Local politicians cooperate to support City’s efforts to protect Guelph’s water

Guelph, Ontario – Local politicians are putting partisan differences aside in an effort to protect Guelph’s water. 
GPO candidate Mike Schreiner, NDP candidate James Gordon, and PC candidate Anthony MacDonald made the following statement today:
 
“Today is the one year anniversary of the City of Guelph’s Application for Leave to Appeal the Ministry of Environment’s decision to grant an amended Permit to Take Water (PTTW) to River Valley Development Inc. for operations at the former Guelph Dolime Quarry. 
 
As the nominated candidates for the Green, Progressive Conservative, and New Democratic Parties, we want the City of Guelph, Guelph residents and all stakeholders to know that we support the City’s four conditions for continuation of River Valley Development’s operation of the former Dolime Quarry.
 
The City of Guelph is requesting the following: 

• a limit at the current historic average pumping rate; 
• a comprehensive long-term management plan for the quarry that protects Guelph’s water; 
• an effective monitoring program; and 
• a financial assurances and legally enforceable requirements to ensure the quarry owner — rather than Guelph ratepayers — pays for long-term mitigation costs related to the quarry’s operation.”

The statement was made at a news conference also attended by Liberal MPP Hon. Liz Sandals who did not sign the statement due to her Ministerial position. 
 
“I believe it is important for political leaders to put the public interest first, and I’m pleased to see cross party support to protect Guelph’s water,” added Schreiner. “It is past time for the Ministry of the Environment to act on the City of Guelph’s reasonable request to protect our water. Over 2,500 people have signed our petition. By working together, we can protect Guelph’s water.”
 
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