Dear editor,
Where would we be if it wasn’t for the community involvement of local gravel pits? Without them, we wouldn’t have the car maintenance of replacing a windshield every year or the joy of washing your car and slipping in the mud every time it rains. On a windy day, you get to enjoy the dust as you squint to manoeuvre down the road. The evenings start with a bang as you get to relax to the thunderous noises emanating from the pits. Along with this is the ringing of trucks and equipment going backwards as though they are taking driver training before they learn to go forward.
This is so nice. Why wouldn’t we want another pit, especially in a residential area, so more people can enjoy the lifestyle that goes along with it. A new pit would further enhance country living with a conveyor system that would restrict the travel of wildlife and provide the sound of a rail system.
As major contributors to the community, how can we not accept the pits' generosity in enhancing the quality of life within our community?
In 1997, the Burnco pit was approved by council and in 2005, Burnco applied for relaxations to the agreement, which was also approved by council without the input of the surrounding property owners that now get to enjoy the operation for an extended period. This year, Burnco has re-applied, as the term of the agreement has ended. Council has taken the initiative to notify impacted residents.
RVC can see the dollars the Scott pit would provide. Because they spend most of their time in a small chamber, they may not see the impacts it will have on the residents and the environment in the surrounding community. Personally, I don’t believe council has the gumption to refuse them.
Pat Green
Division 8
