These include the Friends of Crooks’ Hollow, the Greensville Optimists, the petition which garnered over 702 local signatures, kids’ petition — dozens of children's signatures — Friends of Greensville Creek, photographer Joseph Hollick, John Aikman the historian of Crooks’ Hollow, Councillors Robert Pasuta and Brad Clark, Greensville Against Serious Pollution, Rockton Lions Club, Strabane Optimists, Facebook Group — 411-plus members —and last but not least Karen Lynne Coulter, great-great-great-granddaughter of the Honourable James Crooks.

It is a shame heritage structures as well as the beautiful large reservoir will disappear. Unfortunately, the Hamilton Conservation Authority is continuing its plan to destroy the dam, despite recent warnings of an increase of “once in a hundred year event” as confirmed by a recent study from Conservation Ontario, the association of the province’s conservation authorities.

Twice last year, we received 110 millimetres of rain. The report identified 11 "100-year" storms in the province between 1989 and 2005 — 10 since the beginning of 2000, with rainfall from 150 to 360 millimetres. The report also warns the “precipitation has increased 1.5 percent per decade from 1910 to 1970”, and by a much larger 14.1 percent from 1970-99. And it concludes that a 20 per cent increase in rainfall can result in a 60 percent jump in runoff.

I would like to see the dam rebuilt to bring it up modern standards, so it can do its job of holding back the flood waters to come. Remember last February and July 2009, Crooks’ Hollow Dam performed amazingly well. Future flooding will cause untold damage to houses, erosion to the banks and possibly loss of life.

Money raised in this endeavour, $419.10, has been donated to the Greensville Optimists to continue their good work. Many thanks to all for your time, effort and hard work. I appreciate it very much.

Renate Intini, Greensville