Not everyone will like political stand
(May 9, 2007)
You may be wondering why Guelph city council is taking such an interest in Nestlé’s water-taking permit when the water isn’t even coming out of the same watershed we take our drinking water from. It is a step by a council that has an appetite for having an influence on issues above and beyond just having an effect on Guelph or on issues having an immediate impact on the city. It is a philosophy that is both inspiring and confounding.
On Monday, council listened as city staff outlined the technical aspects of the city’s response to the water company’s permit request, noting because the city and Nestlé draw water from different watersheds, their actions are not in conflict — right now. Keeping an eye on our water resources and those in neighbouring municipalities is a smart move — given ongoing discussions everywhere about resource sustainability and the fact Guelph may, one day, have to draw water from the Mill Creek watershed where Nestlé gets its water. It’s not an idea that’s new; many surrounding communities have taken issue with Guelph’s own increase in municipal water taking at the Arkell spring site.
But council also made the decision to take a political stand on an issue that will be decided on its technical merits, telling the province it would prefer if Nestlé received a two-year permit. This seems to be in conflict with comments last week by city environmental services director Janet Laird, who said pumping at Nestlé does not interfere with city water resources and any concern would come when looking at water needs and water use beyond a five-year period.
Mayor Karen Farbridge said Monday night that what council is hearing from Guelph residents is that citizens are concerned about larger, political policy issues. Council may find, however, that there are others still who would much rather their elected representatives not invest such energy making political statements.
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Living up to a name
(May 9, 2007)
The Wellington Water Watchers’ name says all it should — keeping an eye on water in Wellington County. So far the fight’s been fought primarily in Guelph, pioneered by Guelph residents looking to oppose the water-taking permit being requested by Nestlé for its Aberfoyle site, which is, yes, in Wellington County — specifically Puslinch Township. Now the group has its sights set on the same company’s requested permit for its location in Hillsburgh, a locale much further removed from Guelph. It will be interesting to see how far this fight goes and if the group can live up to its name to serve all of Wellington County.
The water watchers group has been especially vocal in Guelph, holding meetings in Guelph, launching a postcard campaign in the city and addressing Guelph city council on the matter. If it’s so interested in fighting for water protection, for water taken at the company’s plant in Puslinch, we hope they are just as vigorous pushing their case with other township councils in the county.