Stakes ‘huge’ in gravel pit fight

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Published on Monday, 02 December 2013 16:28

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PARIS — More than 100 people gathered at a public “Stop the Pit” meeting held Saturday in Paris where a lineup of guest speakers inspired attendees in their fight to maintain the integrity of the area's water supply in the face of an aggregate company's plan to open a gravel pit north of town.

“This will be a long journey. The stakes are huge,” said Concerned Citizens of Brant (CCOB) chairman Ron Norris.

“I have no doubt we can win this if we want to (but) it will take the little efforts of a lot of people to win the battle,” he said.

The CCOB contends that Dufferin Aggregates should not be allowed to open the pit, on the strength of a 40-year-old licence, because it poses a risk to the community's water supply from an aquifer.

Dufferin maintains that its licence, granted in 1974, is in order and that it is gaining necessary permits while following the latest environmental regulations and public processes. The company has pointed out that the provincial environment and natural resources ministries have rejected repeated demands to have the licence revoked or reviewed.

The Paris gathering also heard from guest Carl Cosack, chairman of the North Dufferin Agriculture and Community Taskforce, whose grassroots group successfully faced down an aggregate company's bid to establish a megapit Melancthon quarry.

Cosack detailed some of his community's wide-ranging efforts to promote its agricultural and natural blessings to gain support not only from local residents, but to encourage engagement from a wider and broader section of Ontario. These fundraising and awareness-building efforts included hosting events such as a walk, run and bikeathon, a book of photographs celebrating the natural beauty of Melancthon township, Foodstock and Soupstock.

“If we can do this, you can. Don't wait for someone else to do it for you,” Cosack said.

Also speaking at Saturday's event was Craig Scott, NDP MP for Toronto-Danforth, who called on the federal government to heed concerns of Paris and Brant County residents over the proposed 600-acre pit.

“It's important that food and water security be fought for and recognized,” he said, emphasizing the need for community mobilization and solidarity of purpose.

“This quarry project poses environmental risks and these citizens are standing up demanding their elected officials listen," Scott said.

Scott was previously active in citizen opposition to the proposed Melancthon quarry project north of Toronto, during which he encouraged Toronto residents to work hand in hand with their rural neighbours to protect prime farmland and drinking water. The campaign succeeded a year ago when the application for a quarry was dropped.

"The important victory in Melancthon shows what can be achieved when residents work together,” Scott said. "I’m proud to stand with the citizens of Brant and the local region who are fighting to protect this area too.”

After the presentations concluded, Brant Mayor Ron Eddy echoed his community's concerns about the area's water supply.

“Taking gravel is one thing. Extracting below the water table is my big concern,” said Eddy, adding that he appreciates the enthusiasm and determination shown by members of CCOB.

By Heather Ibbotson
Published in the Brantford Expositor, Dec. 1, 2103

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