Please find my concerns…

Please find my concerns regarding the reasonably expected social and environmental issues presented by the expanded private business operation of the Cruickshank Quarry, the proposed rezoning for the purpose of expansion of the existing open gravel pit and asphalt plant at the property at issue operated by Cruickshank Construction Limited:

1. Blasting:

1.       Vibration Damage & Property Value: My wife and I are long-term residence of the area south of the Cruickshank quarry, having rebuilt our home on top of the existing limestone foundation of a 100+ year old home that stood there prior that is itself situated on limestone bedrock. We have experienced vibration from blast detonations that have at times been significant and are concerned that the proposed expansion will cause damage to our foundation and/or home. We are therefore also concerned for our property value in the face of this threat.

2.       Water Table Disruption: Our home receives potable water from a drilled well of approximately 68 feet deep. We are concerned that the proposed quarry expansion and associated blasting could affect the water table and our access to potable water. We are aware that there are other residents in the area with similar concerns and also that we have the right, as residents of Ontario, to have access to potable water as part of the expectation to enjoy our property.

2. Pollutions:

1.       Air (Dust & Noxious Emissions): My wife and I share the concerns of others in the surrounding area for the continued quality of the air in our community. With the proposed 24/7 operation of this quarry, and the expansion of drilling/blasting plus asphalt production, our expectation for clean air – free of the dust, chemicals or associated smells – is in doubt. We expect our quality of life to be impacted by the business conduct of this private enterprise operated by Cruickshank Construction Limited.

2.       Noise: We expect our quality of life will be adversely impacted by the noise associated with the proposed expanded operation of this quarrying and asphalt facility operated by Cruickshank Construction Limited.

3.       Ground Water: We believe a “Dry Sump” practice carried out by Cruickshank Construction Limited will involve greater volumes of waste water – possibly carrying pollutants from the quarrying and asphalt operations – being introduced back into the local water table that will affect area potable water wells – our own included – Impacting our quality of life.

3. Environment Safety (Explosion) Concerns: We are aware that a pipeline carrying natural gas, propane and possibly other flammable substances, runs through the proposed quarry site. We expect that proper due diligence will be followed by the MNRF and MOE to ensure that any operation carried out near this pipeline will not result in an environmental mishap.

4. Traffic:

1.       Volume: There has been a considerable increase in the volume of traffic of all types of vehicles and incidence of speeding with the encroachment of commercial activities and residences in the area. The introduction of the proposed 24/7 quarry operation will add to the present volume of traffic and create further road congestion – impacting the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, children and disabled users of the K&P and Rideau trails that often find themselves walking along the local roads to connect to discontinuous sections of those trails.

2.       Road Surface Damage: We, along with other area residents, have noticed the deterioration of the local roads due to the present traffic volumes and share the concern that this level of damage will increase with the proposed quarry expansion as traffic patterns change. 

5. Eco-tourism Infrastructures:

1.       Investment: The city of Kingston has expended tax monies and corporate effort to develop and promote the use of the K&P trail, plus the Rideau Trail association has maintained their system of trails through private land. This proposed rezoning would impact the continued enjoyment and use of both these recreational entities. At the very least it should be recognized that this resulting impact would be detrimental to the efforts undertaken to date to provide a safe, quiet and family-friendly nature resource of benefit to the public.

2.       Habitat Destruction: The proposed quarry expansion will destroy wildlife habitat and impact the numbers and diversity of existing wildlife.