Protesters will be braving the cold to rally against Bill 23, a controversial bill activists say will irreparably harm the province's wetlands.
Inspired by their love for nature and the preservation of the wetlands, local environmental activists will take to Dumfries Conservation Area Feb. 4 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., bracing the -20 C weather and extreme cold warning to rally against the Ontario government's Bill 23 and the implications it could have on local areas.
"The wetlands are so important to us here in Waterloo region," said Kae Elgie, one of the rally organizers. "This is a natural recharge area and I would like to see the streams flowing not paved over with concrete."
Another organizer and first time activist, Colleen Cooper, grew up in Preston and use to swim regularly at Dunbar Pond. The conservation area holds a special place in her heart and she said she will do whatever she can to help protect it.
"My neighbour donated a lot of that land for the conservation area, I know he wouldn't want it paved over," said Cooper. "We need to make sure we are speaking out and letting our voices be heard."
Cooper wants to let the community know what is at stake with the gutting of the conservation authorities and the potential for these lands to be sold off to the highest bidder.
"As a community, we get our drinking water from groundwater and if we want clean drinking water we need healthy wetlands to filter that water and provide for us," she added. "This bill isn't just about building homes, but the dismantling of GRCA and other conservation authorities."
The rally coincides with World Wetlands day that took place on Thurs. Feb 2. Elgie said organizers chose the Dumfries Conservation Area, because it is a realistic location that could be up for sale to make way for new homes.
"We have been in contact with local politicians, GRCA and now it is time to show them what we want and that is to preserve the wetlands and get rid of Bill 23," said Elgie.
A petition has been set up by organizers for those that cannot attend the rally; so far it has received nearly 7,000 signatures. At the last rally in December, Cooper said nearly 140 people attended.
"We ask everyone to bundle up and join us in defending our wetlands," added Cooper.
