The West Credit River is a tributary of the Credit River. Originating in the outskirts of Erin, the cold water stream flows east through the hamlet of Belfountain before meeting the main branch of the Credit River.
Photo : Steve Noakes/West Credit River Watch
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While it is rare for Ottawa to step in to cancel provincial approvals, especially for municipal projects, Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson is due to deliver his opinion by May 26.
Erin under pressure from population growth
The plant would allow the construction of new subdivisions in the growing but still largely rural town of Erin, about 80 kilometers northwest of Toronto. Plans for the facility, already in the final stages of design, were approved by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks in August 2019.
The City of Erin finds itself in a complicated position. It expects its population to grow substantially in the decades to come, from around 4,500 inhabitants today to 10,000 by 2040.
And the municipality currently relies on aging septic tanks, which themselves pose environmental risks.
Nick Colucci, director of Erin’s infrastructure services, said the local government is supporting the planning process for the wastewater treatment plant. Several alternative scenarios were investigated and ultimately rejected by the consulting engineering firm that conducted the review.
The Credit Valley Conservation Authority has also been closely involved throughout the planning process, which began as early as 2016, he added.
I would say the design was very thorough and looked at a lot of different things
, continued Mr. Colucci, adding that there was a very detailed communication plan throughout the process.
Meanwhile, citizen mobilization has nevertheless gained momentum. An online petition gathered more than 21,000 signatures in support of Ottawa’s review of the project, while Minister Wilkinson received nearly 670 letters calling for a recess.
Fears for the sustainability of wild speckled trout
Opponents of the sewage treatment plant fear it will heat, among other things, the West Credit River beyond what speckled trout can tolerate.
These fish are sensitive. They need fresh, clean, oxygen-filled water to thrive. Water temperatures above 19 ° C stress them out, while temperatures between 23 and 24 ° C can be fatal.
Urban, industrial and agricultural development have contributed to a drastic decline in the number of rivers and streams in Ontario capable of feeding speckled trout.
It is the gem of trout habitat in southern Ontario. If we can’t protect that, what can we protect?
asked Dean Latham, treasurer of the Peel Region Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club.
With information from Lucas Powers, CBC.
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