Blaine Pedersen responds to my question and makes it clear the request for a permit for a quarry on ecologically sensitive land near Rivers has been denied.

On Wednesday, April 28th, asked in Question Period about the status of an application to build a quarry (gravel pit) on ecologically sensitive land near Rivers, Manitoba. The Minister, Blaine Pedersen, was very clear the quarry permit application has been denied. My question and the Minister's response are below:

Gravel Pit in Riverdale, Manitoba
Request for Update on Proposal

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have raised concerns about a proposal to put a gravel pit in the centre of an ecologically sensitive area in the RM of Riverdale just south of Rivers.

In early April, using careful COVID precautions, I visited the area to meet people who have great concerns about this proposal. I've been working on their behalf since then.

The area has native forest and prairie and is incredible wildlife habitat, including for endangered and threatened species. The area also has important archeological sites. The gravel pit would have a significant adverse impact on these as well as on drainage in the area.

I ask the minister: Has a decision been made with respect to this gravel pit proposal?

Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development): Our government recognizes that this particular piece of Crown land has significant environmental concerns.

And, after careful review–there was a quarry permit application by the applicant–and I'm pleased to tell the member for River Heights and to the people around Rivers that the permit has been denied.

Thank you.

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