M PP Arnott Questions Minister on Urgent
Need to Help Fix Conestogo Dam
Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott is continuing to raise the issue of funding needed to repair the gates on the Conestogo Dam. This time he did so with a question in the Legislature to the Minister of Natural Resources on May 2, 2001.
In his question, which addressed the safety concerns as outlined by the Grand River Conservation Authority, Mr. Arnott asked the Minister to report back on the scope of the problem as it may be experienced by other conservation authorities in Ontario.
In reply, the Minister stated that there wasn't a “real urgent safety issue for the public in this case”.
“I respectfully disagree with the Minister. Since he made that statement, the Grand River Conservation Authority has again put forward a clear description of the serious implications of what could happen if the gates are not repaired,” stated Mr. Arnott.
The consequences were described in a May 3, 2001 memorandum sent to Mr. Arnott by the Grand River Conservation Authority. One would be an early draw down on the water in the summer when levels are low. This is when water is needed to dilute effluent from sewage treatment plants. If the reservoir is drained prematurely this could result in “catastrophic ecosystem damage.”
The other threat to safety described how major flooding could occur placing “..downstream communities at severe risk of property damage and loss of life.”
“Whether it is the danger to drinking water or flash floods, I have always said that these consequences are the worst case scenarios. And they are being addressed in a responsible manner by the Conservation Authority and the affected municipalities who believe as I do that this is an urgent matter in which the province must help by being a major partner in funding the repair project,” added Mr. Arnott.
“I am pleased that the Minister now believes that there may be a mechanism that will allow the Conservation Authority to apply for infrastructure funding. I look forward to discussing this matter further and until it is resolved,” he concluded.
Mr. Arnott's provincial riding of Waterloo-Wellington includes all of Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich Townships, a southwestern part of the City of Kitchener, and much of Wellington County.
Further Information:
Ted Arnott, M.P.P.
Waterloo-Wellington
(519) 787-5247 / 1-800-265-2366
* Hansard record and the note from the Conservation Authority are enclosed
|
