Monday March 5: Sacred Prayer Vigil to Protect the Water, in Wyebridge
Water Walkers gather at the entrance to the Teedon Pit in November 2017
from Anishinabe Kwewag & Supporters
When, where:
Monday, 5 March 2018
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Wyebridge Community Centre
8340 County Rd 93
Wyebridge, Ontario
Background
The Alliston Aquifer, known to hold some of the world’s purest water, in Tiny Township, Ontario is under threat again. In 2009, Anishinabe Kwewag, Farmers, local area residents and environmental and political groups and supporters banded together to stop the development of a Landfill, known as Site 41. This same aquifer is under threat again by Dufferin Aggregates and Sergeant with the expansion of an aggregate quarry on French’s Hill, less than a few kilometers away from the proposed Site 41. The site operated an illegal wash pond which included the washing of gravel with water from the below ground aquifers, which the Ministry of Natural Resources was aware of. They obtained a permit to take water after the fact which expires April 18, 2018. In the current proposal for their expansion, they are proposing to take 6 million litres of water per day to wash gravel.
Due to public interest, the proponents put together a Community Advisory Committee made up of local area residents. They determined who will be a part of this committee and what the Terms of Reference and mandate will be without any consultation to the public or the members of the committee.
Monday, March 5th, 2018 at 2 pm will be the first meeting of the Committee. We will be there to peacefully demonstrate our opposition to the proposed expansion through peaceful prayer, vigil and sharing. We will offer songs and ceremony. Bring your lawn-chairs, signs, drums and every person in your family.
In November 2017- Anishinabe Kwewag attempted peaceful resolution by holding a water walk and potluck. It was at that time, we were disregarded by the proponents when we requested a meeting of all stakeholders (First Nations, Residents, Environmental Groups, Government Officials etc.). We do not support aggregate mining or taking of water on French’s Hill. We will continue to seek peaceful resolutions through public engagement activities, this being the second event of many more events to follow.
We hope that you will all attend.
If you cannot attend – Please send a prayer that day.
Additionally, Please comment on the EBR process at the Ministry of Natural Resources and tell them NO pumping of the world’s purest water to wash gravel.
For more information on the movement to Stop the Quarry Expansion visit these sites;
Sacred Prayer Vigil to Protect the Water Facebook Event Page
Anishinabe Kwewag & Supporters
Friends of the Waverley Uplands
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