Dear Editor
Recently I purchased two lots at Cottage Cove, planning to build my retirement home in this winter paradise. Summer was the clincher, with the peaceful beautiful sunsets, the long quiet sunny days, filled with fishing, hiking and boating with my godchildren, who live in the area. The only hesitation I had was the occasional windborn crusher noise from the gravel pit a few kilometres north of the ski hill.
I understand there is now an application to open another pit right next to the Shell River. In my opinion, this environmental desecration would produce enough dust, noise and industrial effluent to destroy the resort, the fishing area and the surrounding communities.
These resources attract thousands of tourists year round, propping up the local economy and allowing maintenance of this beautiful area, which in turn, attract investors like myself.
Should the municipality approve this application, let it be on their conscience the destruction of a truly beautiful unique ecosystem, a thriving tourist economy and a generational legacy of natural resources. Personally, my plans for building at Cottage Cove are now on hold, with the hope that perhaps, maybe for the first time in the area, the council will opt for humanity over money.
Howard Edmonds
Oakbank, Manitoba