a moratorium on further work on the dump site so that a proper discussion of outstanding questions can be held, without intimidating residents with arrests.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 7, 2009 - 5:13pm.

Anne Nuhuis has been released on bail on condition that she obey the injunction and not block the County's access to the site. Evidently Danny Beaton refused to agree to this restriction and will spend the weekend in jail.

Submitted by Refuge on August 8, 2009 - 8:47am.

Barrie Examiner wrote:

Cops raid Site 41
Protesters flee campsite

TINY TWP. - Ontario Provincial Police swooped down on protesters at Site 41 Friday night in an apparent search for people on a list of those to be charged with mischief for blockading landfill entrances.

An interim court injunction issued at Simcoe County's request prohibiting people from being in front of or blocking the landfill entrances, allows people to protest opposite Site 41.

Police cruisers reportedly blocked access to Concession Road 2 in Tiny Township. There was also a heavy police presence on County Road 6 in the Wyevale area and surrounding roads.

A number of people reportedly fled the First Nations' campsite on the Parnell farm, which is adjacent to Site 41.

Police reportedly cleared chairs, tents and other items at or near the entrances to the landfill. The gates were opened and a number of trucks entered the property.

Early reports indicated there had been no arrests.

Nine people have been charged with mischief so far, including one man who will remain in custody until Monday as he awaits a bail hearing.

Friday night's police raid was launched around dinner time.

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1690976 for the full article

They waited until there were only just over a dozen protestors left, and only a few non natives were there. The protestors were 1/3 children and 1/3 women and 1/3 men. It was reported to the camp by supporters that the road was being blocked on 2nd line and that there were a dozen cop cars, two patty wagons and a few police vans ready nearby. With no back up coming and the camp filled with families and Caledonia on the mind the decision was made that for everyones saftey the camp needed to be vacated to avoid the violence that the cops were bringing to the site. The men left with each group of women to where they were seeking safety to ensure their protection away from what the cops wanted to become ground zero.

Submitted by remind on August 8, 2009 - 12:52pm.

So they are intent upon destroying the water, in order to be able to profit from garbage.

Submitted by Refuge on August 8, 2009 - 1:06pm.

Protestors are at camp today, the gates are open but so far no movement in and out. Still looking for support and people to come to the camp while regrouping to fight the dump

Submitted by B9sus4 on August 9, 2009 - 3:08pm.

"So they are intent upon destroying the water, in order to be able to profit from garbage."

Destroying the water means destroying the people. Destroying the people means destroying the country. So there are quite happy (as always) with destroying the country in order to profit themselves. Capitalism at it's finest.

Submitted by Michelle on August 10, 2009 - 3:34pm.

Nothing to add, just thanking everyone, including Refuge and Joey Ramone, for keeping us updated on what's happening.

Submitted by Krystalline Kraus on August 11, 2009 - 1:29pm.

Why is Simcoe County building a dump site on pristine water?

Find out how to stop this environmental destruction on Thursday, Aug. 13th at 7pm

University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, Macleod Auditorium Room 2158

Entrances off Kings College Circle (College St) and also Queens Park Circle nearest the Queens Park Subway

Call (416) 979-5554 for more information

Speakers include:

Dale Goldhawk
Emcee
David Crombie
Former Toronto mayor, former federal cabinet minister
Sandy Hudson
University of Toronto Student Union President
Meera Karunananthan
Council of Canadians Water Campaigner
David Ladell
Federation of Tiny Township Cottager Associations (FTTSA)
Vicki Monague
Spokesperson for The Anishinabe Women, Keepers of the Water from Christian Island
Mary Muter
Georgian Baykeeper for Georgian Bay Forever
Stephen Ogden
Resident of Simcoe County & member of the Community Monitoring Committee

Please check out the Facebook Event Page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15883423602#/event.php?eid=113012547209&ref=ts

Submitted by Refuge on August 12, 2009 - 10:35am.

Court is tomorrow and Friday at 9:30 in Barrie. The town of Midland and Barrie are the two latest to call for a moratorium on the dump until the environmental issues can be looked at. Ralph Nader stopped by the site Monday and the radio says that he has added his voice to the fight.

