AM I BECOMING A COUNCIL JUNKIE?

I've probably attended as many Woolwich Council meetings in 2011 as I have in total over the past decade. Last Tuesday evening had numerous issues and delegations with an environmental theme. Laurie Breed, Jan H. and Lynn Hare all spoke in regards to the Jigs Hollow Pit, also know as the Kuntz pit. I admit that prior to their delegation I had in my wee mind written off this proposed gravel pit as the lesser of evils in regards to the numerous ongoing gravel pit applications in Woolwich township. Surprisingly while focusing on the lack of cultural heritage studies around this pit, Lynn Hare did have some good words for the Lockhart Pit on Middlebrook Rd. Apparently it has been operating for years without any complaints from the neighbours and she suggested that it's location was appropriate for a gravel pit. Back to the Kuntz (Jigs Hollow) pit not only are there cultural heritage and tourism issues but also the view of the Winterbourne Valley will be damaged by this pit if it goes ahead.

I was extremely impressed by Woolwich Council's support of a Resolution from the Township of Melancthon. This is the Township north of us near the headwaters of the Grand River (and others) that could be severely impacted by a proposed huge below water table limestone quarry. As we here in Woolwich Township have river wells in both West Montrose and Conestogo, not to mention Elmira and St. Jacob's water coming up a pipeline from the Integrated Urban System of Waterloo Region, any negative influence on the Grand River will affect us. Waterloo Region draws Grand River water into their system from Mannheim. Therefore kudos to Woolwich Council for being proactive and supporting this Resolution for a time extension in order to comment to the Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.).