PROVINCE TRYING TO WEAKEN GRAVEL PIT RULES

As per last Saturday's Woolwich Observer (pg.5), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing are attempting to waterdown provisions in the Region of Waterloo's new planning document.The Region are attempting to make the requirements more stringent in regards to below the water table extraction of aggregate. Woolwich Township are also attempting to stiffen requirements around aggregate extraction courtesy of Councillor Bonnie Bryant. She would like three new criteria considered namely setback from settlement areas, financial impact on surrounding properties and an assessment of contaminants on sites proposed for gravel operations. Mayor Todd Cowan stated that these steps "... don't necessarily reflect an anti-gravel stance, but rather a determination to protect the interests of the township and its residents." Well it's about time that our local politicians have got it right. They are supposed to be working for our benefit and it's a nice change to see that happening.