Submitted by Refuge on August 14, 2009 - 7:43pm.

The parties came to an agreement. Vikki will not fight the injunction and the County Council is being forced to bring up the injunction and the morotoriam at the next meeting. If it is moved and seconded it will be debated and voted on on the meeting that is to start on the 25th. I am not clear if the injunction will be pursued by Ann or not as it was not made clear in court.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 14, 2009 - 9:48pm.

Here's a summary of what happened in Court today. Vicki and Anne say they consider today's agreement at the courthouse a major victory. The issues will now, finally, be debated and voted on by the County Council. http://stopdumpsite41.ca/

Submitted by Refuge on August 17, 2009 - 4:40pm.

The water that flows freely out of the aquifer for the first time since I have been at the site and from what the farmers say the first time they have ever seen it is no longer running clear. Yesterday it was cloudy and today it continues to be cloudy. The damage has started. If it is stopped now there may be a chance that it is reversable but I fear about the consequences if the work on the dump continues and damage the garbage that will be placed ontop of the aquaifer will do.

Four people were arrested while in front of the gate today. It was reported that there was a ceremony taking place when they were arrested.

Edited to add : It was 6 people, four men and two women.

Submitted by remind on August 17, 2009 - 4:13pm.

Sigh! but yet everyone is supposed to believe the dump would be safe.

Interestingly, seems Nader cares more about this issue than most here do. Cuedos to his actions.

And thanks Refuge and Joey for your cointinued information and actions on this.

Submitted by Refuge on August 17, 2009 - 4:35pm.

Toronto Star wrote:

Protesters of Elmvale landfill say they won't give up
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Aug 13, 2009 07:22 PM
Trevor Pritchard
THE CANADIAN PRESS

ELMVALE, Ont. - Keith and Ina Wood don't look like your average criminals.

Most criminals don't shuffle from place to place with the aid of a cane, like 82-year-old Keith does.

Nor do they often knit hats for their newborn grandchildren, like Ina, 76.

But that's how the Woods, retired dairy farmers married for 57 years, now describe themselves. Last week, they and a handful of others were arrested for protesting the construction of a 20-hectare landfill about 40 kilometres northwest of Barrie, Ont., known locally as Site 41.

The landfill is being built on central Ontario's Alliston Aquifer, which the site's vocal opponents claim is one of the most pristine sources of groundwater in the world. Its construction has been a contentious issue for decades, but opposition has swelled over the summer, after the Ministry of the Environment allowed excavation work to begin in earnest.

Premier Dalton McGuinty has stood by the site's construction, saying he believes the scientific experts who feel the aquifer won't be contaminated. Simcoe County says the site meets standards set out by the ministry, and argues it needs to be built since the area has been without local trash disposal options since the 1980s.

But the protesters - who include farmers, Simcoe County residents, and members of the nearby Beausoleil First Nation - say they don't buy the science the government is relying on.

In July, a blockade went up outside the landfill. The Woods admit they took part, taking shifts sitting in front of one of the site's main gates.

On Aug. 4, Ina Wood was at home when she got a call from the local provincial police detachment. An officer asked the couple to come down to the station, to be charged with mischief.

If they didn't, the officer said, the charges would become more serious.

Ina laughs when she recalls how she felt.

"I'm a 76-year-old grandmother. What would they do with me anyway? So I wasn't going to get too upset about it."

Her husband, however, takes a more cynical view.

"I felt I was targeted," he says. "I was one of the oldest protesters. And I figure they just picked me out. I wouldn't fight. They were just going to pick out a few of us old guys, scare the heck out of us, and get the road cleared out."

Full Story

Submitted by Refuge on August 17, 2009 - 4:42pm.

Toronto Sun wrote:

Six protesters upset with the development of a new garbage dump in Simcoe County were arrested this morning.

For the past 100 days, both native and non-native protesters have camped out near a 20-hectare site, known as Site 41, that Simcoe County is planning to turn into a dump.

The six arrested this morning - three native and three non-native - thought they were waiting for a meeting with someone representing Simcoe County, according to witnesses.

