Dear Editor:
An open letter to Centre Wellington Township officials.
How do we justify the destruction of our local wetlands?
For several years I have been pleading with Centre Wellington councilors and mayors, to stop pulling water from drought-challenged creeks and wetland areas for road grading. It was shared with me that the township is following “policy.” You means its policy to destroy wetlands?
I’ve never heard of such a thing, but my observations hold to the fact that several township tanker truck loads were removed from Cox Creek on the 6th Line of Nichol, Between Ponsonby and Ennotville.
My guess would be approximately 100,000 liters of water, stolen from a challenged creek. A drop in water level of five to six inches just at the road bridge alone.
Climate change and yet no policy change. In my youth I would fish this creek, build rafts with my brother to float along. Changing climate ended such possibilities a long time ago, but “policy” remains.
Pulling water back then had no effect, but now this “policy” is destroying what little wildlife this wetland can support. And, over a month of sending my emails to request a stop of pulling water from drought beaten creeks and use either the Grand or Speed Rivers just several kilometers away, my elected councillor and mayor have not even responded.
A non-elected, public works staff member had the courage to at least reply to my suggestions and requests, but could only cite “policy.” If the Grand River Conservation Authority knew of anyone or entity pulling such large amounts of water from local creeks and wetlands, I can only imagine the litigation this might bring.
My elected representatives must clearly then believe, that their policy allows Centre Wellington township to destroy our wetlands.
Barnie Floto,
Elora
*Editor’s note: Centre Wellington officials have confirmed the municipality does use nearby water sources when it grades gravel roads in the spring, and for dust suppression. However, the township is governed by the Ontario Water Resources Act, which stipulates that anyone who takes more than 50,000 litres of water a day must get a permit. Drivers and operators must record how much water they take and if they approach 50,000 litres, they move to another water source, officials say.