Mayor Cam Guthrie

Important Update – Sept 26th Nestle Water Taking Motion. #Guelph


Over the last few days many questions have arrived on this matter, especially from a procedural point of view. 

I’ve heard from the community, fellow councillor’s and city staff. I want to make two things crystal clear:
1. Councillor Gordon has every right to bring forward this issue that he’s passionate about.

2. I will not vote for this motion as currently presented.

Let me explain:

  • Our City of Guelph staff already have a process that brings recommended comments towards the MOECC regarding the Nestle water taking permit before council.
  • When brought forward there would be discussion, debate and it would allow for public delegations. This was already done in 2007 and in 2011.
  • Staff have advised that the report was scheduled for November.
  • The water taking application from Nestle is not yet posted at the EBR for the public and our professional staff due to a delay from the Province.

For these reasons above, I will not be voting in favour of sending Councillor Gordon’s current motion to committee of the whole on Oct 3rd for further debate as I feel it’s unnecessary and pre-mature.

In my opinion, the current motion should be withdrawn. We should push the pause button yet get ready to press play soon!

Our council is made up of many different people with many differing opinions and ideas. As your mayor, I want to create a culture where new ideas and new issues can be brought forward. An atmosphere where all matters can and should be debated respectfully. No matter what Councillor Gordon may decide around this particular motion, I know his intentions and his convictions on this issue is what should matter most.

If the motion is not withdrawn, please be aware that delegations will not be allowed on September 26th given that it is strictly a procedural (referral) matter for council to debate.

Thank you,
Cam 

Cam Guthrie

18 responses to “Important Update – Sept 26th Nestle Water Taking Motion. #Guelph”

  3. Cam could you without to much trouble post on the Mayor’s post the 2007 and 2011 reports or a link where to find them and then let the citizens read what staff recommend?

    Reply

  4. Hey Cam,

    I’m having some trouble understanding why you think the motion is premature and unnecessary. It seems to me like the city should take every opportunity to advise the provincial government against renewing Nestle’s contract. Furthermore, this could set an example for other municipalities affected by Nestle’s water-taking.

    Also, out of curiosity, what is your official stance on Nestle? I can’t find it, and this is a very important issue to Guelphites like me.

    Reply

    • I have no opinion at this time because I want to be fully informed on the issue in direct relation to Guelph. I feel I can be informed when our staff do exactly what they did in 2007 and 2011 and make a report to council on this issue. Then I’ll make an opinion.

      Reply

  5. I also agree with James Gordon and his motion. If a small town like Kunkletown, can stand up to Nestle and win so can we!

    http://usuncut.com/resistance/nestle-fails-in-kunkletown/

    Water restrictions in Guelph are the norm now and will get worse as our aquifers are drained and the water shipped away.

    “In my opinion, the current motion should be withdrawn”.
    Mr Mayor, don’t try to tell me what your opinion is, you work for US !

    Your ‘job’ is to listen to the people of Guelph just as Mr Gordon is doing.

    Reply

  6. Sorry Mayor Guthrie but this time I support James Gordon on his motion versus Nestlé’s. My gut is that after years of experience in the Environmental field that weather like we have had maybe the norm and as the article said Guelph is the largest urban area relying on groundwater regardless if Nestlé’s doesn’t use our aquifer. It (opposition) is based on principle and on what the MOECC charges them per million liters withdrawn each day Bravo James!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: