Haldimand "Dunnville are there any Unheard Voices Out there"?

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions? Why should I vote? Will my vote really make a difference? Does my one vote really count?

Have you ever felt like an Unheard Voice?

Well I hope that in the upcoming months I can inspire you to go out and “Vote”, “Change the norm”, and “help you understand that your vote does count. Your voice will and can be heard!

I registered in early January as a candidate for Ward 6 (Dunnville) for the upcoming Municipal Elections that will be held this coming October. For some of you this may be a bit soon to be talking about an election that is months away, but for me it will probably takes months to get the word out on the street that I am running for Council.

I have heard so many people say, “When was that issue discussed”? “How come I never heard about that one”? “When was that open house”? “Why doesn't anyone hold "Town Hall" meetings anymore?

I personally feel that we have a communication problem here in Haldimand County and it is not of our own making.

Our newspapers are weekly, so if you miss reading one paper you can miss very vital information that could affect you and your taxes.

Many of us do not get cable so we cannot access Council Meetings.

Many of us are still on dial up internet (I AM!) and cannot access vital County information because the files are too big and we get timed out.

Most of us are too busy to attend a Council Meeting.

And the most important communication problem is that currently there are no “Town Hall” meetings in the Dunnville area, in fact there are currently no “Town Hall” meetings anywhere in Haldimand County.

Can you tell that I am a big fan of “Town Hall” meetings?

I seriously wonder how a member of council could know what people are concerned about if they do not give residents a regular time and place to have their voices heard. Of course there will be some that will say that it is up to “You” to keep up to date on local issues.

I believe that “Town Hall” meetings are vital and necessary for the community. What harm can a meet and greet coffee night every say three months do?

Your Vote does count! Your voice can be heard!

Please feel free to post any issues that are of a concern to you here.

If you wish to contact me you can call me at 905-701-1627 or email me at dpitcher@sympatico.ca

Haldimand "Protest Stays Peaceful"

Protest stays peaceful
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
July 1, 2009


The quiet town of Cayuga was full of action last Tuesday (June 23) as people came from communities as far away as Toronto. They gathered to protest or observe a controversial first meeting of the "Caledonia Peacekeepers" taking place inside the Cayuga Lion's Club Hall.

After a week of speculation and media frenzy into the apparent forming of a "militia" group in Caledonia, the facts came to light just hours prior to a meeting on Tuesday organized by Doug Fleming of Caledonia and Gary McHale from Binbrook.

The press release read; "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word, but the fact that Doug Fleming called it an unarmed militia meant that it wasn't a militia. The name of the group has been a closely guarded secret to ensure max. Media coverage. The name of the new group is the Caledonia Peacekeepers"; Gary McHale signed this press release, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers.

The normally quiet street was lined on both sides with vehicles as far as one could see. Media were there in full force speculating on a clash between the "peacekeepers" inside and the protesters outside. People gathered in small groups. Some were residents who live on the street and surrounding area. Others were from Six Nations who are the target of the "peacekeeping" initiative.

The situation escalated when about 125 protesters from CUPE 3903 First Nations Solidarity Working Group lead by Tom Keefer announced they would attend in protest of the proposed "militia."

Pat Hebb from Hamilton and Margaret Munday from Hagersville were part of the crowd that gathered Tuesday night outside the Lion's Hall. Both ladies own trailers at Conway Park in Cayuga and walked over to see first hand what was going on. "I don't blame them, the protesters or the people inside. I blame the government. They (the government) need to get off their asses and settle this," said Hebb.

The group from CUPE 3903 chanted "Go away KKK" and had signs that read "Canadians Don't Want Anti-Native Vigilantes," "Klan Meeting in Progress," "Militia Go Home".

Niki Thorne, a York University student and member of the First Nations Solidarity Working Group was one of the speakers. "We oppose the threat of violence and escalation of the problem: "This is a bigger issue. This is not just about Caledonia. We need to settle all land claims in a crisp, peaceful and fair manner."

While protesters were making speeches outside about 26 people filled the Lions Hall. In his opening statement Fleming said, "I'm going to be very blunt here. My grandfather's generation fought a war against Nazi Germany to combat that type of thinking. If any of you here have bought into this racist doctrine, I just want you to know this: I despise your beliefs. I couldn't disagree with you more, and this is not the group for you." Fleming went on to say that he personally knows people who have suffered for the last two years and feels compelled to do something about it.

McHale, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers, was the speaker for the rest of the evening. McHale went into detail about issues such as the "race-based policing" of the OPP and how the new group would carry out citizens arrests.

In an interview Monday morning with The Chronicle, Keefer expressed his personal opinion that the renaming of the Caledonia Militia to the Caledonia Peacekeepers is nothing more than "more classic McHale double talk."

"The bottom line is that the forming of this militia is only going to escalate things and could lead to violence. There is no positive outcome to this," said Keefer

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636760

Haldimand "What is Disaster Relief Assistance?"

Much needs to be done in order to get disaster relief assistance from the government. A declaration by our council needs to be done within 14 days after the disaster. Once that is completed the government will decide if we are eligible for any funds. The funds are as follows, $2.00 from the Province for every $1.00 raised by the community.

A committee has to be formed of residents that are not effected by the flood and no members of council are allowed on this committee. These are just a few things that need to be done.

The following is a news article about Lorne Boyko, and is followed by some excerpts from the Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

If I hear of any fundraisers that are going on in the community, I will post it on my blog.

Haldimand County : County In Need of Disaster Relief
Posted by Adam Liefl

After recent flooding by the Grand River caused more than $1.6 million in damage, Haldimand County is searching for relief. Councillor Lorne Boyko conducted a survey over the last week that qualifies the county for help under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. Haldimand will consider the option for some areas of Dunnville and Cayuga today.
http://cd989.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=15528


Purpose of the Program

The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) is intended to alleviate the
hardship suffered by private homeowners, farmers, small business enterprises and non-profit
organizations, whose essential property has been damaged in a sudden and unexpected
natural disaster, such as a severe windstorm, tornado, flood, forest fire or ice storm.

ODRAP provides funds to those who have sustained heavy losses for essential items such
as shelter and the "necessities of life." ODRAP does not provide full cost recovery
for all damages resulting from a disaster: it helps eligible recipients restore
essential furnishings and property only to pre-disaster condition.

ODRAP provides assistance when damages are so extensive that they exceed the financial
resources of the affected individuals, the municipality and community at large. This
program does not cover damages to privately-owned, non-essential property, nor to
essential property where private insurance is normally available.

In the event of a natural disaster, individuals are expected to bear the initial responsibility
for their losses. If the losses are so extensive that individuals cannot cope on their own,
the municipality and the community at large are expected to provide support.

Private Insurance
Individuals have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to ensure their own
safety and protection, including their property. ODRAP is not an alternative or
a substitute for adequate private insurance coverage and sound risk
management. Damage claims should be directed first to insurance companies to
determine coverage of individual policies.

How ODRAP Works

Disaster Declaration

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is authorized to declare a "disaster area"
for the purposes of the ODRAP program. The municipal council asking for assistance
under the ODRAP program must adopt a resolution outlining the following:

1. the municipality’s request for a disaster area declaration;
2. whether all or a specified portion of the municipality is to be declared a disaster area.

The request for a disaster area declaration must be submitted to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing within 14 working days of the date of the disaster.

The council resolution should clearly define/identify the area which may be declared
as the disaster area. Municipal boundaries may not coincide with areas damaged by the
disaster. In this regard, municipalities should try to define all areas damaged by the
disaster to ensure fair treatment to all affected residents. It is important to note that only
damages within the declared disaster area are eligible for ODRAP funding.

Sample Resolution

Whereas the municipality of (name) recently experienced a (describe type of disaster
event) on (date), the council of the municipality of (name) hereby requests the
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare the (specific area/municipality) a
"disaster area" for the purposes of the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program
(ODRAP);
and further, should the Minister declare a disaster, Council will immediately,
under the authority of ODRAP, appoint members to a disaster relief committee to
administer ODRAP, as required.

Supporting information should accompany the resolution including:
• the number of private properties, farms, small businesses and non-profit
organizations that have incurred damages as a result of the disaster;
• the number of residents, small businesses or farms affected;
• the extent and the preliminary cost estimates of damages suffered;
• newspaper clippings, photographs and other documentary evidence where available;
and,
• other information council feels is pertinent (e.g. Conservation Authority reports, etc.).

Defining the Disaster

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has the authority to declare a disaster
area for the purpose of this program. In determining whether a disaster has occurred,
the minister considers both the cause of the damages and the extent of the damages
relative to the financial resources of the affected area. The municipality will be notified
as to whether or not a disaster declaration has been made.

Should the minister declare a disaster area, the municipal council must appoint a disaster
relief committee (DRC) as soon as possible. If more than one municipality is affected by a
disaster, a joint committee can be formed with representatives appointed from each of
the affected municipalities. (Refer to the Guidelines for Disaster Relief Committees.)

Role of the Province

ODRAP is administered through the Municipal Services Offices and coordinated through
the Municipal Support Services Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
listed on page 11.