"We thought, in all honesty, we were sitting there waiting and thinking there was going to be a meeting with a county official," said Cathy Ritchie-Kerr, adding they were told by the OPP the meeting was going to happen. "I was always raised to respect the police and that they were here to protect us but they totally set us up today."

Full Story

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 20, 2009 - 4:32pm.

Lots of developments reported on here: http://stopdumpsite41.ca/

Submitted by remind on August 20, 2009 - 5:17pm.

Wow, entrapment now, eh? And yet Ontarians are all about their Liberals.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 21, 2009 - 9:33pm.

Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner has issued a second, very strongly worded order demanding that the County release key technical data related to the safety of the dump. http://stopdumpsite41.ca/

Submitted by Refuge on August 24, 2009 - 1:20pm.

Micheal Schmidt has chained himself to the gate.

Submitted by Refuge on August 24, 2009 - 2:15pm.

The cops have blockaded the road on either side of the site.

Submitted by North Shore on August 24, 2009 - 3:24pm.

The cops have blockaded the road on either side of the site.

...Oh, the irony.

Submitted by Refuge on August 25, 2009 - 6:28pm.

Council voted 22 - 10 in favour of a one year moritorium.

The workers have to go home!

Submitted by RevolutionPlease on August 25, 2009 - 7:11pm.

Fucking awesome. Well done women of Beausoleil First Nation.

Thanks for all the updates Refuge.

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/686373

Submitted by remind on August 25, 2009 - 9:35pm.

Awesome just awesome, and now what is going to happen to those who were charged?

And does this have anything to do with them being forced to release the information about the study's findings?

Submitted by Refuge on August 25, 2009 - 10:40pm.

Those facing criminal charges are still facing the charges on Oct 8, I don't know what the result will be but there is speculation the judge may take into consideration the moratorium in October.

I am not sure if the decision was partly because they are being forced to release the model but I do know there were several issues that were discussed at council.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on August 25, 2009 - 11:10pm.

Wins on several issues today. Most important, Simcoe County Council voted by a large margin (22-10) for a one year moratorium on the dump. This is a big win for grassroots activists (First Nations and non-Aboriginal local farmers etc...) In addition to the moratorium, Council voted to end the most offensive part of the legal action undertaken against the dump opponents. The claim for damages is gone. The claim for an injunction against the anti-dump blockade remains, but it is probably moot after today's vote for a moratorium. This certainly isn't over, but today's wins are pretty big.

Submitted by North Shore on August 26, 2009 - 5:10pm.

Wow! Congratulations to all involved. Thank-you for your hard work.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on September 22, 2009 - 4:32pm.

Another big win today. Simcoe County Council voted by a wide margin to permanently abandon the dump. There is still the issue of criminal charges against 17 protesters, but there is hope that the Crown will now withdraw most, if not all, of the charges. Lots of celebrating going on tonight.

Submitted by martin dufresne on September 22, 2009 - 4:55pm.

From www.stopdumpsite41.ca

Internal memo shows reasoning behind stopping DS41, keeping C of A
September 22nd, 2009 Simcoe County Council took one step forward today in its plans for Site 41 when it voted 93-13 (weighted vote) in favour of Adjala-Tosorontio Deputy Mayor Doug Little's motion to discontinue construction and future development.
But, in a move that was very disappointing to the 250 people who turned out to pack the council chamber, they took two steps backwards - voting down 28-8 an amendment proposed by Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier to request the Province of Ontario to revoke the Site 41 Certificate of Approval. (...)

Submitted by Joey Ramone on September 22, 2009 - 7:48pm.

I would hardly call that "two steps backwards". The C of A is virtually worthless without support from the County Council for the dump. The dump is dead.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on September 23, 2009 - 9:24am.

Most people on this site seem to be more interested in whining and winging about bad stuff than they are in actual activism and learning the lessons of successful campaigns, but for the rest of us here's a bunch of news articles about this victory of grassroots activism: http://twitter.com/StopDumpSite41

Submitted by Refuge on September 23, 2009 - 10:45am.

