erika g. simon
“The Highland Companies, backed by a multi-billion-dollar Boston hedge fund, has purchased over 7,000 acres of the richest farm land in Ontario, located in Melancthon Township, just north of Shelburne. Initially, Highland claimed that its interest was potato farming, which has been the backbone of the local economy for well over 100 years. Recently Highland filed an application with the Minister of Natural Resources to excavate the largest quarry ever proposed in Canada. Highlands plans to blast a pit deeper than Niagara Falls, spanning 2,316 acres (initially) to extract millions of tons of limestone for the lucrative aggregate market.”
Driving down the roller coaster country roads surrounded by forests of orange and yellow, one can’t help but appreciate the country we are so lucky to live in. My shoes are muddy, my clothes are wet but there’s a rainbow in the sky and somehow its a perfect end to a powerful experience.
Foodstock was a fundraising event to fight the mega quarry that is threatening to destroy our farmlands just north of the GTA. The idea was for amazing chefs to come out and cook in order to raise money for the legal costs of fighting the quarry. For a minimum donation of only $10 you were able to feast in the forests of Honeywood, Ontario.
The event was a busy one, but very enjoyable nonetheless. You’re joined by thousands of people in a forest with tents and campfires of chefs cooking some absolutely amazing food. A combination of the fresh ingredients and the very “natural” cooking style is what made this more than your regular eating experience.
Some of the things being cooked included: buckwheat crepes with smoked salmon, squash soup, Poutini’s poutine, potato ladkes with elderberry sauce and sheep’s cheese, squash gnocchi with bacon, lobster bisque, fresh coffee and a lot more.
Moreover, the love and passion put into the food, with volunteers and more than 100 inspiring chefs doing what they do best to serve great food and fight the cause simultaneously. Even the acclaimed Jamie Kennedy was in attendance, who supported a local potato farm by serving French fries with cider or chili mayo. Ultimately, as a spectator (and eater) I just loved being around supporters who do not want to sit back and watch our farmland be overtaken. I feel a responsibility to our country to show them that we care and no, we will not let you excavate the equivalent of two thousand foot ball fields, thank you very much.
“Save the land that feeds us” is almost an understatement when it comes to how crucial stopping the mega quarry is. If their mining project is successful it will not only destroy our access to the fresh foods produced by some of Ontario’s biggest and most valuable farms but it will kill wildlife and threaten our water supply (something which I think is one of Canada’s most important resources). It is absolutely necessary to fight the quarry and show that Canada still values their farmland, wildlife and their access to fresh food.
For more information visit stopthemegaquarry.ca
