Fly rock is a serious concern for residents living near James Dick Construction Limited’s (JDCL) proposed quarry site just outside of Rockwood.
At the March 6 Guelph-Eramosa council meeting three separate residents and members of the Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC) brought concerns to council about the 24.8-hectare (61.3 acre) quarry proposed at Highway 7 and the 6th Line, southwest of Rockwood.
The CRC is a resident group formed in 2013 to oppose the “Hidden Quarry” application.
Roy Girardi brought council a petition he and his wife, Leanne Girardi, conducted with people who live within 500m of the proposed quarry.
The petition calls for a minimum distance of 300m between the quarry and residential property lines.
“We’re very concerned about the blasting which has a very good chance of fly rock landing on our property,” Roy said, adding the pit is too close to his house for him to feel safe.
“We now have two grandchildren,” he said.
“They come over almost every week to swim in the in-ground pool that we have. We don’t want the stress every day of worrying about fly rock.”
Leanne Girardi also read comments from Dennis and Laurea Campbell, whose property borders the proposed JDCL quarry on two sides.
“They had hoped to retire … on their 5.5 acres where they live in Rockwood,” Leanne said. “But if JDCL is allowed to proceed with a quarry, then that dream will sadly not become a reality.”
The Campbells state they’re worried their water will become unusable and that fly rock will become a part of everyday life.
“Property damage, injury and even death is not … something most people have to live in a state of anxiety about when they’re out in their backyard,” Leanne read.
Susan Haslen was also unable to attend as a delegation, but Mary Cuerrier read Haslen’s prepared speech.
Haslen lives on Highway 7 across from the proposed quarry and her concern is for the people living, working and commuting along Highway 7. Although the chance of fly rock is slim, Haslen acknowledged that it does happen.
“Unsuspecting travellers in cars, Go buses, transport trucks and especially school buses travelling on Highway 7 won’t know of the danger until it happens,” Cuerrier read.
“What safety measures like stopping traffic or evacuating the area will be in place to protect us if this application is approved?”
Council received the delegation but not discuss the matter.