I think the article Martin is referring to is concerned because if the C of A is not revoked than there is still the possibility that the county can sell the land to a private company that can put in a dump because there is a valid C of A. Personally until it is shown otherwise I am going to go under the assumption that it is not going to happen.

Most of the farmers and native activists know that it is a possibility that it could happen but don't want to dwell on that because we have won in that there will be no dump right now. On the days when I was there and my friends stood at gate two and were arrested one by one this day it did not seem like it was going to happen. On the day that my partner stood in front of the truck and when asked "when can we get in?". And he responded "never" it was a matter of personal determination that made him say that, he was illegally stopping the truck and thought that to commit to that promise he would have to break more laws. Now we are free and able to say you are never getting in without having to face jail time and severe fines. The day the police came in to open up gate two and arrest people on their "hit list" and there were only a dozen of us in camp, mostly women and children, this day did not seem like it was going to happen. In the mornings the coffee man would show up with hot coffee for everyone and the iceman came to drop off ice for the coolers for everyday it seemed as if they would be coming every morning with no end, it did not seem like this day would come.

But now this day has come. We have won. There is no dump and hopefully the politicians motivation for ending the dump will effect any decisions they make to the land in the future. On site we talk about a labrotory to study water and traditional teaching lodge because we are hopeful this place of victory will remain as a place of truth, knowledge and wisdom and a source of strength for generations to come.

Submitted by Refuge on October 10, 2009 - 9:05am.

On October the 8th the chargers were remanded to December 3. It is hoped that they will be setting a trial date on the 3rd, or better yet dropping the charges completely.

There a small group who have decided to stay at the site until the C of A is revoked. There is a meeting of the Council next month to make the decision to revoke the C of A or keep it in place. If it is not revoked than the group has vowed to stay for the winter.

Submitted by remind on October 10, 2009 - 12:10pm.

Thanks for the update refuge, I applaud your and other's actions!

It is a testiment to what can be done if people bestir themselves to get involved directly.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on December 4, 2009 - 1:02am.

More good news: today the Crown stayed all criminal proceedings against those who allegedly blocked the site last summer, except against the elderly couple. Their charges were fully withdrawn. Kudos to all those who bravely faced charges and Peter Rosenthal who superbly represented them as legal counsel.

Submitted by Refuge on December 8, 2009 - 8:16pm.

I think that it is great they dropped the charges against Ina and Keith but I am a little skeptical about the charges being stayed against the others. If they decide to sell the site if the approval for the dump is not revoked and a private company decides to buy it and develop a dump (this is the only reason not to revoke the approval and the county has refused to revoke the approval) the people charged for the summer of 2009 protest could face more serious charges if they go back and protest any new dump on the site, which many have vowed they will.

Submitted by lonewolfbunn on January 14, 2010 - 3:04am.

Refuge wrote:

The day the police came in to open up gate two and arrest people on their "hit list" and there were only a dozen of us in camp, mostly women and children, this day did not seem like it was going to happen.

...it did not seem like this day would come. But now this day has come. We have won. There is no dump and hopefully the politicians motivation for ending the dump will effect any decisions they make to the land in the future. On site we talk about a labrotory to study water and traditional teaching lodge because we are hopeful this place of victory will remain as a place of truth, knowledge and wisdom and a source of strength for generations to come.

This is great news. Thanks for standing in the frontlines.

Submitted by Joey Ramone on May 16, 2010 - 4:56pm.

More good news. We're getting very close to having the Certificate of Approval revoked outright, which would permanently kill the dump: http://stopdumpsite41.ca/?p=4848

This successful movement has been a great example of grassroots FN and non-FN people working together to defeat powerful political and business interests.

Submitted by Refuge on June 1, 2010 - 9:09pm.

Barrie Examiner wrote:

Site 41 has officially been dumped.

Simcoe County council decided Tuesday to ask Ontario's Ministry of Environment to revoke the Certificate of Approval necessary to operate the Tiny Township property as a landfill.

Its zoning will be returned to agricultural and the land is not to be used for waste management in the future, with the exception of septics.

rest of article

Submitted by Refuge on June 1, 2010 - 9:13pm.

We won! We won! We won!

Aborginal Women Protest Dump Site 41

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