ANOTHER PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE JIGS HOLLOW GRAVEL PIT

This public meeting is planned for Tuesday February 28, 2017 at 7 pm. in the Woolwich Council Chambers. The proponent IBI Group on behalf of their client Preston Sand & Gravel are attempting to remove the prohibition against below water table extraction which is currently in place for this gravel pit. This gravel pit is located directly across the Grand River from the village of Winterbourne and immediately downstream from the village of Conestogo.

This pit was initially approved by the lame duck Council late in 2010 which had been voted out of office by the electorate. Bonnie Bryant had campaigned vigorously against approving this pit and was elected while long time councillor Murray Martin got the boot. Then in 2014 Ms. Bryant ran for mayor and Murray Martin got elected back to Council. In possibly a bit of theatre and gamesmanship Murray had voted against this pit at the vote late in 2010. It wasn't enough then to get him re-elected. Now we will see with his upcoming vote where he actually stands on this pit especially if he agrees to below the water table extraction.

The Region of Waterloo along with most enlightened individuals and all environmentalists are against below the water table extraction. Gravel pits along the length of the Grand River are essentially death by a thousand cuts. The sand and gravel both above and below the water table act as filters removing both natural and manmade contaminants from the groundwater.

The best way in my opinion to stop this below the water table extraction is a combination of technical and environmental criticism to the plan combined with getting citizens out. Our Council like so many others are often moved more by their political self-interest than by the merits of the issue. If they feel they will suffer at the next election in 2018 by approving the removal of the Holding Provision against below water table extraction; then they will be hesitant to do the wrong thing. Otherwise without the public's presence and interest they will as usual worship at the alter of development and big business.