At a time of steadily…

At a time of steadily increasing population growth and urban development in southern Ontario, it is imperative to protect the Saugeen River ecosystem and watershed.
Accordingly, I join with concerned citizens who believe Walker Aggregates' proposed permit to take water will have a detrimental effect on the Saugeen. The fact that the proposed water taking qualifies as a Category 3 permit, with the highest potential of causing unacceptable environmental impact, is a red flag that justifies the strong opposition to this proposal.
The scale of the water taking is staggering in my view. A maximum rate per minute of 5,500 litres, maximum 24 hours per day of taking, and maximum 365 days of taking per year --- over a 10-year period no less --- illustrate why the permit poses an excessive risk.
I join with the Saugeen Preservation Society in rejecting the proposal and urge the government to recognize its responsibility to manage the invaluable Saugeen watershed in an environmentally sustainable way.