The local Municipal Services Offices advise municipalities in setting up disaster
relief committees and help the committees establish operating procedures. Ministry
representatives will attend the inaugural meeting of the disaster relief committee and
provide appropriate help. Staff of the Municipal Services Offices also help municipalities
determine if public infrastructure damages are eligible for compensation.

Provincial Financial Assistance - Private Costs

A disaster relief committee must be established as quickly as possible for each disaster
area declared by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The purpose of the
committee is twofold: to raise funds for the benefit of disaster victims, and to settle the
eligible claims of these victims as efficiently as possible.

The province will contribute up to $2 for every local dollar raised, to an amount necessary to settle all the eligible claims, up to 90 per cent of all eligible costs. Thus, no surplus funds are
created.

The following is a list of costs not covered by ODRAP:
The following is a list of costs covered by ODRAP:

Eligible Losses and Costs

• restoration, repairs, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of a principal,
year-round residence, farm buildings and principal business enterprise
building
• essential furnishing of a private residence including refrigerator, freezer,
furnace, stove, clothes washer and dryer
• tools or other items essential to the claimant’s livelihood, including farm
machinery and equipment
• for farms, replacement cost only of orchard trees
• for business enterprises, replacement of inventory at cost
• livestock fencing
• restoration, repair, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of churches,
cemeteries, private schools, private clubs and other associations
• emergency expenses (e.g. evacuation costs, food and shelter, essential
clothing)
• perishable food
• heat and light supplies (e.g. fuel for light and heat, heaters)

Ineligible Losses and Costs
• losses covered by insurance
• insurance deductible
• secondary residences e.g. cottages
• non-essential furniture (e.g. stereos, recreation room furniture)
• landscaping, fencing, driveways and retaining walls
• recreational vehicles (e.g. boats, snowmobiles)
• antiques and collections
• loss of revenue or wages
• losses recoverable at law

The Disaster Relief Committee

Setting up the Committee

As soon as possible after a disaster area has been declared by the minister, council
appoints a disaster relief committee by resolution. Where a disaster affects more than
one municipality, all councils should participate in the appointment of representatives
to a common disaster relief committee.

The disaster relief committee and its sub-committees act as an autonomous body
operating within provincial guidelines to raise funds and settle claims. The committee
ensures that all claims are dealt with fairly and equitably. The scope and nature of
damages will help determine how many committee members are required.
The disaster relief committee’s work could usually take anywhere from six months to
about one year to complete.

Council appoints the committee members from among its citizens, preferably from an unaffected area if possible, and should choose persons with varying backgrounds as it is desirable to obtain a variety of expertise for the committee.

The committee members may not be members of council and should have no potential
conflict of interest in the collection or distribution of funds. If two or more
municipalities are involved, equitable representation on the committee is encouraged. In
unincorporated areas, the committee should be appointed by the group which made
the request for disaster area declaration (e.g. local service board).

Disaster Relief Committee Responsibilities
1. To appoint from among its members a chairperson and, if sub-committees
are established, the appropriate number of vice-chairpersons.
2. To appoint a treasurer, who should not be a member of the committee and,
if necessary, to appoint a secretary. The treasurer could be a municipal staff
person or a paid contract position.
3. To set up a disaster relief fund and bank account.
4. To register the fund as a charity with Revenue Canada.
5. To solicit donations to the fund and to organize fund-raising activities.
6. To establish guidelines and procedures for the receipt, appraisal, review and
settlement of claims for losses and damages.
7. To advertise the existence of the fund, the availability of assistance, and the terms
on which assistance will be provided.
8. To hire professional adjuster(s) for claims greater than $500 and appraise damages
for claims less than $500.
9. To distribute claim forms.
10. To approve payments in a consistent manner based on reports from the adjuster
in accordance with the program guidelines and the committee’s procedures.
11. To make payments to claimants.
12. To hire auditors to review the activities of the fund and prepare an audit report.
13. To submit an audited report to the local Municipal Services Office for review and
payment of the provincial contribution.

Inquiries
For more information regarding this publication, please call your nearest
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing office:

Central Municipal Services Office - Toronto
777 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto ON M5G 2E5
(416) 585-6226 Toll Free : 1-800-668-0230
FAX: (416) 585-6882

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:7oxSLxUA-s4J:www.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset1599.aspx+Ontario+Disaster+Relief+Assistance&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=ca

Haldimand "Nuclear Lies, Green Truths"

March 4th, 7:30pm Sky Dragon Co-op (27 King William St., Hamilton)

*Nuclear lies, green truths - An evening on climate solutions*

What is the quickest way to stop a wind turbine? Build a nuclear reactor.

The Hamilton Peace Cafe and Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative present Greenpeace Executive Director Bruce Cox on climate change solutions and how nuclear power threatens to put the brakes on green energy in Ontario.

The presentation and discussion will take place on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30pm at the Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative (Bread & Roses Cafe, 27 King William St, Hamilton, 1 block north of King & James).

Right now, Ontario is at a crossroads in terms of how electricity is going to be supplied to customers like you and me. In the next few weeks the Ontario government will release their Green Energy Act, and decide whether or not to rebuild the Pickering "B" nuclear reactor and potentially launch massive spending on new nuclear stations.

Pouring millions into new nukes is not only a bad decision for our economy and environment, it will effectively stop Ontario's renewable energy potential and fundamentally undermine Canada's ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Come out for an interesting evening of presentations and discussion on climate solutions and how nuclear power stands in their way.

We need your help to tell the McGuinty government to say 'No' to $40 billion in new nuclear projects and 'Yes' to green power.

Admission is free. For more information or how you can help, call Kathryn Wrong, Greenpeace Manager(Hamilton) at 905-481-1239 or visit www.skydragon.org and check out the events section.

For more about alternative energy: http://www.renewableisdoable.ca.

Haldimand "Bruce Power Holds Open House in Dunnville"

OOPs forgot to post this article;

Bruce Power dished up relevant information at open house
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Frank Collins and Mike Ramsey called Bruce Power asking for a presentation in Dunnville after the town was left off a list of information sessions on a proposed nuclear power facility.

On Jan. 20, Ramsey completed a circuit of displays set up by consulting firm Golder Associates in St. Michael's Parish Hall. He was one of about 100 who attended that evening.

He said he asked Bruce Power to bring information to town because it was the biggest community in Haldimand County. When Collins called, Bruce Power acknowledged that leaving Dunnville out of the meeting schedule was an error.

For the rest of the environmental assessment process, Dunnville will be included. The next round of meetings is scheduled for March.

For Ramsey, the economy and safety were concerns as it was for some when the Nanticoke coal fired power generation plant was proposed in the 1970s.

After learning more about nuclear power generation, he said everything was well explained and his concerns were spent fuel rod storage and the downwind impact on Dunnville.

Economics was on his mind too. "We need a shot in the arm of the economy and this might be what we need," said Ramsey.

"If we lose Nanticoke, Haldimand County will be a ghost town," pointed out Collins. "We need to replace that. In many countries, power is generated at nuclear facilities."

He would like to see a nuclear power plant and a clean coal conversion at the Nanticoke OPG plant.

Like most people that evening, Anne Marie Flatt attended to become informed. She learned that many of her questions will be addressed through the environmental assessment on the property beside the U. S. Steel plant in the industrial park by Lake Erie.

Flatt wanted to know where spent fuel will be housed and if an earthquake fault existed in the vicinity of the site. For Flatt and her mother, Sylvia Weaver, an increase in the property tax base and 1,000 new jobs were benefits that will will come from the project.

"I'm also concerned about the yellow plume that drifts across the lake (from the coal plant)," said Weaver.

Councillors Lorne Boyko, Don Ricker and Leroy Bartlett attended as well that evening. Boyko said the event was non-confrontational but a few people expected protesters picketing outside with signs.

Standing near information exhibits, Bartlett said he attended all but the Simcoe information session to find out what people are thinking.

At the end of the day, Haldimand County council will make a decision on this one way or the other, he pointed out. Under the City of Nanticoke official plan, the plant would not be permitted and a planning application will be required, he explained.

Under the Haldimand County official plan, that has not been approved by the provincial government, the plant would be allowed, he added.

Bartlett also pointed out that the federal and provincial governments will also have to determine if this is the site for a nuclear power plant.

At the radiation exhibit, Dr. Doug Boreman, a Bruce Power scientist, answered questions as Doctors Reza and Barb Kazemi raised concerns. He told them Three Mile Island was a success story because the reactor meltdown was contained and no radiation was released.

In the design proposal for Bruce Power's Nanticoke plant, reactors will be housed in a concrete building lined with steel and encased in steel. "You can never break through the inside," said Boreman.

Within 200 years, radiation levels in spent fuel rods will fall to the same level as a CT scan, he noted.

After listening to Boreman, Dr. Scott Reid said he attended because he was interested in hearing about nuclear power.

"I think it would be a good thing for Haldimand County and the province," he said as he prepared to go home. "I have a lot of confidence in safety measures," he added.

In 1981, he attended the grand opening of the first Ontario nuclear plant in Bruce County. Scott said a relative, who is a tool and dye operator, works in the facility and has told him how safe operations were. Employees are given top-notch high quality tools to maintain the facility at the utmost quality, he added.

