FUNDRAISING TO OPPOSE THE HUNDER PIT

Today's Woolwich Observer carrys this story "Residents' group hopes to fill coffers in advance of gravel pit legal battle". I'm sorry but my very first impression upon reading this headline was to recall U.S. studies which clearly show that south of the border, proponents of disruptive and noxious enterprises routinely site them in low income neighbourhoods. By so doing and with the support of the local police they are able to enforce laws against vandalism, rowdy demonstrations and other behaviour which humans who aren't well off will resort to, to make their voices heard. These noxious enterprises include hazardous waste sites, municipal landfills and of course gravel pits.

I've read several of the technical reports and they simply gloss over the fact that this is a longtime residential area. Yes there is a certain amount of gravel beneath the farmland between Winterbourne and Conestogo. Geology and the ice age have been generous along the Grand River valley in laying down this sand and gravel. All the mitigation in the world will not hide the fact that these people's enjoyment of their properties will be negatively affected by a gravel pit so close to them. The O.M.B. have stopped three whole gravel pits recently. They have permitted hundreds more and like the Ministry of Natural Resources are merely present to give the appearance of legality and legitimacy to the disruptions caused by the gravel lobby for their financial benefit.

The formal hearing starts on November 5/12 at the Woolwich Township offices. I admire the resolution and fortitude of the local residents fighting this abomination hiding behind the guise of public need. I hope they are sucessful in their fundraising efforts while knowing that most communities couldn't even begin to marshall the resources necessary for this legal battle. Once again invasion and assault comes to Canadian citizens who are not allowed to defend themselves and their properties by force. Instead they must pay through the nose to fight a legal battle in which the rules are rigged in favour of government and industry. Make no mistake government and industry are hand in hand and always have been. This applies to each and every environmental battle currently going on in Woolwich Township from BIO-En, Jigs Hollow Pit, West Montrose and the Bridgekeepers to Chemtura and more.