The need to protect an ecologically sensitive area near Rivers from a gravel pit (aggregate quarry) development.

On Monday April 19, I asked in Question Period about the need to protect an ecologically sensitive area near the Little Saskatchewan River not far from Rivers, Manitoba. My question and the Minister's response are below:

Gravel Pit near Rivers, Manitoba
Local Resident Concerns

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, local residents are concerned about a mining lease requested to build a gravel pit near Rivers. This is in the centre of an ecologically sensitive area with endangered and threatened species, known archeological sites and human burials as well as unknown heritage resource sites and concerns over water and drainage issues. Four other gravel pits are within a few kilometres, so there's no immediate need for this one.

I ask the minister to respect the wishes of local residents, including Marlin Beever, the former president of Manitoba Beef Producers. I ask the minister to deny this lease or at least hold off on signing the lease until a full assessment of the site is completed.

Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development): I'll remind the member that this is before a municipal hearing, before the local municipality and has a hearing there, where all residents have the ability to have the input there. No decisions have been made as to whether this quarry will proceed or not.

On April 11, I had the opportunity to visit the ecologically sensitive area where a gravel pit is bein proposed near Rivers. It is truly an important ecologically sensitive area. Below are three photos.

There were many Prairie Crocuses there.

The water from the area of the proposed gravel pit drains into this coulee which is an area with substantial natural flora and fauna. The coulee drains into the Little Saskatchewan River in the distance.

While we were there, a flock of Sandhill Cranes flew over.

A petition to deny the application to have a gravel pit in the centre of this ecological area can be signed on-line at Here is the link: http://chng.it/s7bDHPj64T If you would like a hard copy to sign, please make a request to Shandi Strong in my office at shandi.strong@leg.gov.mb.ca

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