Reid said it was vital that people get questions answered because there is always a lot of fear about nuclear power plants.

Both Reza and Barb Kazemi went away with concerns for people and the environment so they wanted alternate power sources reviewed.

Reza pointed out that power consumption dropped 2.5 per cent a year over the past two years. If that wonderful trend of conservation here might be not be a need for more nuclear power plants, he added.

During his presentations, Boreman told people that new nuclear plants will have to be built over the next few decades to replace old structures that will be decommissioned.

After the session ended, Duncan Moffett, a principle with Golder Associates, commented on the terrific community interest displayed in Dunnville. People raised similar concerns and questions as at other sessions. The vast majority wanted to find out more information before making up their minds, he noted.

"We love that. That's part of the environmental assessment," said Moffett.

Article ID# 1400881
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1400881

Haldimand "Bruce Power Hires Radiation Specialist"

I find it interesting that this Specialist that was hired by Bruce Power seems to think that the issue that most people are talking about is radiation. What I have heard is a bit different.

Some of the concerns I have heard are the storage of nuclear waste, water usage and what has come up recently is the mining of uranium. Now that in itself is a whole new ball game! I am working on that one.

What I find interesting is that this specialist states "Nuclear" power is the way to go if you want to minimize our carbon footprint! So what is a "carbon footprint"? I'm not quite sure, but I do think it is more than "radiation" from a nuclear plant!

Nuclear experts hired to answer residents' questions
Posted By MONTE SONNENBERG, SUN MEDIA
November 25, 2008

A radiation specialist will be a key player in a series of open houses related to the proposed construction of two nuclear reactors in Nanticoke.

Bruce Power recently hired Doug Boreham, a former professor at Mc-Master University in Hamilton, as its senior environmental scientist. He will answer questions about nuclear power at upcoming open houses in Simcoe, Jarvis, Port Dover and Cayuga.

"One of the biggest obstacles we have to overcome on these projects are people's fears of radiation," Boreham said Monday. "What is the effect on me? What is the effect on my children? What are the effects on future generations? One of my main functions in this process is to dispel the fears people have about radiation."

Boreham and Duncan Moffett, of Golder Associates, gave Haldimand council an overview Monday of the environmental assessment now underway regarding a possible nuclear installation in Nanticoke. The pair are expected to make the same presentation tonight at Norfolk council.

The open houses scheduled for Dec. 1 to 4 will provide Bruce Power with an opportunity to introduce itself to the community. Experts on nuclear power will be on hand to address residents' questions and concerns.

An issue that has dogged the nuclear industry from the outset is the belief that nuclear waste remains highly toxic for as long as 250,000 years.

That, Boreham said, is not true. After 200 years, he said, a person would have to stand in the presence of a spent fuel rod for one hour to absorb as much radioactivity as is delivered by a standard CT scan.

Boreham and Moffett heard Monday that a plant in Nanticoke may be an issue for Dunnville. The town is down stream from the proposed site and draws its drinking water from Lake Erie.

Nuclear reactors use large amounts of water and discharge trace amounts of radioactive tritium in their effluent. The International Congress on Radiation Protection has set the safe limit for these emissions at 7,500 becquerels.

The amount of tritium released into Lake Huron at Bruce Power's plant in Tiverton averages about 50 becquerels. Moffett said Bruce Power is considering a design for the Nanticoke project that discharges no effluent into Lake Erie.

Moffett added that nuclear power should be the choice of those who wish to minimize their carbon footprint.

"If you were to get all your electricity from one of these reactors, your share of waste over a lifetime would fit in a pop can," he said. "If you got all of your electricity over your lifetime from coal, your waste would fit into four dump trucks."

Moffett said, "Nanticoke looks like one of the best possible sites for a power plant" because it is remote, close to a large body of water and located at the entry point of a major transmission corridor.

The first open house will be held at the Lions Community Centre in Port Dover Dec. 1. The Lions Community Centre in Jarvis is up next Dec. 2. On Dec. 3, the Simcoe Recreation Centre plays host. On Dec. 4, the event moves to the Kinsmen Centre in downtown Cayuga. Each event starts at 3 p. m. and ends at 8 p. m.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1313706

Haldimand "We Were Never Asked"

I have been asked by a few people to explain why I am attempting to stop "progress" here in Haldimand County. This is in regards to a petition that I am working on about the Environmental Assessment by Bruce Power for a possible Nuclear Power Plant in Haldimand (Nanticoke).

I want to make myself perfectly clear that my problem is with the process and the path that our Council members have taken on our behalf. And it is just that simple! I am not trying to stop "progress".

I have not decided 100% whether I am in favour of a Nuclear Power Plant in Nanticoke, and I am sure that there are many that feel the same way I do. Each of us will have our own opinions and thoughts on this issue, but what is missing for me personally is I have not had say!

Our elected Council members in Haldimand County have made that decision on our behalf. This was just plain wrong!

I don’t have a problem with council making regular every day decisions on how to run this county, but this decision was way behind their scope of "responsibilities". How much do they really know about Nuclear Power?

So that brings me to a few concerns and questions that if we were involved in the process with our Council maybe we would today have some answers;

Bruce Power has published the economic impact that this would have on the community, and has obviously shared this with our Council members.

Where did this information come from, and what back up documentation is there? Where are the Staff reports from Haldimand County?

The Environmental Assessment Process;

What are all the steps?
What role does the public play in this process?
Does the public get to vote on this?
What role does the County play in this process?
Is the process Fair?

I would like to see all the related information and all Staff Reports that relate to this question. In particular the background information that staff would have provided to our Council members.

Used Fuel and Waste Management;

Does staff and Council have the knowledge and the background related to this issue. Have they "fully" investigated and understand the scope of Waste management at this level? Again all staff reports and Council’s thoughts on this would have been appreciated.

Security and Safety;

Other then the information from Bruce Power, what other documentation and expert consultation has Haldimand County done. Again staff reports to back this up.

Environmental Effects;

Again other then the information provided by Bruce Power what information can staff provide on the effects? Has staff hired and consulted with experts in this field?

Other Alternatives;

What other alternatives were investigated? Meetings and reports from staff in relation to this are also critical. Has Haldimand County requested from the Provincial government funds be spent on the upgrades to the Coal Plant? If so, what response have they received?

I could go on and I am sure that many of you have even more questions.

My problem…We Were Never Asked…..

As I stated earlier this was a decision that Haldimand County Councillors should never have taken on without our input! They have certainly taken enough time in the last two years to speak to Bruce Power, but wouldn't speak to residents as they stated it was premature.

It looks like our Council has put us on a road where there is no turning around. As Councillor Sloat so eloquently put it….."The county will have an opportunity for giving input but will have no "decision making role".

Why on earth would our "elected officials" start a process that they themselves can not vote on or have a final say?

Is this "Responsible Government?"

There were many simple ways that Haldimand County Council could have engaged the community, but they once again decided that our "Voices" did not need to be heard!

Now maybe if we had been involved in the process from the beginning, and we took part in the decision to say, "We Are A Willing Host" I would feel differently today!

Haldimand "Has Haldimand Council bought Us a One Way Ticket"

Karen Best, reporter for the Chronicle wrote a very detailed article today in regards to a possible Nuclear Plant here in Haldimand (Nanticoke). Headline: Nuclear Plant becomes more than a Mirage".

As some of you may already know I am writing a petition with the help of a resident from Norfolk. This petition is in regards to the path that Haldimand/Norfolk councils have been going down the last 2 years.

Haldimand Council over the past two years has taken their time as our "elected representatives" to meet with MP Diane Finley and Bruce Power but has denied us the residents our right to have our say! We were told it was premature. Now if I am not mistaken when council is together as a "whole" this is "official" business?

When I was asked about what Haldimand County Council could have done differently, I didn't have a problem with a list of things they could have done to inform us and then ultimately ask us if we would join them (Council) in announcing that "We are a Willing Host". I am sure that some of you could come up with more suggestions for council.

Here are a few things that could have been done;

Public Announcements! Every week Haldimand County has an ad in "every" local paper that is paid by our tax dollars!

Public Meetings! Haldimand County has public meetings in chambers on a regular basis in regards to "Development", it is part of the process, is this not a major development?

Town Hall Meetings; Each council member could have taken the time to have their own town hall meetings, after all some did promise that if they were elected they would do this anyway!

An Insert in Our Tax Bills! This is a very cost effective way to inform the residents. Our tax bills are already sent out on a regular basis. Some of us even get them more often then others! One of these inserts could have been a simple "Ballot type Question".

Now as we all are aware none of the above has taken place. Why? Well up until this news article came out I would have said that council didn't want to hear what we had to say, but it seems that it is much deeper than that!

It looks like we have been given a "one way ticket". All thanks to our duly elected Municipal Council Members!

So Bruce Power will get their approval for an EA, they will have several public meetings, they have already set up a website, have already sent out some mailings, and have already placed full page ads in local newspapers. But in the end, will we really be part of the "decision" into whether a Nuclear Plant is built here or not. Well if I read correctly the comment from Karen's article correctly the answer is "NO".

