The proposed changes in Bill…

The proposed changes in Bill 132 in the Aggregate Resources Act regarding the intended permission to dig beneath the water table is irresponsible and unnecessary. From my understanding, there is no shortage of aggregate materials available. I imagine these types of proposals strictly cater to the urban development industry to keep on building whether this is needed or not. The more we urbanize, the more impact on the environment and it's wild inhabitants.
Human activity puts much pressure on wildlife, and the results are showing. We see more coyotes and other animals in urban settings, which concerns and frightens people. We humans are actually invading their territory, not the other way around. Soon there will be no place left for animals to go, and yet they are all part of the food chain and necessary to the whole ecosystem which we are part of and depend on.

From my readings, aggregate activity has basically been responsible for the demise of the Jefferies and Tiger Salamander, and one of our northern Ontario turtles is at risk as a result of over extraction activities. This Gov't has No concerns when it comes to species at risk. However, when there is broken link in a chain, in this case the food chain, it affects the whole chain.

Also, the proposed changes in the ARA Act will prevent municipalities from addressing the impacts of pits and quarries on their groundwater by disallowing the use of municipal zoning bylaws which would stop aggregate operations from digging below the water table. Does this Gov't not see how potentially dangerous it can be to disturb the water table in this manner? I am not a scientist, but it makes common sense to leave well enough alone here. We cannot risk our water resource which is, (even according to Prince Charles), one of our main life forces and should not be carelessly tampered with.
Municipalities should have first choice as to how their water is protected.