Thread by @lulex

Watching the Wilmot council March 6/2023 meeting live at 7pm tonight discussing the Hallman Quarry Pit and the city of Wilmot pulling out of the OMB.

First speaker was solicitor Rodney Northey who spoke on behalf of lawyers for Citizens for Safe Ground Water Inc. He spoke of the 55 houses that will be impacted by the existing plans for the quarry pit and outlined the environmental damages and health concerns of this project.

Northey stated the 2020 Provincial Policy Statement places focus on avoidance of risks but the decisions made were based on 41905 of the Environmental Protection Act which has absolutely no regard for fine particulate matter issues.

Section 41905 doesn't address fine particulate matter unless it is radioactive. The PPS avoidance of adverse impacts is applicable because the EPA policy does not address this risk at all but it is well proven that fine particulates can lead to health issues and mortality.

Solicitor Northey also notes there is a provision for costs in #Bill23 but it is not enacted in force.

Samantha Lernout of Save our Water Inc. states the request to rezone was denied. It was not a divisive issue. The support across the township was consistent.

Samantha Lernout said, "You broke your promise to be transparent and responsible to the people." She later stated, "We as citizens reject your settlement offer."

Wilmot Township's Mayor said, "I did stand up before the community and promise to have honest and frank connversations."

The mayor spoke how the plans as given complied with the Provincial Policy statement, the Aggregate Resources Act and Township Official Plan. She also mentioned only 3% chance of success rate at Ontario Land tribunals.

She stated groups can still participate at the Ontario Land Tribunal. She also advised people bring their concerns to Premier Doug Ford or MPP Graydon Smith. (Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.)

This evening this news story was releasedd by CTV Kitchener showing strong public opposition to the Hallman Gravel Pit. kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wilmot-council…

Environment Canada identified Kitchener as the forth most polluted city in Canada. kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/stu…