Natural water flows must be protected, but we need aggregate too
Editorial

This piece is intended to put forth ideas and reminders, as opposed to taking a stand.

The Coalition of Concerned citizens are doing all they can to rally support to their efforts to prevent James Dick Construction Ltd. (JDCL) from opening a pit in what has been identified as Aggregate Resource Area 9A.

To their credit, they have tried to get local officials, politicians and even the media up to speed on what has been going on, and the very legitimate fears they have if this pit proposal goes ahead.

That was what was behind the recent bus tour they organized through lands to be impacted, where the waters flow from the Paris Moraine and the lands that comprise Area 9A.

The natural beauty of that area is nothing short of breathtaking, thus it is easy to understand why efforts would be mounted to protect it. As well, the point was made repeatedly on the tour that many of the water flows are underground, so who is to know exactly what kind of impacts could result from mining operations?

Yes, we have to agree their fears are legitimate.

But we also have to agree that JDCL must have the chance to address them.

There's another point that was understandably played down on the tour. The bus went over many minor local roads in the couple of hours that the tour lasted that wet Friday afternoon. And given the time of year and after the winter this area has endured, it's not surprising that many of the roads were infested with bumps, potholes and the like. Since the tour crossed municipal boundaries a couple of times, it left openings for a couple of tongue-in-cheek comments from some politicians to others, prompting a few chuckles from various tour-goers.

But it also pointed to the fact some of these roads need work; some more than others.

That means aggregate is needed. And where is that aggregate to be obtained?