wawa-news.com - Public Has Chance to Speak at OMB Hearing

Proponents, opponents, and those in the middle had their opportunity to make their views public last Tuesday evening at the public portion of the OMB Hearing.

There were people from Wawa, Thunder Bay, and Wakefield who took the time to stand up, be affirmed or sworn, and state for the record their statement. John Morrison began with questions about light pollution, and a brief history of the harbour. Gary McGuffin spoke next. He took nearly 45 minutes, and took the crowd on a canoeing trip from the St. Lawrence to the Arctic Circle. We then toured with him as he spoke of his families' trip kayaking the shoreline of Lake Superior. Finally amid two outbursts of protest from the crowd, he drew comparisons between the beauty they had seen on the lake, the Ontario government's promotion of the "Heritage Coast", and the contrast of trap rock quarrying.

The next speakers were much briefer and took their time to also speak of the beauty of the Lake Superior coastline, and their joy in being able to visit this area, and bring co-workers and friends to visit. A gentleman from Thunder Bay recounted his experience at the Harbour as helped escort 35 German P.O.W. The question was raised about Superior Aggregate's intent to rehabilitate the property, this gentleman didn't believe that question had been adressed in SAC's plans.

Harry Miller changed the tone from a more touristy aspect, to that of his family's history in the area and utilization of the Harbour as a port. Dick Watson spoke and hoped that the Chair would find a solution, as he said that it has been stated t by the opponents to this quarry they do not wish for this project to go ahead at all.

Jim Sanders, who lives in a difficult situation, as he lives on leased land owned by SAC, and has many friends in the opposing camp. He drew chuckles from the crowd as he spoke of the "green loincloths" and "black hard hats" worn by the two parties. He likened them to children fighting in the sand box, and admonished them to get along, and in the spirit of co-operation to make this project go ahead.

Nick Veldt, Rod Morrrison, John Cannon, Andy Stevens all spoke about their work, and living here. The Harbour was once bustling, receiving shipments of limestone, and material to enrich the sintering process, and taking sinter away to the Soo. It could offer possibilities in the future as shipping materials by boat is less expensive than trucking.

Sue Kirby spoke about the unique opportunity of being able to speak at this Hearing. and voiced her concerns about the quarry. The last speaker, Joanie McGuffin with her daughter Sila brought the crowd back to the beauty of the coastline, and the need to preserve it for tourists and eco-tourists to see.

A number of people took the opportunity to voice their opinion, and their concerns. The issue remains as always polarized, for or against. There are only a few that advocate a balanced approach, that would allow the quarrying to proceed amidst concerns for the preservation of the coast.

The Hearing continues...