FORCE wins, No quarry to be developed!

This is great news (read below)! Not often the community rallies and wins!!! Congrats to all those who have put forth a great effort. It was all worth it. I know I will benefit from the safer roadways.

For more information about the amazing organization that began in 2004 checkout the Friends Of Rural Communities and Environment

Here is the press release:

Our fight against the St. Mary's Cement quarry is finally over…..we won!!!

Province intervenes to prevent quarry development, Responds to community concern for groundwater conservation

April 13, 2010 --

Today the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) under Section 47 of the Planning Act to freeze the zoning of 154 hectares of land in the former Town of Flamborough. As a result, St. Mary's Cement Inc. is prohibited from using these lands for a proposed major quarry development.

The MZO comes after concerns about the potential impact on groundwater raised by Hamilton City Council, the Halton Regional Council, local Medical officers of Health and countless citizens potentially impacted by the development.

"Today is a watershed day for our community and a fitting tribute to the enormous community-based leadership that articulated the case against the proposed St. Mary's Quarry so very well," said MPP Ted McMeekin."

With the MZO, the zoning on the land shall remain 'Rural and Conservation Management' in perpetuity and ONLY those uses consistent with this designated zoning will be permitted. This ensures the long-term protection of groundwater resources in this sensitive area.

"Our community came together and stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight to stop the quarry," said McMeekin. "In so doing we have not only protected the water resource we hold sacred but also the environmental heritage of this area."

The community-based opposition to the quarry was led by FORCE, Friends of the Rural Community and the Environment.

"This is a joyous day for our communities," said Graham Flint, Chair and Spokesperson for Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE). "We thank Ted for his tireless efforts to champion our cause at the provincial level and applaud the McGuinty government for hearing and responding to the very real concerns of our local municipalities and citizens about this massive open pit mine proposal. Now our drinking water, the air we breathe, the fragile natural features in this area, our way of life and the roads we use to work, live and play will be protected."

"It's clear that at every stage of the fight to protect our community, FORCE has been a force to be reckoned with. FORCE was able to combine sound research with the ability to articulate the justness of their cause in a compelling manner. I am very proud of FORCE, its leader Graham Flint, and our entire community for the responsible way the battle on this critical issue has been waged," added McMeekin.

For further information contact

Ted McMeekin MPP 905-690-6552

7 Systems March 2010 - Athlete of the Month

I was very surprized and honoured when I was informed that 7 Systems was going to feature me as Athlete of the Month in the their online magazine for March. To sign up for this free e-magazine, click here. Each DoMore eMag features; success stories, tips from coaches and pro's, nutrition news, community features, upcoming events and product news and specials.

Here is the article and picture that was included:

JJ Neely is the proud father of Hannah (6) and Calvin (3). With the help of his wife, Mary, he is able to balance life's priorities and do more. A full time elementary teacher, JJ shares his active lifestyle with his students by coaching a running club and taking students on bike hikes through the trails and parks of Mississauga.

As a former national level competitive swimmer he was enticed into the triathlon community by a friend. One day on a run with his friend, he expressed an interest in buying a big screen TV and was told to forget the TV and buy a bike. He took the advice and as he embraced the triathlon lifestyle, his eagerness to compete again grew and he soon found himself racing again. With two Ironman finishes and multiple 70.3 races on his resume, JJ also enjoys participating in local triathlons throughout Ontario. One of his greatest accomplishments so far, has been qualifying and participating in the 2008 70.3 World Championships is Clearwater, Florida.

JJ's commitment and enthusiasm for the sport continues to develop, as he is currently the President and Swim Coach for the Mississauga Triathlon Club and Kelso Open Water Swim Club. After becoming a Triathlon Canada Certified Coach, JJ created Focus in Training, a coaching company that allows him to share his knowledge, experience and love for triathlon with others.

JJ does more because he can. With the help of 7 SYSTEMS, he enjoys being a healthy role model for his children, students, athletes and friends. Looking to be faster after forty, this triathlete has his sights set on qualifying for the World Championships in the near future.