Here is what Councillor Sloat said;

"We feel we are a willing host and the environmental assessment process will prove it one way or another," The county will have an opportunity for giving input but will have no decision making role." stated Councillor Sloat!

Is Bruce Power or Haldimand County going to have some kind of "ballot" that is fair? What I mean by fair is will this question be put to the "residents" like a ballot in an election? Or are they going to judge our "willingness" on the basis of who gets involved, or on the minimum requirements of the EA.

So this is where a petition will come in to play. If this petition was to state that until such a time that we can be convinced that the residents have been fully involved in this process by "our" Council, not Bruce Power, we are "not" a "willing host".

The petition should be ready by next week. We will then see just how much of a "willing host" the residents of Haldimand/Norfolk are. This will take time, but the EA process will also take time.

Here is the link to the entire article, it is a good read;
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1296315

Haldimand "Join David Suzuki and Margaret Atwood"

I received this e-mail today in regards to signing a petition. This is certainly a petition that is worth signing.

Please pass this on to everyone you know!


The Ontario Government is apparently having a hard time getting nuclear companies to agree to take responsibility for cost overruns and delays on its proposed new nuclear projects.

That’s not surprising given that the nuclear industry has not been able to bring a project in on-time or on-budget in Ontario in 25 years.

But it is bad news for Ontario taxpayers and ratepayers, who are already on the hook for an $18 billion nuclear debt. If the Ontario Government is serious about not repeating the mistakes of the past, it must pass a Nuclear Cost Responsibility Act that makes it illegal for nuclear power companies to pass their capital cost overruns onto electricity consumers or taxpayers.

Dr. David Suzuki and Margaret Atwood are among the more than 700 people who have signed our petition calling for a Nuclear Cost Responsibility Act.

We need hundreds of more signatures to show Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman that Ontarians will not accept another sweetheart deal for nuclear projects of dubious value.

Please sign the petition, get your friends and family to sign and learn about a better approach to meeting Ontario’s energy needs at www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca

Sign the petition now – www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca – to keep your money out of the nuclear industry’s pocket.

Please pass this message on to your friends.

Thank you.
Jessica Fracassi, Communications & Membership Director Ontario Clean Air Alliance
402-625 Church St, Toronto M4Y 2G1
Phone: 416-926-1907 ext. 245
Fax: 416-926-1601
Email: jessica@cleanairalliance.org Website: www.cleanairalliance.org

Website: www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca

The Ontario Clean Air Alliance is a diverse, multi-stakeholder coalition of approximately 90 organizations including cities, health associations, environmental and public interest groups, corporations, public utilities, unions, faith communities and individuals. The OCAA’s short term goal is to achieve the complete phase out of Ontario’s four coal-fired power plants by 2010.

Our long term goal is to ensure that all of our electricity needs are met by ecologically sustainable renewable sources. Our partner organizations represent more than six million Ontarians.

Interested in volunteering with the OCAA? Please contact Darcy Higgins at darcy@cleanairalliance.org
416-926-1907 ext. 246.

If you are on facebook, please consider joining our group.

To subscribe please visit http://www.cleanairalliance.org/bulletins_email_signup.

Haldimand "Nuclear Plant not a Done Deal"

I received a few calls yesterday from reporters that have read my blog. One reporter Monte Sonnenberg from the Simcoe Reformer called me yesterday and we did an interview on the phone.

Mayor Trainer says it best in this interview; "If Bruce Power wants it, and the people want it, it will be hard to turn down"!

I cannot stress enough for everyone to get involved!

Whether you are for or against "Your Voice needs to be Heard".

Here is the interview;

Nuclear plant not done deal
Posted By Monte Sonnenberg, SIMCOE REFORMER
Posted 40 mins ago

Bruce Power says it still needs more information before it commits to building nuclear reactors
Bruce Power denies it is on a collision course with the province over the question of nuclear reactors in the Nanticoke Industrial Park.

Last week, Bruce Power announced it would spend $30 million over the next three years exploring the suitability of Nanticoke for an installation. The environmental assessment could pave the way for the construction of two reactors by 2018.

The same day, Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman said the Nanticoke location does not enjoy the support or encouragement of the McGuinty government.

Bruce Power spokesperson James Scongack says the decision to conduct an environmental assessment is part of deciding whether Bruce Power wants to pursue the project. Bruce Power won't know whether Nanticoke is a good fit until it consults local stakeholders and puts the proposed location west of U.S. Steel under the microscope.

"Until we have an indication on both these items, we're not really prepared to talk about the big picture," Scongack said.

Scongack added that Bruce Power, as a private company, does not require the province's approval to do market research.

Duncan Hawthorne, CEO and president of Bruce Power, expressed similar sentiments in a statement Friday when the utility announced its intentions. The environmental assessment, he said, "will give us -- and Ontario -- a number of options to consider going forward."

"Although this is a major step forward, we will not make a decision to proceed with a project until we have consulted thoroughly with the people of Haldimand (and) Norfolk and have significantly progressed the environmental assessment," Hawthorne said.

In his remarks, Smitherman said Bruce Power is operating on its own. However, the energy minister did not explicitly reject the possibility of situating nuclear reactors in Nanticoke. A statement from Smitherman's office said the ministry has "not encouraged or solicited a proposal to build a nuclear generating station in the Haldimand (and) Norfolk region."

Smitherman also said, "Adding more nuclear beyond the existing supply of 50 per cent (14,000 megawatts) is not in Ontario's plans or in Ontario's interests."

Queen's Park is not encouraging Bruce Power, but Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer believes it can be persuaded to have another look at Nanticoke.

Due to concerns over air quality, the McGuinty government plans to close the giant Nanticoke Generating Station by 2014. The plant is the largest coal-burning generating facility in North America.

Trainer says the province acknowledges that Nanticoke, by virtue of its location, plays a key role in balancing the load on the provincial grid. And the 500 kilovolt transmission corridor running north from the plant "is second to none," she added.

"If Bruce Power wants it and the people want it, it will be very hard to turn down," Trainer said.

Whether the people want it remains to be seen. Norfolk and Haldimand councils endorsed the concept of nuclear reactors in Nanticoke last year. However, in light of last week's announcement, opposition is beginning to gel at the grassroots level.

Donna Pitcher, of South Cayuga, led the charge in 2004 against Haldimand council's plan to sell Haldimand County Hydro. A candidate in Ward 2 in the 2003 and 2006 municipal elections, Pitcher collected a 3,500-signature petition against the utility sale. Council ultimately rejected the idea.

Pitcher is preparing a second petition demanding that the nuclear question appear as a ballot question in Hamilton and Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties in the 2010 municipal election.

"I have a problem with the democratic process," she said yesterday. "I have a problem with a council that wants to cram something down our throats without due respect for the democratic process."

As for the apparently contradictory signals coming from Bruce Power and the Ministry of Energy, Pitcher wonders if there is less here than meets the eye. She suspects the McGuinty government is preparing a pre-emptive defence against Bruce Power's plans in case there is a significant public backlash.

"Maybe this is a 'good cop-bad cop' situation," she said.

Article ID# 1281618
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1281618

Haldimand "Toby Barrett Extends his Invitation to all to Attend a Symposium on Energy"

Any thoughts on energy generation and our environment?

News Release: Toby Barrett - October 31, 2008

Questions, and new power proposals, continue to surface during our local energy debate.

I invite all interested to the Jarvis Community Centre on November 20th at 6pm- for an evening of discussion, display and presentation on electricity generation and our environment.

Last year's Jarvis Symposium featured speakers and display tables on everything from solar to nuclear, coal gasification to carbon sequestration, wind power and more.

Keynote speaker Environment Commissioner Gord Miller, was on hand to frame the debate by stressing alternatives and their impacts in the constant struggle to meet energy needs.

In his annual report last year, Environment Commissioner Miller advised, The province should rethink its current plan to vette the new nuclear plan through the Ontario Energy Board. It should be subject to a full Environmental Assessment, going on to say that, Such a major, capital-intensive electricity plan deserves thorough scrutiny by environmental experts, as opposed to the Ontario Energy Board, which has traditionally focused its reviews on rates, cost and fairness.

In his annual report this year, Gord Miller highlights concerns that the Environmental Assessment (EA) process itself needs overhauling: a number of perverse amendments to the EA process over the years mean that other approvals (e.g., the purchase of land) are being allowed to precede EA approval, making it extremely unlikely that proposed projects will subsequently be rejected through the EA process. Since 1996, 64 individual EA projects have been approved under the EA process, while only two individual EA projects have ever been refused.

While much has changed since our last symposium a regulation now to close coal production by 2014, an announcement from Bruce Power to option 1760 acres from US Steel for two nuclear reactors some things have not changed.

I continue to receive input - and questions - with regard to the potential of clean air technology and the future of Nanticokes coal plant; and the potential for solar, wind, and natural gas, and nuclear.

My office polling over the past three years shows 70 per cent of respondents oppose new nuclear if there is a possibility of keeping the coal plant running.

