March 17th, 1980.

from the Provincial Water Investigations Branch on the condition of

the Coquitlam River and Mr. Prante Stated the Water Investigations
Branch of the Provincial Government had served the people fairly

and in his opinion would do so in the future. Alderman Ranger asked
regarding a solution to the pollution of the River by the gravel
companies and Mr. Prante referred to a letter from Mr. W.J. Schouwenburg
of the B.C. Resource Services Branch whereby in his opinion they are not
solving the problem. Mr. Prante referred to the diversion of water

from the reservoir and Mayor Laking and Alderman Mabbett commented on
this procedure. Alderman Keryluk expressed appreciation to Mr. Prante
and the members of the club for the work done and stated Council agrees
there are serious problems in the Coquitlam River caused by the gravel
pit operations. Alderman Keryluk referred to items in the Finance
Committee Report regarding gravel supplies for the City obtained from
the River and asked if a study could be done on other possible sources
of supply. Alderman Keryluk referred to the letter of January 25th,
1980 from Mr. W.J. Schouwenburg, Federal Fisheries Department, and
expressed concern regarding the land slump which occurred destroying the
primary settling ponds and stated in his opinion Council should adopt
item (b) outlined in the Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing
Club letter, March 10th, 1980. Alderman Traboulay spoke regarding the
reference to the apparent lack of action by the Mining Inspector in the
letter of March 10th, 1980 and stated in his opinion Council should look
into this and that in his opinion the City's contract with the gravel
suppliers should be broken if necessary to avoid doing business with
polluters of the river. Alderman Wright spoke stating in his opinion
Council has a duty to support the Port Coquitlam & District Hunting &
Fishing Club in their endeavour to get the Coquitlam River cleaned up
and Alderman Mabbett suggested a meeting be held with the District of
Coquitlam to discuss enforcement of cleanup of the pollution going into

the Coquitlam River. Mayor Laking advised he is golng to Victoria on

March 18th, 1980 and will try to meet with offietals there regarding the

soquitlam River.