Some residents living in southwest Edmonton said they are ready for a fight when it comes to a proposed gravel pit slated to be built in the banks of the river valley.
About 1,000 concerned residents are expected at a public meeting Monday night about the construction of the quarry.
Resident Allan Tarasuk said the crater will harm the environment and create noise and traffic issues.
"The impacts to the environment and the wildlife and so forth far outweigh any benefit of any gravel that's going to be pulled out of there," he said.
Ed Keehn said the pit will ruin his cherished spot near the river. He said he's been coming to the river back for the past 35 years with his dog Mojo to pan for a little gold.
"They're going to wreck my rec spot and I'm going to be upset about that and I'll get together with a bunch of other people and do something about it," he said.
Keehn and hundreds of other residents have launched a proactive campaign against the proposal by putting up signs and holding a public meeting.
The Qualico Development plans call for a pit to be dug just west of the North Saskatchewan River. The gravel would then be transported to a new plant south of the Quarry.
Qualico is hoping to mine two million tonnes of gravel within four years.
Council will be briefed on the plan in June.
Mayor Stephen Mandel said they will listen to residents' concerns before making a final decision.
"We always understand their concerns," he said. "We'll listen to what people have to say and comment then. We don't comment about those ahead of time."
Qualico has committed to donating the land for a park when the project is complete.
With files from Scott Roberts