It will be intriguing to see how stakeholders feel about these issues at this years Symposium. Will the ensuing year and a half of new and rumoured energy proposals, as well as further government directives to close coal and reduce carbon emissions, have an impact on local viewpoints. And will this Ontario government take into consideration the recommendations from our 2007 symposium keynote speaker when it comes to nuclear proposals and the EA process itself.

It was June 2006, when Premier McGuinty announced a $40 billion nuclear build, and rebuild, program. He also promised full public consultation before going forward. Since then, I have written two letters to the Premier requesting that 1. government hold public hearings on the future of electricity generation in our area; and 2. provide a cost comparison between nuclear generation and coal-fired generation that includes carbon capture and clean-air technology. I have yet to receive a response.

Given what's at stake I continue to press for government to conduct a comprehensive public consultation beyond EA's to ensure the area voices are heard before any further energy production decisions impacting our local communities are made.

Haldimand "Are We Going Nuclear?"

Well are you ready? It looks like we could be going Nuclear in Haldimand County. And the process will not take as much time as one would think.

Well last Friday was certainly a very interesting day for me. I heard on the news that morning that Bruce Power was indeed proceeding with an EA in preparation for the building of a Nuclear Plant right here in Haldimand County.

I want to send a special thanks to "James at Bruce Power" for the invitation to attend Friday's news release in Nanticoke!

Here is a list of some of the invited guests that attended the News Release on Friday; MPP Toby Barrett, MP Diane Finley, Mayor Marie Trainer, Councillors Sloat, Ricker and Bartlett from Haldimand County, Managers Karen General, Hugh Hanley (from Haldimand County)Mayor Travelle and a few council members from Norfolk County, members from the Board of Trade, Construction Industry, McMaster University, Bill Jackson from the Regional Newspaper.

Bruce Power had school buses picking up people in Jarvis, Simcoe and Cayuga.

Some of us were told that we were going to US Steel, but no one knew for sure where we were going, we only new that we could not drive our own vehicles. So I met the bus at the Jarvis Library at 11:30am. I met quite a few interesting people in the parking lot, and have a few very good contacts that I will be following up with at a later date.

So on the bus we went, I personally thought that we were going to US Steel and as it was over the lunch period there would be some sandwiches and drinks. It became clear when we turned down a farmers path and were now four wheeling in a school bus, we were not going to US Steel.

A few fields in we were dropped off at a prepared area where there was a tent and a Johnny on the spot set up for us. There was food, refreshments, hats and a lot of material to read. This was the ideal site, this 2,000 acre parcel of land that the Nuclear Plant will be built on is located approx. 4 km west of OPG and is owned by US Steel! Thank goodness it was a good day! I felt quite comfortable, I felt like I was in my own backyard surrounded by farmers fields and a view of the lake in the distance.

Councillor Sloat welcomed the crowd of around 60 people and introduced each speaker. Some of the key speakers were MPP Toby Barrett, MP Diane Finley, Mayor Trainer from Haldimand County, Councillor Bartlett from Haldimand County, Mayor Travelle from Norfolk County and the President of Bruce Power, Duncan Hawthorne.

I won't go into a lot of detail of what each speaker said, but I will tell you that on a "local" front our Mayor and Councillors of Haldimand County that were in attendance are in "full support" of a Nuclear Plant being built in Nanticoke. Some will say that they are only in support of the EA process, but I was there and can tell you that a Nuclear build in Haldimand County means "huge" dollars to our County, and our representatives that attended made that point perfectly clear.

Here are some highlights of what was talked about;

The need for "support" from the "community".
This venture will create approx. "1,000 jobs" over the period of the next 60 years.
This was welcomed news from both Haldimand and Norfolk Councils.
The EA process will take approx. 3 years.
Bruce Power has been working with US Steel for about two years.
Bruce Power has been working with the Councils of Haldmand and Norfolk since the beginning of 2007.
Councillor Sloat heads up the "Special Committee" that was formed in early 2007 to deal with the issues of power generation in Haldimand County.

What I learned from reading the information package that was given out that day;

There will be two Nuclear units.
Bruce Power is considering three potential reactor designs, The ACR-1000, advanced CANDU reactor, the Westinghouse AP1000 and the AREVA EPR, the latest generation of pressurized water reactors (PWR).
The schedule for each project phase for EA purposes.

The schedule is as follows;

Planning and EA; 2008-2010 (24 months) for unit 1 and 2.
Site preparation; 2010-2012 (18-24 months) for unit 1 and 2.
Construction; 2012-2016 for unit 1, 2013-2017 for unit 2.
Commissioning 2017 for unit 1, 2018 for unit 2.
Operation and Maintenance; 2017-2077 for unit 1, 2018-2078 for unit 2.
Decommissioning 2077+ for unit 1, and 2078 for unit 2.

Bruce Power has already been engaged with the community. Since early 2007 there have been several seminars and presentations to both Haldimand and Norfolk Councils. Both councils visited Bruce Power's facility in April of 2007. This was all in preparation to apply for the license to start the EA process. In October of 2008 Bruce Power applied to the Federal Government for a site preparation license, once this happens the EA will start.

Part of the EA process is engaging the community and gaining support for a new Nuclear Build.

I will be writing several articles on the EA process. There is a lot of information to be read and to really understand this process I will be talking to a few people from Bruce Power and the Government agencies that are involved.

Here are a few news articles;

Bruce Power to Conduct Environmental Assessment for Nuclear Generating Station in Haldimand-Norfolk

Last update: 1:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 31, 2008

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO, Oct 31, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Bruce Power is pleased to announce it will conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) as it considers building a nuclear generating station in the Haldimand-Norfolk region of southern Ontario.

The assessment, which could take nearly three years to complete, will examine the environmental and social impacts of building two reactors to generate between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatts of low-emissions electricity. It will also consider how other clean energy sources such as hydrogen, solar and wind could complement nuclear in the area.

"Ontario needs affordable, reliable and clean energy as we move forward to address one of the greatest challenges of our time - climate change," said Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Examining new sources of generation in Haldimand-Norfolk will give us, and Ontario, a number of options to consider going forward."

Bruce Power is Canada's only private nuclear generating company and the operator of Ontario's first commercial wind farm at its Bruce County site, approximately 250 km northwest of Toronto. It is also considering building new reactors at its current Ontario site as well as the Peace Country region of Alberta.

Earlier this year, it launched a feasibility study to help Saskatchewan decide whether it will add nuclear to its energy mix as well.

In Haldimand-Norfolk, Bruce Power will use the EA as a planning tool to weigh the merits of building a clean energy hub on approximately 800 hectares within the Haldimand Industrial Park that it has optioned from US Steel Canada Inc. The EA will officially begin when a Project Description and Site Preparation License, filed today, are accepted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

As part of its Integrated Power System Plan, the Ontario Power Authority has said nuclear energy should continue to provide 14,000 megawatts of electricity over the next 20 years, while coal is phased-out through investment in renewables and building a culture of conservation.
"Although this is a major step forward, we will not make a decision to proceed with a project until we have consulted thoroughly with the people of Haldimand-Norfolk and have significantly progressed the EA," Hawthorne said.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, applauded Bruce Power's decision, saying she strongly supports the launching of an assessment for new nuclear build in her Haldimand-Norfolk riding.

"I'm pleased Bruce Power is progressing with an option that could provide stable, long-term economic impacts for the next 60 years," said Minister Finley, who first approached Bruce Power in 2007 to consider her community as a potential growth site.

Last June, both Haldimand and Norfolk councils unanimously passed resolutions supporting the launch of an EA into new nuclear. Soon after, a poll conducted by Ipsos-Reid showed more than 80 per cent of residents were open to the EA planning process and that nearly two-thirds of people in the area support nuclear energy.

"Haldimand council fully supports this environmental assessment," said Marie Trainer, Mayor of Haldimand County. "This has been a topic of interest in our community for some time and with Bruce Power taking this step, we can now move ahead with extensive and formal public consultation and input."

Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale agreed, saying, "Ontario needs power from Nanticoke to support the grid and if such a project proceeds, following a detailed EA, it will be good news for the economies of Haldimand, Norfolk and Ontario."

Councillor Buck Sloat, Chair of the Haldimand Special Committee into Energy Development said the region could benefit greatly from new investment in clean energy. "Establishing an energy hub at Nanticoke means clean energy for Ontario and long-term stable jobs for our local community," Sloat said.

Patrick Dillon, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, said the project would help the region develop a larger pool of skilled trades people if it goes ahead. "This will have immense economic benefits that go far beyond the walls of any new facility," Dillon said.

In October of 2007, both councils jointly released an economic study, authored by Dr. Harry Kitchen of Trent University, which showed a new facility could create approximately 1,000 new jobs and contribute $550 million annually in regional, economic impacts during construction.

About Bruce Power

Bruce Power is a partnership among Cameco Corporation, TransCanada Corporation, BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust, a trust established by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, the Power Workers' Union and The Society of Energy Professionals.

