Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Being able to participate matters - Let’s build a more inclusive, accessible Manitoba

Too often, our homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces are designed without sufficient consideration given to how they will impact little people, those with large bodies, or those with disabilities.  Manitoba should become a leader in designing and building new structures so they’re comfortable and accessible to all.  Further, the province needs to do more to adapt our existing infrastructure, so that it meets everyone’s needs.   The design of our built environment makes daily living a challenge for too many.  A friend, who uses a wheelchair, must call ahead wherever she goes to ensure she can enter a restaurant, store, salon, etc. A young person in River Heights has a struggle each fall to make sure that with his cerebral palsy he is able to get the support he needs to do well in school.  A large-bodied man I know has been bedridden for five months because he lacks access to a usable lift or wheelchair.  Samantha Trubyk, President of the Little People ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March.  South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory.   The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions.   This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14.  Manitoba ( red line )  started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then.   South Dakota ( blue line )   has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4.  Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations
18 comments
Read more

Debating the importance of the french language, education in french and french services in Manitoba

Thursday, May 17, we had a debate on a resolution on french language education and french language services in the Manitoba.   The debate arose because the Pallister government has made major cutbacks in french language education.  In part these cuts have reduced the status and funding for   le Bureau de l'éducation française which is the division of the Department of Education which deals with education in french.   Several items are notable:  The Pallister Conservatives block a motion to have the normal full hour of debate.   Hon. Jon  Gerrard  (River Heights):  I have a question. Before I ask it, this is a pretty important subject and I'd like to have leave to make sure that we have a full hour of debate, and so the debate would go 'til about 12:15. Mr. Deputy Speaker:  Has there been leave to go to 12:15? An Honourable Member:  Agreed. An Honourable Member:  No. Mr. Deputy Speaker:  N...
6 comments
Read more