An official stance on Nestlé Water Canada’s proposed water taking operation at the Middlebrook well is on hold for another month.
Centre Wellington councillors are now planning to make an official decision on Oct. 31.
That move followed a lengthy presentation by the Save Our Water group – and an even lengthier discussion by council.
While it seems clear councillors are opposed to the proposed Nestlé operation on Middlebrook Road west of Elora, council has yet to pass a resolution to that effect.
It was a packed council chamber on Sept. 26 as the item came up in the final part of the night’s agenda.
Save Our Water requested that council pass a resolution that night stating the municipality is opposed to Nestlé’s water taking proposal.
The delegation commented on a report by Garry Hunter, of Hunter and Associates, that concludes Nestle’s proposal for Middlebrook would present a huge challenge to the township developing its infrastructure and securing a water supply into the future.
Ailsa Kay, of Save Our Water, said, “a lot has happened” since Hunter and Associates submitted the report to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in May.
Kay said the report was drafted based on the town’s projected population growth – but “Centre Wellington’s population as you now know is set to double by 2041.”
She said township staff have indicated the Nestlé operation would restrict the township’s ability to secure another source of water close to the municipally-serviced portion of Elora.
“The reality is the ‘easy’ water has been found,” Kay said. “In other words, the water closest to the municipality and the easiest to obtain without constraints. Finding new sources of groundwater will only become more difficult.”
She voiced concern that the township’s Tier 3 water study lacks the data needed to fully evaluate future scenarios, including the projected population growth.
“But it is this planned growth assessment that is absolutely critical,” said Kay, adding the eyes of the nation are on Centre Wellington.
“We have become ground zero for challenging the water-taking status quo.”
Kay added, “In the eyes of the nation and the world, groundwater is a finite element and in need of careful stewardship and protection.”
Kay noted Ontario is now reviewing and considering changes to water taking permit regulations.
“The decision about Middlebrook will be made by the province, but the stance of the township, a key stakeholder in the process, carries considerable weight,” Kay said.
“The residents of the township have been waiting a long time to hear the mayor and councillors’ position on this issue.
“It is clear that the community is overwhelmingly engaged in its opposition to the water taking permit application, and in its support of robust water management for the long-term sustainability of our community,” Kay said.
The original intent of delegations to council was to allow groups to make presentations and allow questions by council, which would then follow up with action at a future meeting.
However, councillor Kirk McElwain said he had a motion already prepared that night.
Councillor Stephen Kitras thanked those who have made efforts “to save this water for the community.”
He said the township’s projected growth targets “are truly daunting … a leap from 30,000 to 52,000 in just 24 years.
“Sustainable growth needs water … period. If we run out, we have to provide water to the community by buying it from elsewhere … or from Nestlé.
“Trying to buy the well was a great effort … it would have been great if Nestlé realized that reselling the well to Centre Wellington is the best option for co-operating with the township.”
Kitras suggested, “If Nestlé is truly supportive of our community, then I would like them to sell the well to us.”
Councillor Don Fisher said “we’re growing and we’ll need water at some point in the future.” He stated “this might be the only water available.
“Under those circumstances it would be unconscionable and negligent not to oppose currently any prospect of that supply being exploited or taken away for profit … or any other purpose for that matter.”
Councillor Fred Morris said “I do not think it is any accident that we are at this point.” Morris contended the die was cast several weeks ago when Centre Wellington proposed the purchase the Middlebrook well.
He said residents “want this council to clearly voice (community) opposition to Nestlé. I think we have an obligation as leaders, to honour those wishes.
“I am a believer that the need for water to sustain life is more important than the need for water to sustain profit.”
Mayor Kelly Linton said the municipality’s strategic plan specifically states “the township will lobby the provincial government that commercial water taking should not be permitted unless there is clear and publicly available scientific evidence that there will be no significant impact on the quality and quantity on our local water supply.”
Linton noted, “We knew we could pass a resolution (of opposition) at any time,” but he stressed the province receives hundreds of motions every year, and many of them are unheeded,.
Linton said Centre Wellington’s attempt to purchase the Middlebrook property “was real action, and it was the action which got the attention of the national press.”
In talks with Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, Linton was informed the best approach would be to speak directly with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change at Queen’s Park.
“We did that. We had a face to face meeting and explained our position to them. That was a more effective approach than had council initially voted on a resolution,” said Linton, who pointed out “nothing has happened on (Nestlé’s application) for months.”
While Linton said passing a resolution remains an option, “I think it is the last option for council to consider. I do not think we have used up our options.”
He had no doubt a resolution of opposition would be backed by the community, “But I don’t think the time is now for a resolution.”
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen said even if the resolution is deferred, the township still needs an definite action plan. He felt important the resolution come back to council for discussion “instead of sitting still.”
Linton said he would like the chance to discuss the issue further with Arnott and the MOECC to determine if a resolution does in fact, close doors.
“The reason we’ve been getting press is that we tried to take the bull by the horns and do something,” said Linton. “If the township falls back and passes a resolution of opposition, just like every other municipality, we’re going to be just a NIMBY group again.”
McElwain said he did not believe a resolution would halt other actions by the municipality – but it would take advantage of the current attention focussed on the municipality.
“In a month’s time, all might be quiet on the western front and no one will give a damn,” McElwain said.
Council’s mood eventually swung to the option of deferring McElwain’s resolution for a month.
The resolution is anticipated to be discussed once again at council on Oct. 31.
