Ontario Soil Regulation Task Force

OSRTF was invited to the MOECC's Excess Soil Engagement Group (ESEG) meeting June 22 to consider the Ontario government's implementation of the Excess Soil Management Framework. OSRTF and its member groups and friends are well represented in the ESEG. The implementation plan involves many ministries and pieces of legislation and revised standards and new guidance documents. Overall, we are pleased with the plan and its ambitious timeline, but we must watch the details.

OSRTF received an acknowledgement from Land Over Landings during LOL's AGM June 15.

Ontario Greenbelt Alliance held a workshop on June 14 with its members, including OSRTF, to consider the OGA's response to the government's proposed amendments to the greenbelt legislation. OSRTF has serious concerns about errors and omissions in the legislation that further weaken the already weak protection from soil dumps.

Green Durham Association, as a generous supporter of LCCW and OSRTF, invited Ian to give a presentation at their June 4 AGM on the activities of the groups working for better regulation of soil dumping and commercial fill operations.

Dear OSRTF members, At our recent strategy meeting we identified a need for support from our members who can and do benefit from the work of the group. We have been encouraged by recent events in government progress with the MOECC policy framework on the management of excess soil and a positive ruling at the Farm Practices Board. We are working at raising funds from community groups and foundations that have the ability to fund causes such as ours, but we are restricted beca...use our advocacy prevents us from having charitable status and administration costs are excluded from most project grants. We have a budget requirement of around $2500 for basic operations, a large part of which is for insurance to protect the organization in the event of possible legal action. As you know we are 100% volunteer operated but need funds for travel, costs of materials for distribution, and legal opinions, which to date have been largely covered by individuals. We could meet our base costs if each of our member organizations would contribute an average of $100. While smaller groups may find this a bit difficult, the larger groups should be able to contribute more. If someone in your group could take it upon themselves to pass the hat amongst your members we would all be grateful and stronger. Contributions could be made by Interac e-transfer to [email protected] or via the PayPal button on the website http://osrtf.ca/ Thanking you, the OSRTF fundraising committee Save the Oak Ridges Moraine CoalitionRural Burlington Greenbelt CoalitionFriends of PitSenseConcerned Residents Association of North Dumfries - CRANDGravel Watch Ontario