AGGREGATE RESOURCES ACT

Last Thursday's Elmira Independent carrys this story "Council seeks changes to Aggregate Resources Act". Woolwich Council are hoping to send a representative to speak directly to the Review Committee set up by the province. If this is not possible due to the very short time periods currently arranged by the provincial government, then a letter will have to suffice. Woolwich Township are looking for greater revenue from each tonne of gravel removed locally, greater rehabilitation of pits, greater enforcement of site plans and finally greater separations between gravel pits and neighbouring municipalities. All of these proposed changes are reasonable and would help balance differing interests. The Township would also like to engage the Ministry of Natural Resources in a discussion around vertical zoning and sunset clauses, two issues which the Township have been promoting for some of our local gravel pits.

By the way I just loved the large wooden sign erected temporarily at the east side of town on Church St. The Woolwich Observer carried a picture of it and I recognized it of course from the BIO-EN protest held recently outside the Woolwich Township building. It sounds as if there might be some objections to it being permanently placed there but perhaps for special events etc. it could make temporary appearances. Smelville and Arm-Pit City certainly get the message across. In my opinion sometimes a little gentle civil disobedience can go a long way.