The City of Guelph and the owners of the Dolime Quarry have reached a potential solution to address the City’s concerns about how operations at the quarry could affect Guelph’s drinking water.
If approved by Guelph City Council and the Province of Ontario, the proposal would see the Dolime Quarry closed early and the site revitalized into a new mixed-use residential neighbourhood. Most importantly, the proposed solution would give the City control of the quarry’s water supply, which is essential for protecting the clean and safe drinking water Guelphites value.
“After years of exploring a number of solutions through mediation over the last five years this is a huge step forward,” said Cam Guthrie, mayor of the City of Guelph. “We think closing the quarry early is a real win for our community because it will finally address our longstanding drinking water concerns.”
Dolime Quarry currently diverts about 11 million litres of water a day, some of which the City could use for its drinking water supply when it assumes control of the water. The City would also build a system to protect the groundwater supply from any exposure to surface water contamination that could result from damage to the aquitard—the layer of dense rock that acts like a barrier to protect groundwater.
River Valley Developments, the owners of the quarry, would lead the revitalization of the quarry site with a new residential neighbourhood.
Our Community, Our Water
Whether to pursue the proposed solution is an important City Council decision. City Council and City staff are sharing this proposal with our community before Council makes its decision.
The City is launching Our Community, Our Water, a public education and engagement campaign to inform the community about the proposed solution and collect feedback.
From now October 1 to the end of November, residents will have in-person and online opportunities to learn more about the proposed solution and share what they feel are the solution’s benefits and challenges for the community.
To learn more and get involved, residents can:
- Visit guelph.ca to read more about the proposed solution.
- Attend in-person events with opportunities to ask staff experts questions.
- Register and join the conversation at guelph.ca.
- Follow #ourcommunityourwater, ask questions, and share thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.
The first Our Community, Our Water open house is happening on October 29, 2019 at City Hall. There are sessions from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. to support more people in being able to participate.
A second open house will be held later in November.
“I encourage you to take time to learn about the proposed solution to revitalize the quarry site and protect our drinking water,” said Jennifer Rose, general manager of environmental services for the City of Guelph. “Please take advantage of the in-person and online opportunities to ask questions and really understand how this proposal can protect our drinking water.”
The City will capture and summarize the feedback in a public report, which will be shared in early 2020.
