ABERFOYLE – Puslinch Mayor James Seeley would like to meet with Ontario’s environment minister regarding the issue of bottled water.
On Dec. 18, Seeley discussed a recent conversation with Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott regarding a letter sent to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) asking for an update regarding the Highway 6 bypass as well as the Highway 401 truck inspection station.
In answer to Seeley’s query as to whether there would be a response in the near future, the mayor said Arnott suggested a resolution of council be passed to formally ask for a response from the minister.
Seeley also suggested such a meeting might be held in Puslinch to illustrate the need for the bypass to happen sooner than later. Council quickly passed the resolution.
Seeley’s second concern focused on water taking permits. The mayor noted “a municipality to the north has had six meetings with the ministry in the recent past.
“I believe we should talk to the minister about aggregate issues, water taking and other issues,” he said.
Over various meetings council has reiterated the importances of permits being science-based and not focussed on a particular type of water taking.
Council subsequently passed a resolution to speak directly with the minister in regard to water taking permits.
Seeley noted similar meetings at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference only provide delegations 10 minutes, whereas a direct meeting might provide more time.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer noted in the past, when the Highway 6 bypass was in limbo, council met with the minister of environment of the day.
“We had almost an hour in their office at Queen’s Park,” he said. “I think water is important enough for this community that we should have the same type of meeting.”
“That is exactly what I am after,” said the mayor.
