A Big Thank you!
As you probably know, the hearings concluded December 18th, 2020.
During the past year, Action Champlain and our team of lawyers and experts have worked to update and consolidate the defense elements. We cannot give any details, for obvious reasons, but we can say that our preparation is solid and, as you already know, we have very good lawyers and experts in rural planning and other fields of expertise.
It must be said that, if we are in such a good position today, it is thanks to the strong mobilization of our community, to our unwavering desire not to see this cement project ruin our quality of life and our health, our environment and the future of our children. This extraordinary citizen mobilization involves more than a thousand signatures, thousands of hours devoted by each and every one to find out about the facts, to discuss the issues together and to express our opinions. Just think of the milestone launch of the No Cement Plant in L’Orignal by Action Champlain campaign, with 500 people at the L’Orignal church.
Support for our cause has also come from neighboring communities, on both sides of this jewel that we share, the Ottawa River: citizens, but also environmental defenders and many elected officials at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. There is also the invaluable contribution in services by local resources, citizens and businesses. Finally, it is the financial contribution of this large community, to the tune of $ 400,000, which allows us to cover the legal and expert fees for the defense of our cause.
Clearly, there is no social acceptability with regard to this L’Orignal cement plant project of which, should be remembered, goes against a number of policies, laws, guidelines, regulations, official plans, etc.
But the UCPR decided to ignore not only the massive rejection of the project expressed by the population within the framework of the public consultation, but also the decision of the Township of Champlain to refuse the project on its territory because it is incompatible with the existing zoning and contrary to its zoning by-law.
The announcement of this project and then this arbitrary decision caused a still tangible shock in the community, of course, but we remained strong and more than ever determined to uphold the Township of Champlain's decision to reject the project.
We can be proud of all that we have accomplished collectively and individually to protect the character and assets of this beautiful region where we have chosen to live.
A big thank you to all for your commitment and solidarity.
Action Champlain