Help Support Clean Water In Your Community!

In early November (2023), Port Colborne City Council approved the application by Port Colborne Quarries Inc. (aka Rankin Industries) to expand Pit 3 as part of the City’s Official Plan and Bylaws. This will further endanger our aquifer (fresh water source for millions), and the surrounding environment.

“The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth!”

Chief Seattle

For those who were able to attend the public Council Meeting of Nov. 14 (full meeting included below), the consensus was that from the onset, this meeting was very well orchestrated to favour Port Colborne Quarries. Thank you to all who attended and presented their thoughts.

The next step in the approval process will be at the Regional level sometime in the New Year, and the NWPA board will be there to continue seeking justice for our community, our aquifer and our environment!

In the interim, the Board of the NWPA has decided to do the following:

Based on concerns expressed by residents for the protection of the Onondaga Aquifer, the Niagara Water Protection Alliance has appealed the decision of Port Colborne Council to amend the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw for the Pit 3 expansion to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

The decision to appeal was made with much discussion and thought by the NWPA Board. The appeal requires an initial appeal fee, and when the hearing is held, the NWPA will incur additional costs for lawyers and expert witnesses – required to support our facts.

If you have any questions, or are able to offer any support, please contact us! We appreciate your continued support.

On behalf of NWPA,
Gary Gaverluk, President
Jack Hellinga, Vice President

Similar Posts

image of a river in the woods with a red crossed out circle overtop

Where’s The “Conservation”?

The Provincial Government of Ontario is attempting to remove virtually all power of provincial/regional/municipal Conservation Authorities to conserve anything. All under the premise that we need “more housing” (note that the reference never includes the term, “affordable”). Legislative and regulation changes under the Conservation Authorities Act to streamline processes, provide clarity and certainty for development,…

How Much Is Too Much?

How Much Is Too Much?

With thanks to the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition, some vital information for all communities in Ontario (or anywhere near these open quarries). On December 6, the Auditor General of Ontario released a Value-for-Money Audit of the Management of Aggregate Resources in Ontario. The damning report confirms what we have have been saying since the launch…

Urban Sprawl vs Farmland

Urban Sprawl vs Farmland

Good read about urban sprawl and how it is affecting agricultural land. Did you know that Port Colborne has lost 10% of available agricultural land to development? PCQ (Port Colborne Quarries, Inc. aka Rankin Construction, Inc.) has contributed significantly. The planned expansion of PIT 3 to Miller road will make more of this land extinct!…

Another Threat To Our Aquifer

Another Threat To Our Aquifer

The Waterford Group / Law Crushed Stone Quarry, has applied to expand their operation in Wainfleet. Local residents should review the link below, as this quarry is also on the Onondaga Aquifer!​ In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act (under Section 22), this notice is to advise that MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning…

Your Community Needs You!

Your Community Needs You!

Help stop the expansion of PCQ Pit 3 (Port Colborne Quarries/Rankin Construction), and save our water, wildlife and rural environment! If this is permitted, against all public outcry, there is nothing stopping this happening in your backyard! PCQ has been pushing for this, and other options, that put our regional aquifer at serious risk. The…