Contacts:
Bruce Power
Steve Cannon
(519) 361-6559
Email: steve.cannon@brucepower.com

Bruce Power
24-hour Duty Media Officer
(519) 361-6161

Bruce Power eyes Lake Erie site for nuclear reactors
Last Updated: Friday, October 31, 2008 5:18 PM ET
CBC News
Nuclear power-plant operator Bruce Power said Friday it is considering construction of two new nuclear stations in Nanticoke, Ont., the site of a coal plant scheduled to shut down in 2014.
The private nuclear generating company announced Friday it had applied for a site preparation licence with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

"Ontario needs affordable, reliable and clean energy as we move forward to address one of the greatest challenges of our time — climate change," said Bruce Power president and CEO Duncan Hawthorne in a statement.

"Examining new sources of generation in Haldimand-Norfolk will give us, and Ontario, a number of options to consider going forward," he said.

The company also said that if the safety commission accepts the licence application, the company would conduct an environmental assessment to gauge the impact of building two reactors in the Haldimand-Norfolk region of southern Ontario on the shore of Lake Erie, about 130 km southwest of Toronto.

The assessment could take as long as three years to complete, the company said.
The two reactors would generate between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatts of low-emissions electricity, the company said.

The Nanticoke Generating Station is the largest coal-firing power plant in North America. It is slated to close in 2014 as part of the Ontario government's push to eliminate the use of coal power by that year. The provincial government has said completely eliminating coal-fired power generation will have an environmental equivalent of removing seven million cars from the road.
Ontario currently has three operating nuclear plants: Bruce Power operates the Bruce site on Lake Huron while Ontario Power Generation operates the Pickering and Darlington sites, both east of Toronto.

Earlier this year Bruce Power filed an application nuclear safety commission for clearance to prepare another possible site in Alberta's Peace River district.

Haldimand "Will We have a Say?"

Well the long awaited announcement is coming today! The announcement that I believe was going to happen about a week before the Federal Election.

CHCH news announced on the 7:00am news that Bruce Power has intentions of building a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County near Nanticoke.

As we all know our Elected Council in Haldimand County has already endorsed a Nuclear Plant on our behalf. Now some on Council will argue this fact and say all they have said is that they are all for an EA assessment.

Janet Fraser was told by Council that her right to be heard on the Nuclear Issue was premature a few months ago. Well Janet it seems now is the time to apply once again to speak to council on this issue! Will this make a difference?

Haldimand County sent letters to the upper levels of government in support of an EA assessment and the Mayor has said on a number of news releases that Haldimand County is in favour of a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County.

Bruce Power has always stated that they would not build a Nuclear Plant in a community unless it is a "willing host". Well are we a "willing host" according to Bruce Power? Time will tell.

Let's see now if "Our Voices" will be "Heard"!

Here is an article on the announcement today;

Nanticoke eyed as site for nuclear power plant
Approval process could take at least 5 years
Oct 31, 2008 04:30 AM

Energy Reporter

Nuclear power-plant operator Bruce Power will signal to Queen's Park and the federal regulator today that it intends to build a new nuclear plant in the small community of Nanticoke, next to the massive coal-fired generating station that's slated for shutdown in 2014, the Star has learned.

Duncan Hawthorne, president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, is expected to announce at an event near Nanticoke, along the north shore of Lake Erie, that his company is seeking a site preparation licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The application would start an approvals process likely to take five years before construction can begin. "I can't provide you with any details at this time," said company spokesperson Steve Cannon.

There's no guarantee such a plant will get built. The Ministry of Energy recently selected Darlington as the site of the province's newest nuclear plant in 20 years, to be operated by Ontario Power Generation.

Bruce Power lost its bid to construct and operate that first plant next to its existing facilities near Kincardine. Sources say Hawthorne is betting that the province will need more reactors.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman could not be reached for comment.
Industry experts say Nanticoke is considered an ideal site for a nuclear plant because of its location, lakeside access and ample access to high-voltage transmission lines.

The community is also used to having a power plant in its backyard and is worried about the loss of 600 jobs after the coal plant is shut down – though there would likely be a five-year gap between the shutdown of the coal plant and the first operation of a nuclear plant.

Hawthorne has spent two years courting the small communities in the region. In February, Norfolk and Haldimand counties sent letters to Premier Dalton McGuinty asking for the go-ahead to file for a site application, which triggers an environmental assessment.

Some area residents are cool to the idea of a nuclear plant. "Just because our mayor think it's a good idea doesn't mean the community members do as well," Victoria Smith, 24, told the Star. "I can assure you that's not the case."

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/527939

Haldimand "Special Committee of the Whole Meeting August 21, 2008"

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

Thursday August 21, 2008

Council Chambers

Cayuga Administration Building

Additions to Reserve Policy

Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner or a farmer in Haldimand County, this is a meeting that you should attend.

Feds will explain process in adding land to First Nation reserves
Aug. 21 meeting open to the public
Posted By KAREN BEST CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 6 hours ago


Two representatives of the Canadian government will explain how land is added to reserves at a public information meeting next week.

Federal community liaison Doug Forbes will accompany Linda MacWilliams who is an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) employee. She is the regional manager of lands and additions to reserves.

At the Aug. 21 public meeting, she will make a presentation on the additions to reserves policy, said a ministry spokesperson.

"This information session is part of an ongoing effort across the country to address questions of local officials with regard to the additions to reserve policies," said Patricia Valladao. This session was provided at the request of Haldimand County council, she added.

It is not designed to be an opportunity to discuss negotiations with Six Nations and the province, she noted. Coun. Buck Sloat said council members were aware that the presentation will be for information only. "It's important that we hear it," he told The Chronicle.

The public and the media will know how the process works, he added.

During the meeting, only council members can ask questions. The session begins at 9:30 a. m. in the council chambers in the Cayuga county building.

When the county hears it has no say in transfers, Sloat anticipated that council members will send a strong message to INAC minister Chuck Strahl and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

After the session, Sloat will ask people to write letters requesting a change in the policy. In his opinion, any time land is taken away from a municipality or a boundary is altered, the municipality should have veto rights. This is an amendment he wants to see, he added.
While opposed to loss of municipal property, Sloat said he supported people selling land to whomever they choose. But that should not erode the municipal tax base and the new owner should pay property taxes, he added.

He also noted that smoke shops on Highway 6 show planning is non-existent in Six Nations. If the county's land base erodes further, this will become worse, said Sloat at this week's council meeting.

"We have to protect land in Haldimand County for all persons and businesses," said Coun. Craig Grice adding he was not against Six Nations people.

Council decided to invite Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley and Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett to the session.

At this week's council meeting, members unanimously endorsed Sloat's motion to refuse to accept erosion of the municipal tax base or loss of planning and regulatory controls due to purchase, transfer or negotiated conversion of land to First Nations reserves.
Article ID# 1157765
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1157765

Haldimand "Karen Best, Janet Fraser, Bob Liddycoat, Kudo's to You"

Kudo's to Karen Best!

The following is an update on Janet Fraser's request to speak to Haldimand County Council. Karen you hit the nail on the head once again!

I have only one comment to make, residents like Janet Fraser are what makes Haldimand County a great place to live! Hard working, caring, passionate individuals. Keep up the Good Work Janet!

Council refuses to hear delegation
Posted By KAREN BEST CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 6 hours ago

Janet Fraser cannot remain silent and will step forward to ensure Haldimand County residents have the information they need on energy generation options.

If anything, her resolve was strengthened after Haldimand County council rejected her request to make a presentation in opposition to a nuclear power. Two earlier requests were turned down.

At their Aug. 5 committee meeting, five council members voted to deny Fraser a chance to speak to them. Coun. Lorne Boyko and Mayor Marie Trainer voted against the refusal.

A member of the Grand Erie Energy Quest (GEEQ), Fraser said the group will host an energy symposium tentatively scheduled for early November. It was in the works long before council's decision last week.

"We felt we have to do what our council is not doing," said Fraser who lives in Cayuga. "The most important thing is for Haldimand County residents to be informed."

The symposium will be an opportunity for public discussion on energy options including nuclear power, coal fired generation and renewable sources.

Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was invited to meet with the group and agreed to facilitate the symposium which will be similar to one he presented last year. Energy organizations will register through his office and a committee will decide who will speak at the meeting. He said the forum will be neutral and objective.

Because energy generation and production is of interest to people in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, he said the symposium will probably take place in Jarvis. It's important to get people from both counties in the room, he said. His legislative assistant, Rob Willett, will manage the event.

Even though the Grand Erie Energy Quest was organizing their own public meeting, members fully expected that Fraser would be allowed to speak to council. Shocked and disappointed at the news, she learned a week ago that council decided her presentation was not necessary at this time.

"I find it hard to believe a council would refuse to hear a citizen's input on something so important for this area," she said this week. "It's just mindboggling...I feel we have no representation or voice."

She pointed out that Norfolk County council allowed delegations and that Hamilton council listened to a few speakers who wanted Hamilton declared a nuclear-free zone.

In June, Coun. Lorne Boyko raised the issue of delegations on items not included in the agenda. At a council meeting that month, council agreed to hear developer Jamie McMaster's presentation on Six Nations acquisition of land and the impact on the municipality's tax base. The issue was not part of the agenda. Similarly a nuclear power plant application has not been on the agenda but council did pay for part of an economic impact study of a plant and received the findings at a meeting.

In the past, non-agenda related delegations have been allowed. In 2004, George Roik of Dunnville spoke to council about a forensic audit of county finances.

As a result of Boyko's insistence, Fraser's request was scheduled for discussion at the Aug. 5 meeting.

During discussions that day, Coun. Tony Dalimonte said he regretted that council allowed McMaster's delegation and said that council should have had copies of his presentation prior to it being made.

Dalimonte, who is chair of the planning committee, said the county would hold a public meeting as required by Ontario law if a planning application for a plant came forward. He also thought council had previously agreed to holding one or more meetings in different county locations if a nuclear plant was proposed. While not in favour of hearing Fraser's delegation, he did say letters to the clerk would be okay.

Coun. Don Ricker also supported holding two open houses on such a large issue as a nuclear power plant. In January, the Dunnville autodrome public meeting drew a large audience and provided an opportunity for input, he added.

Coun. Buck Sloat noted that public meetings are part of the environmental assessment process.
"We encourage people not do special presentations," said planning and economic development general manager Craig Manley. "The county will have large meetings when required."

Last year at a few public meetings, Bruce Power president Duncan Hawthorne spoke about the benefits of having over $3 billion invested in a nuclear plant in the Nanticoke industrial park. Economic impacts would include 1,200 jobs, over $2 million in property taxes and at least $180 million injected into the local economy, he stated.

Before a plant can even be considered, three years would be spent on $20 million environmental assessment.

No project is underway in Haldimand County, according to Steve Cannon, media relations manager for Bruce Power.

Even so, a plant in the municipality has not been entirely ruled out.

"There's always an interest in Nanticoke," he said. "People have expressed an interest in forward looking and planning in the community... As long as that interest remains, it will always be an area of interest (for Bruce Power)."

If an environmental assessment is launched in Haldimand County, full public consultation and input gathering will be part of the process, noted Cannon.

Other projects are presently on the books for Bruce Power. Feasibility studies are underway in Saskatchewan and Alberta and as are environmental assessments on reactor refurbishment and new reactor construction at the BruceAand Bpowergeneratingstations in Tiverton, Ontario. On the shores of Lake Huron, the plants are located between Kincardine and Port Elgin.
Article ID# 1157760

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1157760


The following is related to the issues of residents not having their voices heard. Although Bob Liddycoat is not an "unheard voice", he is the editor of the Dunnville Chronicle and his words are wise;

WHO'S LISTENING
OURVIEW
Posted 3 hours ago

Rage and rant against the world again Ain't nobody listening to you
Scream and shout into the wind in vain
-John Kay, Steppenwolf

It seems the unique problems facing Haldimand County are having equally unique effects on both citizens and government officials here.

The results are by no means scientific, but recent comments, letters and conversations
indicate there is a growing frustration here brought on by the feeling that no on is listening to us.

Ironically, council's frustration with being left unheard at the provincial and federal levels of government seems to have moved them toward similar treatment of its constituents.
It seems the ongoing land disputes and related recovery plan barriers have left members of council feeling isolated and operating in a fish bowl.

The ability to make many important decisions have been taken out of their hands and there is no progress in getting results from those who do have that power to move ahead.

This may form a stronger bond among councillors, which is often a good thing, creating a precursor to accomplishment, but it may bring about an unwanted results by isolating them from everyone else.

More irony appeared last week when council approved a nearly $100,000 expenditure on hiring a communications manager. While the goal was described as an effort to improve communications, the move left many citizens angry and wondering how such an expenditure can be justified among such a small tax base.

And while a few letters to the editor appeared in protest of the move, many others expressed the feeling their protests would only fall on deaf ears and therefore, they would make none.

Council also rejected a request from Grand Erie Energy Quest to make a presentation at council. They were within their rights to deny the appearance since it wasn't on the agenda. But blocking information gathering sessions hardly promotes better communication.

So, while council feels their hands are tied on many issues due to a lack of response from governments higher up, the citizens of Haldimand are feeling an equal rage in having their voices unheard.

There are several local websites dedicated to public frustration with the perception of isolation emanating from all levels of government but most importantly from the municipal level.
While councillors are in the unenviable position of dealing with constituents on a daily basis, something not felt at higher levels of representation, they are also the ones who should have the best understanding of how the voters feel.

If they cannot express understanding and a willingness to listen, surely they can understand the impact this would have on people who are trying to be heard.

And, keep in mind, those who take the time to express themselves are the ones who really care. They are the ones who want to be involved in the public process and without them, stagnation and mediocrity will prevail in any community.

The first step in solving the concerns of both groups is to recognize it's happening and to make conscious, positive steps in resolving them.

In the case of council, this is certainly in their best interest and it is almost certain that any feelings of disregard they have conveyed to the public are accidental, brought about by their own inability to be heard.

They would be well advised to remove any barriers to public input and to demonstrate a renewed willingness to listen.

Together, citizens and council, can then provide a united front, well informed, and cohesive in tackling the issues that currently seem insurmountable.
Article ID# 1157748
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1157748

Kudo's to you Bob Liddycoat! Through you our "Voices" have been "Heard".

Haldimand "A Little Respect goes a Long Way"

In May of this year I wrote a blog about Janet Fraser a resident from Cayuga. This was in response to the lack of communications between a resident and Council. Janet had requested to speak to council in regards to the nuclear issue in Haldimand County. This issue had been on several agendas and money had actually changed hands in regards to a report that was done for council. To read the whole article you can click onto this link; http://haldimandsunheardvoice.blogspot.com/2008/05/haldimand-here-is-another-unheard-voice.html

On Tuesday August 5th at the same council meeting that Council decided to hire a "Communications Manager" Council decided in a vote of 5-2 that Janet Fraser does not have the right to speak to Council.

This is in regards to Janet’s concerns over the direction that she feels Haldimand Council is taking in regards to Nuclear Power in Haldimand County.

For those that are not familiar with Janet’s story, this was the third request that Janet had made to appear as a delegation to Council. Janet was asking for a very simple thing…..Her Voice to be Heard…..I would like to say that I am actually shocked that Janet was denied. I had thought that once this was on an agenda that council would vote in favour and Janet would have her "10 minutes" to have her say.

Now in light of the fact that this vote took place at the very same council meeting that council voted 5-2 in favour of hiring a "Communications Manager", would you not think that there is a definite problem here with our "Elected Officials"?

Did Council even give Janet a chance to "Communicate" with them in an open forum?

So where do you think the problem is? Was Janet denied her right to speak because Haldimand County does not currently have a Communications Manager?

I personally believe that Janet was denied her right to speak simply because 5 members of council are not the "least bit interested in what she has to say". If Janet was to speak as a delegation the press would also pick up on this and Council wouldn't like that either.

Until we have council members that respect the residents that pay their salaries, nothing will change in Haldimand County. I just hope that people like Janet Fraser do not give up!

Haldimand "Is Nuclear Power a Bad Bet"

The following is a Letter to the Editor from a resident. It is a good read and I certainly learned a few things reading this letter. It also left me asking more questions. This is an issue that we should all be paying close attention too. I would like to thank Grand Erie Energy Quest for sending me this information. Please visit this site by clicking on the interesting links!

Going nuclear is a bad bet

The Kingston Whig-Standard
Monday, June 23, 2008

Section: Editorial/Opinion

Column: Letters to the Editor

Premier Dalton McGuinty's plan to increase Ontario's dependency on nuclear power smacks of the actions of an inveterate gambler poised to roll the dice one last time for that elusive "big score." Why else would he bet the farm on a technology that could bankrupt the entire country in the event of a single catastrophic accident?

The minimum bid to get into McGuinty's high-stakes game, $45 billion, could easily top a mind-boggling $135 billion given the nuclear industry's history of at least tripling initial cost projections.

But what makes the optics of McGuinty's gamble especially egregious is that he is rolling the dice on the health of unsuspecting Ontarians, since he is betting that a Chernobyltype explosion will not occur on his watch.

Since investing in conservation creates seven times more jobs, causes a four-times-greater reduction in greenhouse gases and conserves seven times more electricity than his nukes will ever produce, Ontarians should ask their premier some tough questions.

For example, if nuclear power is such a "sure thing," why have investors avoided it like the plague for the past 30 years?

Why did McGuinty choose to announce his plan to the highly secretive Bilderberg Group rather than to the people of Ontario who will foot the bill for his roll of the dice? Unless it was to assure these well-heeled high rollers that this nuclear pie is so enormous that everyone will get a piece of the action?

Why has McGuinty exempted his new nukes from those pesky environmental assessments unless it was to avoid the inevitable findings that the hazards of nuclear power far outweigh its benefits?

And what about the odds of a reactor meltdown? Two of the world's 439 operating nuclear reactors have already experienced a meltdown, a fact that makes a mockery of the industry's claim of only one in 100 000 years of operation.

Even more worrisome are the 22 major accidents that have occurred since Chernobyl, many of which have released cancer-causing isotopes into the air we breathe and the water we drink.

There have been seven major nuclear incidents in Ontario alone, including, most recently, this May when highly toxic arsenic and uranium haxafluoride leaked from Cameco's nuclear waste storage site into the groundwater in Port Hope.

If nuclear power plants are as safe as the experts claim, why do insurance companies refuse to underwrite their liability? What do they know that McGuinty is not sharing with Ontarians? Could it be that the damage from just a single nuclear catastrophe is so enormous that it would bankrupt the entire industry? Is that why the government of Canada enacted the Nuclear Liability Act in 1974, which exempts the nuclear industry from all but token liability? The data from Chernobyl certainly supports that hypothesis.

The effect of the Nuclear Liability Act, incidentally, was to make Canadian taxpayers the "insurers of last resort," since it is you and I who will pay the bills in the event of a catastrophic nuclear accident -and they will be enormous.

More than 371,000 people were evacuated from within Chernobyl's 37- kilometre "exclusion zone." and damage estimates range to an astronomical $235 billion.

An explosion at Pickering would render most of the Greater Toronto Area a nuclear wasteland and would necessitate the immediate evacuation of between three and four million people, 10 times the number displaced by Chernobyl. A staggering 10 per cent of the population of Canada would require new housing, new jobs, new hospitals, etc.

The cost of a nuclear explosion at Pickering could run as high as $3 trillion, nearly three times Canada's gross domestic product. It could literally bankrupt the entire country. That is the "inconvenient truth" about nuclear energy that the insurance industry has known all along, and the "inconvenient truth" that Ontarians will never hear from their premier's lips, since he knows it would "nuke" his misguided gamble to build more nukes.

Yelda Miedema Simcoe Island

Let's follow Germany's example

It distresses me that Ontario is headed toward an increasingly nuclear-powered future. Nuclear power is not green. Uranium mining releases toxic effluent into waterways and leaves behind highly dangerous tailings that remain radioactive for centuries. A great deal of energy is required to mine, separate and process the uranium extracted.

The building of nuclear power plants requires enormous amounts of cement, and it is generally acknowledged that producing cement creates a lot of greenhouse gases. These plants release enormous amounts of heat. Lake Ontario water is used as a coolant. There is also the radioactive waste that is produced. The latest scenario is to seal it in containers and bury it in deep pits. This has yet to be done anywhere in the world.

It is worth noting that Areva, one of the companies that will submit a bid to build Ontario's new reactor, is two years behind schedule and incurring huge overruns on the construction of a new power generator in Finland. There have been problems with the quality of the cement and the metal used. Areva has also run into problems with the cement in the construction of a nuclear generator in France. And Atomic Energy Canada Limited has finally shelved its Maple reactor project because it couldn't solve the technical problems.

The suggestion is that whichever company wins the Ontario contract, the government will have to pay at least some of any cost overruns incurred.

TheWhigstory "New nuclear reactors to be built near Toronto" (June 17) quotes the provincial energy minister as saying in reference to the various bids: "They will give us firm costs on reasonable parts of the project. There will be opportunities for change where no reasonable person could expect to have anticipated that change."

We are being put on notice. The more than $600 million in cost overruns at the Bruce project doesn't inspire confidence.

My biggest concern is for what we are leaving behind for our children and grandchildren. Is it not enough that we have depleted the ozone layer?

There are alternatives to nuclear power. Germany has put more renewable power on its grid than our fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable power generation combined. It has built a thriving industry that employs 230,000 people. The Germans have decided to go nuclear-free and carbon-free.

To move to a sustainable future, we need political vision. Let's find out how Germany is doing it. I want energy that offers my grandchildren a healthy and sustainable future.

Eleanor Archer Westport

Kudo's to Eleanor! Great Letter!

Haldimand "Have Your Say"

I thought I would do something different on my blog. I would like to hear what you have to say on the issues. I am often called by someone who's letter never gets into the local papers, or when someone simply asks me to post on their behalf. Here is your opportunity to have your voice heard.

If you are going to post a long letter, the best way to do it is copy and paste your document into the comment section. Sometimes you will get disconnected if you have the comments box open too long. Blogger does not have spellcheck.

If you do not have a Blogger account and you want to sign your name, click the anonymous box and sign your name on the bottom of your post.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Haldimand "Kudo's to Councillor Grice"

*********************UPDATE******************************************************

Friday May 30th, 2008.

Something was just not sitting right with me when I wrote this blog. The first problem that I ran into was actually believing what I had read as the "whole truth". Now anyone who has written a letter to the editor and had it edited for print finds out very quickly the "truth" can change by taking out a word here and there.

I called Councillor Grice to ask him a few questions but we have played telephone tag. So I called Mayor Trainer to ask her a few questions about that meeting on May 16th.

This was the conversation I had with Mayor Trainer;

I informed Mayor Trainer that I had written a blog about the meeting in her home with government officials and the fact that I agreed with the stand that Councillor Grice took. Boy I can tell you that when you need to know the truth you need to go directly to the "source".

As it turns out the Deputy Minister had no problems meeting at the Mayor's home. This was in no way an "official" type of County business. It was an informal meeting that started with a meeting of residents that live on "Sixth Line" in Haldimand County prior to going to the Mayor's home. After a "one hour" meeting at the Mayor's home at 2:00pm, the group went to meet with others at the Hagersville Tim Hortons. So there you have it these government officials were at three meetings in Haldimand County the same day.

Mayor Trainer found out this information about the other meetings at the Liaison Side Table Meeting that took place the following week, and "prior" to the Council Meeting this past Monday where Grice criticised the Mayor for having the meeting at her home. I asked Mayor Trainer if Grice new this information and she said Yes. So what was the rant all about?

Another thing to add is that Councillor Boyko was in fact at that same meeting on May 16th at Mayor Trainers home, yet the reporter left this information out of the article! So Counciller Boyko spoke with first hand experience that the Deputy Minister didn't have a problem with this.

Now I still haven't had a conversation with Councillor Grice on this "clarification" of the events that took place. When I do I will post what his comment was.

In the meantime my "apologies" to Mayor Trainer and Councillor Boyko for not getting the facts straight. But in my opinion this was a good exercise. I wonder what else we read that is really "NOT" the " WHOLE TRUTH".

************************************************************************************

The Regional Newspaper reporter Bill Jackson wrote an article this week that has me scratching my head and wondering just how professional is our council? Actually in a way I found the story a little bit amusing at the same time.

Mayor Trainer, Councillor Grice and CAO Don Boyle met with Lori Sterling, Ontario's Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Provincial Representatives Doug Carr and Chris Mahar on Friday May 16th.

This meeting took place at Mayor Trainer's home. Councillor Grice criticized Mayor Trainer for her choice of location. Grice made the following statement at a council meeting on Monday;

"How are we being seen by the province?" Grice asked his colleagues at the council table, noting that "respect deserves respect" when it comes to the number one issue facing Haldimand these days. He told The Regional News that Ontario's representatives were introduced to Trainer's dogs and that a cow was grazing at the side of the driveway while the meeting was in progress.

Well I can say one thing the picture in my head right now of these people being introduced to Mayor Trainer's dogs certainly put a bit of a different view on how our local politicians conduct County business. I wonder was the cow a milking cow?

Now Mayor Trainer at this point in the meeting took a stand and basically said to Councillor Grice;

You can choose the meeting location when you become mayor, but that "this is my style...I go with my style."

Grice said it was inappropriate to hold the meeting at a council member's home and said it should have been held inside council chambers in Cayuga, or at another county location. Boyko said the deputy minister was pleased to meet at the dining room table, a different setting compared to the norm, and found Grice's comments "disturbing. "That wasn't the sentiment, Grice asserted."What do you expect them to say?"

I totally agree with Councillor Grice on this one. Exactly what kind of meeting was this? Where was the rest of Council? Bill Jackson doesn't say in the article what this meeting was about, or what was talked about at this meeting. In my opinion County business needs to be done in a business setting, especially when you consider this was not a meeting of a "private company" this was a meeting concerning "County business".

Councillor Sloat stated publicly that he could care less if the meeting was in a tent and called Grice's comments trivial and almost Insulting. However Grice stood his ground and said both Sloat and Boyko initially asked the mayor to have the meeting in an office setting. Now you have to remember that this was being discussed at a council meeting and obviously Sloat and Boyko were not expecting Grice to clarify in public what their initial comments were, and I am sure their initial stand was not stated publicly.

Grice continued on and makes the following statement;

"She has to have it at her house because it's grandma day. That is unprofessional and does not put us in a good light with counterparts at the provincial level. If you want respect you've got to give respect, whether or not you like the Party or not..."

Now apparently Councillor Delimonte never made any comments until after the Council meeting was over. Delimonte agreed with Grice but never made a comment publicly, instead he made this comment to Bill Jackson after the meeting was over;

Councillor Tony Dalimonte said he agreed with Grice. The business of the municipality should be held at the municipality, it's as simple as that," he said."There's no issue more serious right now than credibility at the provincial level."

So I wonder why Councillor Dalimonte didn't stand up for Grice in public?

I for one will say "Kudo's" to Councillor Grice for standing up and saying what some of us are thinking right now! In my opinion Grice is totally bang on!